Full of engaging melodies and sharp turns of phrase, the album establishes Ralph Covert as a first-rate songwriter. His terse yet vivid vignettes (check out "She Smiles Like Richard Nixon"), self-deprecating humor ("Not Dead Yet"), shameless sentimentality ("Jeune Fille in a White Sundress") and dark introspection ("Squeezing the Puzzle Together") make for a varied and rewarding pop listening experience.
A veritable Who's Who of local musicians complete the band. Guitarist John Duich is a veteran of such world-touring outfits as the Legendary Blues Band, while bassist Pickles Piekarski and drummer Terry Wathen served in John Prine's Sweet Potato band.
An album release party will be held Friday at Fitzgerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn.
Rating for "Bad Is Beautiful": 3 stars