The Undertones
The Undertones

The Undertones

The Undertones

1979

British Punk

The Buzzcocks and the Undertones could probably fight a duel over who truly invented punk pop, but while the Buzzcocks inarguably got there first, the Undertones added a palpable joy and youthful freshness to their take on the fast/loud/short aesthetic that redefined the whole idea. The Undertones' 1979 debut album was at once a taste of something new and a reminder of the heady pleasures of teenage life that helped define early rock & roll.

- Mark Deming

Scissor Sisters
Scissor Sisters

Scissor Sisters

Scissor Sisters

May 4, 2004

Dance-Rock

The New Yorkers' 2004 debut is a gleaming composite of epic, unabashedly pretty '70s songwriting and fancy-pants disco hedonism, reflecting the decadent dance-pop afterglow of all that George Michael wrought. Flirty, satiny sexuality tingles in every lyrical inch of the album, as the group save their subtlety for the songcraft.

- Johnny Loftus