Nelson Bragg had a hand in the recent Brian Wilson album SMiLE, performing drums on the long-awaited masterpiece. Now Bragg is venturing out from behind the skins to make his own music.  And it has a laid back, summery, California feel offered up with “Forever Days”. The album—split into a “Day” side and a “Night” side—is a bright affair with the light, breezy “Tell Me I’m Wrong” that sounds like Peter & Gordon but “I Dare You (Show Me Love)” seems to be a bit sluggish. The one highlight from the first half is how well and effortless “Dark Sweet Lady” comes off, bringing to mind George Harrison to a certain extent. But a close second is the Beatles-esque, orchestrated “Every Minute of the Day”. Meanwhile the second half begins with the promising, infectious “Death of Caroline” and “Lived This Life Too Long” which is delectable sweet pop. Think of XTC-meets-Brian Wilson and you get the gist of this record.

• Multiple songs MySpace