Lovett, Forbert out with new albums

12th Of June

It may be disappointing to wait a decade for a new Lyle Lovett album and then discover about a third of it is covers -- and the opening track is an instrumental. Furthermore, that dry Lovett sense of humor only fully comes through on "Pants Is Overrated." Ah, but this is such a good, funny song, it should count at least for two. Even if not all of these are Lovett-penned recordings, his big, jazzy band is nevertheless a delight to the ears throughout. Vocalist Francine Reed should ...

Moving Through America

"Moving Through America" is Steve Forbert's 17th album of original material, not counting numerous outtake, covers, and live collections. Establishing himself as a folk-rock troubadour in the waning days of punk while new wave was still sorting itself out, Forbert briefly flirted with the top 10 ("Romeo's Tune" remains his signature song) and major label adventures before establishing an independent career of recording and touring. The once the fresh-faced next ...

The Magic Tree

Particularly if you've been listening to Steve Forbert's music for many years, you're bound to have some fun with his new memoir, "Big City Cat." The book, which lifts its title from that of a track on "Alive on Arrival," his 1978 debut LP, offers lots of commentary on the inspiration for Forbert's songs and the making of his albums. You'll also discover mentions of many of the artists he admires-some predictable (assorted folkies), some rather ...