Jesus and Mary Chain, Psychocandy (side A)

Psychocandy has such ardent devotees that sometimes it feels heretical to point out its weaknesses. The bass playing obviously doesn't keep up with the rest of the band, and at least my American pressing is imbalanced without adequate low end. The canonical, amazing part of this record is (of course) the guitar sounds, which resemble nothing else before or after its 1985 release. My stereo speakers literally sound like they're being torn by distortion as the record plays. Somehow the vocals are subtly processed to blend into this wall instead of standing out as detached, and the tambourine almost appears on top of the guitars. It's a strange, remarkable sound that no one has exactly matched since.