The Dream Syndicate, The Dream Syndicate (12" EP)

1982's The Dream Syndicate EP is a bit more primitive than the group's legendary full-length that followed it, The Days of Wine and Roses. The coarse guitar sounds and uneven mixes (the kick drum might be oppressively loud, or inaudible) seem more like charms than flaws. The songwriting is already remarkable, the musicianship is too, and the group's classic dynamic builds really come through. The cover is nowhere near as striking as The Days of Wine and Roses, but it features a funny image where Kendra Smith looks very fashion-conscious and Steve Wynn definitely does not!