After Ben Kweller's utterly crappy sophomore album, you might be looking for some nice, sanitized pop-rock that doesn't blow, and if it's by some short, skinny dude who shares the "Ben" name and demeanor, gee, all the merrier.

Well, Mr. Ben Lee is pleased to make your acquaintance.

Lee's that curly-haired Australian fellow who used to be in Noise Addict -- and besides his longtime (though now defunct) relationship with Claire Danes, he's been pretty much ignored.

Enough of that, Benny boy says!

With Awake is the New Sleep, the 26-year-old creates some music that's certainly mature, subdued, pleasant and gentle, without being boring.Album opener "Whatever It Is" is sparse and stirring. "Begin" and "Ache for You" kinda sound like the Postal Service. "Catch My Disease" and "Into the Dark" are pure indie-bubble-gum pop. And the love-fest "We're All in This Together" is really cool, because it ends with one of those Rilo Kiley "With Arms Outstretched" choral joy moments, and here's the kicker: Jenny Lewis from Rilo Kiley is amongst the hand-clapping choir members. Gosh.

Much of Awake is the New Sleep seems lyrically spawned by Danes and Lee's recent breakup.

But instead of clinging to some aching ghosts, Lee makes music that's exceedingly hopeful, exceptionally introspective and upright without being didactic.

The CD is good stuff, and the fact that it's not especially, or even slightly, original doesn't change that fact. A pleasant pop-rock album, for sure, that will fill the void Kweller's left in his wake.

-- Reviewed by Caralyn Green