Star City (Star City Recordings, 1999)

Try as he might, Star City lead vocalist Jason Lewis just can't pull it off. His voice has the weary twang of Son Volt leader Jay Farrar, but his backing band is just too darn lively to allow comparisons to that alt-country progenitor to be drawn. That's not a complaint.

This countrified New York City collective can really kick up some dirt, especially on morning-after recriminations like "Kissed A Girl." On the reflective "Indian Summer," it's youth and lost romance that draw memory and regret. Star City could do with a little bit of punk in the mix, but overall this loose-limbed combo offers a solid debut. (Star City)