Having recently scored a copy of the Dentists' "Strawberries Are Growing In My Garden (And It's Wintertime)" 45, I was pretty stoked about putting it up here, but Rhino is going to use that track on an upcoming box set called Children of Nuggets. That's OK, as I might like this one better anyway. The Dentists were a much beloved UK indie-pop band that was neither dour and introspective enough to fit in with the c86 crowd, nor interested in the sort of costumes that would have endeared them to the retro-60s clique. What they did have was a singer who sounded like he believed every word he sang no matter how ridiculous the concept, rushed tempos that added excitement, and some great hooks. Their best LP was probably Behind This Door I Keep the Universe, which actually came out on a major label in the US, which is why there are plenty of copies available for $1.99.

BTW, here's a tracklist for Children of Nuggets. The idea that some thread connects all of these bands is a bit dicey, but it is a load of great music, probably much more listenable than the more "serious" Left of The Dial box set.