The Alternative To Love by Brendan Benson: Power Pop. A songwriter in the vein of Matthew Sweet (but the songs are more tightly constructed); this is Benson’s third album. Again a challenge had been set as Benson’s previous effort was the great ‘Lapalco’, and he had to try and top that power pop masterpiece. The songs range from real rock stompers to more acoustic ballads. They however go up and down in quality – this isn’t to say though they are bad songs it’s just some aren’t as good as the others. TWH: Spit It Out; The Pledge; What I’m Looking For

Grade: B