Album of the Day

New Zealand in the 1980s was a hotbed of alternative pop, and among that scene's leading lights were The Chills. Following a series of acclaimed releases for local imprint Flying Nun, the band signed to Warner Bros. subsidiary Slash and issued the equally wonderful SUBMARINE BELLS in 1990. From the aptly titled opener “Heavenly Pop Hit,” it's clear that singer-songwriter Martin Phillipps and company have lost none of their talent for memorable melodies, atmospheric arrangements and quirky-but-resonant lyrics; coupled with punchy production (courtesy of Gary Smith), these dozen originals are pretty much irresistible. SUBMARINE BELLS may have only topped the chart in New Zealand, but indie fans everywhere ought to have this one on their radar.