Powerpopaholic

fun. "Aim and Ignite"

2009-11-15T22:49:00.000-08:00

Nate Ruess (The Format) has decided to push some musical buttons here, much like Bryan Scary and The Shedding Tears by layering dense instrumentation, gospel choirs, electronic pulses and the kitchen sink. That kitchen sink includes pop god Roger Manning Jr. and producer Steven McDonald (Redd Kross). Opening with "Be Calm" it's deceptively sweet ballad opening ironically turns into loud theatrical melodic chaos. Along with with ex-Anatholla member Andrew Dost and Steel Train frontman Jack Antonoff, the band is relentlessly accurate in it's name. But I would add a capital "F" for fantastic. "Benson Hedges" continues the multi-instrumental grandiose pop chorus, a mix of Queen's vocal harmonies and Tally Hall's quirky soundscape. "All The Pretty Girls" is a killer single, and steals Mika's old thunder this year. It's catchy as hell as they tell you "the eighties is old" and with that violin following the melody. The over the top approach works beautifully in spots, like "Light A Roman Candle" which Jellyfish fans will just flip for. After hearing "Walking The Dog" I am reminded of the goofiness that Sugar Ray used to get away with when people took them seriously. The melodies shift so many times, on a few songs ("At Least I'm Not As Sad") the hooks can get lost in the shuffle. But Nate's vocals are so strong here, it's hard to find fault with many songs, although the faux gospel can overwhelm listeners on "Barlights" and the Billy Joel-esque "The Gambler" is a welcome respite. The quite moments here are also bit too infrequent, but you'll get carried away by this musical circus too quickly to notice. Epic pop this lush should not be overlooked.

My Space | Itunes | Amazon

New Interviews: Curtains For You and Golden Bloom

2009-11-13T09:51:00.000-08:00

I was so taken with the new album from Seattle band, Curtains For You - I got to interview both Matthew Gervias and Peter Fedofsky for Power Popaholic. You can click on the Artists Interview button or go to this link: Curtains For You interview. If you didn't catch the album review you can find it here.

In my busy travels before IPO I got the chance to pose some questions to Shawn Fogel, aka Golden Bloom. He's got some pretty interesting things on his mind and a great link to a funny concert mishap. Here is the direct link: Golden Bloom interview. Check out the album review here. I also updated a few interview pages from earlier this year, so you can now listen/read the interview with Ken Stringfellow (Posies).

Russell Crawford "Floating Aimlessly"

2009-11-12T10:30:00.000-08:00

If you like Michael Carpenter, then chances are you'll enjoy Russell Crawford. A member of Carpenter's band, Russell broke out with his brilliant solo debut in 2006. Now Crawford has slowly pulled away from Carpenters orbit here. It's a straight pop album minus any gimmicks or needless bells and whistles. His music fits in the "timeless" category being rooted in piano, bass, guitar, drums approach. Many tracks are highlights but "Bad Luck" is a true standout here, with an inventive build out to a multi-tracked chorus. Russell is a blend of both Ben Fold's "attitude" and Neil Finn's "sensitivity" in equal parts, from the snarky "Overachiever" to the aching "If You Ask Me." Another highlight is the overly dramatic "Nigel" which seems an anthem to the dangers of naming your kid "Nigel." Russell starts to loosen up midway through the album on "My Love" and "Shake it." Every song here offers something and is easy on the ears, along the lines of Adrian Whitehead and Mr. Carpenter himself. It ends with a rousing cover of Andrew Gold's "Thank You Being A Friend." On repeated listens it rewards you, so don't miss this gem from Australia's Popboomerang records.

My Space | Not Lame | CD Baby | Kool Kat Musik

The Recital FREE album download

2009-11-11T09:56:00.000-08:00

Musician, label owner, and producer Zach Curd has been a member of many bands, notably The Pop Project and has donated music to the masses before. Well this group from his Suburban Sprawl called it quits - The Recital from Detroit. Adam Kempa (Pop Project's drummer) is the Recital's bassist. A decent indie pop band with some quirky minimalist songs, they took all their leftover songs and created The Succulent Leftovers EP for fans.

