The Tearaways - Ground's the Limit - 1997

While the Tearaways could've easily faded into power pop oblivion, their charming, ringing power pop came to the attention of some of the right people. Especially notable is that the haunting "Jessica Something" was included in Rhino's genre-defining Poptopia series of power pop classics of the '70s, '80s, and '90s, even though the Tearaways were still relative unknowns. It endeared them to the right audience: The rabidly cult following of power pop leeched on and this album became a bit of a left-field hit. The Tearaways' sound is obviously indebted to '80s jangle pop -- especially Let's Active and the dB's, but their alternately haunting and punchy pop songs have charm that's all their own. "Jessica Something" is certainly not the only highlight: As the rocking "For Free" or ringing "I Can't Get Through" prove, the Tearaways certainly have quite a few good songs in them. -AMG