Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

Happy Record Store Day!

powerpopaholic
Krayolas

Today is Record Store Day.
 It’s a day that retailers hope will draw both loyal and new customers to celebrate the independent record store and all that it has to offer. Kool Kat Musik is not a traditional “brick and mortar” retailer but they do share the same passion and enthusiasm for music and in support of the “indie” guys they will be having a “Virtual Record Store Long Weekend” from Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 21! 

10% OFF all NEW CDs listed in the Power Pop/Alt Country Online Store

———————————

Also check out this new vid from The Connection “Comes and Goes” available on 12″ vinyl at Interpunk Records and on their own Bandcamp site.

The Grapes of Wrath and The Evening Cast

powerpopaholic 1 Comment

The Grapes of Wrath “High Road”
At the request of a Popaholic reader, I sought this album out (thanks, Jonathan!) and boy was it worth it. The Grapes of Wrath is a Canadian trio that’s been around since the 80’s, similar in style to REM with heavy jangle influence. Brothers Chris and Tom Cooper are joined by lead singer Kevin Kane (who btw had a terrific solo LP a few years back). I’ve always liked the band, even though they never seemed to breakout successfully in the U.S. – but High Road is poised to do just that.

The shining harmonies and hook-filled riffs of “Good To See You” are similar to both The Orange Peels and Teenage Fanclub. The Beatlesque “Mexico” is another vivid melody  with Duane Eddy styled twang and hand claps. And without any drop off in quality, “Paint You In Blue” sounds closer to past GoW material, and “I’m Lost (I Miss You)” is a stunning emotional ballad. They go in the other direction and “Make It OK” is like a lost Oasis outtake. Each tune stands out – it may have taken 20 years, but these guys deserve to be on the top ten album list for 2013. Don’t miss it.

20px_spacer

The Evening Cast “Lake”
This Melbourne band is creating quite a buzz down under, started by brothers Joel and Paul Cooper, alongside Joel’s wife Rachel the melodic “Knots and Bows” starts subtle and grows on you like a weed. The glowing synth melodies remind me of Lightships, The Ocean Blue or Keane. “No Stopping” is a great example, with a soulful vocal and strong ambient rhythms that stick in your head.  “Heartbeat” is a lounge-like harmonic melody with booming percussion, and its a real winner here for me. This is a band discovering itself and having a great time doing it. Check it out.

20px_spacer

Jim Camacho and Chris Price

powerpopaholic 1 Comment

Jim Camacho “Everywhere” EP
 Once again the talented Camacho gives us a bright shiny pop with flamenco styled jangle on “Big Little World.” His insight lyrically is like a power pop version of Jackson Browne, on “Hold On Ariel.” Next “Everywhere” has a big hook with an expansive chorus, then slows the tempo down for a the next two tunes. Highly Recommended.

Itunes | Amazon
20px_spacer

Chris Price “Homesick”
Los Angeles singer/songwriter Chris Price is proof you don’t need Auto-Tune or even a recording studio to craft perfect power pop. Chris downloaded a four-track app on his iphone and like One Like Son, created a sophisticated vintage sounding LP. It also helps that the melodies are darn near perfect, similar to Mike Viola on the title track, and “Suicide” is a fast paced gem with jangling riffs. The ballad “For All We Know” is a lot like Big Star’s “Thirteen.” The gorgeously crafted “That’s Your Boyfriend” and “Up In Flames” are more timeless baroque compositions. I wish I found this last year, it would definitely make my 2012 top ten for sure. Get it now.

Itunes | Bandcamp

Rich McCulley and Annie Dressner

powerpopaholic 1 Comment

Rich McCulley “The Grand Design”
In a complete change in tone from his last album, roots rocker McCulley’s outlook has gone from bittersweet to joyful. “Here Right Now” states that he doesn’t “wait for sunshine” but here it is, with a richly arranged melody. This is an album that puts the past behind him, celebrating a better life today, with new love in his life and a young son of his own.

One of the best tracks here is “The Most Beautiful Thing,” a gushing love song with chiming guitars and catchy chorus. The sunny tone is almost like The Eagles hooking up with Smashmouth on “Let You Go” and”The Gift.” It gets a little more rootsy as we get past the mid-point, “Just Begun To Run” and “Don’t Know What To Do” are good examples. No filler here, and the album is a real statement on McCulley’s life. “Little Bit Broken” is a perfect theme for today’s middle aged dude who’s been “kicked around, but still here.” Bravo.

CD Baby | Amazon| Kool Kat Musik
20px_spacer

Annie Dressner “East Twenties”
A girl and her guitar. It’s almost a cliche now, but Annie’s music is like an intimate conversation. A confession with sweet multi-tracked harmonies, “Heartbreaker” is like a melodic soundtrack to a summer stroll down a country creek. “I Can’t Forget” is a twee ballad about the memory of a loved one. Unlike her debut LP Strangers Who Know Each Others Names, Annie leaves the quirky pop behind for a more serious and poignant musical statement. Fans of The Cranberries and Jenny Lewis will enjoy this heart-felt folk pop.

CD Baby | Amazon

 

The Popdogs and The Sharp Things

powerpopaholic 2 Comments

The Popdogs “Cool Cats for Pop Dogs”
The Popdogs are one of the bands scheduled to play IPO Liverpool at The Cavern Club this year, and the debut LP is due out in May. From Lincoln, UK the band mines the jangly side of power pop goodness with influences clearly from REM, The Records and even The Smiths. Lead singer and songwriter James Styring and guitarist Tim McKeating are at the bands’ core and have great talent for power pop. “Kelly’s On” bounces along a hook filled chorus, leading to the angular guitar riffs of “Honest Guy.” Several songs are just classic, accessible gems like “High Time.” This is a signature tune with a repeating jangle rhythm and my favorite. Also recommended are “Ocean Blue,” and the awesome guitar riffs on “Kissin Alicia.” This is a terrific find and worth the wait.

Amazon (Pre-Order) | Kool Kat Musik (May 13) | Facebook

20px_spacer

The Sharp Things “Green Is Good”
The Sharp Things is a Brooklyn-based, pop and rock collective with eclectic influences including Mark Eitzel, Scott Walker, Jimmy Webb, David Bowie, Radiohead, and Joe Cocker. This album is a shout out to those who supported the “Occupy” movement out there, especially the opener “Blame The Bankers” playing out like a Bowie tune. The styles vary wildly. Some songs work, and others don’t. My faves here include “Flowers For My Girl” which sounds like a Foundations outtake, and the catchy “Goodbye To Golders Green,” with its ominous minor chords. Check it out, it’s a FREE download.