Michael Leviton

When an act has the seal of approval from John Linnell and John Flansburgh, the prolific pranksters of They Might Be Giants, you can bet the artist is truly unique. Over the years, the Giants have handpicked offbeat opening acts. With a roster that includes singer/songwriter Freedy Johnston and the pop-prog You Were Spiraling, the list is diverse. And Leviton — opening TMBG's spring tour — is no different.

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Leviton calls his craft "surf music," but it's on the opposite coast of the Ventures' brand of reverb-drenched guitar rock. He specializes in delicate, sun- and sand-themed love songs written specifically for performance on the beach. Armed with clever lyrics and a charmingly heartfelt delivery, the gentle lothario accompanies himself on the ukulele. The curious compositions include highlights "I'm In Love (With the Tip of Your Iceberg)" and "Saltwater To Quench Your Thirst." It's odd, but this modern-day Tiny Tim pulls it off with the suave ease of Bryan Ferry. 3 stars