Kevin Seconds: Stoudamire

So, you're a punk-rocker who has been on the scene for years. Your one stab at big-time major-label success backfired when you alienated old fans and gained few new ones. Should you retire with your tail between your legs, or try to buy back some shred of respect by putting out a solo album filled with up-tempo pop songs While the latter seems the less obvious possibility, this is the course taken by Seven Seconds frontman Kevin Seconds. Stoudamire is the album in question, and it's one of the year's most pleasant surprises. Contrary to what some may think, Seconds knows how to execute some self-restraint. His songwriting is warm and heartfelt without becoming trite, and the sound he strives for is marked by jangly guitars and simple beats played on a snare and high hat instead of the harder stuff you might expect based on his past work. The album sounds like Unrest's simpler, toned-down material, or even a bit like Liz Phair—though only musically, not lyrically. It feels good and tingly to listen to it, like when you listen to people who play what they like without giving a shit about what people will think of it. Who knew Seconds had it in him not to care