I kid you not; literally the instant I pulled Jay Bennett's new album off the rack, his former band Wilco's "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart" began to play in the record store.

Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, I needed a way to start this review.

And unfortunately, as it turns out, I'm not reimbursed for purchases of this nature.

So I'm stuck with Bigger Than Blue, the multi-instrumentalist's second solo venture after getting the boot from that criminally unappreciated Movin' On headliner of last year.

"Reasons for You to Love Me (Cars Can't Escape)" is the most interesting track: the one that includes (surprise!) unexplained "lyrical contributions" from Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy and actually rocks.

It's too bad the song doesn't come until nearly the end of the ... wait, I forgot about "Charming and Plastic." This one also rocks. Bennett's vocal inflection even reminded me of Elvis Costello, so I dig that. Sorry, must have nodded off.

It's not that the album's quieter, acoustic moments are bad; often, they're just really boring.

Like how Bennett takes Woody Guthrie's "Cajun Angel" and turns it into a teeth-grinding, adult-contemporary lullaby.

It's just "heart-breaking" that the album's strongest and best produced moments remind me of Wilco, and the weakest could use a whole lot more of that.

I can see myself sitting out on my porch in mid-June sipping lemonade and enjoying this album.

But for now, add it to the list of things that just make me wish Wilco would come back.

-- Reviewed by David Tatasciore