RELEASES

GROUP EFFORT

This shouldn't work. The Cake Sale is an Irish-based collective led by Brian Crosby of the band Bell X1, with contributions from Damien Rice and Josh Ritter, as well as members of the Cardigans, Crowded House, Snow Patrol and the Thrills, among others. Their nine-song CD "The Cake Sale" (Yep Roc) benefits Oxfam International's campaign for fair trade, but in only one case does the composer sing his own tune. The album was assembled in patchwork fashion, with vocals and instrumental overdubs recorded in various countries. The result should be a disjointed mess, but instead the album is a cohesive set of engaging, tuneful pop. The Cardigans' Nina Persson sings "Black Winged Bird," and it might be the best thing she has ever done.

— Steven Wine, Associated Press

BACK TO THE GRINDHOUSE

Out on DVD is "Planet Terror" (two discs, Genius Products/Weinstein, $29.95), writer-director Robert Rodriguez's half of the "Grindhouse" project (with Quentin Tarantino). It's all about a go-go dancer-turned-vigilante (Rose McGowan) and a tow-truck driver (Freddy Rodriguez) who battle zombies in a small Texas town. This extended edition includes footage not seen in the original theatrical run, plus an audio commentary by Rodriguez and a bunch of short documentaries about how the movie was made.

— Bruce Dancis, McClatchy-Tribune News Service

SEW RIGHT

As a child, Leah Evans learned to sew from her mother, Jerry Evans. Every summer mother gave daughter projects to complete. Now as a graduate of the University of Hawai'i apparel program, Leah is a full-fledged designer. She has just completed her fall collection "Earth Girls Have More Fun" — fun, flirty cocktail dresses, jackets and pants made from materials such as patent vinyl, iridescent Spandex and holographic fabric. Evans got her inspiration from "dated science-fiction movies which depict scenes aboard spaceships, and on distant planets." The sometime model (that's her in her own creation) says, "It's tough being an independent designer. Once I save up enough money, I plan to move to New York and pursue my dream of being immersed in the fashion industry." For now her main objective is "to keep having fun with my work."

Leah Evans Apparel can be found at Queens Candy Shop, 831 Queen St., 589-1102, ext. 205.

— Lacy Matsumoto

KREW CLASH

This Friday, the Kaua'i and O'ahu breakdance cultures collide floor-level to decide who will be the "Last Krew Standing." The Garden Isle's New Image Productions and O'ahu's Archangel Events will face off in 3-on-3 crew battles for a $500 prize — and the all-important bragging rights. Special hip-hop performances by the AudibleLabRats (O'ahu), Bomber of 808 Mile (O'ahu), and B. Solchaga (Kaua'i) sweeten the deal. The showdown takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Farrington High School gym. Crew registration and event information can be found at www.myspace.com/newimage2006.

— Jake Miyasato

WHAT'S ON YOUR IPOD?

DJ MALEKO OF STAR 101.9

1. "1234" Feist

2. "Rockstar" Nickelback

3. "Glamorous-Girl" (Madonna Fergie mashup) - DJ Mei-Lwun

4. "Le Disko" Shiny Toy Guns

5. "I'm Yours" Jason Mraz

TRICKY TREATS

Meet Frank, Jax, Cross and Vain — aka the Boozu Boys, the latest additions to Shop Toast's cast of bizarre candy-stuffed characters. Out just in time for Halloween, the ghostly snackables can be hung outside to conjur a rain-free night of trick-or-treating just like teru teru bozu, the traditional Japanese talismans that inspired them. And after you've handed out the mini Snickers, you can bust open the Boozu Boys for your own sugar rush — they're full of mini Pez and crisp rice treats. Get your little devils at www.shoptoast.com.

— Melissa May White