Gala

Compiling Lush’s first three singles and EPs along with a couple of bonus tracks — including a delightful run through of Abba’s “Hey Hey Helen” — Gala initially served as a formal introduction of the band to American audiences, but was also a striking summary of just how much the group had already achieved. Combining reflection and almost winsome feelings with sharp edges as needed — “Bitter” being a prime example — the original quartet created a series of sparkling songs that got read as shoegaze by many but were primarily just good loud, intense and sometimes sweet listens.