Been Here Done This (Self-released, 2000)

There's something very '80s about this album. Not that that's a bad thing. In fact, Nashville Station's "roots pop" sound - a mix of crunchy guitars and rural and pop vocals and themes - at times brings to mind the likes of the BoDeans and the Del Fuegos and other '80s roots all-stars.

The Oakland-based band recorded "Been Here Done This" as a demo, but its members were so pleased with the results they decided to release it as their debut. And the 10 songs are a pretty engaging effort. "Nadine, you set your hooks in me," lead singer Dave Nash accuses in the opening track, while the band sinks its guitar hooks into the listener. The catchy guitar grooves of "Right Here," "Middle Of Nowhere" and "Wallow" sound like the Blasters on vacation with John Cougar Mellencamp. Solo and band versions of "No More Nomore" are offered, with the band version - powered by Jim Bogios' crushing drumming - winning out. Bogios has worked with the Dixie Chicks and Sheryl Crow and has left the band since this recording was made.

Maybe you've been here and done this before, but Nashville Station's debut is worth experiencing again.