The Picketts - Euphonium (1996)

The third album by Seattle's The Picketts was their second in as many years. Produced by Los Lobos' Steve Berlin, the sound here is both muscular and warm. The guitars in particular are edgy and rich, and the entwined lines of "Action Speaks Louder Than Words" are a sonic marvel. Singer Christy McWilson, (whose next recording would be her own debut solo album four years later), pens the bulk of these songs; she's a strong and supple writer, spinning tales with heart and soul as well as a sense of place, and moving easily between country sentiments ("House Made From Cards") and pop smarts ("Night Fell"). Pete Townshend's Who classic "Baba O'Riley" and The Clash's "Should I Stay or Should I Go" (which The Picketts had recorded at the beginning of the '90s as their first single) are both covered here.

Though they toured in support of EUPHONIUM, the band was unable to build a strong following, sadly making this album their last. Fans are advised to obtain Christy McWilson's THE LUCKY ONE, released in 2000.