Material Issue

Mastering the art of anthemic, Brit-inspired, Power Pop songcraft, Chicago's Material Issue rifled through some of catchiest guitar-driven anthems of the early '90s. While the group made a career of the three-minute pop gem almost exclusively, their spirited and precisely executed bursts of melody continually transcended the generic. The endearing charm of the late Jim Ellison's nasal, melodic singing and crunchy, hook-laden guitar work offers some explanation, although that's not to discount the rhythm section's penchant for driving, fat-free contributions.