"Marshall Crenshaw" by Marshall Crenshaw (released 1982 - remastered 2000)
Arriving on the scene like a musical superhero to save our world from the scourge of lifeless synthesizer overkill and dumb-ass hair bands, Marshall Crenshaw serves up this heavenly slice of pop/rock manna. His self-titled release is a nonstop pop stunner from the first beat of the bouncy "There She Goes Again" through the closing rockabilly raveup of "Brand New Lover". In between Crenshaw crafts one gem after another using the simple guitar, bass and drums (with plenty of tambourine) to it's fullest. Pretty harmonies open "Girls..." Sun era slapback powers "The Usual Thing", the punchy "She Can't Dance" includes a stinging guitar solo and "Mary Anne" features all of the above. Marshall's tenor carries every tune easily and beautifully resulting in an album full of happy ear worms. The two standouts among all the highlights are the jangly "Cynical Girl" and the irresistible masterpiece, "Someday, Someway" which is among the most perfect pop songs ever written. Starting with bright ringing guitar, joined by a pounding bass drum and exploding into the unforgettable singalong chorus this is a classic song in any genre. Crenshaw never topped his masterful debut, but with songs this strong it hardly matters or even seems possible anyway. The 2000 remaster features nine extra tracks including the outstanding "Starlit Summer Sky", "Whenever You're on My Mind" and "You're My Favorite Waste of Time". Best. Debut. Ever.
"Innerspeaker" by Tame Impala (released 2010)
Out of Perth, Australia emerges a new leader in psych-rock mastery. This debut album is a dense, spacey bubble of ear-bending chewing gum for your mind. Kevin Parker's vocals float effortlessly over layers of echoing guitar sparkle and fuzz. Flurries of shimmering experimental noise and rhythms weave in and out of each tune (a la early Pink Floyd) but never at the expense of the song. This music will be swimming through your brain long after the CD has ended. The melodic instrumental haze of the opener "It Is Not Meant To Be" sucks you into a sonic vortex before the vocals kick in more than a minute later and takes you that extra step higher. "Lucidity" and "Why Won't You Make Up Your Mind" are two more dreamy pieces of psych-candy. A trippy wah-wah guitar riff leads into the groove of my favorite tune "Solitude Is Bliss" (at just under four minutes the "repeat" button was created for songs like this). "Jeremy's Storm" is an instrumental change of pace and the album finishes strong with the driving "I Don't Really Mind". Do yourself a favor and pick up this magnificent release which is finally available domestically. Easily one of my favorites of 2010!
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