Miracle of Science
In 1982, Marshall Crenshaw seemed destined for the throne of power pop. He had the beat of Buddy Holly, none of Elvis Costello's angst, and a brilliant self-titled debut album. Sadly, the decade's musical tastes swung from guitar pop to synth pop, and Crenshaw was left a critically acclaimed outcast. Fourteen years later, a more mature Crenshaw reemerges withMiracle of Science. Songs of love have given way to songs of relationships, while tracks like the mournful "Laughter" look back on broken hearts with the insight that only time provides. Still, he tempers even the album's darker emotions with killer hooks, maintains his twisted sense of humor, and builds on his danceable guitar pop by digging deep into his love for country and blues. His brilliant guitar work floats over driving rhythms, and a handful of well interpreted covers (including Grant Hart's "Twenty-five Forty-one") put this album over the edge.--Bill Snyder