Margot and The Nuclear So and So's

Richard Edwards and friends (aka Margot & Co.) released two fine albums in 2008. Their record company chose the tracks on Not Animal, while the band put this one together. To give the suits their due, Not Animal is filled with fantastic indie pop songs, even if they missed a couple of gems included here, like "I Am a Lightning Rod." It gets confusing because both CDs feature tracks like "German Motor Car" and the wonderfully titled "Hello Vagina." This one plays like a cohesive work, while Not Animal is better song-by-song. Final verdict: tie.