There’s a fine divide between just clever enough and too smart for your own good. In rock, it’s far too easy to take yourself too seriously. For some artists, resisting an opportunity to look clever can be tough.

Well, as always, Mr. Mark Oliver Everett (or “E”) doesn’t disappoint. He’s once again taking his own lack of seriousness way too seriously.

I’m sure there are people who will find Shootenanny to be downright annoying. With chorus punch-lines like “We’ll blow off our heads in despair” (“Fashion Awards”), E achieves Groucho Marx subtlety. And of course, some people can’t stand E’s voice anymore.

But I do like the Eels. I even like this album. And just when you thought I hated their guts.

The songs cover topics ranging from personal to social, from ballads laden with pedal steel to poppy, jingly rock morsels. E can’t seem to sing about happy things, which is a sign that he knows what he’s doing. The lyrics, which are somewhat bland (and occasionally mindless), are mostly mumbled throughout the album. Very cool indeed. Even if his humor can get childish from time to time.

I’m not surprised that this album is self produced. He uses little gimmicks liberally, yet still keeps things very organic. And although song structure can get repetitive, he throws in enough new ideas to keep things fresh. Like, I really enjoyed the simple arrangement of “Love of the Loveless,” which uses electronic drums very nicely.

So yay for E. And go get Shootenanny.