Album: White Denim, Workout Holiday (Full Time Hobby)

While many bands name-drop Nick Drake, the Beach Boys and the Velvets (fine and proper, but getting predictable), my interest in this Texas trio was assured when bassist Steve Terebecki announced that White Denim "would really like to turn into XTC".

A single, the Devo-ish call-and-response blast of "Let's Talk About It" boded well, and as deranged, quirky and uneven as it is, 'Workout Holiday' cements the arrival of a group that dares to be different. The title refers to the fact that recording took place during time off from "blue collar day jobs". Won't be needing those any more.

Pick of the Album: 'Let's Talk About It' is a real crowd pleaser