**1/2 Robbie Fulks

LET'S KILL SATURDAY NIGHT

(Geffen)

After two bracing alterna-country indie releases, this is Fulks's big-label shot and, it will be said, sellout. Some of the signs are there, especially a new emphasis on the rockin' side of the singer/songwriter's rebel sound, with enough fat guitar gloss to make you wonder whether his former neo-purist approach wasn't merely a matter of budget limitations. But this is nothing so severe as when Steve Earle first went metal (and mental, as well). True, the dual guitars at times overwhelm Fulks's somewhat reedy vocals (as on "She Must Think I Like Poetry"), but most of the additional ear candy is offered with the same thoughtful cleverness that he brings to his songwriting. A more striking change here than the musical tilt toward radio friendliness is the way his lyrics have grown denser, very effectively on the bully-boy cautionary song "Little King," and on "Take Me to the Paradise," whose lilting obliqueness is reminiscent of Freedy Johnston. Mixed in with the new-style cuts are a few simple, straightforward numbers that give the set a transitional feel. This may not be as cohesive as last year's excellent South Mouth (Bloodshot) but Fulks is still a damn good songwriter, however he chooses to serve it up.

-- Richard C. Walls