The 88 - Over & Over (2005)

The 88 have a lot of believers on its side, causing a big enough stir in the local LA scene to attract the attention of TV shows like The O.C. and Jimmy Kimmel as well as KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic. Singing with a sensual Marc Bolan-like set of pipes, singer Keith Slettedahl has a long list of ex-lovers who fuel his caustic muse. Doing the majority of the songwriting as well, Slettedahl's music leans toward mid-'60s power pop filled with hooky choruses and taunt riffs that recall early Kinks. "Hide Another Mistake" is a prime example of this aesthetic, and it's already been picked as a single, yet "All 'Cause Of You" has an emotional vulnerability to the vocals and a jaunty riff that rams the equally strong song home. Well-balanced with a few quieter acoustic songs, this sophomore effort is an assured and altogether catchy work from a band that deserves all the attention it gets.