Airport “Go Up” Released last year, but an overlooked treasure for sure. The band draws from the big hook filled melodies of old school 70′s AM radio classics like Cheap Trick, Blue and Pilot. Lead by Craig Small, the jangly guitar starts us off with the Eagles-influenced title track, but then on “The Plan” you…
Category Archives: Power Pop Review
Budokan and Beyond Veronica
Budokan “Spin A Little Gold” This Canadian band from Victoria, B.C. has the loud fiery energy that is sure to make it a rookie-of-the-year as far as I’m concerned. Yes, the name and sound are indebted to Cheap Trick (as in Live From Budokan) and those strong, layered guitars ring true on the openers “The Queen’s English” and…
Kishi Bashi and Fallon Cush
Kishi Bashi “151a” Out of the tons of bands coming to SXSW this past year, Kishi Bashi made the best impression on me. Bashi is a touring violinist for Of Montreal and Regina Spektor, and on his solo album he manages to spin both lush texture and joy in his orchestral arrangements. The swirling violins…
Bos Taurus “In The Sun”
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”…
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…
Dunebuggy and The Squires of The Subterrain
Dunebuggy “Dunebuggy” Dunebuggy came together in 1991 and were based out of Hoboken, New Jersey. The band split in 1996, and self-released several songs — but this LP is the first time that many of their songs have ever been available to the public. The band has a D.I.Y. aesthetic of skateboarding, and an obsessive appreciation…