If you want to play to fans of more than one style of music, there are few options. You could make your music so bland it is inoffensive to programmers in a variety of formats (Hootie). The other method is the "meat grinder" approach, bringing together a variety of influences into one single style (pop music for channel surfers). Examples would include the '70s smorgasbord of Poor Old Lu, the dyslexic stylings of Soul Coughing, or the alterna-hop of dc Talk. Several new and exciting bands are following this trend as well, including Plumb, Switchfoot and Reality Check. These artists are pushing hard against the walls of conformity. They just don't fit into one neat, little musical box. No one jumps the fence more cleanly than Silage on their debut, Watusi. It's a little punk, a little ska, a little rap, a little Weezer, a little Presidents of the United States of America--and a whole lotta fun. There are also some very human moments here. "My Car Makes Me Sin" shows how easily our social interactions--and our circumstances--can sidetrack us from righteous behavior. "I Love the Radio" is a simple ode (it's difficult to tell if this is irony or wide-eyed awe). "Election Skank" expresses frustration at a political system inevitably tainted by a fallen world. And, in case the music has been too unfettered and the lyrics too clever, the band hits home hard with "Jesus is My Best Friend." For some bands this sort of song might have been a dumbed-down tract, but the boys in Silage share their creed with genuine heart. Closing with the Beach Boys classic "Be True to Your School" (a wholesome song which encourages community), the boys tip their collective hat to their geographical roots. It's a fitting end to a complete high school opus, which has everything you could ask for. It's a party in a box. Just don't expect a neat little musical box.