* * * * <i> Great Balls of Fire</i> * * * <i> Good Vibrations</i> * * <i> Maybe Baby</i> * <i> Running on Empty : </i> : MONDO DEPRESSO

* * * “STRANGE WEATHER.” Marianne Faithfull. Island. If a very hip, late set at an especially psychotic cabaret is your particular cup of espresso, you’re sure to enjoy this mondo depresso mini-masterwork from veteran chanteuse/cult heroine Marianne Faithfull.

Sounding not unlike Marlene Dietrich recast as a Rhythm & Blues angel, Faithfull wraps her torn ‘n’ frayed vocal cords around everything from lushly orchestrated ‘30s torch tunes (“Penthouse Serenade,” “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “Yesterdays”) to bare-boned country blues, gospel and folk numbers from the Dylan, Leadbelly and Prince Kid Thomas songbooks.

While these twin contrasts are effective, the disc takes on a third dimension with the presence of such moderne numbers as Tom Waits’ title track, Doc Pomus and Dr. John’s “Hello Stranger” and a harrowing remake of Faithfull’s 1965 hit “As Tears Go By” that--when played alongside her original version of the Jagger-Richards tune--documents all the damage, pain and self-knowledge that elevate these interpretations into a realm of personal expression that holds it all together and really makes it, makes it all the way.

Credit producer Hal Willner and a stellar cast of supporting musicians/arrangers (guitarist Bill Frisell in particular) as well as Faithfull for making music, not a fashion statement. Now pour a tall Remy, break open a fresh pack of cigarettes, turn down the lights, sit back, relax and enjoy the wax. It’s gonna be a very hip, late set . . .