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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 21, 2008

JACK PENATE:

MATINEE

(XL) ***

It's not just newcomer Jack Penate's accent that marks his pop as unmistakably English. His lyrics are clever but subtle, his melodies as effortless as they are catchy. And like predecessors such as Madness, Style Council and The Housemartins, he guilelessly appropriates non-native musical styles (ska, R&B).

The focus is squarely on the songs, with Penate's voice and guitar backed only by bass, drums and an occasional keyboard. The stripped-down arrangements are ideal for Penate's brisk, breezy pop.

The album's sole flaw is that Penate's lyrics, though smart, don't say much, lacking enough specific detail to make them memorable.

But you'll likely be humming along too happily to care.

Download this: "Learning Lines"

Curtis Ross

SHERYL CROW:

DETOURS

(A&M) ***½

Sheryl Crow is no longer the bright-eyed young woman who enjoys a good beer buzz early in the morning, and spurns the advances of guys named Bill (or Billy or Mac or Buddy) in a bar facing a giant car wash.

She's older, jaded and tired - but not defeated - and her mature worldview comes across in her weary voice and the emotionally, politically charged lyrics on her latest album, "Detours."

Considering Crow's relationship history and her stance on the U.S. mission in Iraq, "Detours" probably won't end up on Lance Armstrong's or George W. Bush's iPods. Other listeners will discover Crow's most raw, clever and engaging album in years, with standout songs such as "Shine Over Babylon" and "Diamond Ring."

Download this: "Diamond Ring"

Dave Simanoff

LENNY KRAVITZ:

IT IS TIME FOR A LOVE

REVOLUTION

(VIRGIN) **

Derivative.

That's how Lenny Kravitz's detractors describe him. It's largely unfair because few are totally original, but Kravitz has never been shy about borrowing from music icons for his retro-rock style.

On his eighth studio album, Kravitz channels Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, The Spinners and even himself for a rockin' revolution.

The main drawback is his unimaginative lyrics. Rhymes such as "tight" with "right" and phrases such as "hot as July" are pretty lazy.

Kravitz even gets political with a few songs, but "Back in Vietnam" is an unoriginal summation of the Iraq war.

Download this: "Dancin' Til Dawn"

Joinville Michel

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