Led by frontman Jim Ellison, Material Issue produced some of the '90s most memorable power-pop moments by combining the best elements of Cheap Trick and Shoes. Destination Universe, the band's sophomore effort, showcases their talent for punching out three-minute sonic bursts of energy. Each song packs irresistible hooks, crunchy pop guitars, and soaring vocals into brief odes to love both lost "Ballad of a Lonely Man" and found "Next Big Thing." There's not a whole lot of variation here, but when the formula works, on tracks such as "What Girls Want," "The Loneliest Heart," and "Don't You Think I Know," it's difficult to argue. Though not their most commercially successful release, Destination Universe may be Material Issue's most consistently satisfying album. --Michael Frey, All Music Guide, ISBN13: B000008I7O ISBN10: B000008I7O Material Type: audioCDLed by frontman Jim Ellison, Material Issue produced some of the '90s most memorable power-pop moments by combining the best elements of Cheap Trick and Shoes. Destination Universe, the band's sophomore effort, showcases their talent for punching out three-minute sonic bursts of energy. Each song packs irresistible hooks, crunchy pop guitars, and soaring vocals into brief odes to love both lost "Ballad of a Lonely Man" and found "Next Big Thing." There's not a whole lot of variation here, but when the formula works, on tracks such as "What Girls Want," "The Loneliest Heart," and "Don't You Think I Know," it's difficult to argue. Though not their most commercially successful release, Destination Universe may be Material Issue's most consistently satisfying album. --Michael Frey, All Music Guide, ISBN13: B000008I7O ISBN10: B000008I7O Material Type: audioCD , ISBN13: B000008I7O ISBN10: B000008I7O Material Type: audioCD