STRAWBS - Nomadness (A&M) :: This could be very embarrassing at a party, although it can be very inspiring at four AM in downtown Birmingham during burned-out deadline rush. Rick Wakeman plays very nice electric harpsicord on “Tokyo Rosie,” while Dave Cousins remains an Old-English romanticist. Play this continuously at first, then reserve for particularly introverted moments. D.M.

ARTHUR BROWN - Dance With Arthur Brown (Gull) :: According to the press info Pyromaniac Brown has entertained the Dalis and the Kennedys but even Stray fans wouldn’t bother with this grime. T.M.

RENAISSANCE - Scheherazade and Other Stories (Sire) :: Superfluous British fairytale eleganza gone classically insane. Sure beats Star Trek re-runs. T.M.

UFO - Force It (Chrysalis) :: Whistle clean thundermugs that make their lyrics so insignificant that you can listen to ’em without thinkin’ of crucifixes or Chevies. T.M.