Producer for numerous Twin City bands, Polara mastermind Ed Ackerson has a passion for gizmos – rickety synths and echo boxes, ancient audio claptrap. And like many a rabid studio hound, he seems to have memorized every AM-heyday hit ever made. Fitting out his quartet's originals with bits 'n' pieces of all of the above, he delivers sheer infectious fun – songs packed with sing-along choruses and catchy, heavily reverbed effects. Guest star John Strohm of Velo-Deluxe shines on "Source of Light"; "Letter Bomb," "Taupe" and "Listening Now" highlight Ackerson's shimmering guitar and casual, approachable vocals. Fans of Big Star or Matthew Sweet will catch some of the same buzz from Polara's unstoppable pop. (clean/twin tone, 612-874-2400) (RS 702)

PAUL EVANS