Fresh from the success of their independently released album Barenaked Ladies Are Me, the ever-prolific Canadian quintet have now also released the second half of their double salvo, Barenaked Ladies Are Men. This collection had previously been available on the two-disc deluxe edition of September's release, but is now seeing the light of day for those fans who bought only the first disc at that time.

     Like its sister album, Are Men contains an assortment of energetic rockers and softer, downtempo numbers, all peppered with the trademark quirkiness and lyrical wit BNL fans have come to expect. For the most part, however, the feel on this second instalment is more upbeat, from the opener "Serendipity" (sung by keyboardist Kevin Hearn) to closing track "Why Say Anything Nice?".

     On a disc of such consistently high quality, it isn't easy to consider any one

track a highlight, but there are a number of songs which will get stuck in your head. "Angry People" and "Running Out Of Ink" easily rank up there with Barenaked Ladies' best rocking numbers, "Beautiful" is a match for many of their past softer tracks, and the band's penchant for intelligent lyrics really shines on "One And Only" and "Half A Heart".

     In contrast to some of their more subtle offerings, "Fun & Games" is a blistering criticism of the ongoing military action in Iraq and the surrounding media spin. Anyone who thought Everything To Everyone's "War On Drugs" was in-your-face may want to sit down to listen to this one.

     On the album as a whole, it is apparent that the band's musicianship continues to reach for greater and greater heights. Subtle layered tracks are all over this disc, creating complex yet enjoyable soundscapes reminiscent of - perhaps appropriately - Brian Wilson.

     I could rave all month about how good some of these songs are, and it may take me that long to get "Running Out Of Ink" out of my head. If you don't hear this album, you'll definitely be missing out.

     All in all, a solid 9/10.