On "Garden," Better than Ezra distances itself from the melancholy pop of the band's earlier records. Working alongside producer Malcolm Burn (U2, Patti Smith) adds an eclectic touch. Shades of Jeff Buckley, U2 and Iggy Pop come and go here, but only a few songs -- "Beautiful Mistake" the best among them -- rise above. This "Garden" could use a little weeding.

-- Beth Winegarner

This article was originally published in the San Francisco Chronicle.