Wipers, Over the Edge (side A)

1983's Over the Edge is as powerful as its reputation would suggest.  Some of the subtle diversity is more surprising.  Some songs, like the openers "Over the Edge" and "Doom Town" rely purely on power.  The guitars and vocals are harsh, bright and in-your-face, and the band plays with abandon.  By the end of side A, "Romeo" has softened, just a bit—the less-menacing vocals recall Lou Reed's narrative style, the guitars sound a bit less harsh, and the pace has even dropped slightly.  No matter the style, the Wipers' delivery is impressively consistent, and the impact never drops.  The sound's harshness is far more listenable than the digital harshness of so many of today's lo-fi recordings.  The cover is simple and iconic, with the surprising color choice of pink drawing attention and leaping out.