The Wildhearts - Earth Vs The Wildhearts (1993)

Formed in 1990 by singer/guitarist Ginger (ex- Quireboys and Throbs) and guitarist Chris "CJ" Jagdhar (ex- Tattoed Love Boys), the Wildhearts augmented their sound with bassist Danny McCormack and drummer Andrew "Stidi" Stidolph. Following the release of two EPs (one a double), the U.K. band released a full-length Earth Vs. the Wildhearts in late 1993 to critical acclaim and a string of chart singles (in their home country). Theirs is a propulsive, full-throttle brand of rock, owing a debt to Motorhead and the Ramones. Clever lyrics and breakneck riffs abound, and it is impossible to not get caught up in the mile-wide hooks on virtually every cut, from "TV Tan" to "Suckerpunch." Mick Ronson adds guitar on the wry "My Baby Is a Headfuck" and the song "Caffeine Bomb" more than lives up to its name. Attitude, melody and rock-solid rhythms make Earth Vs. the Wildhearts a worthy debut.