Sour Ops and Doug Gillard

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Sour Ops

Sour Ops “Bikers Make Better Lovers”

Nashville power pop-rock trio Sour Ops, led by Price Harrison, continues to build on its reputation for mixing proto-punk, glam, and power pop hooks with lyrics that often lean toward the cynical. Their latest LP, ‘Bikers Make Better Lovers,’ delivers another batch of sharp-edged rockers with plenty of personality. The production is crisp and uncluttered, allowing every instrument to sit comfortably in the mix. The lineup of Price Harrison (guitar, vocals), Tony Frost (bass), Steve Ebe (drums), and Mark Harrison (guitar, vocals) works together with impressive cohesion.

The heavy synths that introduce “Opting Out” quickly fade as a muscular guitar riff takes control. The song’s cool factor is undeniable, fueled by layered rhythm guitars and sharp vocals as Harrison declares he’s “opting out of everything that’s free.” Next, “Problem Number Next” recalls elements of Urge Overkill, thanks to its memorable melody and stacked guitar textures. When the band turns up the volume on “She’s So Strange,” the sound hints at AC/DC, albeit with stronger vocal melodies. This heavier approach reaches its peak on the infectious “Gym Bros,” a clever and entertaining commentary on hypermasculinity. Highly Recommended.

Amazon


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Doug Gillard

Doug Gillard “Parallel Stride”

“Parallel Stride” is Doug Gillard’s first solo album in more than ten years. It features his trademark guitar-driven indie rock sound with catchy tunes and poignant lyrics. Gillard has been so busy with Guided By Voices, Nada Surf, Bambi Kino, and other projects that it’s an incredible accomplishment in and of itself that he has time for his own work. Gillard’s guitar work is both melodic as it is technically impressive.

The album opens with “Face of Smiles” and its instantly memorable GBV-styled riff, while the title track “Parallel Stride” is masterclass in gritty guitar melody akin to The Grip Weeds. The galloping rhythm of “Until I See You Again” has echoes of Tom Petty, but “New Vista” marries great minor chords with acoustic rhythm that sticks in your head. In fact, it’s astounding the range of tones and moods he’s able to get, keeping things unpredictable. Added highlights include “My Friends” and “Saving My Life Everyday.” Highly Recommended.

Amazon

Power Popaholic Interview: Cal Everett

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Cal Everett (4 out of 5 Doctors)

My longest interview yet, and every minute was worth it.

I sat down with Cal Everett of 4 Out of 5 Doctors for an in-depth conversation covering his music career, songwriting, the band’s legacy, and what he’s working on today. Cal shared great stories, insights, and memories from decades in power pop and rock music and especially his new solo album “The Weight of Early Promise.” If you’re a fan of 4 Out of 5 Doctors, classic power pop, or the art of great songwriting, this is one you’ll want to watch.

See the album review for “The Weight of Early Promise.”

The Greenberry Woods and The Pretty Graves

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The Greenberry Woods

The Greenberry Woods “It’s All Good, Sugar…”

Maryland power-poppers the Greenberry Woods were a big deal back in the 90s. And this is a rare case of a comeback that matches expectations. Brothers Matt and Brandt Huseman having previously revived their band Splitsville last year, they return to their musical roots with original member Ira Katz. The opener even expects us to “rewind and go back in time” on the opening track “Summer Song,” and it feels like they never left.

“Waiting ‘Round For Something To Go Wrong” was demo from those early days that’s fleshed out here, but other songs resonate and feel better composed like the solid “Whenever You Want Me Too,” loaded with handclaps, harmonies, and that crisp jangling guitar. Highlights include “Very Good Year” and the very self-referential “All I Want Is You,” with a few call outs to some influences in the lyrics and the densely packed “December Boy,” with its piano solo. The strongest ballad here “That Won’t Make You Love Me” is all about rejection, with some great backing harmonies floating behind the lead vocals. Likely the best song here is the single “The One That Makes You Happy” which starts out like a Green Day song and shifts to a great chorus. Not everything clicks, but enough does and it’s great to have this band back in the power pop fold. Highly Recommended.

Big Stir Records | Amazon

“The

The Pretty Graves “The Pretty Graves”

The Pretty Graves are a Connecticut-based underground art-rock quintet renowned for their blend of unadulterated melodies, soul-baring lyrics, and fuzzed-out guitars. The indie rock density is evident on the opener “Bending Reeds” with its chugging guitar rhythm and solid harmonies. Lead singer Chris Listorti has a deadpan approach to vocals, but this contrast works even better on “Do It Again” with the gentle, dream-like beat and those deep guitar riffs feel more important, making this the most accessible single.

“Feels Good” is a satirical anthem on modern cynicism and apathy, with lyrics that tell us “everything sucks, it feels good,” it slowly becomes a catchy chant “it feels good, the more you learn, the less you know.” There is no filler here, and “Queen of Lies” and “Walkin’” each have a hypnotic quality. “Each Step” is another gem as the melodic guitars get louder in some way reminding me of Disq, but slower and more polished. Some bits of psych pop stream in on “Up On The Hill,” and the closer “Nothing Passes Like Time” has the most melodic harmonies on the album. The themes of love and loss will grow on you with each listen. Overall, an excellent album and candidate for my Top Ten list of 2026. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

Memorial Day Singles and a goodie: The Martial Arts, The Tone Twins, The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club, The Dreambots, Chris Alvy, Professor and The Madman

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Honor our veterans today. 🇺🇸 With most parades washed out, you might as well listen to some music. Well, we have The Martial Arts “Seeing Double,” and some panda heads, a really catchy single with a Sparks kinda vibe. Next, Andy Goldberg from the Honeymoon Stallions, joins forces with Huntington, Long Island music legend Willie Steel to form The Tone Twins, and the single is a new classic! Then we have The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club back, both rocking and groovin’ with some “Disco Demolition,” and they have a new album that just came out! Next a freebie EP goodie from a band I know nothing about, The Dreambots  are an LA band with a retro vibe, and I liked “High Road” and “Up Where The Sky Ends.” Chris Alvy gives us a worthy Smithereens cover and another up coming band Professor and The Madman have an album due soon, its a bit chaotic and ambitious. But it’s music that deserves to be heard.





Power Popaholic Interview: Dave Cope

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Dave Cope

Dave Cope has dedicated decades of his life to crafting music that passionately merges power pop, folk, psychedelia, glam rock, and timeless songwriting into a sound that is undeniably his own. In this exclusive interview, Dave opens up about his latest musical endeavors, sharing the raw energy and emotion behind his newest releases. Amidst a rapidly changing music industry, Dave speaks candidly about the struggles and triumphs of staying true to his independent spirit. Listen to some of my favorites as I ask “What the hell is Dave Cope doing?”