Author: powerpopaholic

You can go home again. New Jersey’s legendary power pop band The Smithereens come back 12 years later with producer Don Dixon to pick up right where they left off. Singer/guitarist Pat DiNizio, guitarist Jim Babjak, drummer Dennis Diken, and bassist Severo “The Thrilla” Jornacion are back to recapture  those bygone days when vintage hits like “Blood & Roses” ruled the airwaves.

The cover art mimics the band’s 1989 album which in turn is an homage to the film ‘Ocean’s 11.‘ Much like the Rat Pack, these guys are pros and crank out the lead single “Sorry” with solid guitars and Pat’s unmistakable vocal. For a while the excitement of hearing classic ‘Reens is enough to keep your enthusiasm going. “One Look At You” is great follow up and those crunchy riffs keep you engaged, however the band slows down with the psychedelic “A World Of Our Own” clocking in at almost 5 minutes (despite the lush harmonies). The next few songs feel like the band is on autopilot, until it picks up with “Bring Back The One I Love” where the melodic chords and lyrics sounds fresh. “Nobody Lives Forever” is another gem with Pat’s dark point of view and and then we get the brilliant bluesy “Goodnight Goodbye.” The song “Turn It Around” also hits the mark, so I’d say this is a successful comeback. Lets hope the band builds on this re-birth and they don’t wait another decade to deliver their sweet power pop goodness.

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Buddy Love “s/t”
When we last left Buddy Love, they had a gem of a single “Crying Town” which combined lead singer Joey Kelly’s rich baritone and Doug Khazzam’s jangle pop mastery. This brilliant song took the band to the next level, and the follow up tune “Almost In Tears” nearly matches it, with solid guitar work and sax touches. You’ll still hear the tint of 80’s style pop, but it’s got more sophistication, and this is evidenced in the terrific “Tearing You Down”  with Beatlesque guitar licks and musical key shifts after the chorus. “Intersection” seems to borrow a bit from “Sweet Child O Mine,” but its still impressive. Other highlights here are “Hard To Get” and “Idle Hands.” Both songs are catchy and have been an essential part of  Buddy Love’s live show. Add to this a few odds (“Set You Free”) and ends (“Waiting”) – and you have a great introduction to Buddy Love. Highly recommended.

Trent Dabbs “Southerner”
Dabbs is an accomplished indie singer-songwriter from Tennessee. His sound is a mix of romantic dream pop with steady rhythms and folk styled melodies. Although pleasant, it didn’t impress me until the bouncy “Don’t Blame Love,” where Dabbs ethereal vocal floats above a twanging guitar and toe-tapping beat. Like a southern version of Elliot Smith on “Catch Me Up To Speed,” it’s subtle horns, catchy chorus and detailed composition win you over. A nice tribute song “Neil Young” basically lets you know “it won’t reach the heart unless its in the blood.” The gentle ballads like “Me & God” and the title track have a wonderful spiritual quality and slightly countrified “Can I Cross Your Mind?” linger in your head and make up for the rare misstep (“Paper Trails”) here. Fans of Lindsey Buckingham, Elliot Smith and most acoustic indie pop will find a new favorite in Trent Dabbs.

Gerry Beckley “Unfortunate Casino”
Gerry Beckley (America) has been serving up stellar pop for most of his adult life. After recent work with Jeff Larson, a haunting concept album emerges with Beckley’s trademark warm melodic style. The gentle “Always” starts us off with a simple hushed vocal, guitar strum and horn accents. “Feelings Flow” is another sentimental soft shoe melody that easily brings us a smile.

The title track is a simple tune that builds into a rich complex theme, but a real gem is the upbeat “Remembering” with its hook filled harmonies and handclaps. The slower numbers really resonate too, “Dark River” and “Cup Of Rain,” being especially moving. In addition, a pair of wonderful songs (“Hello” and “Simpson Sky”) written by both Gerry and Bill Mumy are perfect pop in the Andrew Gold mold. No throwaway tunes here make this album an essential purchase. I look forward to more Gerry Beckley each year.

Snowbirds “s/t”
The Snowbirds are a six piece Americana/Rock band from Wisconsin with a gentle confidence and knack for making majestic melodies. Lead singer Jason Berken has a sweet soulful vocal and the rest of band does a great job bringing out each songs emotional heart. The steel lap guitar and harmonies on the opener  “Current State” impresses and “Old Wall” is another roots pop gem. Things get bumped up with the Gary Louris styled “Cody Cody” full of gorgeous chords. The barroom anthem on “Shakedown” balances the album out between slower ballads and Tom Pettyesque mid tempo songs like “So Long.” Fans of alt country style like The Jayhawks, Ryan Adams and The Autumn Defense will really enjoy this one.