FILE UNDER...CRITICAL DIFFERENCES (2002)

Yes, they sound like Nirvana. And the Beatles. And, well, Nirvana. But what these audacious L.A.-based Aussies lack in originality they more than make up for in spirited execution. From the pummeling 93-second title track to the grungy comedown of "1969," Evolved is derivative in the best way, and debunks any claims of silverchairesque charlatanism. In this case, teenage angst--and a good record collection--has paid off well. --BMR

I have heard the future, and it sounds like...Stone Temple Pilots? If advance rumblings are to be believed, the Vines are one of the best bands on the planet--Nirvana to the Hives' Pearl Jam (or something like that). In fact, they're a second-rate grunge retread whose album, a decade ago, would have been written off for what it is: boring and dreary. Now it's being heralded as a classic? I think I'll go listen to the new Mudhoney record instead. --RB

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