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Those familiar with Kevin Morby’s work with Woods and The Babies – bands known for lo-fi, DIY aesthetics and noisy explorations – might be surprised by his debut solo LP. “Harlem River” finds Morby ditching the overdriven guitars for classic rock accompaniment and crisp, clean production.

“Harlem River” sounds like a lost recording from the 60s, albeit one that blends a variety of popular styles from the era. Album opener “Miles, Miles, Miles” and the CCR-tinged “Wild Side” (a tip of the the hat to Lou Reed, perhaps) waxes classic electrified folk with gentle guitar arpeggios, smooth electric organ, and Morby sounding like Dylan on the vocals.

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A few tracks, namely the rockabilly boogie “Reign” and “The Dead They Don’t Come Back,” with its steel guitar, call to mind classic country music. The title track, despite sounding way too much like Gotye’s “Somebody I Used To Know,” has that dark plodding tone of early psychedelic rock.

“Harlem River” is something of a concept album. The eight songs follow a series of characters through various tales of tragedy and misfortune in New York City. Not that it detracts from the quality of the songs, but the narrative is somewhat vague, and it requires a number of listens to put the stories together.

On the other hand, “Harlem River” being a tribute to the Big Apple, Morby does a great job of reflecting it’s musical history. Many of the songs distinctly reflect styles that came out of the city throughout the 20th Century.

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Though this is Morby’s solo debut, and he proves he’s perfectly capable of holding things down by himself on the stripped down “If You Leave And If You Marry,” it’s the guest appearances that really set this album off. “Slow Train,” the moody duet with Cate Le Bon is one of the albums highlights. Justin Sullivan, also of The Babies, adds tasteful drumming to many of the songs, and Will Canzoneri and White Fence’s Tim Presley also contribute to the record.

“Harlem River,” due out on Nov. 26, is a solid album with a dark, classic vibe and talented songwriting. Anyone with a penchant for folk, blues or Americana is sure to appreciate this record.