Telephone Free Landslide Victory

This is a manifesto of a strange sound that didn't last long enough. David Lowery's pre-Cracker days were spent with this semi-punk, semi-ska, violin-driven combo and their debut stunner remains a staple, mainly because of the now-immortal "Take the Skinheads Bowling." But with gems such as "Opi Rides Again" and a wonderful cover of Black Flag's "Wasted," the album begs for numerous listens. --Marc Calhoun