God Don't Make No Junk
A pretty even-steven stylistic split between project partners Calvin Johnson (Beat Happening, Dub Narcotic Sound System) and Doug Martsch (Built to Spill), this multi-faceted disc could practically serve as a textbook for an "Intro to Indie Rock" class. From goofy surf-pop like "Don't Touch My Bikini" (which recalls the B-52s' pre-fame giddiness) to intricate proto-progressive experiments like "Freedom Rider," the duo pushes consistently forward with both confidence and offhand charm. Taken piece by piece,God Don't Make No Junkis a nifty pop collection, but digested whole, it's much more: it's an affirmation of the stubbornly D.I.Y. ideal that's made the Pacific Northwest such a creative magnet for the last decade, and a signal that that spirit is still there in full force.--David Sprague