Well...to be honest, I think ALL their albums are pretty great, and they're way too eclectic to have created a single definitive masterpiece. I would personally advise getting their Best-of collection "Peek a Boo" -- a great comp -- but I believe it's out of print. Go used if ya can.

So...here goes. "At Yankee Stadium" is probably the best introduction to the classic line-up of the band. Al Anderson turns in some poppy rockers ("It Comes to Me Naturally") and both Adams and Spampinato contribute songs that are highly representative of their compositional output ("I Want You Bad," "I Love Her..." "Yes Yes Yes"). Also, the covers of "Get Rhythm" and "Shake Rattle and Roll" kick serious ass.

"Scraps" is a good playbook of the band's earlier, less pop-driven side. The songs veer closer to wild, abstract R&B ("Do You Feel it?") and some of the lyrics have a dreamy, Kerouac-esque, nearly stream-of-consciousness quality ("Boys in the City," especially "Scraps"). Many fans swear by this album.

But, my favorite albums are neither of those. I love their eponymous debut for its daring and its full-tilt grittiness. I love "Tiddlywinks" for its pop perfection ("Never Take the Place of You," "Roll Call"). I love "All Hopped Up" for its plaintive catchiness ("Riding in My Car," "Call him off Rogers"). I love "Grooves in Orbit" for "Raining at the Drive-in" and "Wild Weekend" for "Little Floater" and "If I Don't Have You".

You want my advice? Find a friend/Q-fanatic to make you a mix tape! But whatever you do, you will never regret diving headfirst into their oeuvre. Good luck and godspeed.
Source(s):
none, just my memory and my iTunes

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