onstage in my tux/I gulped and I said, 'Aw, shucks.'" He thanks his producer and Jesus Christ, but by the next week, he's running around with the likes of Bo Derek and Meryl Streep. On "IDTTYWLM"–"I don't think that your wife likes me" – the singer's conversational tone and Mark Hardwick's piano recall Tom Waits at his best. But Wainwright prevents his cockiness from turning grating by adding a smirk to the Steve Martin-style "jerk" in his voice: "Maybe it's because I'm famous/Yeah, maybe she's just a little bit jealous." But by the end, the song takes a Randy Newman-like turn: "You know, I detest your wife..../Why do you suppose that that is?/I don't know."

But there is a lighter side to Wainwright's songwriting, as evidenced by "Five Years Old," a number that celebrates childhood while expressing Wainwright's regret at missing his daughter's birthday party. Though he's not an exceptional melodist or guitarist (the instrumental fireworks here are supplied by guitarist Richard Thompson on the opening track, "Reader and Advisor"), Loudon Wainwright is an entertaining singer/songwriter. It's good to have him back. (RS 395)

JODY DENBERG