Gin Blossoms

Gin Blossoms' jangly pop jingles can be misleading. The Tempe, Arizona, band was steeped in chaos from its onset. Guitarist Doug Hopkins, who penned "Hey Jealousy" and "Found Out About You," committed suicide shortly after their release. Without its principal hitmaker, the band managed to write gems like "Follow You Down" and "Til I Hear It from You." With such past tribulations, Gin Blossoms' current crisis — regaining forgetful fans — seems insignificant. 2010's No Chocolate Cake is not exactly a success story; most songs are edgeless, and vocalist Robin Wilson sounds oddly nasal. Luckily, Gin Blossoms carries a healthy back catalog of triumphs.

Be Prepared: Tie your flannel shirt around your waist, practice your tambourine and watch Empire Records.