Tagged: highlyrecommendedbypowerpopaholic

After the heavenly Beach Boys harmonies of Freedom Wind , Explorers Club moves forward five years to the early 702s AM soft rock era. Starting with a Pet Sounds styled instrumental intro, the horns blast out the first single "Run Run Run," a hook filled gem with lush orchestration similar to The 5th Dimension. Then the guitar and multiple vocals of "Anticipatin'" make it a dead ringer for a lost Grass Roots tune. You'll have lots of fun playing "spot the influence" on each track - like the BJ Thomas shuffle on "Bluebird," then the Sergio Mendes-Burt Bacharach [...]

Oberon Rose "Wunjo" Connecticut's Tom Oberon leans heavily on classic sixties influences like The Kinks, Beatles, T.Rex and more on his debut, Wunjo . The sweet guitar melody "Young Goodman Brown" flows nicely and the organ arpeggio reminds me of the Zombies. The brilliant jangle on "One Man Show Of Sorrow" showcases this gem which compares well to The Posies. With the title track and "Ballad Of The Taller" it goes in a more roots-driven pop direction with simple acoustic strums leading the way, both recall the simplicity of Big Star. "Buried Alive" is [...]

Its comforting to know that bands like Portland's Throwback Suburbia "get it." This third album builds on the band's consistent sound and musical development. The opener "Give and Take" is an emotional hook-filled gem with a thrilling bridge and jangle filled rhythm. The signature sneering vocals of Jimi Evans and mastery of composition come forward on "Setting Sun." On "Here Again" the band notes "history's overrated" through its slow building power ballad. No filler to be found as each track makes a strong melodic statement. On "Sinking Feeling" the gruff riffs recall Butch Walker and the 502s styled [...]

The JTG Implosion "All The People Some of The Time" This resissue of Joe Gidding's band from 2002 is a welcome addition if you've missed it when it was part of Not Lame Record's catalog (which is now gone forever). This is a classic melodic power pop album that needs to be re-discovered. Giddings crunchy riffs get the party started on "Delta 883 and the hand clapping goodness of "This Is What You Get" is another gem. Best compared to Enuff Z'nuff and Velvet Crush these tunes have layers of fuzzy rock guitars against bouncy melodies ("The Biggest [...]

The internet has enabled like minded artists to collaborate like never before. 8X8 is the transatlantic collaboration between Lane Steinberg and Ukrainian musician Alex Khodchenko. Like The Britannicas , they both live on different continents, and have never met in person, but through e-mail they've managed to create an amazing work of musical art. This is the best prog/psychedelic pop I've heard in a long time. Bringing forth influences from Todd Rundgren, The Zombies, The Beach Boys and Procol Harum, it requires multiple listens - but it really sticks. Opening with "Fantastic Sun" it's the most immediate [...]

Secret Powers have been a favorite of this site from the beginning, and each year Ryan "Schmedly" Manes has released one great LP after another. Last year's What Every Rose Grower Should Know cracked by top 25, but frankly it was a small step back as earlier releases made my top ten. Well almost as a response - the band is back with a set of sticky tunes that puts it back into top ten contention for 2012. "Dragon Slide" starts us off, and what is noticeable here is the ELO styled [...]

Jeff Litman gave us a terrific debut in 2009 with Postscript . This new sophomore LP is more than just a showcase for Jeff's musical skills, Outside shows us a burgeoning maturity. The Tom Pettyesque opener "Over and Over" has steady piano chorus and cynical attitude, followed by the fast tempo single "Runaway," which gives us a great hook and bouncing bass line. Giving power pop fans a tasty treat in the title track, "Outside" has Jeff channeling Elvis Costello, and includes Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. doing backing vocals and keyboards. This album also boasts some tender moments [...]

I reviewed The Breakups a few years ago when they had an EP, so now these guys have a new album and are definitely ready for the major leagues. Opening with "I'm Thinking of a Number," it's a slow grower with smart harmonies in the chorus, it builds its strummy melody similar to The Honeydogs. And it gets better from there, "Run From Rock n' Roll" is a brilliant gem with a synth hook that would make Ken Stringfellow proud. Then "Better Off Alone" increases the tempo and the synth rhythms and handclaps are infectious. The ballad "I Don't Want To [...]

Written over a two month period, Jet Electro is the musical autobiography of a guitarist superhero. The opener "I'll Never Find Another Girl Like You," is certainly a catchy slice of rock and roll, and Craig Daniels lead vocal reminds me of Sammy Hagar if he played in the Rubinoos here. We get the Memphis soul of "Buckle Up" and then "For Sale By Owner" describes selling his boyhood home with a background chorus of "Buy it, Buy it." A Big Star vibe is present in the ballads "I Don't Know How" and "Fingerprint." Next we get some wonderful [...]

