Misled
TED LUKAS
(Nine Alarm)
On hiatus from his alt-country outfit Hangtown, Ted Lukas delivers a commendable solo album that skews more power-pop than recent releases. Big hooks and memorable choruses are constants throughout. Sonny John Sundstrom offers meaty lead-guitar licks, while Mark Warren and Finn Walling also contribute ace ax work. Lukas' assured vocals, though, are always at the forefront, with the lyrics reading like a series of measured pep talks about not letting life get the best of you. Mature but never lacking verve or pop appeal, Misled rocks out with refined finesse. (tedlukas.com) 3.5 stars
This article appears in Feb 13-19, 2008.