IT'S NO REVELATION to say that musical side projects rarely pan out to be viable bands. This is especially true for those projects featuring prominent members from several well-known groups. Whether it's a theme-type side project (Golden Smog and its shit-kickin' cross-reference of Wilco, Soul Asylum, Run Westy Run, and the Mavericks) or a testosterone-fest, in-the-name-of-all-that-is-rock type side project (Neurotic Boy Outsiders, which boasted members of Sex Pistols, Guns N' Roses, and Duran Duran), rarely is a listener driven to profess any sort of allegiance to these well-intentioned toss-offs. The Knitters, representatives of the backyard-barbecue, sittin'-around-drinkin'-beer type side project -- a pigeonhole they practically invented for themselves -- are the exception to the rule.

Back in 1985, X's John Doe, Exene Cervenka, and DJ Bonebrake joined Blasters member Dave Alvin and others on an album called Poor Little Critter on the Road. Recorded under the name of the Knitters, Poor Little Critter... was basically the cores of two seminal Los Angeles rock bands getting together to sing early country traditionals like "Poor Old Heartsick Me" and "Rock Island Line," and to try their own hand at the genre with some paint-by-numbers originals. Mostly, the record's just a group of friends hootin' and hollerin' and having a fine time, and since just about everyone has a soft spot in their otherwise jaded rock-and-roll heart for Doe and Cervenka, the audience has a fine time, too. You remember -- it's called having fun.

The last time the Knitters were out on the road was the early part of this decade, but as far as recorded material goes, Poor Little Critter... is a lonesome little album. Maybe that's why the Knitters remain so damn fun to see live. After all, no new albums equals no forced, diluted focus on new material, which in turn equals no clunkers to mar your fond memories. Brevity is the key to a side project's longevity. Pour once and then, for God's sake, break the mold.