I was happy to introduce Bos Taurus a few years ago, finally after a long wait we get Steve Chesser’s follow-up, In The Sun. The sound and atmosphere has completely changed from the debut, and the songwriting reflects a much lighter pop sound, with REM styled jangle and Belle & Sebastian like intimacy. “I’m Fine”…
Category Archives: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic
The Lemon Clocks “Now Is The Time”
The Lemon Clocks, a “power pop all-star” lineup comprising Jeremy Morris, Todd Borsch (The Ringles/The Gilligans), and Stefan Johansson (The Proper Electronic Company), divide this album up between jangle and psychedelic prog rock. So retro you will swear this is a long lost 60′s classic. The Rickenbacker riffs jump forward on the punchy “Garden Of…
Monday Freebies: The Tonighters, District Attorneys and The Counters
The Tonighters “Photograph” EP A while back I let you all sample the new band The Tonighters. Well, Billy Gilbert and his band got enough interest from this blog, so he decided to pass along a new EP. And yes it’s also a FREE download from bandcamp. Seriously the band sounds better than ever – thanks!…
The Successful Failures and Dale Murray
The Successful Failures “Here I Am” The New Jersey guitarist Mick Chorba (Dipsomaniacs) leads his indie band The Successful Failures through their new album in typical fashion. Think Weezer meets The Goo Goo Dolls and add a touch of Wilco in places and you get the idea. Starting with “How People Start Sentences” the dual guitar riffs drive…
Wes Hollywood “Fantasy Arcade”
Rock veteran Wes Hollywood has always had roots in late 70′s and 80′s power pop style. Mr. Hollywood has been a staple in independent music for more than a decade, first with The Wes Hollywood Show and later with solo efforts. His latest album Fantasy Arcade is an unapologetic triumph of hook infused melodic rock. The bouncy beat…
The Willie Wisely Trio “True”
After an 18 year hiatus the original members of the Willie Wisely Trio reunite for the enjoyable True. I would call the Trio an amalgam of pop, folk and blues with a twist. Wisely fans will love the catchy opener “Kiss Her And Make It Right” and it’s the peppiest song here. The sweet banjo progressions and…
The Mike Benign Compulsion and The Campbell Apartment
The Mike Benign Compulsion “Martha” It wasn’t long ago we heard from Midweswtern musician Mike Benign. This new full-length album is a big leap forward for the Compulsion, mixed by the dB’s Chris Stamey. The driving harmonies on “Chemicals To Candy” is full of classic power pop chord shifts, and a great opener. “My Michelle” has…
Japanese Power Pop Special! 日本のパワーポップ·ミュージック！
Certain countries really embrace power pop as a viable genre; Sweden, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Australia and the UK are included. But Japan may have the most fanatical fans, as ex-members of the band Jellyfish (Jason Faulkner, Andy Sturmer) found growing adulation there. Even if its not English language, you’ll know power pop when you hear…
Bryan Scary “Daffy’s Elixir”
I’ll be damned if Bryan Scary doesn’t have the stage musical already choreographed for Daffy’s Elixir. It’s a prog-pop concept album with huge scope that drops on April 18, but downloads are available now. “The Wicked Frontier,” slowly fades into view, a grand introduction with long gorgeous harmonies across it’s Smile-kissed strings and “Happy Trails” rhythm. Then…
The Phantom Six and The Brixton Riot
The Phantom Six “Plastic Rain” These six rockers from West Virginia are Mark Poole (lead vocals/guitar), Billy Sheeder (guitar), Billy Matheny (bass), Clint Sutton (drums) and Woody O’Hara (percussion). Opening with “Corianna” it kicks down the doors with a sonic assault similar to The Foo Fighters and Superdrag. The followup “Inspiration” mines both British Invasion…