The need to keep my sugar buzz alive lead to an abundance of confection in my top 20 ... though a few garagey offerings did sneak in there.
BELLE & SEBASTIAN: the best record of the 90's, and the only one that made me feel 15 again. BIRDIE: simple pop elements coming together in a compelling mix of sly female vocals and early 70's basslines. JUNE & THE EXIT WOUNDS: What if it was the early 70's and Todd was still God, with Brian Wilson looking in? KITTY CRAFT: pilfered samples from 60's R&B and 70's schmaltzers with simple beats and understated vocals. Like 310 for pop dweebs. WHITE STRIPES: Thee Headcoats meets Led Zep. Yes, that's a good mixture! ROCK*A*TEENS: Yes, he did reproduce that metallic guitar sound live. LOOPER: For a side project, this beat laden sing song spoken word effort is aces. GIRLFRIENDO: Took me awhile to get past the screechy dual female vox, but the sense of humour is apparent immediately. MY FAVORITE: 1983 new wave returns! I'm probably the only one waiting. AMERICAN ANALOG SET: They haven't unleashed a bad record yet, smooth laid back crisp sweetly touching. SHANTI PROJECT: New RHP and Idaho, plus classic Low. And Hayden. JOEL RL PHELPS: not as compelling as the last two, but it'll go down better for the rock fans. FLIN FLON: Robinson takes on old school Cure and New Order and unleashes a homage that stands up to the originals. RESONARS: Late 60's lo-tek pop like the Move or Kinks, but with American flavor. An *authentic* retro 60's pop record! HAPPYDEADMEN: Teenage anthems of smooth Swedish pop with a Trash Can Sinatras flavor. 800 CHERRIES: Boppy Japanese pop that doesn't sound Japanese at all ... it actually has some warmth! DRESSY BESSY: Apples side project with less 60's style but more catchiness. BIS: Guilty pleasure of the year, any album with a war cry for putting FUN into music has me on its side. SHOWCASE SHOWDOWN: Boston punk with an honest 1977 execution and plenty of sly lyrics.