Sometimes simplistic, often predictable, shamelessly mining the Beatles, Semisonic are your standard power-pop band. That's not to say that the Minneapolis trio's second album is pure candy. Feeling Strangely Fine lacks the wide-eyed, immediate appeal of 1996's Great Divide, but it's full of insistent melodies and great big guitar hooks. The band's relaxed moments – especially the beautifully sparse "Gone to the Movies" – break up any hints of guitar-rock monotony. The result is twelve hummable tunes that taste good and are good for you. (RS 784)

NOAH TARNOW