The news that new-country bad boy Steve Earle produced this highgloss record might seem like a publicity hoax, but it's true. And believe it or not, he's helped the Bible record a pleasant, melodic album that makes for good summer listening.

The Bible, from Cambridge, England, is a chameleonic band – the album's opener, "Skywriting," is reminiscent of Bruce Hornsby, and strong hints of Simple Minds, the Smiths and ABC are all over the record. Originality isn't the Bible's strong suit; execution is. Eureka is all about nice chops tastefully deployed, especially when it comes to the nifty bass and crisp, jazz-inflected drumming.

The record is not just sumptuous pop – guitarist Neill MacColl is the son of folk legends Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger, which explains "Cigarette Girls," with its gentle acoustic guitar, mandolin and harmonica. There's a moody jazz feel to "Red Hollywood," suggested by the upright bass and a sinewy guitar solo that falls somewhere between Jeff Beck and David Gilmour. Steve Earle's influence appears in the slide-guitar introduction to "Skeleton Crew," but it disappears on the very next tune, "November Brides," which sounds as if it could have been lifted from the Steely Dan song book.

The Bible's lyrics are mostly confined to trusty pop commonplaces, but singer Boo Hewerdine makes the most of them with an earnest, sultry croon. Even if the Bible won't set the world on fire with its blazing originality, the band's lush, melodic sound could make this a huge record. Maybe the Bible will do a triple bill with the Church and the Mission. (RS 533)

MICHAEL AZERRAD