Additional personnel: Neko Case.

Personnel: Daniel Bejar, Carl Newman (vocals, Wurlitzer organ); Kurt Dahle (vocals, drums); Neko Case (vocals); Blaine Thurier (keyboards); Fisher Rose (drums).

Recording information: 2000.

Photographers: Shannon Oksanen; Bill Anderson .

Unknown Contributor Role: John Collins.

It is easy to trace the influences of the New Pornographers. Ghosts of the Beatles, Big Star, T. Rex, David Bowie, and legions of underground power-pop bands all bubble up through the songs on MASS ROMANTIC, the Vancouver-based rock band's debut. Yet far from sounding derivative, or like a rehashed rock history lesson, MASS ROMANTIC is a minor pop masterpiece (in part due to how craftily these influences have been synthesized via the masterful songwriting on offer). From the opening blast of the title track to the closing chords of "Breakin' the Law," MASS ROMANTIC is non-stop aural pleasure.

Comprised of members from several other acclaimed indie bands, including Dan Bejar (Destroyer), Carl Newman (Zampuno), and Neko Case (whose solo country albums are also recommended), the New Pornographers ride high with fierce pop energy, lush harmonies, and songwriting that emphasizes irrepressible melodies. While on one hand it seems the band's sound--which fuses 1960s Beatles-esque smarts with '70s power-pop propulsion and '80s new wave edginess--is its strongest asset, the fact that the record has more hooks than a bait-and-tackle shop is what will keep listeners coming back for more. A true must-have gem.