I want to like Rufus — I REALLY do! I also want to like the Pixies and Magnetic Fields. But all I can say about the latter is, “69 Love Songs is ironic novelty music; I don’t get what all the fuss is about.” I know I SHOULD like Rufus, and the Pixies, and Magnetic Fields — or, so I’m told. But, I don’t. I tried to enjoy Release the Stars – I REALLY did try. But, I didn’t. Like most everything else I’ve heard from Rufus, this album seems a bit too affected. “Nobody’s Off the Hook” is a good enough song — I’m a sucker for strings. And, any album that opens by asking, “Do I disappoint you?” would seem well-suited for a sad-sack such as me. But, for some reason, Rufus does absolutely nothing for me.