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It's not imagination that Jurado always seems to get shuffled to the bottom of the deck while other pop songsmiths get their due. Not as uneasy as Ryan Adams, not as pensive as the Eel's Mark Everett, nor as assertive as Dashboard Confessional's Chris Carraba, Jurado's work naturally reflects some of those common virtues -- but with an unpretentious, Midwestern slant given to his sturdy, workman rocker. Not that hailing him as the new Mellencamp would boost his cred or sales any, but since Jurado's new disc contains catchier tunes, rocks harder and generates a purer feeling, won't someone deal this guy an honest hand? 

Sure, you can pick up on the quirky characteristics that barely dot tracks like "Birdcage" and "Like Titanic" (with its zany loops and glockenspiel chorus). But Jurado's forte is standard shift, double-cheese, high-top rock that barrels through the back roads on its way to the interstate. 

Jurado seems so oblivious to indie chic (who else would dare a thud rock juggernaut like "Dancing" and live to tell?), that you almost wonder where the ride will stop. I hope never.