Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

Peter Baldrachi and Ricky Byrd

powerpopaholic
“Peter

Peter Baldrachi “Nothing’s Promised” EP

Peter Baldrachi is back after over a year with a new EP that collects recent singles and a few new tracks as well. Opening with “Hard To Believe,” it’s got a strong riff leading the way, some nice harmonies and a sweet solo break with a touch of blues pop. The honky tonk country beat of “Busted, Sad, Lonely, and Blue” is another winner, with juicy slide guitar accents. The energetic and catchy tunes contrast with the sad lyric. Most of the music here follows a weary confessional heartbreak, songs like “Go It Alone” and “Wearing My Heart Around” are perfect examples.

But power pop does poke it’s head out with “Sometimes I Gotta Get Away,” a really catchy song akin to Tommy Keene, and the jangling pop finale “Tomorrow” with a little optimism, and a layered guitar rhythm, with all the bells and whistles reminding me of Lindsey Buckingham in places. The production is clean and crisp, and this is definitely highly recommended. 

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“Ricky

Ricky Byrd “NYC Made”

Ricky Byrd is a rock and roll Hall of Fame Inductee with Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, and self described recovery troubadour. Byrd has performed, recorded or toured with countless rock legends, and released five solo albums. So finally discovering him will be a revelation to many. Fans of  The Sorrows Arthur Alexander or Willie Nile will find a lot of common biographical and geographical themes with Ricky’s latest ‘NYC Made.’ Byrd started his life in a power pop band Susan in 1979, so his skill and experience with power riffs are unmatched.

The songs are fantastic, opening with “(Ya Get) 1 Life.” It’s a catchy YOLO theme and it gets better from there. “Glamdemic Blues” has echos of the past but some great harmonies, and a solid narrative. “Rhapsody In Blues” is a tribute to the late Jeff Beck, and is a showcase for Byrd’s skills. Like listening to a personal history of growing up in NYC with “Sweet Byrd of Youte,”  “Then Along Comes You,” and “Transistor Radio Childhood” it’s more than a nostalgic look back. It’s damn great melodies and a celebration of a life well lived. And let’s not forget the riffs that are stickier than bubble gum, like on “Louanne.” It may be “geezer” rock, but it’s one of the best albums I’ve heard this year. Super highly recommended.

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March Singles and EPs: The Airport 77s, Juan y La Hormiga, Skeleton Staff, Cmon Cmon, Strawberry Moon, Bret Tobias

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The Airport 77s are back with a new single “If It’s On, I’m In,” and its a great little tune about dating. Look for more coming up, but first a soothing song from Juan y La Hormiga (aka Muchas Hormigas and Juan Pablo Mazzola) about the romance “After The War” in Valencia, Spain. Big News here is the long awaited return of Skeleton Staff with a neat EP ‘Hepto-Altruism’ where they scale back their operatic ways, but lean on baroque harmonies and pop jangle. Everything here is a a gem so listen all the way through. Belgian alt pop band C’mon C’mon is as polished as you can get, check out “Turn off The Lights” and “All the Other Kids.” Strawberry Moon are a Virginia punk pop band with a measure of cool, check out “Rearview” and the rocking “Polly Pocket World.” and it’s a freebie – so download away! Finally, a sweet single from The Bret Tobias Set that is an ’80s-styled jangle that hits the sweet spot. Enjoy.





Tristan Armstrong and The Campbell Apartment

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Tristan Armstrong

Tristan Armstrong “The Lonely Avenue”

If first impressions are everything, then Ontario’s own Tristan Armstrong kicks down the door with a power pop punch on The Lonely Avenue. From the very first title track, it’s clear this isn’t some casual stroll—Armstrong is speeding down melody lane with the windows down and the volume cranked. Armstrong wears his influences like a badge of honor. We’re talking the cream of the crop: Pete Townshend’s swagger, Alex Chilton’s cool, Matthew Sweet’s melodic chops, and a touch of Redd Kross’s playful bite.

The slow ballad “Periscope” comes up next, and shows a pensive cool with a terrific blues guitar solo midway through. As a co-founder of the roots rock outfit The Actual Goners, he knows his way around a melody. Those Americana influences still peek through like an old friend, examples of this are “Sing In Your Sleep,” “The Lender,” and “Would You Take An IOU?” In addition his heart clearly beats to the rhythm of crunchy guitars and sugar-coated choruses here, shown in “Queen of Diamonds,” and the hook filled “On The Run.” Overall a refreshing mix of the melodic and mellow. Highly Recommended.

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The Campbell Apartment

The Campbell Apartment “(510)”

The Campbell Apartment, led by singer-songwriter Ari Vais, returns with their eighth album, (510)—a nod to his area code in Oakland, California. The album dives deep into themes of fatherhood, isolation, addiction, and love. The songs vary in style, from angry rock to trippy lightness.

