On this, their second major label release, Barenaked Ladies get romantic without slipping into sappy sentimentality. Wonderfully witty love songs like "Jane," "These Apples," "A," and "Alternative Girlfriend" explore the pitfalls of modern relationships with pointed candor and remarkable eloquence. Throughout, the troupe displays its expected high level of musicianship and vocal expertise, delivering full-bodied performances on every track. As always, Ed Robertson and Steven Page dominate the vocals, turning in particularly fabulous work on "Am I the Only One?" and "The Wrong Man Was Convicted." Perhaps the "hit" from this disc is "Life, In a Nutshell," a charming ditty about, surprisingly enough, a happy relationship. What bliss! --L.A. Smith