**1/2 Michael Penn

MP4 (DAYS SINCE A LOST TIME ACCIDENT)

(Epic)

The Beatles and Phil Spector are the muses who dominate Michael Penn's fourth album. And from the way he launches with the full-bore, resonant melodic pop of "Lucky One," which openly struts those influences, you know Penn isn't out to hide his inspiration. Indeed, MP4 is a familiar-sounding set that cozily -- and effectively -- adds Penn's younger brother, Chris, and his wife, Aimee Mann, for backing vocal duties on well-trodden but sure-footed songs that were produced by Penn himself (with a little help from pro producer Brendan O'Brien on "Lucky One").

Still, you can't help feeling cheated by the turgid turn of songs like "Whole Truth" and "Beautiful," where rhythms lollop and melodies lack sparkle. And though this is a wordsmith's album, Penn can get bogged down in tale telling -- he's more likable when he exclaims simply "Oh fuck, got stuck" in the acerbic and experimental standout "Don't Let Me Go." Mostly, however, MP4 lacks maverick attitude, opting instead for admittedly lovely warm tones and a fine, classic sensibility. Sound, perhaps, but a little too safe.

-- Linda Laban

(Michael Penn and Aimee Mann perform next Saturday, February 12, at the Somerville Theatre. Call 931-2000.)