Rain Parade

The 3 O'Clock coined the phrase, but the Rain Parade were the brightest light in the Paisley Underground scene. Released in '83, Emergency Third Rail Power Trip is a swirling collection of '60s-inspired, psychedelic-tinged jangle pop guaranteed to induce tripping. Check out "What's She's Done..." and "I Look Around."

I guess what's supposed to make the psychedelic revival cool is that it's postpunk; secondhand purism like this suggests that in our negative age it's a positive statement to replicate the wimpy singing, wispy tunes, unsure drumming, repetitive guitar effects, and naive world view of, oh, Kaleidoscope, Morning Glory, Aum. It ain't. Smart hippies knew how dumb a lot of that music was even then. It's twice as dumb now. (Grade - C+)