While it's true that the self-titled debut from Kasabian doesn't sound particularly original, that's hardly the point. They can be forgiven because they do it so well. Their influences are obvious throughout Kasabian: "Processed Beats" is the Stone Roses song that never was, while "Reason is Treason" could have driven straight off of Primal Scream's Vanishing Point. Self-professed fans of the afore-mentioned bands, as well as DJ Shadow and Neu!, Kasabian are clearly not afraid of a little electronic knob-twiddling. The result is an album that harkens back to the baggy days of the late 1980s and early 90s, seamlessly switching between bass-heavy anthems ("Club Foot") and blissed-out tracks ("I.D."). And if they occasionally sound a bit like EMF, well, that's no bad thing—it's just proof that they know a thing or two about writing a catchy tune. Kasabian are by no means the first band to merge indie rock with dance floor beats, but they are easily one of the best. --Robert Burrow

• Artist: Kasabian
• Format: Vinyl
• Genre: Rock

• Audio: Stereo