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AC/DC, “Big Jack”
What year is it? Judging by the lightning-bolt power chords that fuel this instant-classic stomper, our guess is 1980.
[Review]

Ryan Adams, “Magick”
A fierce garage-rock growler about mushroom clouds, zombie raids and other mysterious forces that rival the power of rock & roll.
[Listen] [Review]

Kaiser Chiefs, “Good Days Bad Days”
It’s a strutting, shout-along riff on kids who’ve gotten the short straw in life, but its merry Brit-pop hooks make being the underdog sound like fun.
[Listen] [Review]

Raphael Saadiq, “Oh Girl”
Hova drops flirty verses over a cooing, Motown-style ballad so smooth it would make Smokey Robinson proud.
[Listen] [Review]

[From Issue 1064 — October 30, 2008]