With It's Like This, quirky post-bohemian Rickie Lee Jones turns in her first release since 1997's trip-hop-influenced Ghostyhead. As she did on her 1991 album of covers, Pop Pop, Jones offers an unusual mix of songs from all sorts of sources. When has Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" appeared on the same album as Steely Dan's "Show Biz Kids"? Her unconventional choice of material is complemented by her equally fresh selection of musicians: Joe Jackson, Ben Folds, and Taj Mahal are all present, adding their styles to Jones's jazzy remakes. Rather than merely being a parade of talent and clever song choices, though, the result is a lovely, unassuming, and soothing album by a singer of distinction. Outstanding tracks include "Smile," the Beatles' somber "For No One," and Traffic's subversive "The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys." --Heidi Sherman