Yeah, these guys (Games We Play) have been a viral sensation, and now they are poised to do it again. “The Smash” is a pretty damn accurate account of what goes into your head when songwriting. Jeff Graham is new to me and he really brings the riffs! Check out “Leaving Chicago,” due out late August and you’ll be impressed. The Gershwin Brothers are a “supergroup” in my opinion, a band led by Dave Foster (Fuzzbubble) with personal faves Lane Steinberg and Mike Fornatale on guitar. “Doomscrollin’” kinda says it all in our crazy world. Its been a while, but Vista Blue is back with another Ramones inspired freebie for you all. And Jamie Turner can “Paint A Good Picture” especially if it involves retro 60s sounds. Finally, a new single from legendary power pop band Semisonic “Don’t Give Up Yet.” I will keep the faith as long as you do!
Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic
The Amplifier Heads and Banda AL9
The Amplifier Heads “Super 8”
The legendary Sal Baglio was a founding member of East Boston’s The Stompers, and has since been a fixture in The Amplifier Heads and The Peppermint Kicks. Baglio helped create the kind of blue collar East Coast rock that has inspired many, and on ‘Super 8’ he is keeping the faith. “Rock N’ Roll Riot” kicks things off with an explosive two-minute history lesson delivered at Ramones speed. The song is about the Moondog Coronation Ball and the birth of rock ’n’ roll.
He continues with the Stone-styled swagger of “Hot Stars” and the Louie Louie-inspired riffs of “A Girl Named Chop Suey.” The influences are obvious, but Baglio wears them proudly. “They Don’t Dance Anymore” reminisces about the time when people danced to the music on the radio. In contrast, the brilliant “Superstar” struts as he sings, “I don’t know what it’s like to be you.” Each song is a standout, and there is no filler. ‘Super 8’ is a love letter to the days when guitars, basses, drums, and saxophones ruled. It’s a shout-out to aging rock-and-roll wild men. If you need a reminder of why rock ’n’ roll was so much fun in the first place, turn this one up loud. Highly recommended.
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Banda AL9 “Hey! Hey! We’re Banda AL9”
Banda AL9 brings the joy of Beatlesque power pop without overthinking it. This Brazilian duo, brothers Matheus Khouri and Thiago Khouri, have come a long way since their 2022 debut. After catching the attention of Little Steven’s Underground Garage and landing on Wicked Cool Records for their American summer release, the brothers arrive with an album packed with hooks, harmonies, and plenty of sunshine.
There’s hardly a dud in the bunch. The Khouris stack those sweet brotherly harmonies throughout, while tracks like “She Calls Me Love” and “American Girl” wear their Fab Four influence proudly. Then they crank up the energy on the Kurt Baker-penned “She Can Do It All.” The lyrics stay light, romantic, and carefree, which suits the music perfectly. Banda AL9 delivers the sort of power pop that begs for a summer afternoon, a shady spot on the beach, and something cold in your glass. Sometimes you don’t need to reinvent the wheel (as The Lemon Twigs have demonstrated repeatedly.) You just need great melodies, ringing guitars, and a chorus you want to sing along with. Banda AL9 has all three. Highly Recommended.
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Power Popaholic Interview: Ryan Hamilton
Ryan Hamilton has lived many lives as a musician. For years, I’ve covered Ryan’s records at Power Popaholic, so it was great to finally sit down with him and talk about the road that led to his outstanding new album, “Haunted by American Dreams.” It was rated one of my favorite albums this year – read the review.
We discuss leaving the music business, finding his way back, and turning life’s hard truths into sharp, heartfelt songs. If you love honest songwriting, big hooks, and stories of second chances, this is an interview you won’t want to miss.
Power Popaholic Interview: Dressy Bessy
A very quick chat with Dressy Bessy led by songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist, Tammy Ealom and guitarist John Hill (The Apples in Stereo). We chat about BETTY BOOP’S BIRTHDAY BASH on August 8, host by actress, comedian, and musician Kate Micucci. We also get into the band’s newest material too. BTW, I checked and we are all wrong on Betty’s age. Betty Boop was created in 1930, making her 96 years old as of 2026.
Here is the new video from The Tammy Shine!
Power Popaholic Interview: Mo Troper
Mo Troper returns with one of his most personal and melodic albums yet, “Today I Played My Guitar And Sang.” We talk about the new record, songwriting, influences, recording at home, and the stories behind these sharp, hook-filled songs. If you’re a fan of power pop, Teenage Fanclub, Fountains of Wayne, or The Beach Boys, this conversation belongs on your watch list.