Spygenius

Man On The Sea

Big Stir Records

While Spygenius isn't grunge, their delightful update of college rock, in a better world, would be as big as Nirvana’s Nevermind.

Every song has something to recommend it. The single, “Café Emery Hill,” is sunny pop. The dark “Don’t Blame It On Your Mother” is a put- down of those who blame everyone but themselves for their problems. "Spite" comes dancing out of the speakers, a slam at spite-filled people.

The album is also a guide to the band, and a treasure map is included to guide the listener. It's a great touch in an album full of them, and one of the most fun albums I’ve heard all year.

Andrea Weiss