With his sixth release Jeff Shelton has fallen into a great groove that makes him so prolific, I would call him the power pop version of Robert Pollard (GBV). Driven by tight, punchy rhythms from drummer Nick Laquintano (Spinning Jennies) the Well Wishers hit the ground running on "Escape The Light" with its mix of REM jangle and Posies styled vocal phrasing. "Allison" has a great fuzzy riff similar to Bob Mould's Sugar and the piano led "Nothing Ever Changes" is another standout with a great hooks. The impressive thing here is that Shelton's sound has more variety [...]

Sometimes it makes sense for a power pop artist to test out a different sound. That's exactly what Justin Kline is doing with this new band Origami Hologram. Using a noise pop template Justin is joined by Dan Wax (Bass, background vocals) and Jamie Mclane (Drums) recording it all in his home studio in Murfreesboro, TN. "Bats In The Attic" uses textures like Robert Pollard, with amp hum and feedback as part of each song (mostly as a backing layer) and extra fuzzy guitars. Justin's earnest vocals and harmonies still work each on composition, the standout being "Ghost Horse". It's all [...]

This came out very late in December, but it merits recognition as my favorite new EP so far this year. Named after a great Monty Pythons sketch , this German pop band has put together an all-star cast of guest musicians on this short, but impressive Beatlesque release (you get the hint from the "Let It Be" styled cover). The first song "Beautiful Sunchild" features the talented Rick Hromadka (Maple Mars) and it's swirling chorus is comparable to The Wondermints at the height of their powers. Next Liverpool artist William Oudijk leads us through the "Port of [...]

Dark Ocean Colors "Dark Ocean Colors" The duo of Scott Hunt and Mark Mikel have worked on many projects together (including The Pillbugs and The Sprags) to create a rich tapestry of psychedelic textures and looping melodies using numerous instruments (guitars, Mellotrons, violins, etc.) and old analog gear to give it an authentic vintage sound. "My Barbara Closed The Doors" gets started right where the Pillbugs left off and it sounds great. "Crashing The Sky" sports a marching beat to the swirling guitars and vocal harmonies. Fans of progressive rock will also love this, as it's a got a strong [...]

Athens, Georgia band Doctor Squid returns with a more measured tone compared to its debut album . The subtle building guitar strums of "Through Your Eyes" come across like a mix of Field Music and Weezer with its upbeat minor chords. The harmonies that open "Regret It and Let It" are similar to The Davenports, with its poppy backing vocals and steady riffs in the chorus. The band has definitely matured here, with more deliberate melodies and well crafted harmonies (like on "As Soon As I Discern" and "Rock Solid"). The apparent solemn ballad "Come Around" is [...]

The Hangabouts "Illustrated Bird" This Michigan based pop duo (John and Greg) produce a varied mixture of pop styles sure to impress. The sound is sparse and with two acoustic guitars and gentle two part harmonies. The understated opener "Love Nothing" compares well to The Cyrkle and with the repeating chorus "Come and see me, yeah anyday." The Beatlesque "Doctor Dragon" would make a perfect companion to "Mean Mr. Mustard," and the catchy "November" will certainly be repeating in your head. The easy going songwriting style and conversational lyrics are highly reminiscent of Fountains of Wayne or [...]

A few quick EP reviews before the ball drops on 2011... LL Cosmonaut "Why X-53 EP The new project from Paul Steel is described as kalaedeoscopic, irreverant, melodic Lazer Pop. Call it whatever you like, it's pretty darn good. A stellar mix of guitars, effects and dance beats all greet us on "Why X-5." I'm sure if Roger Manning Jr. had joined the band OMD it may have sounded like "We Came in Peace" with it's sunshine friendly harmonies and electronic loops. Each [...]

Click here to view the video on YouTube. Christmas is over. Time for leftovers and a look back at 2011.I try not to get political on this blog, but when a power pop favorite like Brian Ray writes a song for the ninety-nine percent of us, then I am proud to post this. For another equally great anthem for the OWS crowd, you can't beat Our Lady Peace's "Fight the Good Fight" for inspiration. ---- A new project is being developed for a band called The [...]

The Jigsaw Scene "Winterland" Building on the success of their critically acclaimed 2010 LP Bananas Foster , The Jigsaw Seen return with this meticulously produced winter-themed song cycle. It opens with the pounding drums and fuzzy bass of "What About Christmas?" although it sounds great, it's not really a holiday song (other than the title). The groove beat on "Snow Angels Of Pigtown" showcases a clean riff and smooth vocal by Dennis Davidson. A more traditional jangle pop track is "Candy Cane" in the best REM tradition. Winterland straddles the line where you [...]

This was an extremely difficult year to pick a top ten, as so many artists produced excellent work. So I expanded the list this year to 25. Even then a handful of really deserving artists didn't make the list. So here is the whole enchilada for you to chew on this weekend: Click here to view the video on YouTube. Cirrone - Uplands Park Road The [...]

It's time for holiday presents! Some videos, some free downloads, all related to this festive time of year. I left lots of goodies for my loyal readers - just click on a gift box to see each "present." Happy Holidays to all the Power Popaholics out there!