Marshall Crenshaw
One of the best releases of the '80s (by one of the most consistent album artists in rock since that time),Marshall Crenshawis a jukebox of catchy riffs, hooky choruses, and beatific harmonies from Detroit-reared singer-guitarist Crenshaw and his trio. This is a classic driving album, beach album, doing-housework album--you could pay your taxes to it and still bop along joyously. From the jangly opener "There She Goes Again" to the sparkling pop of "Someday Someway" and "Mary Anne" to the lyrically compelling rockers like "Cynical Girl" and "The Usual Thing," Crenshaw and producer Richard Gottehrer (Go-Go's, Blondie) conjure up a timeless pop sheen that highlights the band's neo-retro hooks with exotica-like glockenspiel. The production adds the odd touch of magic to this classic, from a purposeful young songwriter-singer-guitarist busting out of the gate at the top of his game.--Don Harrison