Tommy Keene

This six-song set became one of 1984's top-selling and critically acclaimed independent releases. Although the reissued version of his 1981 debut album, Strange Alliance, received a lot of press, it wasn't readily available even within a couple of years of its release, so this magnificent collection of intelligent, guitar-based pop was the first glimpse many got of the much-written-about great pop hope from Washington, D.C. Shades of the Who, the Byrds, and Big Star shine through in memorable, hook-laden songs and strong vocal harmonies, with Keene's fluid guitar work adorning every track. Containing five irresistible Keene originals plus an ardent cover of Alex Chilton's "Hey! Little Child," the original and best version of the melodic title track is also the leadoff song. Rave reviews of the EP in Rolling Stone and the Village Voice helped Keene gain national exposure and catch the attention of major record labels. But similar to Marshall Crenshaw, Keene's critical accolades never translated to record sales, even though he would continue to release truly great and artistically consistent pop/rock records. ~ Jack Leaver, All Music Guide