Hoge brings roots rock to Larry's Listen to Carousel and its crackling, soulful rock and you hear music that traces its lineage to Dylan, Morrison and Springsteen and fits right in with the passionate late '70s efforts of Costello, Parker and Petty. But Carousel isn't the retro work of an aging veteran. It's the first full-length album by 26-year-old Nashville resident Will Hoge. If his aggressive but melodic songs echo music you may have heard before - "Sweet Magdeline" is as good a Hendrix knockoff as you'll hear - Hoge lifts every single tune with the kind of passionate singing that makes the Springsteen comparisons seem reasonable. Unfortunately, you can't run out and buy Carousel today; it doesn't hit stores until Jan. 30. But Hoge is on tour and coming our way. And when Carousel does arrive, you'll be hearing a lot more about it and Hoge. (Thursday at T.T. the Bear's, Cambridge.) - LARRY KATZ

The Daily Mississippian 12-8-00 Chase Farmer