The Jesus and Mary Chain were not the first band to turn their guitars into an onslaught of feedback and sing surprisingly sweet pop songs without affect (see also: The Velvet Underground, The Ramones, Sonic Youth).

But something about JMC’s debut pricked a hole in the swelling bubble of likeminded artists that became the shoegaze scene.

Much of this was all in the attitude. Sure, the Jesus and Mary Chain wrote hooks like a 60s girls group, but they weren’t about to let you enjoy them.

Naw, they’re gonna drown it in atonal feedback and angry drums and sing like they’re bored with the whole thing. And it totally works.

A few of these songs wouldn’t have been out of place being played by Sex Bob-Omb. And while there may not have been a Loveless without Psychocandy, it wouldn’t matter as much if the record wasn’t still great in its own respect.

Nearly thirty years later, the record is still as fresh as it was when it debuted. The production might sound dated at times, but this record is timeless.