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Winona Ryder

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She's dated rock stars, now she plays one on TV. Winona Ryder stands in for hyperkinetic singer-guitarist Jon Spencer in the first video from his band's new album, "Acme" (in stores today). Joining Ryder in portraying the New York City blues-rock trio the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion in their "Talk About the Blues" video are actors Giovanni Ribisi ("Saving Private Ryan") on bass and John Reilly ("Boogie Nights") on drums. The video, now airing on MTV, is meant to parody music videos for soundtrack singles, which often intercut movie stars with footage of the bands. Fans of the indie-rock faves can rest easy, though: Spencer and bandmates Judah Bauer and Russell Simins actually play all of the music on "Acme." This week's notable new releases (with EW critics' grades):

• The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, "Acme" (EW grade: B+)
• Jonny Lang, "Wander This World" (EW grade: C-)
• Deana Carter, "Everything's Gonna Be Alright" (EW grade: B+)
• Fatboy Slim, "You've Come a Long Way, Baby" (EW Grade: B+)
• New Radicals, "Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too" (EW Grade: A-)
• John Lee Hooker, "The Best of Friends" (EW Grade: B)
• Eels, "Electro-Shock Blues" (EW Grade: A-)
• Jad Fair and Yo La Tengo, "Strange But True" (EW Grade: B)
• Unbelievable Truth, "Almost Here" (EW Grade: N.A.)
• Danni Leigh, "29 Nights" (EW Grade: B)
  Originally posted Oct 20, 1998