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6. Hootenanny (1983): The 'Mats' second full-length was also the first full-scale indoctrination into the band's abiding diffidence toward scene politics, industry expectations, or really anything that did not amuse them on a whim. It begins with the title track, in which the members change instruments and attempt a halting blues, predictably sounding terrible and wonderful. Following that it is pure id, ranging from throwback punk numbers like "Run It" and "Heyday," to silly genre experiments like the surf-style "Buck Hill," to out-and-out brilliant pop songwriting like the all-time classic "Color Me Impressed." There is also the matter of Westerberg's heart-on-sleeve "Within Your Reach," a gorgeous ballad that features a drum machine because he was too embarrassed to perform it with the band. Ultimately, Hootenanny is a muscular and exciting display of talent that doesn't feel comfortable revealing itself fully. In the annals of "we could not give a fuck what you think" records, this is one that stands alongside Harry Nilsson's Pussycats and Neil Young's Tonight's The Night in terms of anything-goes mayhem. Despite the misdirection, the influential press took notice. Greatness lay just around the corner.