A singularly intelligent and imaginative pop band, Game Theory attracted little more than an enthusiastic cult following during their original lifespan. But the band's hooky yet unconventional melodies, literate and often witty lyrics, and crafty approach to arrangements and aural montage set them far apart from their peers, and Game Theory proved to be strongly influential long after the group broke up. Sadly, it wasn't until after the death of the group's leader, guitarist and key songwriter Scott Miller that their music became widely available, and their albums began receiving the attention they deserved from writers and fellow musicians, including the artful song cycle Real Nighttime (1985), the muscular power pop set The Big Shot Chronicles (1986), and the sprawling, ambitious masterpiece Lolita Nation (1987).