Review of two new releases   MEL BROWN MISTER GROOVE Karmenpolicy Of Related Interest: Booker T. & the MG's, Motown, Maceo Parker     Any recording by Portland's ascended master of the drum is cause for celebration. Sure, his sticks resound on uncounted Motown records by the Temptations, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, and he's even given his exquisite rhythmic élan to a quasi-Beatle cut (George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord"), but this is the first bona-fide studio recording under Mister Groove's own name. This not a straight date by his popular Jimmy Mak's sextet or quintet. This is a soul team. Saxophonist Renato Caranto is the only Brown regular here, and he spars continually with Lloyd Jones, organist Glenn Holstrom and guitarist Luther Russell, while bassist Fred Trujillo keeps on top of Brown's relentless drive and percussionist Bobby Torres contributes some rhythmic color. Guitarist Hank Swarn worked with the drummer in Billy Larkin and the Delegates, his first '60s band, and singer "Sweet Baby" James Benton gave Brown his first serious gig. Stevie Wonder producer John Fischbach tightens up the groove and lets it breathe. All of this shows that Brown has an agenda: Exploring music he's been integral to for 40 years--on his own terms. From the opening instrumental take of the Four Tops' "Ain't No Woman (Like the One I Got)" to a closing cover of Marvin Gaye's "What's Happening Brother," we get a Groove 101 survey course from this professor of rhythm. The big surprise is Holstrom's organ, a funky roux that stands up to Brown's spicy back beat. Of course, the drummer is the true star here. Whether leading the charge on "Viva Tirado," bringing it down on the jazz ballad "But Not For Me" or stoking the flames on the studio jam "Leave It Alone," he's like a funky metronome with just too much soul. This is timeless shit in the best Motown/Hi/Stax vein. Bill Smith     HEART GREATEST HITS: 1985-1995 Capitol Records Turn on: Pre-grunge Seattle Turn off: The Mix     Now that we're in the midst of a full-fledged '80s revival, a new Heart collection was perhaps inevitable. The power-pop group, led by the sister team of Ann and Nancy Wilson, combined the era's big hair and big emotion to earn 10 Top 20 hits in a decade. Greatest Hits brings together all of Heart's biggies, including "These Dreams," "Never," and "What About Love," plus some second-tier "hits" that you've probably never heard of. (Some for good reason.) While Heart was not immune to the musical pitfalls of the '80s, including an over-reliance on keyboard and guitar solos that seem almost stereotypical in their excess, they still knew how to rock. This is the kind of album that you put on and feel good, reminded of a time before irony became mainstream, a time when you could sing about love and really mean it. A woman demanding a one-night stand, as Heart did with "All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You," was enough to raise a few eyebrows in 1990. The group also dipped its toe into the pool of politics with the anti-war song "You're the Voice," recorded in response to the Gulf War. It seems tame today, but at the time MTV refused to air it. Ultimately, though, Heart is not about controversy. This album won't boost your indie cred, but it might make you feel a little more alive. And isn't that what rock and roll is all about? Kathleen Hildenbrand