Bill Popp is among the unsung heroes of power pop. Popp is a music veteran of early 60’s rock influences in the classic tradition of The Beatles, REM, and The Who. Popp and his band, The Tapes delivers melodic hooks, combined with dance grooves and poetic harmony, that have a timeless quality. He compares well to Frank Royster, with more of a British Merseybeat flavor. The lyrics are personal and touching in all cases here, and fans who favor DIY artists like Chris Breetveld (“The Breetles”) will go nuts for Bill Popp and seek out his music. The new album starts with “Paradise,” a “don’t-worry-be-happy” mantra set to a nice guitar riff. It’s got a nice Beatley vibe and just the right amount of mellow reassurance in the chorus. The follow up “Perfect Idiot” is a wonderful fast paced diatribe of self-criticism and nervous conversation in under three minutes all set to a wonderful hook. “Love and Lust” is a very Pete Townshend-styled rocker with plenty of jangle and a sweet piano break in the middle of the song. The song “Your Hero” is an perfect autobiographical snapshot of Popp at 50 years old – he’ll literally tell you, “Yeah, I tend to drink a lot, but what else do I got?” in the song. The Popp’s wisdom continues in the song “Love Many Trust Few” – it has a little rap in the middle with guitars, that reminds me a little bit of 10cc. A nice cover of The Beau Brummels “Just a Little” round out this release. It a shame that this band isn’t bigger or more well known than they are. They are one of NYC’s best kept musical secrets. CD Baby is expected to carry the album soon, but you can check out earlier releases there.