Here it is: the music reviewer's dream. Paula Kelley's Nothing/Everything is a joy to listen to, from the opening powerpop of "Two Possible Answers (The Road)" to the closing chimes of "Showdown," the album is a tour-de-force of craftsmanship, musicianship, and production. Bathed in the influences of the Beatles, the Beach Boys, the Bee Gees, Burt Bacharach, and any number of classic pop composers, Kelley has written an intelligent, engaging album full of radio-friendly rock that features lush harmonies, crunching guitars, and infectious melodies. As the voice of Boston bands Hot Rod and Boy Wonder, Kelley earned a place on the rock 'n' roll tree alongside Juliana Hatfield and Kay Hanley, and with her new album, she has confidently struck out under her own name. Given the quality of the material, it's baffling that Nothing/Everything hasn't made the national charts. Standout tracks include "Everything," which has a '70s radio feel, "All Request Hour," which features a guitar line that reminds one of the Beach Boys' "Sloop John B," and "Showdown," which is set against a ringing guitar that sounds like early Springsteen. The praise could go on and on, but at this point, I risk becoming redundant. If you like classic, hook-filled rock, go out and buy this album. It will not leave your stereo for a long time. - Neal Alpert

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