The Earth needs some new songs and The Disco Biscuits have provided a Planet Anthem for the globe on their latest release. The Biscuits are a trance fusion jam band formed in 1995 when the band baked up a tasty blend of hip hop, pop and indie rock that descended like musical manna on the masses. Their clever blends of electronic and experimental sounds have forged a movement to help bridge the gap between electronic music and the jam band scene. On Planet Anthem (Diamond Riggs Records/February 2010) the band has expanded the menu and ingredients in their palette. The result is a tasty stew of flavorful styles. The new album was cooked up over the course of three years between tours and it melds influences ranging from hip hop to pop to rock with the "traditional" Biscuit sound. The dozen songs on Planet Anthem feature abstract lyrics, digital grooves and plenty of diversions.

There were many cooks involved in this project including multiple producers, outside songwriters and guest musicians. In this case, too many cooks worked well. Comments from the Disco Biscuits indicates that they were pleased with the collaborations and new innovations. The CD opens with "Loose Change" - a free flowing electronic pop song. It is followed by the rap and rhythms of "On Time" which mixes computer references and romance. "Widgets" is dreamy with digital grooves. "You and I" is daring yet danceable. The CD continues to meander through many more meters and moods. "The City" is bright and distant as the singer longs to escape the concrete jungle for a mountain paradise. The closer "Vacation" is varied and vibrant and well summarizes the musical themes on the Planet Anthem album. Wherever you might find yourself on the planet, when you hunger for good music, take this one with you and fill up on the Biscuits.

• Info: -- USA/PA 2010: www.discobiscuits.com