Listen to "Kid You're Wrong" right here:

My Space | DOWNLOAD FREE EP

Grace Basement "Gunmetal Gray"

2009-11-10T10:40:00.000-08:00

St. Louis' Grace Basement is led by multi-instrumentalist Kevin Buckley who has quite a knack for writing concise pop gems. It’s pretty evident from the opening track "There He Goes" that the harmonies and chord minor changes are very infectious, and the addition of fiddle backing is an added bonus. The dance hall influenced melody of "Tilly Lingers" is another catchy gem along the lines of Harry Nilsson and XTC. Unlike the solo approach of the debut album New Sense, Buckley is assisted by guitarist Ben Phillips, bassist Mike Zapf and drummer Sean Price - it gives the entire album fuller sound. The smart pop sound avoids being too quirky — like Jon Brion or Ben Kweller without the over indulgent dramatics. The urbane arrangements at the albums mid point (like "Why Would I Wait For Another?" and "Warships") come closer to the latter-era Camper Van Beethoven or Whiskeytown. The mature acoustic guitar on "Highway" is meticulously constructed and "Golden Bell" has a wonderful melody and weary vocal that brings to mind Scott McCaughey (Minus Five) or Ryan Adams. The album ends with the orchestral flourishes of “Land of Endless Change,” a fitting finale of Beach Boys styled vocal harmony, guitar and strings. This LP is a high watermark in the bands development and it's most definitely worth adding to your pop collection.

My Space | Amazon

The Saltshakers "Lights Out"

2009-11-09T21:47:00.000-08:00

Chad Curtis of The Saltshakers has created a more garage-styled follow up to the Up All Night LP. With the addition of guitarist Nick Woods (Box Social) and bassist Jamie Owart the band still has that high energy sugar shot that pop fans expect and admire. Similar to Weezer or The Buzzcocks in tone and relentless pace, it blasts through the catchy opener "Please Don't Walk Away" so well it sounds effortless. The songs are deceptively simple but full of great hooks, and a great example is "This World Can Wear Us Down" with a killer rhythm guitar riff. And it channels a bit of The Replacements manic spirit on "West Coast." Some songs don't quite hit the same high points ("Bedhead") but are performed with an uninhibited charm. Chad remarked that this is "Pop music with more guts," and it's hard to argue against songs that make instant 3-minute concert themes like "Take You With Me." However, it would have helped to have a ballad or another mid-tempo number like "Too Early To Tell" to give listeners some space to appreciate the fast pop-rock tunes, which can wear you down after a while. On the other hand, this is an album you can roll down the windows to and turn it up loud as the wind blows through your hair.

MySpace | CD Baby | Itunes

International Pop Overthrow "Vol. 12"

2009-11-08T13:27:00.000-08:00

As the last note ends in IPO New York, I wanted to listen to the latest compilation, David Bash's International Pop Overthrow Vol.12. This year the bands are more varied and less constricted by genre orthodoxy and this makes for a better and more representative group of power pop bands. There are 3CDs full of 70 bands and 70 songs, so I'll pick out some of my favorite tracks here.

Disc#1: Starting with a bang is expected and it delivers with The Syrups' "Miss I Don't Understand." The band picks up the mantle of the melodic Chris Breetveld (Breetles) with catchy exuberance. Another winner is the fast rhythms of The Humbugs "One More Day." What would a pop compilation be without some hero worship in a novelty song? The Help Desk become total sycophants with "The Jellyfish Song" in that category. While we're on that subject, The Tearaways "Under The Bus" grabs George Harrison's "The Word" and makes good use of it's Beatlesque riffs. A gentler combination of Beatles and Byrds are on The Starfire Band's "Thank You Much." Disc#2: Very strong "Rubber Sole" by The Mayflowers are just perfect here, and the rich contrasts of mid-tempo melody and "Mean Mr. Mustard" piano in "Pictures of A Masquerade" by Ralph Covert & The Bad Examples make it a keeper too. Great female pop is represented by both Lisa Mycols ("Heart Beats In Stereo") and Soundserif ("Happy Since I Resigned"). The Leftovers' "Telephone Operator" channels classic Elvis Costello pretty well and Clockwise's "Boomtown" gets into a Joe Jackson meets The Jam groove. And if you want a Smithereens/Who approach then Steven Deal's "Valentine" fits the bill. Disc#3: Two legends of power pop (KC Bowman & Andrea Perry) join together to make an awesome tune in "Sorting Out The Rules" that would make XTC proud. The superior vocals of Philip Vandermost make "Again and Again" work beyond the average pop song here. And once again Laurie Biagini fills our Beach Boys needs with "Another Old Lazy Lyin' On The Beach Afternoon." This last disc also concentrates on progressive power pop from Steven Lawrenson ("Ordinary") and the 80's influences of The Mayberry, The Romeo Flynns and Buddy Love take up a big chunk of time here.

