CRAGGY CANNIBALS

“FINE YOUNG CANNIBALS.” Fine Young Cannibals. I.R.S. Singer Roland Gift is not one of this trio’s two English Beat alumni, but his voice is hewn from the same clever, craggy stone as that of former Beat-boy Dave Wakeling (now in General Public). While this Cannibal’s not quite God’s gift to soul, he has enough vocal gumption and individuality to make these mostly melancholy tales about iffy love and government gone bad believable. Supple, sprightly support from guitarist Andy Cox and bassist David Steele lends energy to the few mediocre melodies. The loping single “Johnny Come Home” is a highlight, along with “Funny How Love Is,” a deliciously smooth acoustic number with groovy samba stylings and a sly tag of the “Odd Couple” TV theme. Who says soul can’t smile?