Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

Martin Gordon and Laurie Biagini

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Martin Gordon “Include Me Out”
Bassist/songwriter Martin Gordon is a former member of Sparks, Jet and Radio Stars, he now concludes his satirical musical journey after five volumes of his “Mammal Trilogy.” Gordon has many influences, but his music sounds like an unholy alliance of Andy Partridge, Ray Davies and NRBQ.

“Gotta Go Green” is a militant anthem for the energy efficient masses cause its a “real no-brainer.”  Some of the songs are rants like “If English was Good Enough” or “User Generated”sung with so much cynical bluster, they are ultimately novelty tunes. Much more impressive is “Stanley Green” with its horns, layered strings and rising chorus. Another fun song is “Nobody Went To The Moon” dedicated to all those conspiracy nuts who think the Moon landing is a fake. Another notable track “Call Me Anne” has solid bass line and catchy chorus, plus Gordon really rocks out on “Still Not Lovin,” my favorite here. Martin is an acquired taste, but still a rewarding listen.

Amazon | Include me in (demos)

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Laurie Biagini “Sanctuary of Sound”
This is the fourth LP by Vancouver singer/songwriter Biagini, and I’m glad summer is finally here. Often referred to as a “One-Woman-Beach-Boys,” she also takes her cues from The Honeys and The Shangri-Las.

The title track has a Mamas and Papas feel, with its sparkling harmonies and catchy beat. Her songwriting has definitely improved as “Monkey Business” and “Rise Up” boast sophisticated melodies. Echoes of other 60’s sunshine pop bands can be felt in “Shades of Green” and “Springtime of My Mind.” The albums middle boasts the surfer style we are familiar with like “Gold Plated Girl” and “Run To The Sun.” If I nit-pick, I will say Laurie’s lead vocal has faded more into the mix, but overall this music is a bright summer treat.

CD Baby | Amazon

Instrumentals: Dynamo Bliss and Wharton Tiers Ensemble

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I don’t often get to review instrumental albums, but two good ones came my way so…

Dynamo Bliss “Night and Day”
Prog-poppers from North Sweden Dynamo Bliss had a pretty cool single in 2011 called “Circadian Rhythm,” so the band felt they could build an album around the entire concept. Mikael Sandström (electric and acoustic guitars, banjo, accordion, pedal steel), Stefan Olofsson (vocals, keyboards, zither, guitar, bass, percussion), and Peter Olofsson (drums) give us an album that is mostly instrumental, it starts with a gentle acoustic guitar of “Morning On Mars.”

The synth led “The Day The Empire Fell” is an light arrangement in the vein of Godley & Creme. Another gem is “Solemn Undulating Wave” and of course the amazing “Circadian Rhythm.” Lots of atmospheric instrumentals are between the highlights, some work better than others. Overall highly effective.

Amazon | Bandcamp | CD Baby

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Wharton Tiers Ensemble “Freedom Now!”
Wharton Tiers was born in Philadelphia, but ended up playing in a few NYC bands (Theoretical Girls and Laurie Anderson) and produced with others (Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr. and Helmet). He put together the Wharton Tiers Ensemble to showcase his guitar compositions.

“Shoe Nu” is a richly layered rock song without words  and “Freedom Now” uses horns on top of the guitars to deliver the melody. “The Randomness of Insects” is a steady marching riff in a loop and “Last Train Out” is based on the surf guitar sound. Each track offers something different and interesting. Towards the albums end it gets a bit more experimental or improvisational (“Suite #23”) – but there is enough here to sink your headphones into.

Late Cambrian and Street Corner Symphony

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Late Cambrian “Peach”
A trio of Brooklyn alternative rockers has a winner here with the opener “Lover’s Point.” Its got  fast paced verses and a shiny Strokes-like chorus. Heavy guitars open “The Label Needed A Single” like Sugar Ray meeting up with The Plain White Tees. Lots of energy, real-life narrative and layered instrumentation make this a fun listen.

I also liked the riff work on “The Wolf,” with its rhythm similar to The Bangles’ “Walk Like An Egyptian.” The popular single “Ryan Gosling” is included here, easily the most danceable tune on the LP. No real filler amongst the 13 tracks, even though the melodies on the first half are better. The band even manages to indulge with the instrumental “Hypgnotica/Afternoon Special.” Ends with a strong melody in “The Luddite” and the interplay of the male vocalist/guitarist John and female voclaist/keyboardist O is magical. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Bandcamp

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Street Corner Symphony “Southern Autumn Nostalgia”
Here is a talented a cappella pop group based out of Nashville, Tennessee that won acclaim in NBC’s all-vocal competition, The Sing-Off. The group starts out smoothly with the jazzy gospel inspired “Voodoo.” It gets even better with “Little Old Me,” its Wilsonesque-syled harmonies and its “ba-ba-ba” choral break. Fans of The Sonic Executive Sessions will love this.

“Loves A Loser” is similar to a Bleu ballad with its prayer-like sighs and another highlight is “Frozen In Time” with its slick hook and polished production. “Picturing You” and “Myriad Of Stars” are fine vocal ballads, each band members voice is so similar to each other you’d be hard pressed to tell who is doing the lead. The only big misfire is the ending combo of “Sicut Tempus Fugit” and “Dragon Rider” which together sounds like a pretentious remake of Spinal Tap’s “Stonehenge.” But for fans of great harmonies it’ll be enough.

Amazon LP due out in July.

Lyn Saga and The Real Numbers

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Lyn Saga “Venice”
Recently I got a huge pile of new music from female power pop artists, Lyn Saga being the first. The melodic pop and percussive “The Day We Met” starts us off and charms with its multi-tracked vocal chorus. She is an accomplished guitarist too, as her solid guitar riffs lead the way on “I Believe” and “I Didn’t Mean To.”

Her clear vocals play both the pop princess and bad-girl rocker. “Life Is But A Dream” is a Weezer-styled tune and it impressed me the most with its loud riffs and hook filled chorus. “The Only One” brings back memories of Liz Phair with its slow, sparse opening turning into a hand clapping rocker. A touch of Shangri-Las nostalgia guides “Stay,” its also super catchy and invites repeat listens. Its hard to find anything here that’s even mediocre, but its short a real ballad to break up things. The title track is another feel good tale about leaving the 9 to 5 and heading for the California Beach. Exceptional power pop that deserves a spot on my top ten for 2013 list.

CD Baby | Amazon
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The Real Numbers “1-2-3-4-5” EP
San Francisco musicians, Dave Ambrose and Lawrence Grodeska share a love of melody and guitar hooks, so it didn’t take too long to follow up their debut,  and this one is lots of fun. The title track sets the mood, and its catchy sing-by-the-numbers chorus will appeal to the inner kid in you. “Godzilla Girl” is another standout track with a driving bass line thanks to Chuck Lindo, a harmony laden chorus, and the added sound effects are bonus. “Daphne” is a jazzy pop departure, a sad song that’s sung with earnest optimism. “The Wiggle” is an ode to a favorite bike route to Golden Gate Park, but it’s cheery approach is like “The Wiggles,” so your kids will enjoy it too. No real filler here, overall a well-crafted slice of power pop – so pick it up!