Bottom line: Take a chance on this set and I'm sure you'll "discover" a new favorite band or two as most of the tracks here are really very good. Getting this compilation is also a quick way to becoming an expert in this genre (aka a power popaholic). Only a limited supply is pressed, so it's a collectible item as well.

MySpace | Not Lame | Kool Kat Musik | Amazon

Paul McCartney Shows in December. Tickets are available.

2009-11-06T07:18:00.000-08:00

I will be reviewing IPO in New York tonight, but what else is there left to say about Paul McCartney? Former Beatle and knight of realm, the likely lad from Liverpool remains the iconic star of his generation. Possessing one of the great voices in rock ‘n roll, a magnetic stage presence and boundless energy, Sir Paul is a master showman and there are few greater thrills in live music than being at a Paul McCartney show. Paul McCartney tickets are always in high demand as the ex-Beatle takes his hit filled set-list on the road again for a series of sure to be sell-out dates. Paul had finished his American concert tour this past summer, but that doesn't mean he's finished. Early December you can get concert tickets to shows through 5 different European countries.

So if you're living in or visiting Germany, Holland, France, Ireland or England next month, why not get your hands on some Paul McCartney Tickets?

John Shaughnessy "Re-occuring Dream"

2009-11-04T01:18:00.000-08:00

You can't peg John Shaughnessy's acoustic-based power pop to one specific style, but you can listen in rapt attention to the great quality of the songwriting and melodies here. Assisted by Smash Palace's Stephen Butler and IKE's Brett Talley, John creates a wonderful organic sound that is naturally rhythmic and hopeful, influenced by classic 70's artists and the Beatles. The opening title track is a fun folk-pop guitar tune with a double tracked vocal, and the follow up "Feeling' Good Again" is a classic power pop tune with a jangley upbeat tempo. "In The Morning" brought back visions of Gordon Lightfoot to mind for me. Shaughnessy's multi-faceted approach may be jarring at times, going from slow folk themes ("Don't Let Go") to early 80's styled pop rock ("Dorothy Reminds Me"). The countrified Beatles meets Harry Chapin of "Chasing The Wind" is a delightful spiritual gem and my favorite here. These are all good songs here, each one is anchored by John's steady vocal and professional musicianship. I look forward to more from Shaughnessy.

My Space | CD Baby | Not Lame | AmieStreet

Moldy Oldies: Eric Matthews "Fanfare"

2009-11-03T08:34:00.000-08:00

When someone tells you "He arrived with great fanfare..." that pretty much describes how Eric Matthews arrived on the scene in 1995 with It's Heavy In Here. For a while he was considered the king of chamber pop, and then went on to explore other musical directions (jazz, glam, prog). It's been very tough for him to live up to this first album, but he does an amazing job covering Brian Wilson's The Lonely Sea. The big news here is he has a NEW album coming out - preview the whole thing on MySpace.

International Pop Overthrow 2009 in NYC begins!

