Lullaby Lovett

Nobody’s quite like Lyle Lovett. The Muppet-faced singer-songwriter plays, for lack of a better term, country music. But it’s a country must for A Prairie Home Companion fans, for Texans who vote Democrat and insist Austin is just different. Or to put it another way: Lyle Lovett plays adult-contemporary-country. But if you’re a Lyle-head I don’t need to tell you this; you are well familiar with his gentle tenor and literate take on American music — referencing Leonard Cohen, Kris Kristofferson and Townes Van Zandt.

Lovett built his cult following with over a dozen studio releases and a slew of movie and TV appearances (you might also remember an ill-fated marriage to Julia Roberts in the ’90s). Paste Magazine notes that Lovett’s 2012 record Release Me “finds him resolutely steadfast in his excellence and eclecticism.” “Garfield’s Blackberry Blossom,” a rollicking and traditional fiddle tune, kicks off the record. Elsewhere, the album features Bob Wills-style Texas swing, covers from Van Zandt and the obscure folk singer Eric Roberts, as well as the jazz-standard “Baby It’s Cold Outside” — all delivered with Lyle’s trademark quirky charm.

I want to like Lyle Lovett. He’s a class act and a true individual. His die-hard fans seem smart and have such good taste. Unfortunately for me, Lovett shares with Garrison Keillor a certain timbre in his voice that puts me straight to sleep. But if you love some Lovett you’re in luck.

Lyle Lovett and his Large Band play 7:30 pm Monday, Aug. 5, at the Hult; $31.25-$59.