There are moments on Tom Brosseau’s Grass Punks that are so transcendent they call to mind the Van Dyke Parks/Brian Wilson collaborative masterpiece, Smile. On that record those two inspired, young visionaries re-imagined the American folk and pop traditions, and infused that rich history with a modern sensibility and art-school lyricism. Similarly, Brosseau’s familiarity with the American folk songbook — along with his pioneering spirit and prep-school intellect — make Grass Punks an album that earns him his own rightful place in the hallowed halls of great, innovative, American songwriters. Produced and accompanied by Sean Watkins (Nickelcreek), the record is somehow both comfortingly simple and dazzlingly intricate. Brosseau invigorates conversational language with his meticulously dignified delivery, and in the process makes Grass Punks his strongest record yet. Tom Brosseau plays in Lompoc on Saturday, March 8 at 8 p.m. Visit tombrosseau.com for info.