The Lucksmiths Essentials

Formed in 1993, The Lucksmiths immediately looked back to a bygone era. They dug the jangling guitars and literate wordplay of pop and rock from the '80s and earlier, whether that meant Scottish bands like Orange Juice, fellow Aussies The Go-Betweens, or '60s-era Bee Gees. Like most indie-poppers, the band were but a minor attraction in America, but thanks to acclaim at home and elsewhere, they recorded 11 albums on various international labels during their 16-year run. Their warm singsong melodies, persuasive songcraft and subtly intricate lyrics will surely stand the test of time.