Tom Lynch

Glascow's dynamic indie-pop outfit Camera Obscura returned this summer with "Let's Get Out of This Country" (Merge), a not-so-subtle reference to a fairly common sentiment around these parts, a bubblegum dream of an album that's both melancholic and nostalgic. Traceyanne Campbell's lush, ethereal vocal delivery drives the songs just like on previous records, the careful, jangly guitar rhythms pacing right behind. Similar to fellow Scotlanders Belle and Sebastian but not as cutesy or spry, Camera Obscura finds the right balance between utterly charming and strangely meaningful, and the result is this fine record, the best of the sextet's career, even if it sometimes seems too delicate to stand. Songs like the title track, "Country Mile" and "Come Back Margaret" evoke certain feelings that a lot of us are afraid of, avoid or quickly squash. "Let's Get Out of This Country" makes you feel vulnerable.

Camera Obscura plays July 28 at Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 North Kedzie, (773)509-5019, at 8:30pm. $15. (2006-07-25)

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