2009-11-03T01:39:00.000-08:00

International Pop Overthrow (or IPO, as it has affectionately become known) is a pop music festival which has been held for the past eleven years in Los Angeles. We have also held IPO for various years in Chicago, New York, Boston, San Francisco, Vancouver, and Toronto, as well as in Liverpool, England (at the world famous Cavern Club)! This is where you can hear the power pop stars of today and the up and coming rookies from those important indie labels. Tonight Jeff Litman is expected to take the stage at International Pop Overthrow in New York at Kenny's Castaways. Other notable musicians to appear during IPO are: Maple Mars, The Beat Rats, George Usher, Wendy Ip, Dreaming In Stereo, The Grip Weeds, Lane Steinberg, The Brixton Riot, Buddy Love and Eytan Mirsky to name just a few.

They are all playing there from Tuesday (11/03) to Sunday (11/08) - see the full IPO NY schedule for details and showtimes.

Android Angel and Jupiter One

2009-11-02T03:56:00.000-08:00

Android Angel "Glow Worm"

Paul Colto (aka Android Angel) set forth to create this album and right away his musical equipment was stolen. Continuing undaunted, the album has contributions from musicians along Paul's journey. This is not a standard indie pop album, as the opening track "Music of Android Angel" combines synth, guitar, drums, and radio sound bytes overlapping into a harmonious pattern. But this odd electronica styled opener is just an appetizer. The wonderful "In Communique" has a very Dylanesque quality that utilizes an orchestral sweep and a female backup chorus. This continues on "Unfinished Business" where Paul's vocal resembles Donald Fagen, and his speedy guitar riff recall Pete Townshend. It delves into a deliciously creepy Progressive rock riff on "My Virus Crown," but stumbles badly on the bland punk pop of the crime themed "Wheels." It's the emotional tug of "Love With No Reason" and "Glow Worm" which resonates here. Adventurous pop fans will not be disappointed here with nihilistic songs like "The Beginning Of The End." Fans of Roger Waters, Radiohead, Mercury Rev and Townshend-like ballads will also enjoy these tracks and many more.

MySpace | Amazon| Itunes (Nov. 30)

Jupiter One "Sunflower"

Jupiter One is a modern New York pop band that creates ear friendly melodies and safe dance floor grooves. Mixing past pop influences with bits of pop art and the absurd, the video for “Volcano” offers a snapshot of the band’s sound. Wild and out-there while maintaining elements of post-modern nostalgia, the video takes you on a ride through striking visual landscapes that mirror the explosive content of the song. The opening track, "Volcano" wanders into Maroon 5 pop territory and the heavy guitar and strained vocals of "Lights Go Out" recall the recent Adam Marsland. The band seems to have a sound for whatever your mood. It switches gears again on "Flaming Arrow" which is a sweet alt-pop tune with a catchy multi-tracked chorus designed to soothe. Singer K Ishibashi is a musical chameleon who changes with each twist and turn in this vibrant album. "Anna" accesses a Queen-like falsetto chorus and is both familiar and completely new. The gentle ballad "Find Me A Place" is has K's restless vocal resemble Morrissey doing Sting. It also is a "grower" meaning the album's melodies get stickier with each listen. No duds or filler on this album either so if you like a little variety with your power pop, this will do just fine.

Jupiter One Site | MySpace | Itunes | Amazon

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T10:38:00.000-07:00

Bryan Scary & The Shredding Tears "Mad Valentines" EP

2009-10-30T08:31:00.001-07:00

Just in time for Halloween, Bryan Scary and The Shredding Tears worked a bit of musical magic. The mad hyperactive piano of "Andromeda's Eyes" and even faster chorus makes it hard to enjoy, unless you're into a musician on a sugar speed overload. Thankfully, he dials it back down to earth on the follow up "(It's a) Gambler's Whirl" with a tight disco-pop composition. The next track is the best, an ELO-inspired "The Garden Eleanor" with a bouncy piano and catchy hook in the chorus that is so good it's scary (ugh. Even I groaned at that one). The other tracks are pleasant and engaging, including the lovely ballad "Maria Saint Claire" and the expansive epic "Bye Bye Babylon" that has great manic energy and guitar majesty. In summary, after a trick (track 1) we are given some wonderful musical treats to fill our metaphorical musical goody bag. The band are touring throughout fall/winter to support Mad Valentines. They plan to enter the studio early in the new year to record their next full-length album, a Western set during the early 20th century and titled Daffy's Elixir.

