Seven More Minutes, The Rentals

Seven More Minutes, The Rentals (Maverick)

Barcelona, Spain must be an inspirational place.

Matt Sharp, bassist for Weezer and driving force behind the Rentals, wrote or co-wrote this wonderful album’s songs in that city and even named one of the tunes after it.

Besides references to discos and transvestites, the song features commanding guitar, a compelling hook and kicky electronic fuzz.

It’s the coolest tune the Pixies never did.

And though the apparent influence of other bands – including the Beatles – pops up throughout, the Rentals are no mere imitators.

Of course, one expects impressive things from a band who’s collaborators include Blur’s Damon Albarn and Elastica’s Donna Matthews.

The result is a delightful mix of pop, punk and powerful hooks that’s at turns lighthearted and ominous.

She Says It’s Alright pairs a gentle, little tune with lyrics that painfully convey a lover’s indifference.

The hard rocking Keep Sleeping hints at the ugliness of possessiveness: “When you leave your friends for me/the itinerary is a thousand places we could be.”

--Heidi Johnson-Wright