![\"jr_league_also_rans\"](\"http:\/\/blog.musoscribe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/jr_league_also_rans.jpg\")
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File Next to: Sloan<\/b><\/a>, The dB’s<\/a><\/b>, Minus 5<\/b><\/p>\n Indie label Kool Kat Musik has carved out a solid (if exceedingly tiny) niche as a purveyor of power pop, that oft-maligned subgenre of music which features sharp hooks, strong melodies, and \u2013 say its detractors \u2013 a slavish lack of originality. But even listeners who aren’t won over by powerpop’s charms may find \u201cAlso Rans\u201d<\/i> an impressive and original release. Keen listeners may hear subtle country-rock shades of The Byrds<\/b>, Moby Grape<\/a><\/b>, Buffalo Springfield<\/b>, and other exponents of that shimmering, jangly electric guitar sound. And The Junior League<\/b> manages that without the slightest whiff of retro-mindedness. The \u201cband\u201d such as it is largely J. Adragna<\/b> with able assistance from Scott McCaughey<\/b> (Young Fresh Fellows<\/b>, Minus 5<\/a>). Adragna’s top-notch songwriting and arrangement sometimes recall the very best of 80s rock, as on the hypnotically alluring \u201cOn\/Off.\u201d Often making evocative use of vocal crosstalk and countermelodies within the context of pop songs, several \u201cAlso Rans\u201d<\/i> tunes evoke memories of very early R.E.M.<\/a><\/b>, albeit with a much stronger pop sensibility. Easily a choice for one of my Best-of-2015 albums releases<\/a>.<\/p>\n