BOB WELCH—French Kiss (Capitol)::An extremely annoying album, mainly because there are some very good songs here but you have to zero out the discofied arrangements to hear them. It’s hard to figure out just what Welch is up to—his well-tempered guitar and vocals constantly get dominated by the surroundings. Spunfls like two rival radio stations caught in the same wavelength. Sticking out like a sore thumb is a lovely re-make of “Sentimental Lady,” with former associates Christine M. and Mick F. and Welch’s own replacement, Lindsey B., helping out, and its excellence only serves to make the rest of the LP that much more intolerable. B.A.

NILS LOFGREN—Night After Night (A&M)::Some of you young whippersnappers might not remember when this guy was the baddest motherfucker on the block, and I know that after you listen to this, you’re sure not gonna believe me, but it was true. I guess he figured that if Frampy can sell a trillion records by playing lazy, uninspired versions of his best stuff, he can sell two trillion by being twice as lazy and uninspired. Sad. E.W.