Fronting a versatile ensemble on Next of Kihn, his accessible latest LP, Greg Kihn combines energized, guitar-oriented rock with memorable melodies and attractive harmonies. In addition to being redolent of mid-60s British bands, his bright, unpretentious rockers bear comparison with the delightfully unadorned recent efforts of Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds.

True, Kihn breaks little new ground on the present record, his lyrics don’t exactly fire my imagination, and his music could never be called innovative. But he seems to know his limits and he concentrates on entertainment rather than on invention. Entertain he does, with dynamic guitar licks, effervescent vocals, and a relentless rhythm section.