Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

The Kurt Baker Combo and The Lowlands

powerpopaholic
Kurt Baker Combo

The Kurt Baker Combo “Muy Mola Live!”

Other than the New Trocaderos, singer Kurt Baker offers up a smokin’ live album recorded at Salty Peet’s Rock Shack in Kenosha, WI in June of 2014. He has some of album faves like “Weekend Girls”, “Partied Out”, “Everybody Knows”, and “Don’t Go Falling In Love.” In addition the band covers some 60’s classics like “Love Potion No. 9” (Searchers), “Cry For A Carajillo” (Beatles), and “Don’t Look Back” (The Remains). Since Baker has moved off to Spain, we miss him here and this is likely the closest you can get to a Kurt Baker concert now. And if you order from Kool Kat Musik, you’ll get a bonus track: a cover of “Nothing But A Heartache” (Mainstream).
power pop

Kool Kat Musik | Amazon


[su_spacer size=”50″]

Lowlands

The Lowlands “The Whale”

If you like beautiful indie rock arrangements then let me direct you to Seattle’s The Lowlands. Led by songwriter Tom Rorem with a deceptive soulful calm bubbling under the surface storm of piano keys on “Passionate Soul”. I’m reminded of Seth Timbs band, Fluid Ounces or Ben Folds with a lot less sarcasm. Lots of details fill out the story of “Captain,” about a doomed airliner and the meaning of life, using a jaunty piano meter and rich harmonies. It ends with a superb guitar and piano combo, and you’ll find many songs here just rock out in the last half, as “Dust” is another example.

“Hands and Feet” is another example of rich infectious melody that’s impossible to ignore. While not every song is classic, the skill and musicianship here keep these songs from getting predictable. Rorem’s clear vocal is compelling, even on the dry title track. Overall, this short album does just enough to add it to my recommended list.
power pop

Amazon

The Grip Weeds “How I Won The War”

powerpopaholic
The Grip Weeds

The Grip Weeds “How I Won The War”

Going way back to the roots, the Grip Weeds were named after John Lennon’s character Private Gripweed from the 1967 film How I Won The War. Using the movie’s anti-war theme as a starting point, they signed with Jem Recordings and put out a masterful concept album, thanks in large part to lead singer/drummer Kurt Reil , his wife guitarist Kristen Pinell, his brother Rick Reil and bassist Dave DeSantis. The band doubles down on the rich psychedelic prog sound that started with Strange Change Machine.

The prog-pysche rock starts with the colorful title track, a combination of explosive melody lines with a drum-reverb drenched guitar chorus. A mix of The Byrds, Yes and Cream all wrapped up in one. “Rise Up” is a rougher garage approach, Kurt’s aggressive lead vocal is contrasted by the bands smooth harmonies.

Although there is a lot to go through (17 monster tracks) the jangling hooks are all over “Life Saver” and the dream-like “Other Side Of Your Heart.” You’ll get more familiar Grip Weeds buzzing guitar sound with “Force of Nature,” and Kristin get to sing lead on the mid-tempo “Over and Over.” We also have a nice tribute to the band’s first signed label “Rainbow Quartz.” The band also throws in a few instrumentals to pad things out, but we do close with a great cover of The Beatles’ “The Inner Light.” I always look forward to the Grip Weeds music and this album is pure shock and awe. Highly Recommended.
power pop

Grip Weeds Direct | Amazon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhyaFZez1Us

Singles: Peter Lacey, Propeller and The Roaring Juniors

powerpopaholic

Peter Lacey “Wayward Song”

Peter Lacey’s music has been compared to that of Brian Wilson, sharing a similar talent for harmonies and lush musical arrangements. This is a wistful dream of a song, which brings to mind The Moody Blues.
Get the vinyl at Pink Hedgehog Records

[su_spacer size=”20″]

Propeller “Wish I Had Her Picture/Can’t Feel These Things”

Propeller delivers this FREE 2 song-single that really impresses. Crunchy guitars that form dense rhythms and hook filled choruses meant to be served loud. Enjoy!

