The Kick "I Can't Let Go" (Countdown, 1986)

25 years ago, during the white heat of the lo-fi era,  I would've despised this: a polished, major label-sounding 80s rendition of the cherished Evie Sands (and many others) stormer. Now, however, it sounds vital and the studio sheen isn't off-putting in the slightest. I guess that's as a result of buying a bunch of power pop reissues in the intervening years. The singer has a fine voice and, really, the only thing I would change is to tone down the Beach Boys-y falsetto backing vox just a touch. Unplayed copies are really cheap so what ya waitin' on, punk?