**1/2 Lucy Kaplansky

FLESH AND BONE

(Red House)

On this follow-up to her critically acclaimed debut, The Tide, Lucy Kaplansky furthers her reputation as a singer/songwriter. Her clean, sharp vocals betray a matter-of-fact sensuality put to good use on "Scorpion" (a bit of Shawn Colvin-like folk pop), "The Thief" (a sneering, electric folk-rock putdown), and a cover of Richard Thompson's "Don't Renege on Our Love." Other originals, including "Still Life" and "This Is Mine," suggest Kaplansky deserves a place at the new-folk table alongside Suzanne Vega and the Story.

Some poor choices, however, drag down Flesh and Bone, including a woefully misguided bluegrass version of Nick Lowe's "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding." That, a couple of country tunes, and a very trad-style Paul Brady number derail this otherwise compelling, seductive, mostly acoustic contemporary-folk album produced by Anton Sanko (Suzanne Vega). Vocal support comes from John Gorka, Jennifer Kimball, and Richard Shindell.

-- Seth Rogovoy

(Lucy Kaplansky plays the Somerville Theatre this Saturday, November 2, along with Jennifer Kimball, Christine Kane, and Claudia Schmidt with Sally Rogers. Call 628-3390.)