Fans of Mark Eitzel's work with and without American Music Club shouldn't be surprised by the choices on this album of covers. Eitzel's always been a sentimental singer at heart, and these tunes express a love for a variety of pop styles that range from the MOR of Anne Murray's "Snowbird" to the powerful soul of Curtis Mayfield's "Move on Up." Eitzel handles them all as if they were his own songs, ignoring the stylistic components that made them hits and focusing on the emotional realism that's his forte. Culture Club's "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" is turned into a dark meditation. Glen Campbell's "Gentle on My Mind" (written by John Hartford) carries a sublime, wistful memory and melody. Best of all, however, is Eitzel's straitlaced take on Phil Ochs' "Rehearsals for Retirement." With simple keyboard and acoustic guitar backing, Eitzel brings out the tune's glory. When the drums crack, it's with a modest, tasteful empathy. Ochs' words have never received a better interpreter.