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They may seem like the latest in an endless line of overnight sensations, but San Francisco foursome Stroke 9 have been playing together for over 10 years. They formed the group as a high-school senior project, and jammin' 'n' groovin' since their teens has given Stroke 9 the kind of musical chemistry many outfits only dream of. Theirs is a story similar to that of teen-sensation-turned-multiplatinum rock band Live, and appropriately, Stroke 9 worked with Live producer (and ex-Talking Heads keyboardist) Jerry Harrison on their debut album, Nasty Little Thoughts. An upbeat collection of strummy rockers and jangly ballads, the album combines the earnestness of a band like R.E.M. with the hook-laden songcraft of acts like the Connells and the Counting Crows. Luke Esterkyn's vocals are consistently emotional without sacrificing melody, and guitarist John McDermott coaxes a rainbow of textures and tones from his instrument without straying from the simple core rhythms of the songs. But most importantly, Stroke 9's energetic pop is utterly infectious, making songs like "City Life" and "Little Black Backpack" echo through your head long after you click off the CD player. --Jon Wiederhorn