We didn't read the press release for the Hootie & the Blowfish CD -- because really, life is just too short for that sort of thing -- but usually, when veteran acts put out self-titled albums, it's meant to reflect their musical "rebirth."

Well, we're not sure whether to be bummed or glad the Blowfish haven't really changed a thing -- not their music, not their clothes, not even their hairstyles (though husky singer Darius Rucker is looking a little thin on top).

On their first disc in five years, the quartet still traffic in the mainstream guitar-rock and last-waltz ballads as always. Oh, here and there on these 12 songs, they stretch a tad -- Little Brother has a latter-day Doobies groove, and their rootsy cover of Continental Drifters' Rain Song is a nice thought -- but this is less a rebirth than a change of scenery.

Meet the new Hootie; same as the old Hootie. (More on Hootie & the Blowfish)

Track Listing
1. Deeper Side
2. Little Brother
3. Innocence
4. Space
5. I'll Come Running
6. Tears Fall Down
7. The Rain Song
8. Show Me Your Heart
9. When She's Gone
10. Little Darlin'
11. Woody
12. Go And Tell Him (Soup Song)
13. Alright