Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

Dave Stephens “Time Will Tell”
I’ve been a longtime advocate for Dave Stephens past work, this year his newest effort Time Will Tell starts with a rich orchestral effort on the title track that seems tame, but transitions to “Mr. Wonderful” a heavy riff induced burst. This pattern of dramatic Coldplay-like compositions to louder guitar based riff rock is followed throughout the album. Stephens skills as a songwriter are secure with the excellent “Tragedy” and moving ballads like “Peace Of Mind.” The rocking “Josephine” is another highlight, and Dave’s earlier influences (Billy Joel, Elton John) are very subtle this time around. Overall, the album has a lot of songs about soul searching like “More Than Me” and “Dealing With The Past.” Toward the albums end, it gets even more serious with the haunting piano dirge “It’s Not My Dream.” It ends off with the six minute opus “Falling Away” and I am reminded of those melancholy gems from Gordon Lightfoot. A strong solid effort, but I hope Stephens next album can cheer me up a bit more.

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Jesse Brewster “Wrecking Ball At The Concert Hall”
San Francisco native Jesse Brewster is a skillful roots rock musician. His sound to me is combination of Tom Petty, John Mayer and Chris Robinson (Black Crowes). The slow bluesy Americana track “All She Deserves” is a brilliant showcase for his strong songwriting ability and soulful vocal. And the Skynrd-like riffs on “God Fearin’ Man” is near perfect country rock with a wicked solo midway towards songs end. Much of the faster tracks, like “I’m Not Broken” have an anthemic quality, full of smart choruses and harmonies. The albums middle seems a bit light, and a some of these tracks are forgettable (“My Great Escape”). A few of these tracks can be found on his self titled EP from 2008. However the ballads are heart wrenchingly performed, my favorite here being “Sorry Ain’t Enough” where it slowly builds to a guitar crescendo between each verse. Having spent much of his career as a sideman, it’s nice to see Jesse get the spotlight here.

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The Gurus “Closing Circles”
A power pop trio from Barcelona, The Gurus have once again changed things with their fourth album Closing Circles. Previous albums had either a Merseybeat or Psychedelic rock style, but here they tone down all those influences in favor of a more atmospheric trip. Fans of Brian Eno, The Moody Blues, and The Doors will find these Gurus more interesting.

Although they do break out the Rickenbacker for the opener “I Don’t Care About It,” which is a solid Byrdsian rocker. The light folk of “A Walk Again” and gentle pop ballad “Be My Wife” are good songs, and “I Put A Spell On You” is a great Guess Who-styled track. Unfortunately, things drift off into echoing indulgence on “Strange Believer,” as they jump all over the place from plodding David Crosbyesque jams (“I Can’t Go On”) to fast aimless Syd Barrett instrumentals (“Lucifer Sam”) and the remaining tracks commit a cardinal sin; they are simply boring. Fans of Rainbow Quartz neo-psychedelics, and Schnauser will still enjoy this, but others may want to pick out just a handful of worthy tracks.

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The June “Green Fields and Rain”
When you really want a retro-sound, all you need to do is listen to The June from Parma, Italy. Another Rainbow Quartz labeled group, The June take the pop psyche atheistic to it’s proper mind bending place.  Opening with the wonderful “Feel The Sunshine,” these Italians have all the right jangle and vocal harmonies drenched in sitar and buzzing guitar melody. The sounds of “On Fire” are similar to The Creation and “Pete On The Street” bounces along to Kinks like riffs. Some songs can rip off a bit too much, as “I’m Looking Out” cribs “Strawberry Fields Forever” rhythmically almost note for note. Despite this each song has a catchy hook and solid beat, so there is plenty here to enjoy and it’s got also energy to spare, highlights include “Love Is Gone,” “Smile” and the title track, a touching piano ballad. Lovers of vintage 60’s pop should add this gem to their collection without hesitation.

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When you think about it, Beach Boys fans haven’t heard any original beach music for almost 30 years now (and the band really dissolved with Carl Wilson’s death in 1998). Al Jardine has kept the sound and legacy of the band alive through the years. I don’t know why it took this long for a talented pro like Jardine to get out a solo album, but I’m glad he did it.

Jardine finally looks back lovingly at his Beach Boy years on A Postcard From California. He got an impressive list of guest superstars helping him out including Neil Young, Stephen Stills, David Crosby, Steve Miller, Glen Campbell, Gerry Beckley & Dewey Bunnell (America) and even the remaining Beach Boys, David Marks and Brian Wilson. So if you’re looking for a band reunion, this is the closest you’ll get.

Starting with “A Postcard From California” it’s a got a touch of “Sloop John B” (with Campbell’s vocals joining in on the chorus). Fans will flip for “Don’t Fight The Sea” which is a real “lost” Beach Boys track with Mike, Brian, Al, Bruce and even Carl in vintage form. Other original standouts, “Looking Down The Coast” and “San Simeon” with Gerry Buckley, each song has those famous harmonies and the tracks connect seamlessly into each other. The not so good news here is the remakes of old BB material with guest stars that are hit and miss. But overall Beach Boys fans will enjoy Al’s ability to craft a California atmosphere and fitting tribute to his years as a musician.

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Joe Reyes “Worry Row”
Grammy award winning producer and musician Joe Reyes’ latest release is a detailed musical gem that speaks volumes. Highlighted by brilliant songwriting it opens with “Don’t Kid Yourself,” a tune fans of Michael Penn, Jon Brion or Neil Finn will cherish. And there’s plenty more.

“Wicked Life” is a slow country-like ballad that will make Ryan Adams jealous. The shimmering pop of “Never Look Back” is another treasure to be uncovered here. The Beatlesque “Trying To Get Used To It” and “Consolidation” are more examples of his flawless musicianship.  Nearly every song hits the mark and even when the song has a bit more production (“Just Dangling,”) Reyes works real magic here. Lyrically it’s also one of the best written albums this year, despite the depressing themes. San Antonio native Reyes is an unsung talent that should not be missed.

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The Corner Laughers “Ultraviolet Garden”
Produced by Allen Clapp (The Orange Peels) and featuring the stellar vocals of Karla Kane, Ultraviolet Garden is a shiny, happy album that sparkles with pop charm and rock smarts. Fans of female pop vocals like Kelly Jones or This Blue Heaven will be glad to add this to the music mix. An early standout is “For The Sake Of The Cat” a lyrical story with a jazzy ukulele and catchy chorus. Another gem is the folk based “Half A Mile” with a backing vocal and tinkling keys from Khoi Huynh.

Sometimes things are a bit too novelty (“Inner Archaeologist”) or too overdone (“Dead Sicilians”) but the majority are great compositions here, with pop gems like “Silver Medal” and “Yellow Jacket” both with fast paced rhythms. Overall, a real sweet pop treat that’s guaranteed to add a smile and help get that toe tapping to the beat. And don’t forget this same crew is the core of The Agony Aunts.

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