"Scales, Nails and Shakas" and "Ro Sham Bo Down Low"? Those are original names for new T-shirts that will be highlighted in the Good Life collection at In4mation Hawaii. The hip-hop/streetwear clothing store has collaborated on the collection with Hawai'i-born designer Rhandy Tambio and Australia's Elska Sandor, both now based in New York.

The shirts are designed to push limits. "It gets a reaction out of people," says Todd Shimabuku, one of In4mation's owners.

Good Life T-shirts for both men and women are $26 from In4mation, at Ward Warehouse; www.in4mants.com, 597-1447.

— Lacy Matsumoto

RELEASES

'ROOTS & GROOVES'

Saxophonist Maceo Parker made a name for himself in the '60s and '70s playing with James Brown and George Clinton's P-Funk troupes. Since then, he has gained respect for his varied solo work. His new two-disc set of rewarding funk, "Roots & Grooves," teams him with Germany's WDR Big Band, and it's some of his best work. On the eight-song first disc, the gravelly-voiced Parker pays homage to the music of Ray Charles. On the second disc, he cuts loose on his own material and classics from The JB's and proves that funk is its own reward.

— Steve Jones, USA Today

APOCALYPTIC SWAMP

Matt King is a former mainstream country artist who has detoured in dramatic fashion into apocalyptic swamp pop. "Rube" sounds something like a collision between Tom Waits, Beck and Big & Rich in a miasmic fog. Cutting through the sonic vapors are nasty guitars; filtered, distorted "radio tone" vocals; Burundi drums (think Adam Ant); and even vibes. Ruminations on death, meth, heaven and hell figure strongly, and the sum total is one of the boldest and most disturbing, irritating, fascinating albums you're likely to hear.

— Ken Barnes, USA Today

MARINADE FOR THE SOUL

Just because football season is over, doesn't mean there isn't an excuse for a good barbecue, especially when you have Mojo Marinade from Soul de Cuba. The Afro-Cuban restaurant Downtown (and in New Haven, Conn.) is putting its secret marinade recipe on supermarket shelves.

Passed down from his grandmother, Jesus Puerto uses the marinade in his bistec de palomilla (pan-seared sirloin steak) and lechon asado (sauteed lean pork).

Before it hits the market take a taste for the soul, and pick up a 16-ounce bottle of Mojo Marinade at Soul de Cuba, 1121 Bethel St. Cost: $5. 545-2822 (545-CUBA)

— L.M.

HISTORY COMES ALIVE

Take the kids on a cultural safari from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today during the Honolulu Academy of Arts' Bank of Hawaii Family Sunday, as the museum celebrates Black History Month.

On the African Cultural Safari, children can search for lions, elephants and other animals hidden in the Learning Center gallery, explore an exhibit on black American culture and history, play African drums and other percussion instruments, and try on traditional African clothing for photos that can later be downloaded from the academy's Web site.

See animated films "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" and "Ellington Was Not a Street."

And hallelujah, there's music: African-inspired music and dance from Badenyaa, and gospel from the Faith & Praise quartet. Information: 532-3681.

— Advertiser Staff

SALES & BARGAINS