Somewhat looser and less focused than the exquisite Low-life, Brotherhood is also more playful than its predecessor. It's impossible not to grin as Bernard Sumner literally laughs his way through the first line of "Every Little Counts." He reveals (and revels in) the tongue-in-cheek nature of the moment without compromising any of the song's inherent sweetness. After building to a lush crescendo, the band then throws a big monkey wrench in the mix -- and you're left scratching your head, wondering if there's something wrong with your CD.

Tony Peltier