TURN-ONS AND TURN-OFFS IN CURRENT HOME ENTERTAINMENT RELEASES : Excellent Good Fair Poor : COMPACT DISCS

“Sing It Again Rod.” Rod Stewart. Mercury. Poor Rod. He’s at the stage in his career where his cartoonish, sex-symbol image overshadows his history as a singer with exquisite character and emotion. Ideally, the release of this best-of package in CD form would help focus attention once again on Stewart’s artistry. The material, from the early ‘70s, ranges from charmers like “Maggie May” to wistful numbers like “Gasoline Alley.” Unfortunately, the CD showcase is undercut by a muffled sound that frequently strips the music of dynamics. Do the sound again, Mercury. 1/2