With a wryly sweet voice a bit reminiscent of Paul Simon and a knack for writing catchy, Steve Earle-style acoustic rockers, Mark Erelli proves, again, that he"s one of the more promising, if little known, singer-songwriters in Americana. Tracking the unpredictable lessons of love, Erelli uses as his guides moody, reverb-soaked ballads; punchy roots rock; neo-Appalachian murder mysteries; and even some fairly convincing Western swing. The title track (and best song) benefits from the lustrous vocals of Kelly Willis, exquisite imagery, and a hit-the-road-running momentum. The silly satirical jaunt "Little Sister" (who, Erelli repeats, "makes more than you") is less successful, though it rocks like a busker"s skiffle. Erelli is first and foremost a romantic: he"s most memorable when he lays his heart on the line and overcomes his occasionally clichéd lyrics. On "Before I Knew Your Name" he muses over a dreamy bit of mandola melancholia, and on the country-soul of "Almost Home" he poses a gorgeous, closing enigma that should resonate with both alternative country and contemporary folk connoisseurs. --Roy Kasten