The Cavedogs - Joy Rides For Shut-Ins (1990)

While it was recorded over a period of several years at a handful of studios (with some material dating back to the band's first locally-released single), the Cavedogs' first proper album, Joy Rides for Shut Ins, is a surprisingly cohesive and thoroughly enjoyable set that proves this Boston three-piece had a real gift for smart, witty power pop. While the band is at their most exciting on the harder rocking stuff -- like the punchy "What in the World?," the pop-punk "La La La," and "Tayter Country," which recalls the crunchy drive of the early Who -- the more refined stuff still gets across, and "Proud Land" and "Step Down" prove that these guys could take on weightier subject matter and stand up to the pressure. Todd Spahr's guitar work is efficient and spirited at the same time, while bassist Brian Stevens and drummer Mark Rivers drive the songs home with energy and no small amount of personality. The Cavedogs would display a lot more polish and ambition on their second album, Soul Martini, but Joy Rides for Shut Ins proves they already had enough spunk, spirit, and hooks to satisfy any pop obsessive.