In Brief

* * * Butthole Surfers, “Weird Revolution,” Hollywood/Surfdog. A commercially problematic name, bizarre lyrical themes, a sound that’s anything but consistent and rocky relations with record companies haven’t kept these experimental Texas rockers from enjoying a long (nearly two decades) and healthy career. Their first album in five years (in stores Tuesday) retains the subversive humor that’s made them one of the most loved-hated-misunderstood bands ever, while tightening the techno touches and twisted pop of their last few releases. Spirituality and hedonism are big topics this time around, the latter tackled with ironic glee in “The Shame of Life,” a gem co-written by Kid Rock that should garner the band a whole new set of fans.

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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent). The albums are already released unless otherwise noted.