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Overrated/underrated

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UNDERRATED

Teenage Fanclub: Not to delve too deeply into the “obscure rock” genre, but our iPod shuffle recently reminded us of just how catchy, smart and downright terrific this band is. If the last you heard was the ‘90s-hyped “Bandwagonesque,” do yourself a favor and get friendly with the Scottish songwriters’ flawless “Songs From Northern Britain” or 2005’s comeback “Man-Made.” Sunny power pop never felt so good.

Record Store Day 2009: Part of us fears one day this informal holiday may have as much resonance as Hug a Passenger Pigeon Day, but we’re grateful to have had Saturday to bounce from local shop to shop and pick up special releases from the likes of Tom Waits and the Flaming Lips. With luck, maybe a “slow music” movement along the lines of the food industry will take root and we can celebrate this every day.

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OVERRATED

Good boys: First, the Jonas Brothers’ movie tanked and now Zac Efron is looking to warm our hearts with “17 Again.” More power to those who want to branch out from the “High School Musical” franchise, but it sure seems like “Twilight’s” Rob Pattinson is running away with the title for teen heartthrob in 2009. Vampirism isn’t for everyone, but it might be time to try rocking the facial hair or a couple of scary tattoos, Zac.

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Celebrities who Twitter: With every tech advancement in self-promotion comes a new wave of the famous and fortunate to share their thoughts with fans and (in this case) followers. It’s like that tabloid column “They’re just like us!” except in this case it’s not necessarily something to celebrate. Turns out the velvet-rope crowd doesn’t have anything interesting to say in 140 characters or less, either.

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