Baltimore, MD is home to a DIY Indie/Pop band that sticks. Somehow and magically The Payola Reserve comes with a pop sound that doesn't hoodwink you with formulaic catchiness, but earns your affection with its well-crafted rowdiness and jaunty style. The Payola Reserve's critically treasured, debut album, One Long Apology, is full of great tracks like Seasick On Shore Leave , which Music Emissions described as "a gem even worthy of Elvis (Costello) in its biting wordplay." Perhaps the best song on the album, however, is the lush and wonderful Anything But Ghosts . Don't stop there because you have to hear Music Is Not Music and Antiquing too. The Payola Reserve is not to be missed, so buy them, REC them, and see them live at DC's DAM! Festival at the end of the month.