Greg Trooper / Reckless Kelly

Your niche might be my rut, so when I report that neither of these discs clangs my bells, I don't mean to dissuade those inclined toward this strain of coffeehouse country. These are the strongest albums yet from both artists. Both albums are solid and pleasing. Trooper's "Apology" is a lovely song about apologizing. Kelly's "Set Me Free" could make you put the pedal to the metal. That's about it, though. I don't expect either group to write transcendent songs crackling with meaning, but I'd settle for personality. Or daring. Or fun. That Reckless Kelly has, on occasion, been mistaken for Steve Earle is not an endorsement. And Trooper sounds like homework -- which might not be far from what he intended, because for all the fine songs (Trooper's "Rose With You" could be a great country hit) and general listenability, there's an asceticism at work here. This isn't music that will convert anyone, but to those who already love it, it's an IV hooked up to indie-twang integrity. It will sustain you, but only barely.