MySpace | Itunes | Amazon

The Madd "The Madd Are Pretty Quick"

2009-10-29T01:18:00.000-07:00

Now for a new band few have heard of from Rotterdam, Netherlands called The Madd. They follow in the tradition of European mid 60's garage-merseybeat revivalist like The Mellowmen, Bronco Bullfrog and The Winnerys. I can't tell you much about them cause I don't speak Dutch, however this local reviewer does and you'll hear all the English you need to know in the review. The opening track, "I Know" is a dead ringer for The EasyBeats and the follow up track "The Days Mind The Time" is a brilliant Beatlesque mid tempo charmer. "Good Evening Girl" is another gem full of catchy riffs, fast tempos and solid harmonies. The band plays really tight, so it doesn't feel like a simple retro-retread and the first half is damn near perfect. And unlike some European retro bands you won't hear any Dutch accents. On the albums second half, a little more psychedelic feel is added with Farfisa organs to "I Loved You" and "If You Don't Come Back" and you'll hear bits of The Seeds and Strawberry Alarm Clock here. By the albums end, we go the full garage monty along the lines of The Creation or The Pretty Things on "Love" and the theme "We're Pretty Quick." But that doesn't change the fact that each song here is an soothing salve to retro pop enthusiasts like myself. Fans of the above bands and classic power pop simply must get this now. It's extra cheap on AimeStreet ($3.30) so you have no excuses.

My Space | Band Website | Lala | Amazon | AimeStreet

Stackridge "A Victory For Common Sense"

2009-10-28T07:44:00.000-07:00

So you've never heard of Stackridge? Well if you're not from the UK you are forgiven. The Anglophilic progressive pop band began to great fanfare in 1971, were predicted to be bigger than Genesis and even had an very well reviewed LP produced by George Martin right after his Beatles tenure ended (Man In A Bowler Hat). Then by 1975, they fell off the public's radar. I never heard about them till recently, and after listening to the back catalog, it's like the discovering a missing link between 10cc, Klaatu and Protocol Harem. Needless to say, if you like any of those bands, you can dig deep here. For those power pop fans who question the inclusion of a progressive band here just give a listen to "Dangerous Bacon," and I guarantee you'll be hooked. But, today these old codgers have a brand new album for you to hear. A Victory For Common Sense has most of the what fans expect. Well orchestrated rock and pop, starts off with "Boots and Shoes" a standard melodic rock tune that's crafted with an ear towards contemporary audiences, that then bathes itself in anglo-slice-of-life nostalgia on "The Old Country." A real gem here is "Red Squirrel" with it's Badfinger-like guitar riffs and steady bass rhythm. The folk ballad "North St. Grand" slows the albums pacing a bit, but a few other tracks poke through some of the serious prog noodling, like the wonderful "Lost and Found" and the ethereal gem "Cheese and Ham." It ends on a ponderous unwieldy jam with "The Day The World Stopped Turning." While it doesn't touch the glory of the early 70's albums, it comes pretty darn close in spots. For most long time UK fans this more than enough to celebrate.

MySpace | Lala | Amazon| Not Lame (older songs)

"Beg You Back" by Minster Hill

2009-10-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

New single by MInster Hill - love the dancing mushrooms!

Mark Cronk "Playing Katchup"

