Center of the Universe (1993)

A loosely constructed group out of Tucson, Ariz., Giant Sand is built on the whims of Howe Gelb, who has clearly spent too much time air-guitaring to Neil Young records. Between his Younglike squonks, Lou Reed-style talk-singing, and lost-my-place lyrics, there are pleasures to be had on Center of the Universe, but none that alternative-rock lovers haven't heard before. One important point of distinction: backup singing from Sue Cowsill — yes, of the Cowsills.