Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

Buva is the namesake of the talented Tom Wolfe, a Pasadena native and after discovering his gentle pop musing on All This Humming, people compared his vocal style to John Sebastian and compositions to Eric Matthews. Opening with “Smoke Into The Sky” it’s an ultra-cool bass driven melody that combines early McCartney and Badfinger. It’s an understated but lush soundscape that drifts along and fades into Mystery Tour-era instrumental chaos. “Can’t Stop Thinking” is a modern up tempo pop song with a growing and repeating chorus, that creates a soothing melody. “You Say It Too” is another gem that takes elements of early 70’s The Beach Boys and Todd Rundgren and uses them to great effect.

The ballads are mellow but just as musically compelling, “Hide Away” is simple, but melodically amazing – tinkling piano, acoustic guitars and eerie snyths, bring depth here. The quirky “Precious Fields Of Grey” with a ton of instruments (banjo notably) would not sound out of place on a John Dillworth Cartoon. Every song has a comforting familiarity, like the hook filled “Too Tired To Fight” sounds as if Nilsson played with The Beatles on The White Album. “In Other Words” boast a slide guitar solo George would envy. But these tunes are more than aping influences here, each composition is exceptionally written. No weak songs are to be found and the melodies really stick – all traits of a great pop album. Gets a top ten nod easily!

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This Dublin based trio led by Barry O’Brien is a breath of fresh air. Previously he released the stellar “Spark” EP and made an appearance with Pugwash, so you know he’s got great power pop cred. His songwriting has been compared to the likes of The Beatles, Elvis Costello, XTC, and Elliott Smith. Featured guests include former Cardinal member Eric Matthews singer/songwriter Duncan Maitland and Pugwash members Aidan O’Grady and Keith Farrell who also produced the album.

Starting strong with “The Strangest Game” you hear a little of all those influences wrapped into a forceful chorus. “The Letter” adds a bit of synth to the compelling melody. “Sisters In The Sky” is a thoughtful ballad that has subtle jazz and “Pet Sounds” orchestral touches at the songs end. The excellent “C Song” has a bit of Jason Falkner’s style baked in it’s descending chords. The standout here is “Cut Me Out” a masterstroke of pop, that’s equal parts Morrissey and McCartney. “Gone” boasts some really interesting chord progressions and proves to be an amazing composition. O’Brien can easily do hypnotic pastoral pop on par with XTC on “You Stole.” For the entire album, catchy hooks abound and not a single song lets you down. Even quick filler like “Feather Brain” keeps your attention. The more you listen, the more you’ll find yourself humming along. The final track “Thanks” is a sweeping Beatlesque orchestration that hasn’t been done this effectively since Tears for Fears, and will give you goosebumps. Makes the top ten list for best power pop album of 2010 easily.

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This is definitely Taylor Locke’s year. Between his work with Rooney and his own band, he deserves a much more attention from the mainstream music press. After a stellar debut earlier this year with Grain & Grape, he returns with another power pop treasure. Taylor and Chris Price are firing on all cylinders here, and the listener reaps rewards from Marathon. The ambitious opener has an album’s worth of songs in a six minute medley called “The Honor Roll.” From Jellyfish-like harmonies to Ramone styled guitar riffs, the song is a whirlwind of images and tones that swings back and forth from sugary pop to glam rock in a mini-rock opera about different types of girls. Even Roger Manning, Jr. would be proud of this one.

“Jenny” is a pretty standard rocker follow up, but Taylor amps it up with “Tarred, Feathered & Scarlet Lettered” a swaggering tune about a Lothario’s reputation. Another huge standout here is the ballad “Don’t Forget” which is a sweetly sung, albeit condescending message to a girl how important you are to her. This song is kind of a companion to Billy Joel’s “Just The Way You Are” and melodically hits all the right notes. The gems keep coming, “My Only Drug” is a jangle filled duet with Charlotte Froom and “Los Feliz” is a fast paced guitar party with blasting horns, and wicked solos at the end. And to top it all off is a proper tribute to one of my favorite bands “Badfinger” – with plenty of lyrical references to the band and a killer hook in the chorus. This is yet another “must-have” album and top ten contender, the first time I know a band has made my list twice in the same year!

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This video is “Jennifer” from Grain and Grape.