PETE YORN

Pete Yorn

[Vagrant]

Pete Yorn’s latest proves that off-the-cuff projects can yield superb results. Recorded in just five days with former Pixies leader Frank Black producing, the disc strips Yorn’s songwriting, singing and guitar gifts to their essence. The opener, “Precious Stone,” sets the tone. Framed by fuzzed-up guitars and a molten bridge, Yorn sounds scruffy and vulnerable on this country-tinged pop rocker. “Velcro Shoes” is a brash, amped-up tune that evokes R.E.M. at their most feisty; “Badman” is a delicious slice of slop-rock that could have come from the Stooges’ songbook; and “The Chase” is a lo-fi pop-rocker that nods toward Paul Westerberg’s recent work. Changes of pace include “Rock Crowd,” a delightful acoustic ditty that’s fitted with a child-like chorus, and a secular hymn titled “Wheels” that closes the album on an exceptionally high note. Fans of solid songwriting presented in rough-and-ready form will find much to savor here.  –RH