CD REVIEW

ROCK/POP Kristin Hersh - Hips and Makers (Sire): This singer-songwriter takes a break from her work with Throwing Muses to present this solo-acoustic debut. The release is what you might expect from the alternative band's frontwoman: music that can be haunting and disturbing (``A Loon'' ``Close Your Eyes'') yet gentle and reflective (``Beestung,'' ``Velvet Days''). The record's spareness brings to light Hersh's visceral guitar, stream-of-consciousness lyrics, and fervent vocals. R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe lends vocals on ``Your Ghost.''