The Boss leads torrent of albums from male musicians

Last week, our attention was drawn to new CD releases by femmes. This week, let's hear it for the boys, starting with the Boss.

BRUCE IN THE HOUSE: Three swords pierce a heart in the label decoration and in the themes of Bruce Springsteen's new "Magic" disc (Columbia, B+).

One is the romantic stab of uncaring love objects: a woman who's sent a guy on a "Long Walk Home," or the honeys oblivious to an admirer on "Girls in Their Summer Clothes."

Another dagger is the damage we inflict on ourselves by being too negative ("Your Own Worst Enemy") or too prescient - imagining trouble before it's even there in "Livin' in the Future."

Finally, there's the stabs inflicted by the system. Forces seemingly beyond our control have brought us to the brink of cultural/political Armageddon that is "Radio Nowhere," warns Bruce.

The pols are dazzling and distracting with sleight-of-hand in "Magic." And it's the "speculators" and "profiteers" who're to blame that "Gipsy Biker" is coming home for a final (vertical) march up boot hill and the ceremonial burning of his bike.

Except for the Bob Dylan-like cascading melody line in "I'll Work for Your Love," the music here is fairly generic Bruce and (unbilled) E Street Band stuff. And the production from Brendan O'Brien often seems to congeal the sound into a "wall of mush."

But the poetics of "Magic" are powerful, often encouraging dual-edged interpretations. Reading the lyrics as the music plays brings this stuff to life.

REVIVAL MEETING: If ever you were into Creedence Clearwater Revival, you're gonna adore the new album from its former lead singer, guitarist and songwriter. Finally back on his old record label (now under the artist-friendly ownership of Norman Lear and pals), John Fogerty is ready to reclaim his birthright on "Revival" (Fantasy, A). What a great, roots-rocking disc!

DUKE OF EARLE: Steve Earle is bringing it all back home on "Washington Square Serenade" (New West, A-). As the title implies, this is a lilting homage to his adopted city of New York and its folk-rock traditions.

"Kill to Get Crimson" (Warner Bros, B) finds Mark Knopfler (of Dire Straits fame) in a contemplative, storytelling mood that rewards a patient listener.

MORE TO SCORE: How great is it that 1950s blues legend Nappy (Napoleon) Brown - best known for writing the Ray Charles hit "The Right Time" - has been coaxed out of retirement on "Long Time Coming" (Blind Pig, A)? This rascally showman is a hoot and a half!

The double disc "Going Home: A Tribute to Fats Domino" (Vanguard, B+) finds the likes of Paul McCartney (with Allen Toussaint), Neil Young, Toots & the Maytals and Elton John doing up gems from the New Orleans rhythm and blues giant.

While an earlier remake tipped too far into operatic territory, the 50th anniversary re-recording of Leonard Bernstein's musical "West Side Story" (Decca, A) is sheer perfection. Fans of the original cast album will hear stuff never noticed before.

Country and rock hang out well together in "Cowboy Town" (Arista, B), a down-home theme park run by Brooks and Dunn.

Merle Haggard makes an easy left turn into "Bluegrass Sessions" (McCoury Music, B+), boasting warm, acoustic-picking reads of gems like "Jimmie Rodgers Blues" and "Mama's Hungry Eyes."

Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder sings and strums earnest, searching songs for the soundtrack to "Into The Wild" (Monkey Wrench/J, B-).

My favorite Canadian indie-rock introspects the Weakerthans rise to the occasion of "Reunion Tour" (Epitaph, B+).

Fans of the Pat Metheny Group's atmospheric, global fusing jazz will find kindred pleasures in David Becker Tribune "Leaving Argentina" (Acoustic Music, B+). *