Author: powerpopaholic

The Grip Weeds “How I Won The War”

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The Grip Weeds

The Grip Weeds “How I Won The War”

Going way back to the roots, the Grip Weeds were named after John Lennon’s character Private Gripweed from the 1967 film How I Won The War. Using the movie’s anti-war theme as a starting point, they signed with Jem Recordings and put out a masterful concept album, thanks in large part to lead singer/drummer Kurt Reil , his wife guitarist Kristen Pinell, his brother Rick Reil and bassist Dave DeSantis. The band doubles down on the rich psychedelic prog sound that started with Strange Change Machine.

The prog-pysche rock starts with the colorful title track, a combination of explosive melody lines with a drum-reverb drenched guitar chorus. A mix of The Byrds, Yes and Cream all wrapped up in one. “Rise Up” is a rougher garage approach, Kurt’s aggressive lead vocal is contrasted by the bands smooth harmonies.

Although there is a lot to go through (17 monster tracks) the jangling hooks are all over “Life Saver” and the dream-like “Other Side Of Your Heart.” You’ll get more familiar Grip Weeds buzzing guitar sound with “Force of Nature,” and Kristin get to sing lead on the mid-tempo “Over and Over.” We also have a nice tribute to the band’s first signed label “Rainbow Quartz.” The band also throws in a few instrumentals to pad things out, but we do close with a great cover of The Beatles’ “The Inner Light.” I always look forward to the Grip Weeds music and this album is pure shock and awe. Highly Recommended.
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Grip Weeds Direct | Amazon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhyaFZez1Us

George Usher & Lisa Burns “The Last Day of Winter”

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George Usher

George Usher & Lisa Burns “The Last Day of Winter”

George Usher is a veteran unsung rocker who was dealt a near fatal illness that sapped his strength and ability to even play a few years ago. Using his time to write songs, he was met by friend Lisa Burns and eventually they decided to collaborate on this album. Aided by a top notch studio team; guitarist Dave Schramm (The Schramms), bassist Sal Maida (Sparks), producer Pau Naumann, and engineer Eric Ambel (Del Lords, Nils Lofgren, solo) both George and Lisa pour out their collective hearts here.

“Wake Me When Tomorrow’s Here” has that fantastic Usher jangle and although Lisa’s gentle vocal dominates most of the compositions, George is content doing the backing vocal.  “Depression Glass” continues to set the mood, almost like a country ballad, about the fleeting time we all have. “Lost In Translation” features Lisa’s soulful croon similar to a Stevie Nicks, with its melancholy folk pop. Next we get a big standout in “My Precious Wisdom,” George sounds a lot like Stephen Stills here with a wonderful piano melody  played by Dylan Maida. “The Ferryman’s Name” is another standout, with jangling goodness and one of the better duets on the LP. The subject of mortality is common in music, but here Usher sings from the first hand experience that’s sure to resonate with listeners. After a long cold winter, this is a perfect document by two talented musicians.
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Amazon

Singles: Peter Lacey, Propeller and The Roaring Juniors

powerpopaholic

Peter Lacey “Wayward Song”

Peter Lacey’s music has been compared to that of Brian Wilson, sharing a similar talent for harmonies and lush musical arrangements. This is a wistful dream of a song, which brings to mind The Moody Blues.
Get the vinyl at Pink Hedgehog Records

Propeller “Wish I Had Her Picture/Can’t Feel These Things”

Propeller delivers this FREE 2 song-single that really impresses. Crunchy guitars that form dense rhythms and hook filled choruses meant to be served loud. Enjoy!

Roaring Juniors “See You (All The Time)” and “Sweet Marie”

Ann Arbor, Michigan band brings us a old school music in the jangling tradition of The Rubinoos.  These tracks will be on the bands next full length Perennials. This is a great preview that just gets me excited for the upcoming LP this spring.


Sam Vicari “Giving Up”

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The Power Chords

Sam Vicari “Giving Up”

Its good to hear Sam Vicari again, as he’s clearly at the top of his game. Opening with simple fuzz guitar and harmonies on “Little Stones” it’s a Green Day-ish prelude to the album, where he lets loose on the first big single here “All and Everyday,” a memorable melody that’s “tired of winter, get used to early summer.” And it would be a perfect tune to play loud in your convertible.

Each song crackles with energy, “Pacific Northwesterner” is another compelling melody with biting riffs similar to Matthew Sweet. “Loser Dream” goes on about the girl he loves (even though she’s asleep). The sparse instrumentation of “Just Enough” plays out long enough till the loud monster chorus kicks in and the dense “Still Not Sure” is a full of ringing guitars and a bouncy beat. No filler here and each song stands as proof of Vicari’s amazing talent. Highly recommended and added to my top ten nominations list this year!
power pop

Spin City Records | Amazon

Sam Vicari – All and Everyday (Official Video) from Sam Vicari on Vimeo.

Plastic Man and Plastic Macca

powerpopaholic
The Power Chords

Plastic Man “Don’t Look At The Moon”

Plastic Man is an Italian pysche-pop garage band that has nothing to do with stretchy superhero of the same name.  What makes this band “stretch” is its ability to combine late ’60s fuzz guitar, reverb, and vocal tremolo into trippy melodies. “North Polar Land” starts with a looping rhythm and echoing distant vocals. “Black and Blue Dream” ups the echoes with jangle guitar and xylophone. Like Plastic Macca, we get very groovy psyche-pop experiences around 2 minutes each, but there is a little more variety, from the surf guitar of “Black Hole” and “Needle Point” to the odd melody and cowbell beat of the title track.

One huge standout is the jangle-tastic “He Didn’t Know” that sounds almost like a gem from last years album from The Above. “Rolling Machine” goes a little wilder with heavy distorted chords and a gurgling chorus. But a lead vocal doesn’t stand out here, instead we get a collective harmony (with a female voice in there) for many tunes. Another standout “Mike, the Center of The World” does highlight the vocal performances. Fans of sixties psyche rejoice and double your fun!
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Amazon



The Power Chords

Plastic Macca “Sensation”

Roger Houdaille (Ex Norwegian) has a retro secret identity as Plastic Macca. On the debut album Sensation, it scratches the itch for fans of late 60’s psychedelics starting with the “Life” a short gem with echoing vocals and fuzz bass. “Art” is very much in the style of Kinks Village Green Preservation Society with a nice descending guitar riff. Roger adds his own melodic touch to these short musical sketches (most around 2 minutes).

Therein lies the issue: most of the songs sound like nice ideas that float in and out of your ears without much resonance. Songs like “Reverse” and “Air” have a bedroom garage quality about the recording that does keep them endearing, but they’re not memorable. Roger’s creative impulses yield a few melodic gems like “Wasteland” and the weird “Garden” is like very early Bowie (you almost expect sped up gnome voices).

Not content with a single LP, Roger unleashed the sophomore Plastic Macca Is Here at the same time. Less a retro exercise it has its share of notable songs including “Hall” and “Skinny.” Expand your psyche-pop collection and give Plastic Macca’s oeuvre chance.
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Sensation | Is Here