CD SPOTLIGHT

** 1/2; VARIOUS ARTISTS, “Red Hot + Country” ( Mercury )

The fourth entry in the “Red Hot” series of AIDS benefit albums is a sort of square-dance mosh pit, with a colliding cast of commercial hotshots (Billy Ray Cyrus, Brooks & Dunn), all-timers (Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton), cult figures (Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Nanci Griffith) and sub-cult names (Wilco, the successor of the admired indie duo Uncle Tupelo).

While inconsistent, the album keeps coming through with memorable moments, such as Gilmore’s outing with Willie Nelson on the latter’s “Crazy,” and Carl Perkins’ collaboration with the Mavericks and Duane Eddy on a rambunctious “Matchbox.” The most notable comments on AIDS: Project spearhead Kathy Mattea’s duet with Jackson Browne on his “Rock Me on the Water,” and Mary Chapin Carpenter’s reading of John Jennings’ “Willie Short.”