Standout tracks include “30,000 Days,” an opener buzzing with garage-rock grit and a nostalgic, and “In My Dreams” has a catchy Lennon-esque vibe. The trippy “Ambulen” is another winner and “Tululah Says” delivers an infectious mix of punk and garage rock. Both “Grudge” and “Biter,” which lean into growling guitars and pounding percussion and radiate raw, primal energy, demonstrate Vais’s affection for Nirvana. The shimmering “What’s Goin On” starts with a ’60s pop-rock sweetness before shifting into a rugged garage-rock finish, but one of my favorites here is “Winter 2028,”which is similar to They Might Be Giants in political themed humor. (510) is a powerful demonstration of excellent songwriting and The Campbell Apartment’s persistent creative spark that is both raw and retro. Highly Recommended.

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Nick Frater and Brad Marino

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Nick Frater

Nick Frater “Oh Contraire!”

Nick Frater returns with ‘Oh Contraire’, a stunning power pop achievement that cements his place among the genre’s best. Although Frater has consistently produced memorable hooks and harmonies, his daring arrangements this time broaden his overall style. Many highlights here, the best being “I Know You Know I Know,” a memorable single with glam rock-inspired riffs and along with “One Minute” and “My Heart’s in Stereo,” it echoes Jeff Lynne’s signature production style. And when he wants to create a grand epic sound it’s no issue with “Songs For The One-Eyed City” loaded with descending guitar riffs, bells, echoing harmonies and a heavy rhythm section. Frater seamlessly blending his influences without losing his own distinct voice.

Another big highlight is “Dreaming of a Wonderland” which sounds like a lost 10cc single to me.  The mellow 1970s-inspired lounge pop of “Seraphim Called” and “Steal Away” are also refreshingly familiar, while the piano closer “Goodnight, Goodbye” is a McCartney-esque gem. Oh Contraire boasts a star-studded guest list, including Probyn Gregory, Michael Simmons, Cary Grace, and Texas power pop duo Lannie Flowers and Danny Wilkerson. Their contributions enhance an already great record, proving Frater’s ability to bring out the best in his collaborators. Without a note of filler, this one is a contender for my top ten of 2025. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik


“Brad

Brad Marino “On The Brink”

Brad Marino’s latest release is a collection of 19 rarities, remixes, and unreleased tracks, carefully curated, remixed, and remastered. Known for his consistent output of high-energy rock, Marino unearthed a treasure trove of songs that showcase his signature blend of classic rock, and punk influences. ‘On The Brink’ leans more towards early rock and roll as a template, not that far from his old band The Connection.

If you’ve never heard Marino before, this is a great “instant” record collection. I love the re-made “Peggy Sue Got Married,” a shout out to Buddy Holly. Marino’s variety is on display too, from the mid tempo “Not Fooling Me” to the Ramones inspired “Hamburger U.” Included is the standout single duet “Over My Head” with Natalie Sweet. Overall a fun collection. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Vanilla and The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco

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“Pish

Vanilla “Pish Posh”

Pacific Northwestern power poppers Vanilla have finally completed their massive Pish Posh album project. Jayson Jarmon (Liar’s Club), Sean Gaffney, Mark Simmons, Scott Warfield, James Peterson started laying tracks down in 2023 as a song-a-month project. Ending with a massive pile of 36 songs, you are guaranteed to find more than a few gems here. In fact, the batting average is very high. While some songs are interesting, like “S1 E1” with its Russian klezmer style, I tended to stick with more traditional power pop oriented tracks like “Situtation Change,”“Fine Line,” and “Shuttlecock.”

There is some fun experiments that I also found compelling, like the dichotomy of “Second String” with its light jangling guitar with heavy deep chorus and the very Penny Lane flavored “Pancake Hat.” Another gem “Coil Memory” boasts a great brass introduction and recalls late period John Lennon. The light Bossa nova beat “She Loves Me Not” is a breezy duet with Jessica Van Horn and a very XTC-like “Solar Plexus” loads it up with some great chord shifts in the verses. So many different subjects are here, like the political “Blame the System” is almost an American protest in the spirit of 80’s band Midnight Oil or the poignant “The Hunger Artist” opining on the struggling state of the average musician. You will find a lot of variety stylistically too. For the equivalent of a three-album set, this is definitely a highly recommended box of assorted chocolates. Indulge yourself!

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The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco

The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco “Are You Sure?”

These guys are like Steely Dan from an alternate universe, lead by musician Malcolm Moore and with lyricist David Myers, and multi-instrumentalists Paul Mason and Patrick Duffin. While they may sound similar to the famous Becker-Fagen duo, they are decidedly unique with strange stories and offbeat wonderfulness. “Strictly Hickory” will just stick with you like a commercial for an Alabama pork belly rub. It’s all light fun with some really serious musicianship. In fact it does take a few spins to stick, since each composition is loaded with melodic twists and turns. “Happy Couple” has some great bits and a fantastic guitar solo, but the ever repeating chorus does wear out its welcome.

“Bench Warmers” has a retro fifties rhythm and a smooth chorus and is another big highlight, and “Do You Think I Might Be Jesus?” has an interesting analogy in the story and its got some great sonic details. However, the formula here doesn’t always work and the stream of consciousness song structure can get frustrating for some listeners. But if you are looking for something left of center the 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco might be your cup of tea. Check it out.

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