Koufax

Although Koufax does a right-on cover of Joe Jackson’s “Steppin’ Out,” American fans might have a hard time finding it in recorded form; so far, it’s only available commercially on the Japanese import version of Koufax’s 2000 disc It Had to Do With Love (available for about $42 plus shipping on Amazon.com). Jackson’s ’80s classic epitomizes the keyboard-and-synthesizer-smothered sophisticated pop sound this quintet hopes to resurrect. Koufax adds a layer of cool new wave to the warm, inviting mellow-jazz vibe of ’70s singer-songwriters, using both devices unironically. It’s been entirely too long since Koufax released its aforementioned debut on the Get Up Kids’ Vagrant Records Heroes and Villains imprint, but concertgoers will be rewarded with a healthy preview of Social Life, its September follow-up, as well as a likely live take of Jackson’s gem.