Radar Bros.

The four releases following the Radar Bros.' self-titled debut 1996 debut played as consistent extensions of that record's sun-dappled, country-rock sound. So it's no surprise that, even after the departure of founding members Steve Goodfriend and Senon Williams, 2010's The Illustrated Garden proves to be yet another pleasant soundtrack for a midday drunk. New blood in the rhythm section adds some muscle to lead Radar Jim Putnam's tendency to lilt, and during the band's propulsive live show, it drives listeners over and through the peaks and valleys of Putnam's lyrics.

Updated 07/08/2010