The Boo Radleys - Kingsize (1998)

While Kingsize has some electronic beats thrown into the mix, the British band's pop-inspired psychedelic rock isn't much different from its earlier efforts. Fueled by Martin Carr's exciting guitar playing and infectious songwriting as well as by lead singer Sice's dramatic crooning, Kingsize exhibits the Radleys' many musical strengths. Infusing Beatlesque pop with modern guitar textures and trippy production techniques, the band walks a fine line between radio-friendly ditties and underground rock anthems. With songs like "Jimmy Webb Is God" and "Free Huey," Carr reveals himself as a clever lyricist with equally impressive abilities in the realm of guitar architecture. Although lacking the peaks of their classic Giant Steps album, this is a consistent effort from one of England's better rock ensembles. --Mitch Myers