Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

Derrick Anderson and The Dolly Spartans

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Derrick Anderson

Derrick Anderson “A World Of My Own”

Bassist Derrick Anderson, known for his work with the Bangles and Dave Davies (the Kinks) is breaking out in a big way on his solo debut. Prior to that his band The Andersons! were a popular LA power pop band, so he certainly has a top pedigree. In fact, he’s got an all-star line-up of past bandmates helping out. His smooth inviting vocals are key in the ear-worm opener “Send Me Down A Sign” full of jangle and harmony as well as the gem “Waiting For You,” with a bit of help from the Smithereens. Anderson knows to shift his style and tempo easily, so the mid-tempo rock “You Don’t Have To Hurt No More,” almost resembles a lost Squeeze hit. The Kinks-like riffs populate “Phyllis & Sharon” and buddy Matthew Sweet gives an assist with the bouncy and crunchy rocker “Happiness.”

Almost every song here hits the right buttons, “A Mother’s Love” and “My Prediction” rely on crisp melodies and brilliant musicianship. It takes a fast-paced live turn on “Stop Messin’ About,” with an energy that recalls Little Richard mixed with Paul McCartney. The Bangles lend their “do-do-do” backing vocals to “When I Was Your Man,” a song that just won’t leave your head. Easily this is one of the best releases I’ve heard in a long time, with a perfect balance of style and song composition. A true example of a “must-get” album that makes my top ten list for 2017.

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Dolly Spartans

Dolly Spartans “Time Sides With No One” EP

Few young bands survive the cards The Dolly Spartans have been dealt. Their debut cracked the top 10 in CMJ, were awarded Record of the Month and Artist of the Month, in The Deli Magazine. Then in 2015, Dolly Spartans 22-year old guitarist Christopher Elmer died suddenly of a drug overdose. The band has channeled that loss into more music, as lead singer Michael Eliran described the new EP as “…about coming to terms with the idea that the passing of time can bring joy one day and pain the next.”

The opening track “When The Wheels Stopped Moving” recalls early Coldplay or Radiohead with its dynamic chorus. The frantic guitar rhythms of “Hangin’ Out” are tied to solid emotions about trying to break out of the funk that accompanies a loss. “I Hear The Dead” is chugging-alt rock theme that brings to mind The Smiths and the title track is a dramatic mantra to live each day because “I’ve given up a lot to be myself.” A solid alt. rock EP that deserves to be heard. Highly Recommended.

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Greg Ieronimo and Robyn Gibson

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Greg Ieronimo

Greg Ieronimo “Never Leaving California”

I’m glad we finally have a new full-length album from Greg Ieronimo, as his debut Bipolar Love several years ago was a favorite and he’s been teasing us with tracks leaked out on IPO compilations. Greg’s sound emphasizes the “power” in power pop with heavy riffs leading the way on each song, comparable to Extreme or Green Day, but with a melodic emphasis and lush production technique similar to Jason Falkner. And unlike the debut, his style is very consistent here.

Opening with “Rewind” its hook-filled bass lead is layered with verses and backing harmonies that make Ieronino’s music so compelling. “Never Leaving California” is a slow building heavy rock standard about his home state, and then “You Love Me” is a piano-led gem with a cascading hook in the chorus. One of the catchiest songs here is “Best Day Of Our Life” brimming with ADD-fueled optimism. In fact, it’s a challenge to find a bad song here from the bouncy gem “Outta Sight” to the mid-tempo rock ballad “Make It Out” it’s all good. One critique you can say is that there may be too many songs (14) to digest very quickly, so take your time savoring each one with headphones. Easily this one is a top 10 nominee for my 2017 best-of list. Super Highly Recommended!

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Robyn Gibson

Robyn Gibson “Bob of the Pops Vol . 1”

One of the best young voices in pop music Robyn Gibson (The Junipers) created this covers album over a series of six years, produced by Boryng Bison. Gibson’s song selection is especially good, as he provides a perfect male version of Kristy MacColl’s “They Don’t Know” (a big hit for comedian Tracey Ullman).

The album consists of popular rock standards (The Beatles “Nowhere Man”) with more obscure singles (The Rutles “With A Girl Like You.”) The production is crisp and Gibson’s smooth vocal is multitracked for great harmonic moments like Teenage Fanclub’s “Did I Say.” Overall a great audio treat for lovers of great power pop. And hey, it’s a FREE download so pick it up and sing along with Robyn. Hopefully, Vol.2 isn’t that far behind.

Bandcamp only

Berwanger and Armchair Oracles

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Armchair Oracles

Berwanger “Exorcism Rock”

Debut album from Kansas artist Josh Berwanger (The Anniversary, The Only Children) delivers a great single in the title track which blurs the lines of power pop and classic rock, with a chorus worthy of ’70s guitar hit. “Rats & Cats” is another good song with assorted tempo shifts before it settles on a catchy chorus. Berwanger’s voice fits the style well, similar to Joe Elliot’s (Def Leppard) mid-tone rock vocal.

