Dum Dum Girls: Only in Dreams

Label: Sub Pop

It's true that Dum Dum Girls are one of many good bands drawing on '60s Spector-pop to have arisen over the past few years, both here in the States and (as proved by the recent arrival of Veronica Falls) in the UK and Europe. A lot of the markers are shared: an emotional quality that splits the difference between melancholic and nostalgic; guitars that push their melodies into fuzz and distortion; and most of all, reverb. But when you lump bands together like this, you forget to notice what's special about each, and Dum Dum Girls are pretty much the best of the lot. That's because in addition to their devastating style (if you haven't seen pictures...), frontGirl Dee Dee (real name: something else) is a bona fide pop genius. Only in Dreams blasts off in fire: the guitar line on "Always Looking" is a killing weapon and Dee Dee's vocals could carry a wickedly melodic hook (as she does several times here) even without a great band behind her. Handclaps factor in on "Just a Creep," and another trebly reverbed guitar line wriggles into your head. Setting off the speedy, hooky songs is the long, slow gracenote of "Coming Down," which'll have you wishing this band had played your prom. If you get just one record of this sort this year, make it Only in Dreams!