Greg Kihn and his band were one of several key signings for the Bay Area’s Beserkley Records, a power pop label that featured the unique talents of Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers and The Rubinoos among its highlights. This stellar compilation features the original recordings of Kihn’s pop tunes, which put the power in power pop. “The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em Like That. . .),” “Happy Man,” “Testify,” and “Jeopardy” are among the finest hits of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Kihn was also a crafty interpreter of Bruce Springsteen’s songs, giving “For You” and “Rendezvous” Byrds-like jangling that impressed the Boss himself. The unpretentious, straightforward approach gave the tracks a kinetic energy that could only be developed through intense rehearsal and a pure love of rock ‘n’ roll. The songs got more detailed productions as budgets permitted, but the ability of Kihn and bassist Steve Wright to write concise, heartfelt pop tunes made the group a rock band of genuine consequence.

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