Released last fall, Jason Dove’s We Should Be Together is a dramatic amalgam of classic pop, pluckiness, and a rock intensity rarely heard in heartfelt indie songs such as these. The beefy groove of “So You Know” is bolstered by the knob-turning of J. Robbins (Jawbox), who recorded the album in late 2006 at his Baltimore studio The Magpie Cage.

Exposed, humorous, and adroitly arranged, We Should Be Together introduces itself with Dove plucking a ukelele, but quickly plunges into vocal harmonies, skulking melodies (”Come Back To Me”), and statospheric noise intros that somehow lapse into settling nightcaps (”Wishing It Was Over”). The title track develops as floor toms march forth a harmonious ditty. The composition takes on several personalities as a change 90 seconds in flip-flops the mood with hypnotizing vibraphone.

Where the album dives into college rock on “Stoned on Beer”, it does so without any faux pas (such as leaving those beer cans in the yard after the party’s over). Really, really fun music on this album. But when it gets serious, it can get heart-wrenching. And that’s where its charm lies.

You’re in luck, because you can still download the album for free through February 10 at Dove’s site. If you really enjoy the album, support Baltimore music and buy the physical CD or go to a show! Jason Dove will be joined by the Magic Whip, opening for Daniel Johnston along with Lizz King at Ottobar on February 24.