With so much going on, I will have a separate post for singles, and we have a new one from Dan Miraldi featuring Palmyra Delran. “Magic in the Air” has them playing at the Cutting Room in downtown NYC. Keep your eyes out for more soon! Next we have the band, He’s Dead Jim with a perfectly fine freebie themed after the classic flick ‘A Clockwork Orange.’ And its got severai impressive tracks, listen to “Spacer.” Then Rob & Ellen, a duo from Oakland have a melodic gift with brilliant DIY pop on their new EP. Check out “So Many Californians” and “Second Hand.” Well, after making my #2 album of 2025, The Gnomes have returned for a chaser, and these guys are firing on all cylinders here. Next, The Sumos are a self-described “scuzz-pop” band from Manchester, and they have great songs. Check out “Honesty” and “Hunting Tracks.” Finally, the veteran singer songwriter Willie Wisely is celebrating the 30th anniversary of his power pop classic “She.” The remaster includes demos and live tracks, not to be missed. Start at “Go!” and be transported.
Category: free downloads
Video premiere and more stuff: The Smug Brothers, Ridel High, Pop Boomerang, The Happy Somethings, Sr. Pez, Pop Boomerang
The Smug Brothers are back with a new album, due in May titled ‘Gravity Is Just A Way To Fall’ check out the premiere of a new video by skate legend Dave Ackels. You can pre-order the album here. Now some FREEBIES! Next before Tsar became a big Hollywood power pop band, Ridel High was there, and here is a new digital EP of remastered ’90s demos. Next, UK band The Happy Somethings deliver happy folk pop that have us “Thinkin’ ‘bout good times.” and from Elche, Spain this psychedelic pop band Sr. Pez is just “Walking In Circles.” Finally, I am happy to report the return of Pop Boomerang Records compilations, this new one is ‘Electric & Eclectic Rarities Volume 2.’ It bundles up previously unreleased songs, demos, live versions, rare B-sides and a huge array of covers. Enjoy the snow melt!
Feb Freebies, singles, eps: Banda AL9, The Black Watch, Log Flume, High On Stress, John Lebhar, Vista Blue, Left Letters
Now that Banda AL9 is signed to Wicked Cool Records, I am so glad these talented brothers (Matheus Khouri & Thiago Khouri) from Brazil will get more exposure. Here they are doing a classic Kurt Baker & Wyatt Funderburk power pop gem. The Black Watch is back with a new single in advance of an LP, and this is a band that ages like fine Cabernet. Another band that slipped under the radar 2 years ago was Log Flume from Philly, PA. They have a great sound and we’ve got a new single that rocks (and hopefully a new LP on the way). Next I am loading you all up with freebies: RumBar Records delivers a great EP by Minneapolis band High On Stress. I loved the Tommy Keene cover “Nothing Can Change You.” This was a surprise, as Massachusetts musician John Lebhar caught my attention with the hooky “Can’t Quiet Explain,” and he’s got a lot great music (not all power pop) and its worth your time checking out his catalog on Bandcamp. A familiar voice is always comforting, and Ramones like riffs of Vista Blue are no exception. Left Letters are another band that blends indie pop, fuzz core and melody. Enjoy the goodies and remember uncle Frank’s advice; don’t eat the yellow snow!
The Best Things In Life Are Free… (Album Edition)
“…But you can keep ’em for the birds and bees” – Money (That’s What I Want)
While not everything here might be considered power pop, I do consider it great music. These are great albums at a “name-your-price” point. No excuses!
Beauty “I’d Do Almost Anything For You”
This Red Bank, New Jersey trio brings the goods on its full length debut. “Alive Tonight” opens with thick guitars and stacked harmonies and moves with confidence and purpose. “Acid Baby Girl” follows as a fuzzy love song built on warm feedback and a relaxed pulse, balancing noise with control. Tracks like “You Always Take Me” and “Daisy” lean into simple melodic structures, pairing heavy guitars with clean, memorable choruses. Fans of Superdrag or The Posies will recognize the balance between punch and melody, though the band keeps its own identity front and center. The sequencing stays tight and focused, with no wasted moments or weak tracks. The result feels cohesive, deliberate, and fully realized. This release deserves serious attention and lands comfortably among the year’s strongest albums. Highly Recommended.
Mommyheads “No Quietus”
I think the similarity to the cover of last year’s ‘One Eyed Band’ threw me off, but the band keeps pushing its blend of power pop and progressive rock with confidence and precision. “Triumph and Crash” stands out as a sharp nod to classic Genesis, especially the keyboard driven drama associated with Tony Banks, without slipping into imitation. “Black Veins” shows Adam Elk at his strongest as a writer and vocalist, and the song carries emotional weight and ambition, setting a high bar across the record. Tracks like “I’m Your Apocalypse” and “Race Care Brain” expand the scope further, layering ideas, textures, and shifting moods. The album feels intentional from start to finish, built for close listening rather than background play. This release works as a full sonic journey and rewards attention. Highly Recommended.
Static In Verona “Altered State Lines”
Chicago musician Rob Merz blends ambient textures with power pop in a focused, personal way. The opener “Alright in the Morning” sets the tone with echo soaked guitar lines, thick percussion, and a steady vocal lead. The title track, “Altered State Lines” builds momentum through layered, rhythmic guitars and a forward push. Merz’s approach feels distinct and intentional. “Camera” and “Fearful” slowly create atmosphere, pairing mood with clear narrative intent. “Demons” shifts gears with a heavy, Zeppelin inspired riff that adds weight and contrast. The closing “Back in the Aviary” drifts into a hazy, dreamlike soundscape, bringing the album to a calm and thoughtful end.
Merry Christmas from Power Popaholic!
If “Gingbread Shitshow” is my favorite cynical new Xmas song this year, then the single “Tchotchkes” by Tchotchke and The Lemon Twigs is on the other end of the holiday spectrum. A brilliant classic in all its layered Phil Spector-esque glory. Enjoy!
Our last-minute gift here is from Ex-Norwegian! A seasonally inspired remix set of fan faves and deep cuts, never before heard. A holiday FREEBIE for you!