In Brief

** Mark Eitzel, “West,” Warner Bros. Eitzel’s collaboration with R.E.M.’s Peter Buck is a hit-and-miss affair. As with his last effort, “60 Watt Silver Lining,” the arrangements are sedately striking, and guest contributions from members of Screaming Trees, Los Lobos, Pearl Jam and others ensure a vibrant delivery. Unfortunately, the songs occasionally veer from melancholy rumination into glum droning, shattering the delicate mood of Eitzel’s music.

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).