“Booty Shake” resembles a Tom Petty song with its phrasing, “Black Sun” and “I Want You Bad” both feature a killer guitar riff and fast-paced tempos. What makes Berwanger stand out is the seamless ability to go from Ramones-like “Slutty Skin” to standard rock and roll on “Forever” but keeping those hooks in place. The last two songs are “Spirit King” which resembles a mix between Kiss and Extreme, and the glammy epic “Space and Time.” Overall it’s got more than enough here for multiple listens and a great example of melodic rock. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Armchair Oracles

Armchair Oracles “In Machina”

One of David Bash’s faves from 2016, Norway’s Armchair Oracles offers up their sophomore LP entitled In Machina. It’s a solid effort, as “Considerations” opens with a jangling rhythm, heavy guitar riffs and minor chord chorus that sticks in your head. “Sound Sleep Sound” is a sweet ballad with delicate acoustic lead featuring Atle Skogrand’s gentle airy lead vocal. The band offers a contrast of the soft jangle atmosphere with a heavy rock riff lead often layered over it, as “Jitterbug” is a good example here. This is the style that rock bands like Radiohead and Coldplay used to be so good at, thankfully Armchair Oracles are just as impressive.

Even better this band knows when to let go and rock heavier like on the powerful “Utility Man.” Some of the music comes close to generic arena rock, (“Here Comes The Feeling”) but the melodies have that little twist to keep it from becoming cliched. “Climbing The Walls” is a nice break with its simple piano riff and slide guitar, almost ELO like. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | CD Baby

The Popravinas! and The Drywall Heels

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Armchair Oracles

The Popravinas! “California Sonic”

The Popravinas! are back almost ten years later, as Eddy Sill (The Mutts) is joined by John Adair (Guitar, Harmonica, Mandolin, Vocals) Dean Lyons (Guitar, Vocals) and David Rogers (Drums). The band has its own roots-based California pop sound, sure to appeal to fans of The Connection and/or Whiskeytown. “She’s Going South” is like an updated Beach Boys theme about disaster during summer break as they sing “It gonna get ugly, ugly.”

Eddy has a really unique deep vocal, and it makes the ballad “Santa Monica Moon” both catchy and romantic, with a touch of twang. That country-style covers most of the songs here, “Wow” smartly references the movie Days of Wine and Roses and the Rockpile-like gem “Alone Ain’t So Bad” is another good one. The band then does some good ole honky-tonk on “Great Western Fiasco” and “Checked Out Love,” but all the efforts aren’t as lyrically creative; “I Gotta Hope” and “Sent Callin” seem to just drone on. However, if you enjoy the country rock genre this is definitely a great addition to your playlist.

CD Baby

The Drywall Heels

The Drywall Heels “The Drywall Heels” EP

What a nice surprise! This Toronto band dazzles us with its subtle melodies and sweet harmonies.The band is the combo of Mike Ciani, Jesse Mirsky, Shane Weir, and Matt Goldman. And boy, have they got the hooks. From the first listen of “You Should Know,” it has that jingle jangle guitar and the crooning “uh-uh-oh” played to minor chords. Then they layer on the harmonies and you have a winner.

“Richmond Hill” and “Questionable” follow a similar style, and “Claudia” is a mid-tempo ballad that recalls those perfect DIY melodies The Toms were famous for. And on top of all this, it’s a FREE download. Highly Recommended and no excuses.

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Gretchen’s Wheel and Todd O’Keefe

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Gretchen's Wheels

Gretchen’s Wheel “Sad Scientist”

Gretchen’s Wheel is the creative outlet for singer/songwriter Lindsay Murray. Her past albums while polished and pleasing just lacked a power pop focus. Sad Scientist changes all that, as Lindsay has gotten out the “big guns” Fernando Perdomo and Andy Reed onboard to help, along with other respected musicians (Donny Brown, Nick Bertling) to really make this album shine. “Better In The Dark” is a masterful melody suited perfectly to Lindsay’s willowy vocal giving it a unique cadence and feel similar to early Christine McVie.

“Left Turn” is a clever lyrical play on the songwriting process, with some great riffs by Mr. Perdomo. “Surviving” is one of a few mid-tempo ballads that really pack an emotional punch. “Blank Slate” is another keeper, a catchy ear-worm that is custom-made for Lindsay’s vocal style, and the somber “Out of Your Hands,” speaks about the transience of life; “make the most of your time while you can.” Overall a fantastic album and highly recommended.

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Todd O'Keefe

Todd O’Keefe “Uptown”

This album is the definition of “one that floats under the radar,” as singer/songwriter Todd O’Keefe is a respected session musician for Jeff Beck, Ray Davies, and The Posies. But power pop fans will know him from his work as bassist for The 88, and The Green And Yellow TV. Todd’s first solo album, Uptown shows the power of a simple melody and acoustic guitar. Influences are varied from John Lennon, Bob Dylan to Paul Simon.

“The Man On The Mountain” is Guthrie-like folk tune done with a harmonica flourish and gusto. The solid “My Hometown” is a heartfelt ballad that hits all the right buttons, with its feeling of isolation. Related to that is the bouncy “The Day She Said Goodbye,” it’s such a good song, the type Wyatt Funderburke would layer and polish. But here it’s just a brilliantly stripped bare melody. “Highwayman” is a Simonesque ballad about a bandit in who dies unexpectedly. “Laughing Gas For The Idle Class” is an obvious Dylan protest similar to “Subterranean Homesick Blues.” Each song is short and sweet, and each melody stands firm without any embellishment. And maybe that’s what is missing here. If only a few tunes here were fuller productions… As it stands, it’s still ripe for multiple listens and very highly recommended.

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