GARY LEWIS AND THE PLAYBOYS— Very Best Of (UA); Golden Greats (Liberty)::This is the band that Blandie & the Talking Heads are trying so desperately to emulate. These days everybody’s doing handstands over the rawness of the DC5/Troggs/Stooges, but it’s refreshing to hear this summer saccharine amidst the brawl. Not recommended for today’s' teen-degenerate, but a definite must for the crewcutset. ‘Green Grass,” “Everybody Loves a Clown,” and “She’s Just My Style” will literally tear yr heartstrings. And a special bonus on Golden Greats (“Time Stands Still”) is Gary imitating his spastic dad (Son of Spazzl). It sure beats watching Father Nose Best & My 3 Wombats. 1 R.A.H.

STEVE HILLAGE—Motivation Radio (At lantic)”Hillage’s bozo-brained optimism wears out real fast whether you’re a refried hippie or not but he’s so darpn good on his synthesized guitar that ya just can’t ignore him. Post Hendrix guitar coupled with a pre-Hawkwind mind; gotta be a cosmic joke. Fortunately, it’s a good one.