2009-10-27T08:51:00.001-07:00

Pennsylvania native Mark Cronk is no rookie musician. He started in the late 70's with the band Appalachia, played with Robert Palmer and the Ramones. Currently he is lead vocalist for the Beatles cover band Glass Onion. Now he has produced this sweet melodic solo album that will appeal to most fans of power pop, especially Spongtones fans, with it's jangle and Beatlesque chord progressions. Opening with "It Can Wait" it bursts with powerful catchy guitars, and multi-tracked harmonies. The follow up "Who Are You Calling Now" is just as infectious with a steady Shoes-like rhythm throughout. What slows the momentum is the the treacle-filled ballad "Let Me In." Thankfully it's a minor hiccup for this wonderful album. "She's The Girl" is a classic bit of Merseybeat goodness that is both uplifting and masterfully played. In fact, much of the following tracks are excellent, including "Rock and Roll Sunday" and "I've Seen Your Face Before." He even swings a little doo-wop rockabilly on "Please Don't Ask Me Why," but my favorite song here is the majestic "Irene," a mid-tempo ballad that faithfully recalls Bread or America. The song is a true gem about a woman in the later stages of life - and it will bring a tear to your eye, without a doubt. The albums second half is confident, catchy pop and the ballad "No One Home" is another effective tear-jerker and boy, I want to listen to some Dan Fogelberg now... until Cronk makes another fine pop album.

My Space | CD Baby | Kool Kat Musik | Not Lame

Parallax Project "I Hate Girls"

2009-10-25T17:26:00.001-07:00

The Parallax Project is a loose collective of musicians centered around lead vocalist/guitarist Michael Giblin. On his new album I Hate Girls he does a fine job with the opening track "All The Same," full of Revolver-styled rhythm and a workman-like effort in the chorus. Much like Squeeze meets Elvis Costello, "The Day After Tomorrow" is has a compelling lyrical story that leads to a catchy chorus with guitar and organ breaks, "it's all about singing a brand new song" he intones. "It's So Easy" will remind people of Phil Seymour with it's sunny sound and understated beat. The title track and it's follow up "Waiting To Pull The Trigger" are similar to more recent Glen Tilbrook efforts, with some nice guitar solo work on the latter track. Some of the tracks are a little too understated ("Half") and although very easy on the ears, Michael need to push those hooks to the next level to be a bit more memorable. By the albums mid point things loosen up and sound better for it. A big highlight here is the energetic "Coming Around" which reflects Michael's time spent touring, hanging, and recording with The Plimsouls. "You And Me" is another fun tune. All capped off with a very cool cover of Martha and The Vandella's "Needle In A Haystack." Kool Kat Musik has a special offer on this one with a bonus disc of 11 pop favorites from The Kinks, XTC, ELO and more performed by The Parallax Project.

MySpace | Kool Kat Musik | Amazon

Adam Marsland "Go West"

2009-10-22T01:29:00.000-07:00

After the record setting sales of his greatest hits album, the former Cockeyed Ghost frontman returns with a 2 disc musical journey. In some ways it is like a parallel of Stew's Passing Strange, a personal saga of dreams shot to hell and a redemption through unfailing hope and faith. This certainly is Adam at his most lyrically engaging and musically complex. Starting with "Standing In Chicago" it's a soul ballad that smacks of nostalgic memories, and it all leads to the gorgeous Beach Boys vocal harmonies on "Who." Starting his road trip with the cocky bravado of "Burn Down The World" it takes many musical turns. The songs progress like a very much like a rock opera, and it's not all power pop as it ventures into all genres from new wave disco ("I Don't Wanna Dance With You") to funk ("Two Children In A Bed") and everything in between. My favorite incarnation of Marsland is the defiant guitarist, and it comes across on "1 in 4" and the Replacements styled "This Is Hard." The ballads are also top notch, his duets with Evie Sands/Teresa Cowles and piano melody makes "Go West" one of his best. Lots of highlights, another being the mid-tempo gem "Fade Away" with compelling harmonies and key changes. When you get the amazing "No Return," a song with only scant keyboards and harmonic choral vocals you will realize just how much Adam has learned since his more recent days with The Beach Boys and Hal Blaine's wrecking crew. The keys and guitar work on "Despair" will remind you that this is probably the closest anyone will get to a modern era version of Todd Rundgren's Something/Anything double LP. It is also important to note the good stuff is not stuffed on one disc or another, but rather spread throughout, which is why listening to the entire set (23 tracks) at once can be challenging in today's ADD world. But you have to give props to this an unassuming album full of emotional depth and masterful musicianship.

