Side Pony

From its hairdo-inspired title on down, this quirky quartet's second album embodies the exuberant, party-at-its-peak spirit of Hairspray. Stax soul, '60s pop hooks, and Motown momentum drive singing human dynamo Rachael Price and her super-tight, conservatory-trained crew. "Godawful Things" kicks things off with a bang, and the album only heats up from there. "Spectacular Failure" nails a lackluster lothario with pitiless humor, "Call Off Your Dogs" balances tricky time signatures with effortless vocal harmonies, and the bluesy kiss-off "I Don't Care About You" is delivered with tuneful finality.