Pop U! (Eraserheads, 1991)

Not first ever indie, rather self-released cassette of dozen songs already worth a proper album. Some of which already recorded for what is now known as “garjam” demo, and half of which would later appear in their major label albums. Sound-wise, it’s a combination of pop, post-punk and whatever they heard inside their heads, muddled up ingenuously. Production-wise, it is akin to Slanted and Enchanted, albeit unintentionally. Aside from confirming that their strength is on song craft more than studio cookery and technical cockiness, it also provides glimpse into the bands’ early days. Not a masterpiece, but a rarity. The Holy Grail for die-hards and remarkable addition to any music fan’s collection. ***

Head Trip In Every Key (Superdrag, 1998)

Rock is dead theorem was actually bollocks. Unbeknownst to many, Pavement's Brighten the Corners actually saved rock n' roll in '97. And paved the way for Superdrag's pretentiously titled Head Trip In Every Key the following year, which proved that rock wasn't just breathing fire, but was actually alive and kicking asses, albeit murderously. But then, Superdrag and their music (ditto with Pavement) never had that counterculture baggage for the industry and media to exploit. Thus, this masterpiece never stole the spotlight. While the band boasts melodic burst after burst of glorious fuzz, they were probably closer to breezy power-pop of Fountains of Wayne than to the darker sound of the early nineties. And while their label were probably aiming them to be the next big thing, John Davis and his cohorts had another thing in mind - make another great album without repeating Regretfully Yours. Unfortunately, it flew under the radar and never made a hit, and so the band got dropped subsequently. The world is not fair. Pitchfork, Slant and everyone, this band deserves to be on your list. A forgotten classic. Though they never really cared about hits, especially on this album, this isn't Nirvana trying to be unlistenable on In Utero. This is not a band trying to shy away from the spotlight. Superdrag meant it to be shared and heard. And they're just there, hanging around the corner, waiting, secretly watching and yearning for those precious minutes you wasted, quietly inviting you to grab those headphones, press play and listen. *****