Girls: Father, Son, Holy Ghost

Label: True Panther Sounds

Quite possibly the album of the year. On their sophomore LP, the Bay Area duo Girls have delivered a genuine rarity: a bold and ambitious indie-rock album that not only delivers all the goods but sounds fresh and retro all at once. If you enjoyed the band's debut, Album (and who didn't?), you'll find much to admire on Father, Son, Holy Ghost: singer-songwriter Christopher Owens's melodies and warbly vocals are still in fine form, but what makes this album stand out, and what may make naysayers into believers, is the high caliber of musicianship. In short, it rocks. Owens and his sidekick Chet "JR" White have a created a true pop masterpiece of the old-school '70s kind, with Mellotrons, swirling organs, flutes and guitar solos that will bring to mind the likes of Pink Floyd, the Stones and Deep Purple. But what makes the album so endearing is Owens's vulnerable and charming singing and lyrics. He gives the album soul and warmth. The highlights are numerous. Topping the list is "Alex," a driving pop ditty that will go down as one of the year's catchiest tunes. "Vomit" is an epic, thunderous ballad with organs and soul singers. "Die" will bring out the prog geek in you, especially once the guitar solo kicks in. "Honey Bunny," "Saying I Love You," the eight-minute "Forgiveness" -- all tremendous. These dudes have some scary talent. Can't wait to see where they go next.