John Lydon-Psycho's Path (Virgin)

It's hard to believe the former Johnny Rotten is releasing his first solo album after all these years. After the gradual fading away of Public Image Ltd. and last year's cynical profit grab of a Sex Pistols reunion tour, Lydon finally tries to fly solo.

So, does an icon of the 70's have any relevance in the 90's?

Yeah, he does, but not as much as he'd like.

The album starts off on a high note with the eerie dance rock of "Grave Ride," which despite a slightly affected vocal still points in a cool new direction. The tribal beats of "Dog" and psychedelic dirge "Psychopath" show that Lydon has completely moved on from the days of "Pretty Vacant."

It's nice to see him straying from our prior conceptions. Too bad too much on Psycho's Path sounds like it's been done before -- by other people. (11/97)

Jay S. Jacobs