L.A. rock's most enduringly obscure singing, songwriting transvestite-politician -- and company offer a grab bag of originals and offbeat outside material. Things start strong with pop-punker "Big Baby," but it's a bumpy ride from dirge-like Lou Reed-isms to snarky revenge fantasies to misfit love songs. Still, the players skillfully navigate the changes, and James' way of fusing anger and vulnerability has genuine twisted charm. Catch 'em at Spaceland in L.A. on Saturday.

--Natalie Nichols