Recorded, mixed, and mastered by fellow Lowell legend Sir Bob Nash at his Wonka Sound Studio, LSFL is, in Taylor’s own words, a raw recording without the extensive overdubs common in a lot of contemporary albums, including his own past work. For the casual listener, that fact is completely irrelevant. I say this because anyone not pissed off at the world will fall in love with Taylor’s silky vocals and perfect melodies even before the first bridge of opening song “Sleepy Eyes” drops.

If you haven’t had the good fortune of hearing Taylor’s music, his ukulele sounds almost exactly as you’d imagine it. Avoiding thoughts of beaches and palm trees when listening is difficult, despite the fact that lyrics usually deal with love quarrels in bars and similar urban tales. Over the course of these 16 songs, hearts get broken, women get serenaded, and a whole lot of alcohol gets consumed. Local haunts even get props on “Middle Street” and “Salisbury Beach.” And through it all, whether he’s telling the story or a part of it, Taylor is the big teddy bear you can’t help but love.

This talented songwriter has truly become the master of his own genre, and just as essential as his ukulele to the timeless sound he creates are the instruments played by his Fabulous Meltones - the tropical/surf/slide guitar of Dave Livingston, the brush snare drums of producer Nash, and the organic thud of Johnny Grant’s upright bass. Vocal harmonies of the band are frequent and magical.

Love Songs for Losers is another great release by Lowell musicians in a summer that promises to be full of them. My advice is to stop by Sangria’s at the Melvern Taylor show on Friday night, even if it’s just for long enough to pick up a copy of the new album from the merch table. You'll be glad you did.