The Dirty Novels, "Pack Your Pistols" (Self-released, out Jan. 19)

This is the third release, second full-length, from this Albuquerque quartet. Since 2004, the Novels have refined (just a bit) their version of garage glam, with a touch of the exotic and erotic ("On Lover's Lane").

The jangly guitars harken back to '60s pop and there's a shambolic Rolling Stones' quality to the proceedings ("Stealing Kisses" where the protagonist is caught "stealing sugar kisses" a la Echo and the Bunnymen). "(When In Doubt) Turn It Out" also has a roiling Stonesy flow.

Lead singer Pablo Novelas sounds like a cross between Lou Reed (the garage pop of "His Perfect Love"), Iggy Pop ("Who Will Sing You Lullabies") and, yes, Mick Jagger ("Audience Reaction").

Other highlights include the disc opener "Libertines In My Scene," a perfect slice of fuzzy-guitar garage, and the title track with its pounding beat.

The Dirty Novels will be packing for the CD release party for "Pack Your Pistols" on Jan. 19 at the Launchpad, 618 Central S.W. The Gracchi, The Demons, The Ashes and Vertigo Venus get the party started. $5. Doors at 9 p.m. 21 and over only. 764-8887.

The Reformation, "The Floral War" (June Records)

The Reformation is the nom de musique for former Albuquerque musician Westin Glass (ex-Mistletoe and Boyd Reno is John Center), who has been living in exile in Seattle for the past two years. And on his debut CD, he is practically a one-man band (with a little help from Duke City expats Boyd Reno and Luke Heath, both formerly of Oh Ranger!, on a couple of tunes) having written, recorded and played most of the instruments on the disc.

This is another case of the drummer becoming the frontman, and Glass acquits himself rather nicely: his music is poppish rock 'n' roll, kind of like an alternative Beach Boys ("War to Win," where he harmonizes with himself, and "Give All Your Love to Me," a power-pop anthem with double-tracked vocals where he's almost begging for a little love).

The disc opens with the guitar pop of "11:11" and ends with the rollicking Anglophilia of "Heart of the Story," pop with a bit of an English beat.

"The Flower Arraignment" hits a movable groove, while a syncopated rhythm propels "Half the Battle," a song about unrequited love. "Another Drug" begins with just vocals and a solo acoustic guitar for about half the tune before the other instruments kick in for a raucous finish.

Glass can also get introspective, as on the anti-war "Yellowville," which features delicate fingerpicking on an acoustic guitar. He is also the consummate artiste, as his artwork graces the cover and booklet of the CD.

Glass says he comes back to Albuquerque a couple of times a year, the last being a show in December at Atomic Cantina, where there was a reunion of sorts when he performed with Javier Romero, ex-Mistletoe and currently with the Cherry Tempo. Romero is also the owner of June Records in Santa Fe.

Glass is in the process of putting together a proper band under the Reformation moniker with Nathan Wright on drums and John Bagley on bass.

Listen to "Give All Your Love to Me"