The Old Magic

Seeing the inimitable Nick Lowe referred to in some critical circles as a “distinguished crooner” still elicits a double take. There seems to be no end to his breadth and depth as a singer, writer, and musician, but many fans cling to the youthful bark and bite of Lowe’s early years. Unfortunately, they’re missing some truly great music, steeped in classic American pop and blues. On The Old Magic, his 13th studio album, there are heady infusions of Sinatra and Bacharach (“Restless Feeling,” “Sensitive Man,” “I Read A Lot”), a taste of Nashville (“Checkout Time”), and a trio of the quiet, heartbreaking ballads Lowe has become known for (“Stoplight Roses,” “House for Sale,” and “I Read a Lot,” each worthy of a companion Raymond Carver short story). He covers some greats, too, giving a bluesy delivery to Elvis Costello’s “Poisoned Rose” and wrapping Tom T. Hall’s “Shame on the Rain” in a warm and romantic embrace. Lighter fare, like “Somebody Cares for Me” and a third cover, “You Don’t Know Me at All” (by Jeff West of Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys) will elicit both smiles and some dance floor shuffling. Timeless, classic, and, yes, magical.