Woody Whatever has that innocent-but-not-that-innocent sound (like early Built to Spill; not like early Britney Spears). The band’s album When I Lost I Left doesn’t innovate, but it also doesn’t disappoint. The songs are pure lo-fi pop, with HOOKS. Erik Schmall sings simple, sweet melodies that are pleasing to get stuck in your head, and like fellow Daytonian Bob Pollard, he can convey a whole lot in a little time. “Keep On Living” is little more than a minute long, but it’s more satisfying than many tunes four times as long. The band rarely strays from the guitar-bass-drums power trio, but the songs are varied enough to keep things interesting. When they do diversify the instrumentation, it’s to good effect, as on the title track. A keyboard cries sparingly as Schmall sings “This has nothing to do with me / Though I’m sad tonight / The music is getting softer / I’m looking for the nearest exit.” Eventually, the keys drop out and an acoustic guitar takes over, intensifying the song while maintaining the contemplative feel. Thirty-eight minutes is a perfect length for an album like this. It’s over before you know it, but with 15 songs to get acquainted with, there’s a lot to take in on repeated listens. From the joyous opener “Get Inside My Life” to the exuberant closer “Citizens Be Warned,” When I Lost I Left is a winner. [Note: This album is extremely limited edition. Only 50 copies were produced, each with individualized, handmade packaging.] 7.5 Chris DeVille February 23, 2004