TINY TIM WITH BRAVE COMBO 'GIRL'

Yes, Tiny Tim. It's been a while since he tiptoed through the nation's tulips, so it may it be a surprise that not one but two new Tiny Tim albums have suddenly appeared.

    "I Love Me" (Ponk/Seeland) has its moments, but the more cohesive "Girl" is the one to convince skeptics.
    Brave Combo-a band as daredevilishly eclectic as Tim himself-merits the co-billing. The group provides jaunty but sympathetic backing on a song selection to raise eyebrows, including "Hey Jude" and "Stairway to Heaven." Those tracks, with their gimmicky arrangements, are the attention grabbers; Tim's delivery on other standards, notably a powerful "Stardust," is the attention-keeper.
    He uses his falsetto sparingly these days, and just as well. His novelty value long ago expired, Tiny Tim deserves credit not just for reviving pop tunes up to century old, but showing why they should be revived.
    "Girl" makes a strong case for the vitality of this artist. Now will Warner Bros. please reissue "God Bless Tiny Tim," his astounding debut?