Kurt Vile Turns Out 'Fried Or Sizzled Out' Rock Tunes

New York (AP) -- Kurt Vile says he's always thinking about making catchy music — yet his attempts usually end up sounding fried or sizzled out.

It's an apt description of this Philadelphia-based songwriter and guitarist's vibe, amiable and hypnotic, the songs alone seemingly capable of producing a contact high. Vile's new disc, his ninth, marks a professional turning point if not a musical one.