Universal Malcontents

Few songwriters match Outrageous Cherry’s main man, Matthew Smith, at combining elements of ‘60s and ‘70s pop and rock into irresistible confections. On the Detroit band’s ninth album, examples of his ingenuity include the pairing of garage-rock rumble and Beach Boys-style harmonies on “I Wouldn’t Treat My Enemies the Way You Treat Yourself” and a shotgun marriage of psychedelic freak-out and glam-rock stomp on “Outsider.” While those songs show his ironic wit, the ache-filled “Horizon” proves Smith can do sincerity, too.