WHILE so much music seeks out the darkness, Crowell's is the sound of that most rare creation, a contented middle-aged man.

"Life's been good I guess" goes the opening track, and he can make even the line "every day that passes, I'm in the need of thicker glasses" sound cheerful. Crowell is better known as a sideman, playing guitar in Emmylou Harris's Hot Band in the 1970s.

Now trading as a songwriter, he has a deft knack for crafting catchy, country-tinged tunes that could appeal to any mature listener. Earthbound is excellent, most of what follows is pleasant, but This Too Will Pass surpasses them all - jauntily telling you to hang on in there.

The subject matter will strike a chord with baby boomers. By comparison with a serious songwriter, say Townes Van Zandt, Crowell's lyrics are leaden but light-hearted dreamers are destined to enjoy this.

Updated: 09:14 Thursday, June 10, 2004