KNIT-PICKING THROUGH ROCK’S ROOTS

“POOR LITTLE CRITTER ON THE ROAD.” The Knitters. Slash.

Imagine stepping into a Bakersfield honky-tonk in the ‘50s and seeing a country band that had nothing more on its mind than picking up a few drinks on the house and the small-town notoriety that comes with being on stage every Saturday night. That may not sound like your idea of a promising evening, but the Knitters use that simple, unsophisticated approach to remarkable advantage.

The group--an after-hours project by members of critically acclaimed X and the Blasters--is one of several contemporary bands delving into rock’s country roots. Unlike such outfits as Lone Justice and Rank and File, which explore contemporary issues by mixing the sentimental strains of country with their ‘80s rock sensibilities, the Knitters reach for the simple purity of ‘50s country music. The result is an album that is often as warm and unaffected as Los Lobos’ “How Will the Wolf Survive?”

Though the songs revolve around the traditional honky-tonk concerns of heartaches and hangovers, the playful yet heartfelt character of the performances conveys a resiliency of spirit that speaks to us all. The message--if you must search for one--is, “Don’t let it get you down.”

Mostly, “Critter” is an invitation to have a good time with music that ranges from frisky novelties (the title track and “Wreckin’ Ball”) to super-sentimental love songs (“Cryin’ but My Tears Are Far Away”) to customized versions of folk standards (“Rock Island Line”).

Some of the songs are covers, others are originals, but they work so well together that the difference is immaterial.

Even on the originals, the musical ingredients--especially Dave Alvin’s guitar licks--frequently salute the styles enjoyed by the band members over the years, particularly the rockabilly rhythm of early Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash records.

The album is so ego-less because of the nature of the Knitters: During off hours from their bands, John Doe, Exene Cervenka and D.J. Bonebrake (from X) joined Alvin (from the Blasters) and bassist Jonny Ray Bartel last year in club appearances around town that radiated the joy of musicians working without the commercial or artistic pressures associated with careers.

This album isn’t for pop fans who like their music to be predictable and categorized. It may confound some country fans as well X fans, but it conveys the honesty and emotion that have made X and the Blasters leaders of the renaissance in roots-conscious American rock.