The Screaming Blue Messiahs - Gun-Shy (1986/2009)

Starting off with the hyperactive pub rock sound of "Wild Blue Yonder," this is a great debut record. Taking its cues from punk rock, the Messiahs crank up the intensity with songs like "Smash the Marketplace" and the ominous "Let's Go Out to the Woods Tonight." If Gun-Shy stumbles, it's probably because it's a tad restrained (given the energy, volume, and power these guys generated live), as if it were assumed that audiences simply might not be able to handle it all at once. Still, that's a minor complaint. This record will knock you out.© John Dougan /TiVo