Jon Spencer became a major figure in noise rock and alternative rock circles for his gritty, combustible songs, fiercely minimalistic guitar work, and over-the-top performing style. Spencer first made his name with combative noise merchants Pussy Galore (best heard on 1987's Right Now!), controversial for their raw, purposefully off-putting style. Spencer next launched the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, whose wildly energetic style mixed elements of punk, R&B, blues, and garage rock into a raucous, celebratory attack. The band captured the essentials of their sound on Extra Width (1993) and Orange (1994), while they embraced elements of hip-hop and electronics on Acme (1998). After the breakup of the Blues Explosion, Spencer reintroduced himself first with a solo album, 2018's Spencer Sings the Hits, and then by launching a new band, Jon Spencer & the HITmakers, whose raw, noisy rock was documented on 2022's Spencer Gets It Lit.