MySpace | Kool Kat Musik | Not Lame | Amazon

Fooling April and Wiretree

2009-10-20T01:10:00.000-07:00

Fooling April "Three"

It's been about 2 years since I heard again from Fooling April. While always talented, the band has taken huge strides forward in musical development with Three. Opening with a simple Rocky Raccoon-like piano and guitar melody on "We All Need Someone" it is understated and impressive with a sweet sing along chorus. "Breathe Again" is a modern ballad where the melody tells a clear story of personal renewal, full of nice vocal subtleties. A very funny "I Win" tells the story of the nerds triumph in adult hood with a great Ben Folds styled piano noting "the girl with braces who gave off a peculiar smell is hot as hell." Most of the songs are melodically strong (sounds like some one's been studying Mike Viola) and the sweetness factor is turned up for "It's A Deal." Another gem is "Headfirst & Blind" where both the harmonies and hooks are strong here. Since they tone down the production gloss, when "Big Brother" shows up it's a fitting and soulful song that you'll gladly clap along to. "Screw it Up" has shades of Billy Joel in it's DNA, and it's another good tune. Overall, an excellent low tempo album and the song "Finally Got It Right" tells you all you need to know. Best of all - the album is available on Bandcamp at a Pay-what-you-want price. Get it while it lasts!

MySpace | Bandcamp | Itunes | Lala

Wiretree "Luck"

Austin Texas indie pop band Wiretree reached my radar with the first LP Bouldin, and it doesn't hit a sophomore slump here. No, they hit it out of the park. Wiretree's influences of 60's progressive, Psychedelic pop and 80's guitar style help mold Luck into a finely crafted pop gem. Songwriter Kevin Peroni puts together compelling hooks and fine melodic songs from beginning to end. "Across My Mind" is like classic Elliot Smith without the moping, but all the catchiness. My favorite here is "Back In Town" where the anthemic production recalls both The Beatles and the Beach Boys, with a wonderful ascending guitar arpeggio and glockenspiel melody. "Rail" recalls classic Lindsey Buckingham and his Fleetwood Mac classics. The hauntingly catchy beats of "Satellite Song" are like a Blur on a dinner date with The Kinks. The compositions here are solid from ballads like "Falling" to the mid tempo "Heart Of Hearts." Every song is winner here with no "filler" except a demo version of "Falling." In fact, the album's only failing is that the songs are so consistently melancholy, that it's hard for anything to stand out as a single here after the album's first half. But it's all so beautiful you tend not to notice, until the entire albums played out. I guess I'll just have to listen to it again.

MySpace | CD Baby | Aime Street

Curtains For You "What A Lovely Surprise To Wake Up Here"

2009-10-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

This Seattle based, five-piece retro-pop outfit Curtains For You have the delicious melodies and intricate three- and four-part harmonies that make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. The band consists of Matthew Gervais (guitar/lead vocal), Mikey Gervais (guitar/ sax/ vocals), Nick Holman (bass/euphonium/vocals), Peter Fedofsky (piano/vocals), and Dave Lawrence (drums). Leaning on a big pile of 60's classic pop influences and structures, they put it in the blender and whip up into a fresh but totally familiar sound. The opener "Nuclear Age" sets the tone with a Beach Boys meets Jellyfish harmonic that's just irresistible. "This Dead World" is a Marshall Crenshaw meets Crowded House gem full of twisting lyrics and slinky slide guitar rhythms. And with a title like "Dumb Angel," I'll let you guess whose bag of vocal acrobatics they pull from. Every song here has a compelling hook and will win over plenty of fans, from the Merseybeat backing on "Title Bout" to the echoing guitars on "Clanging of The Masses." The influences are spread out quite a bit, not sticking to any set style - but the spirit of Elvis Costello seems to run throughout most songs on the album with a defiant narrative. A few exceptions are the vaudevillian "Small Change" and acoustic ballad "Chain Link Fence." And ending with the wonderful "Licorice Skies" it even touches on a bit of XTC-like majesty. Songwriting duties are split down the middle by Matt Gervais and Peter Fedofsky, both are great songwriters with tons of energy - and it takes a few listens to let all this sink in. A most welcome surprise that makes my top 10.

