Author: powerpopaholic

Back to School Mini Reviews

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This is a collection of unsigned talent that I got requests to review – so if you wanna be daring give these a try…

The Blind Sides “Circles” EP
Toronto musician Aron Harris really impressed me with this gem of an EP. The title track is similar to the piano pop of Ben Folds or The Hillary Step, it just leaps out of the speaker and grabs you. And the following tracks are pretty good, with a DIY power pop effort in “When I Look Back Now” and the alt. country of ” I Don’t Want To Let Love Get In The Way.” Lead singer Stephen Scarrow has a real gift for songwriting and composition and he knows how to really croon on “Waiting For Tomorrrow.” I can’t wait for a full release from this new talent.
Bandcamp | Facebook
Toxic Melons “Melon Jam” EP
A very DIY effort by Paul Fairbairn of Newcastle UK, Melon Jam takes it’s cue from Jellyfish, The Move and Stackridge. “The Dole” is an ambitious opener, with a Jellyfish styled chorus and harmonies. The song “You’ve Changed” is slow pop waltz full of neo-psychedelics that creates a Zappaesque atmosphere. The ender “Tomorrow” is another standout, but unfortunately the low budget production starts to show on the other tracks. Fairbairn has tons of potential here and I would love to hear more… can someone sign this man to a proper label please?
Reverb Nation | Facebook
The Sharks “Stockwell Love” EP
Lead by Paul Harvey this London band as a number of free EPs and singles available on Bandcamp. If you are more into the loud side of pop, similar to Paul Collins. Harvey has very distinct vocal that warbles like Roy Orbison a bit, but with a nasal sound that takes a little getting used to. The songwriting here is very good, and the guitar work on several singles is very impressive. “Jimmy” has tons of power and “Stories” has a great hook. Truth be told this is a great FREE collection, and you should give these guys a listen.

Billy Burnett and John Holk

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Billy Burnette “Rock and Roll With It”
Burnette has a long and proud history in rock and roll. And I’d be shocked if anyone else short of Brian Setzer can play Rockabilly better, as Billy’s dad helped invent the genre. He’s played with rock legends Fleetwood Mac, Rod Stewart, Ray Charles, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, and many more. The title track of the new album “Rock and Roll With It” is a bona-fide classic with a catchy rhythm that doesn’t quit. “My Love Will Not Change” is an uptempo country rocker that has a highly polished sound that will impress the most jaded critic. “Beautiful Distraction” is a honky tonk theme suitable for the NFL or NASCAR and each following track is solid twang-fest thereafter. “I really felt like it was time. I really like this music. I didn’t get into my dad’s whole Rockabilly thing until after he died.” Burnette says, and we’re all the better he’s carrying on the family business. One listen to the autobiographical “Hot Rod Billy” and you’ll be shakin’ all the way home.

Billyburnett.net | Amazon | Itunes

 

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John Holk & The Sequins “If You See Her”
In country pop music, subtlety is a premium that is often hard to come by, but John Holk uses his mellow vocal and melodic approach to win you over. The band’s sound is in the vein of Gram Parsons, The Byrds, or The Scud Mountain Boys. The pop goodness shows up in the lush second track, “If You See Her” with its tight harmonies akin to The Association, floating on top of the jangling guitar rhythm. Carrie Shepard joins Holk for a sweet duet on “Lady Jane” and another great pop moment is on “Autograph” with its ear-worm worthy chorus. Another standout is “If She Were You” with a superb guitar solo at the break. The album breaks into bluegrass and traditional country in the latter half which slow it down quite a bit, but it recovers with the easy going guitar of the ender “The Mountain” with its “Proud Mary” bass line. Overall a nice gem of an album with solid performances.

Facebook | CD Baby | Amazon

The Doughboys “Rock N’ Raw” trailer

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The Doughboys story is a fascinating one. A band that broke up 30 years ago, with members all going in different directions come back together. Now it’s been made into a feature length documentary with the emphasis on the reunion performance at Arlene’s Grocery in NYC. I had no clue when it first surfaced that it was Richard X Heyman‘s first band and now you can get the film from the distibutors directly. Check out the and view a portion of the movie here.

Power Popaholic hidden treasures

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Visit the Power Popaholic Facebook page and you’ll find a chestful of FREE power pop goodies from some new artists I picked!

If you’ve never “liked” us, please do and enjoy the music for your last week of summer. If you like any of the music, please spread the word and get your friends to visit power popaholic.com – we’re looking for more fans!

Hans Rotenberry & Brad Jones “Mountain Jack”

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This came out earlier this year, and despite almost no PR effort at all it has managed to become a favorite amongst music bloggers. It’s also been really tough to get ahold of. Shazam frontman Hans Rotenberry, and Shazam’s former producers Brad Jones unite to forge a Americana album with a sweet power pop spin. The compelling jangle of “Count On Me” and “A Likely Lad” have Jones (Guilt Flake) fingerprints all over them.

Rotenberry’s “Froggy Mountain Shakedown” and “Back To Bristol” have a Kinks “Muswell Hillbillies” flavoring. The melodies shine brightly and both artists work to make the album as repeat-friendly as possible. These two titans of Nashville power pop have also kept things understated enough on tracks like “Puttin’ On Airs Tonight” and “Buffalo Daughter” to keep things poppy, but still clinging to those country roots. Also one track alone doesn’t carry the album, nor does one songwriter dominate – each track just sounds great. Simply put, the best musical collaboration this year and yes – it makes my best of 2011 year end list.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik