The Greenhornes - Greenhornes - 2001

Unlike many garage revival records, what stands out about the Greenhornes' self-titled release is that their original songs sound better than their covers. While remaining true to the '50s blues and '60s rock/mod pioneers which clearly influenced them (think Stax meets Kinks), the Greenhornes have established themselves as classic songwriters in their own right. Produced by John Curley (formerly of Afghan Whigs), the album is a compelling blend of vintage and modern. Slow-tempo, melancholy ballads like "Stay Away Girl" alternate with rumpshakers like "Lies" and "Nobody Loves You." However, it's Fox's vocals (once described as "worn") which are the magic element on the album. It's hard to believe that it's really just a 24-year-old white kid from Ohio singing these songs. -AMG

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