It's not often that a debut record makes an impression as deep as My Favorite Revolution does --- particularly in the often-generic field of guitar-based, melodic pop music. Rather than coming off like a tentative rookie or a blatant mimic, Eugene Edwards instead doles out track after track of confident, ultra-memorable, throughly engaging pop-rock.

Edwards' tunes manage to achieve the rare balance of power and grace. "At Your Place" is a slam-bangin' rave-up that is powered by an insistent drumbeat and urgent vocals. The tender "I'd Like To Think So" is an ode to a long-departed first love. The Plimsouls-meet-Elvis Costello "Victim at Bedtime" (detailing a spiral of ongoing physical abuse, certainly not your average boy-girl lyrical fodder) is joined here by the smoldering ballad "I'll Be True (Someday)."

For the pop purists, there's the early Beatles-influenced "Congratulations, My Darling" and the slashing, The Who-circa-1966 moves of "Your Own Nightmare." ("Nightmare" contains the lyrical gem, "Between silence and a drink/will you just take the fifth?")

The title track finds Edwards paying tribute to his "favorite revolution" ---- the 45 rpm record --- with a tighter-than-tight, rockin' tune that shakes the rafters. (Edwards is also a top flight guitarist, in addition to being an ace singer/songwriter. For proof, check out the lead on "Nightmare" and the slightly twangy vibe on "Telling That Lie Again.")

My Favorite Revolution is a 15-track melody/harmony/six-string extravaganza (with nary a weak spot to be found) that showcases the stellar pop vision of Edwards. While he glances a bit toward the past for some inspiration, this is a record that's completely today.

- John M. Borack