Simple Times

Radin is fond of understated songs that are entirely acoustic and where the vocals and the story they tell are the protagonists, even though the voice rarely rises above a whispered entreaty. The melodies are simple, the lyrics colloquial yet poetic. While it's a big leap to compare Radin to someone like Bob Dylan or Simon & Garfunkel, this is clearly where he's getting his inspiration.

While at first blush Simple Times -- with its black and white aesthetic and its old picture album photographs -- would appear to be about childhood days, full of carefree activity and devoid of troubles, it is really an album about love and lost love.

The tone, of wistful longing, is set with the opening "One Of Those Days," a song of loss, sung over muted synths, and relentless drum beat and guitar that underscore an unchanging situation.

Far more luminous is the aptly named "Brand New Day," which kicks off with bright, high guitar strums and hopeful vocals. "It's a brand new day/ For the first time in such a long time/ I know I'll be ok," sings Radin. The message is pretty simple, to be sure, but that very simplicity will allow many to sing along.

Radin never strays too far from the simplest instrumentation. But on a few tracks, he allows for a far more elaborate reading. Such is the case with "They Bring Me To You," which incorporates lush strings, vocal harmonies and Rhodes organ for a fuller, richer sound.

Later, on "You Got Growin Up To Do," Radin brings in Patty Griffin for an earnest, harmony-filled duet with country guitars. But even here, he doesn't raise the level too high. This is an album of simple pleasures that insists on never getting overbearing, obvious or loud. Witness "Free Of Me," which, remains muted despite its pulsating guitar and drums. It's music for fans of acoustic singer/songwriters with a distinctly American feel.