Jay Reatard — Watch Me Fall

Many wondered if Jay Reatard would tone down his act a smidge once he signed to Matador Records a few years back.

He kicked things off for the label with a seven-inch series that showcased his trademark pissy glory, but his new full-length, Watch Me Fall, might be the first indicator of a kinder, gentler Reatard on the way. Which is too bad.

Watch Me Fall isn't a bad album per se. It simply lacks the urgency and aggression of past releases, and thus will require a bit of patience and understanding from longtime fans.

The good news is Reatard's strong songwriting remains intact, and if anyone can transition from angry punk troublemaker to middle-aged rabble rouser it may well be Reatard.

"I'm Watching You" is the best indicator of the new approach, sounding a bit like Joe Jackson or Split Enz and perhaps offering a sign of things to come.