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.

Mass Romantic is a barnstorming debut from the New Pornographers, a collection of Vancouver-based indie rockers. With chief songwriting duties falling into the hands of Destroyer's Dan Bejar and Zumpano's Carl Newman, the album displays a decidedly power pop form of indie rock. Guitars wail and ratchet as keyboards swirl toward every direction of the compass. The vocals, handled by Bejar, Newman, drummer Kurt Dahl, and alt-country star Neko Case, are sung in a style that delivers maximum catchiness. The band displays a keen sense of musical history, as the songs cover influences ranging from the Beatles ("The Mary Martin Show") to David Bowie ("The Slow Descent into Alcoholism") to T. Rex ("Mystery Hours") to Todd Rundgren ("The Fake Headlines"). Mass Romantic is noisy, fuzzy, crunchy, and hook-heavy. It's an album that reveals its charms through repeat listens, and makes a listener wonder how the band can master so many different musical styles via so many vocalists while still maintaining a fiercely cohesive sound. Case, who has previously proven herself a master of warped country crooning, proves herself equally accomplished in the world of rock swagger with her vocals on "Mass Romantic" and "Letter from an Occupant"; she provides background vocals on a number of other tracks as well. In some better alternate reality, Mass Romantic's bitter yet sugary staccato treats would have burnt up the charts with hit single after hit single. ~ Tim DiGravina