MySpace | Curtains for You site | Amazon

Listen to "Dumb Angel"

Listen to "Nuclear Age"

Listen to "Clanging of the Masses"

Major label reviews: PushPlay and Mayday Parade

2009-10-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

PushPlay "Found"
Time to see what talent the major labels are pushing through. Produced by Matt Squire (Panic at the Disco) Long Island natives Push Play would like you to toss your Jonas Brothers CDs in the trash and "Watch it Burn." While the opening track is a nice buzz guitar pop song, it enters boy-band faux-soul with "Midnight Romeo." Lead singer CJ Baran has a good lead vocal and the band plays well together as tight quartet. There is a bit of good pop funk here in "Taking It Back" and the mature lyric on "My Everything" takes the band out of the cliche department. In addition, "See My Soul" is a song that stands as an excellent example of a modern up tempo pop, and "Start Again" is a nice arena styled crowd pleaser to end off the album. Unfortunately too many songs here sound like cookie cutter pop fluff ("Covergirl" and "Barely Legal") and the band needs a few more hooks in the material to make it memorable. On the other hand, if you're an typical teen you're welcome to ignore this review.

MySpace | Lala | Itunes | Amazon

Mayday Parade "Anywhere But Here"
It's good to see the major labels cultivate talent, and this band has made steady progress from a rough punk pop outfit to a polished pop powerhouse along the lines of Green Day or Bowling for Soup. Fans of the older Mayday Parade may miss the dual vocal leads of the past, but this is the major leagues, kids. The band has matured with a nearly non-stop tour schedule, including co-headlining the Alternative Press’ tour "The Fall Ball ’09". This is modern alternative pop with an accent on Derek Sanders powerful vocals and it's chock full of solid melodies. The Tallahassee-based band stands out right away with a big hook in the chorus of "Kids In Love." It follows with the earnest guitar lead "Bruised and Scarred" and most of the other tracks here have a solid song structures and excellent musicianship. The album suffers a little from a few middle of the road power ballads that don't stick in your head too long. However, when these guys it crank up, like on "Center of Attention" and "The End" you will be glad to add this to your ipod playlist.

MySpace | Lala | Itunes | Amazon

Get a freakin' T-Shirt already.

2009-10-16T12:59:00.000-07:00

Okay here's the pitch. I've got about 12 shirts left in stock and they gotta go. It's a custom made silkscreened shirt - perfect for concert wearing and eating ice cream. Only a few extra large shirts left, and the rest are large. Only $12.00 + $5.00 shipping. Delivered through USPS - international buyers will be asked to pay additional shipping charges.

Click here to order.

The Emitt Rhodes revival

2009-10-16T01:18:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite under appreciated artists, the great Emitt Rhodes is the one of the few (Badfinger being another) who took up the Beatlesque musical legacy right where Lennon-McCartney left it after the fab four broke up. Billboard magazine called him "one of the finest artists on the music scene today" (4/3/71) and later referred to his debut as one of the "best albums of the decade" (11/23/96.) Alternative Press described it as "essential listening...a true pop gem..." (2/96) It's a shame that to your average person-on-the-street today, the name Emitt Rhodes doesn't mean much. From his days as a member of The Palace Guard, The Merry Go Round, and then his solo work - Emitt was one of pop's brightest and most melodic musicians. After getting chewed up and spit out by the music business, Emitt as faded into obscurity until recently. The new box set: The Emitt Rhodes Recordings 1969-1973 is a superb primer for those who want to hear this genius at work. It contains all remastered tracks (no bonus tracks) of his work that's been out of print for over 30 years. It's available on Amazon.

Emitt Rhodes Site | Amazon

Listen to one of my favorite tracks "Somebody Made For Me"

The Emitt Rhodes film documentary, "The One Man Beatles", will premiere at the Rome International Film Festival on October 21st & 22nd. The film, which is in the running for best documentary in the festival, includes several songs which will be on the forthcoming CD performed live in the studio by the new Emitt Rhodes Band. English narration is currently being put together for the release in the USA. Is it me, or does this theme of the unsung musician sound familiar?