[su_spacer size=”20″]

Roaring Juniors “See You (All The Time)” and “Sweet Marie”

Ann Arbor, Michigan band brings us a old school music in the jangling tradition of The Rubinoos.  These tracks will be on the bands next full length Perennials. This is a great preview that just gets me excited for the upcoming LP this spring.


The Power Cords and Dr. Cosmo’s Tape Lab

powerpopaholic
The Power Chords

The Power Cords “Stray Comets”

Los Angeles indie pop/rock band The Power Cords are Jeff Rosenfeld and Ezra Siegel, who split lead vocals throughout the new album Stray Comets. Starting with the bouncy theme “Puppeteering” it’s catchy 90’s alternative rock that’s easy on the ear. “Panic” is even better with a solid ear-worm in the chorus, with heavy power chords that make it clear how the band got its name. And the bands not a one trick pony, as the compositions vary to keep things from getting too predictable.

The sound shifts to new wave pop on “Luxetine Dreams” with sparkling synths and the mellow mid-tempo melody of “Surface of The Moon” conveys the loneliness of space and rejection. And it shifts styles from vintage rock to power pop with great chord shifts on “1982.” It also has a whimsical Oasis-like theme in “Stuck Here Again.” Highly Recommended to fans of The New Pornographers, Weezer, or The Shins.
power pop

Amazon


[su_spacer size=”50″]

Los Breakdowns

Doctor Cosmo’s Tape Lab “Beyond the Silver Sea”

If anyone was to make an audio children’s fantasy I couldn’t think of a more irreverent band with solid 60’s pop style than Doctor Cosmo’s Tape Lab (aka Joe Kane & Stu Kidd). If you liked Harry Nilsson’s The Point! and Yellow Submarine, you’ll find a new favorite here. Starting with narrative by artist Adam Smith in a thick Irish brogue it then opens into the wonderful Crosby Stills and Nash styled harmonies of “City and The Stars.”

The story itself is about a boy named Max in a Sense Factory to make sense of things. The narrative precedes each song, and the story gets more bizarre as it moves forward. But it’s all a vehicle for some great late 60’s pop compositions that resemble bands from The Hollies to The Small Faces to Donovan. With 24 tracks (that’s 12 songs) you’ll have great fun playing “spot the influence” and following Max’s journey into psychedelic bliss. Highly Recommended to lovers of nostalgia and great sixties pop.
power pop

Bandcamp only

Los Breakdowns and Wits End

powerpopaholic
Los Breakdowns

Los Breakdowns “Rock and Roller Skates”

Nottingham, UK exports Los Breakdowns are heavy rock with a touch of glam punk, similar to The Jam, Thin Lizzy or Slade with sizzling riffs leading the way, like on the opener “UK Youth.”It also recalls the late 70’s power pop movement on “Rock City Limit,” or the slower rock ballad “It Ain’t Over.” We’ve reviewed their earlier album, and they’ve aged quite well.

Through the buzzsaw chords of “Sweet Pamela Jayne” and “Sometimes I Try To Hold On,” you’ll hear the longing and classic anthems that will stick with you. Not sure why the band added “Los” to replace the “The” in their name, my guess its some legal technicality. Either way this is a keeper. My favorite here is “Waiting On Perfection,” but everything sounds great. Highly Recommended.

power pop

Amazon

[su_spacer size=”50″]

Wits End

Wits End “Up To Here”

Longtime San Fernando Valley buddies singer/guitarist Tom Robinson and bassist Joe Peters, brought together by a shared love for the great tradition of guitar-based rock songwriting to create Wits End. Veterans of the indie club circuit, they carefully prepared and delivered a new album, Up To Here.

“Cold Exterior” is pretty traditional indie power pop, similar to Nick Heyward or The Gin Blossoms with a both classic and modern influences. “Darla’s Night To Shine” is an early standout painting a great character study. The shimmering guitar on “Face It” is along the lines of The Orange Peels, or early REM and Tom Robinson’s vocal carries the song well. The fuzz is turned up on “High On Prednisone,” but it didn’t seem to work with the melody. A much better job is done on “Is this for Real,” but few songs stuck with me at the albums mid-point. It does get better toward the end, highlights include “Time To Go” and my favorite song here “Validated.” Overall, a talented group that’s worth multiple listens.
power pop

Amazon | CD Baby