Sha Sha

(ATO)

Sometimes it's easy to categorize musicians by just listening to their music. Their style falls right in line with all other artists of that specific genre. Ben Kweller is one artist, however, who can get away with not having a label attached to his music.

Kweller crosses musical genres repeatedly, sometimes in mid-song, to create an eclectic mix of pop, folk, alt-rock and adult contemporary sound. The combination of these styles makes for an album void of "B-sides" and full of radio-ready tunes.

With 11 songs spanning more than 45 minutes, Sha Sha is not an album requiring a major commitment from the listener. Kweller's songs follow what apparently is a growing trend of the musician to not have much, if any, portion of the song wasted by unnecessary musical interludes.

The album is highlighted by songs such as "Commerce, TX," a song with definite alternative roots, and "Lizzy," a folksy ode to Kweller's girlfriend.

Two songs on the album that help show Kweller's musical versatility are "Walk on Me" and "Harriet's Got a Song." "Walk on me" is an adult contemporary song that brings back memories of both '80s pop songs and early rock 'n' roll. "Harriet's Got a Song" is an alternative-oriented song with numerous bridges between guitar play and what sounds like a xylophone.

If you are a fan of thrash metal or rap, this may not be the album for you. But if you are looking for an album that has catchy tunes and does not require too much thought on the your part, Sha Sha could be the perfect distraction.