Lowe: Lost and Found

*** NICK LOWE. “Pinker and Prouder Than Previous.” Columbia. First the bad news: The old Jesus of Cool sounds a bit lost on this collection of songs recorded at various times in 1986 and ’87. The whole thing lacks focus and has the rough feel of demos rather than a finished record’s polish. Only “Lovers Jamboree,” the one track produced by Lowe’s old Rockpile mate Dave Edmunds, sounds much like his previous work.

But that’s the good news, too. The very roughness and offhandedness of the record works in its favor. Lowe--accompanied by such regular partners as guitarist Martin Belmont, keyboardist Paul Carrack and drummer Bobby Irwin--sounds loose and at ease, which fits the spirit of these variously pop, country, rock and reggae tunes.

Rather than the cheerful cynic of old, Lowe comes off as a pure music lover, though his droll way with a melody and a phrase (see the album title) keeps this from being a mere exercise in genres. And if the seven Lowe originals aren’t as instantly indelible as some of his old songs, there’s a breezy casualness to the likes of “(You’re My) Wildest Dream” and “Big Hair” that’s very refreshing. Sometimes not trying too hard brings the best results.