The A's - A Woman's Got The Power (1981) [Reissue 2014]

The A's combined the irreverence of punk rock with a fun sort of texture and a pop sensibility, and, most importantly, a sense of humor. Their music forged a path that encompassed power pop, punk, and a retro, almost mod, texture. They did it with accessible hooks and catchy numbers. This band is really one that should have been somebody, but seemed to have been caught in an awkward time of musical indecision, and this two-fer of their first and best albums is the best place to hear the excitement and wit that made them special.