Ignition

Shoes were one of the great unsung power pop bands of the '70s. The Illinois band self-released their earliest albums before a major label picked them up and gave them an actual recording budget, which let Shoes improve the sonics while remaining true to their great performances and songwriting. Then they receded from view, and 18 years passed before Shoes finally took their finger off the pause button. Ignition sounds as if they'd never stopped. As befits a group that hasn't released an album in some time, Ignition is packed with solid tunes that have been accumulating for years. "Head Vs. Heart," "Heaven Help Me," and "Maybe Now" establish that Jeff and John Murphy and Gary Klebe have lost none of their abilities. Once again recording in their home studio, and enjoying all the benefits of modern technology, Shoes sound natural and fully accomplished. The acoustic guitars are warm, the electrics jangle and growl, and the harmonies remain the band's strongest asset. There are no wasted notes and no fancy solos: just purely economical power pop with an autumnal undertow guiding the enthusiasm of "Wrong Idea," "Sign of Life," and "Only We Remain."