The Redwalls

In the early part of this decade, Chicago-based rock nostalgists The Redwalls were touted as likely candidates to carry the torch of garage-rock revivalism even further into the mainstream consciousness. But though the "next big thing" tag never stuck to the band the way that major-label executives banked on, The Redwalls managed to adapt and survive. In fact, the band has never stopped working, releasing two full-lengths and a homemade EP and touring Europe in support of Oasis.

The Redwalls' self-titled 2007 release churned out yet more timeless pop with catchy melodies and effortless sibling harmonies. The album's more spacious production conjures a bit of Phil Spector romanticism and adds more mystery to its infectious arsenal. On the bouncy, echo-drenched single "Modern Diet," lead singer and guitarist Logan Baren laments that it's all been done before. Well, maybe it has, but it still sounds damn fine.