Like such similarly styled outfits as the Dudes, the Records, and the Raspberries, Shoes seem intent on resurrecting mid-60s power pop on Present Tense, their debut LP. That’s fine with me, especially since the Illinois quartet boasts tight guitar, sweet, airy harmonies, and accessible original material. I do hope that their second album will feature fewer soundalikes and a bit more punch, but with songs that are as much fun as “Cruel You” to enjoy here, I’m not in the mood to complain.

Incidentally, comments by the Fab Four reportedly led to the group’s name. Asked why they called themselves the Beatles, John Lennon said, “That’s just a name, like ‘shoe.'” Added Paul McCartney, “Shoes—we could have been called the Shoes.”