The Jimmyriggers

Not since I discovered the country punk attitude and pure bliss of Uncle Tupelo’s final record (1993’s Anodyne) during a late night university listening session has there been a record that’s got under my skin so much. From the opening electric guitar explosion of "Dropout Theory” to the swaying sounds and catchy choruses of songs like "Sunday Morning Paper” and "Walk Me Back to Rosie,” this trio of Montreal musicians channel the energy of their alt-country predecessors to offer Canada’s truest contribution to this overused term for a genre. With succinct, storied songwriting and powerful lyrics such as "And I hope you don’t find my name with a one-line obituary,” the Jimmyriggers offer crisp harmonies, covering some serious subjects over the course of the disc’s 11 cuts. This debut feels live-off-the-floor; it is pure and raw. Stay tuned — they are an undiscovered indie band to watch in 2009.