Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

Giving thanks to bands like Big Star and fans like you.

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Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me is a feature-length documentary film about the dismal commercial failure, subsequent massive critical acclaim, and enduring legacy of pop music’s greatest cult phenomenon, Big Star. The film opened last week at the SVA theater in NYC. Probably the most important power pop band that ever existed. More info here.

ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK VOL.1 UPDATE

I am proud to say that our fundraiser for Hurricane Relief has been a success! The Power Popaholic Fest Original Soundtrack Vol.1 has raised $152.32 for The American Red Cross this month. At this point it we will be expanding distribution to CD Baby, Amazon and Itunes by this Monday. I would like to see if our sales can increase for the holiday season so we can make a second donation to The Red Cross for Christmas time.

I would like to thank all of you who donated to the Soundtrack, and a Happy Thanksgiving to power pop fans everywhere!

Vinnie Zummo and Nine Times Blue

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Vinnie Zummo “Swinging Guitar Sounds of Young America Vol 3”
Once again Vinnie Zummo gives us a collection of stylistic homages in several different genres. The melody of “I Wanna Love You” features bright Breach Boys styled harmonies, and Vinnie’s compelling lead.  The slide guitar and jangley melody of “Play Paul McCartney” sure to warm the hearts of power pop fans everywhere. He uses retro Beatles song structure on “Can’t You See,” and a vintage Stevie Wonder harmonica for the soul pop of “Funky Games.” He even does Steely Dan on “Howd This Happen,” the man is the definition of versatility.

His wife Janice really stands out as the vocalist for the country tune “Pocket Full of Soul.” You’ve got a massive twenty of tracks of music and I have to say that Vinnie’s songwriting and production have continued to improve. Recommended tracks are “Heartless,” “Just For You,” “Living On The Sun,” and with “George Harrison” he’s got a song for each Beatle! Update: Just finished an interview with Mr. Zummo. Read it here.

CD Baby | Vinnie’s Blog
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This tune is from Vinnie’s second album “Swinging Guitar Sounds of Young America Vol.2” and its for sale here!

Nine Times Blue “Falling Slowly”
The band is named after a Michael Nesmith song and is based in the Washington DC area. Lead by Kirk Waldrop (vocals and guitar) and joined by Greg King (guitar), Jeff Nelson (bass) and Jason Brewer (drums) opens with the title track, and I could sworn it was the Goo Goo Dolls or The Gin Blossoms. It’s rock with a high jangle content and familiarity. In addition, a cadre of power pop stars have minor roles (Joe Giddings, John Faye, David Myhr) on the LP.

The strongest material is early on, the most impressive being “Crazy To Think” and the title track. The instrumentation is exceptional, as evidenced on “Grace” and “Silent Words.” Other than a few heartfelt melodies like “Fun and Games” and some guitar acrobatics on “So Much Time,” it just didn’t move me like the first three songs here. But, if you like contemporary rock with a emphasis on strong guitar playing, this is for you.

The World Record and Steve Katz

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The World Record “Freeway Special”
After the highly acclaimed Guitars Forever in 2007, songwriter Andy Creighton (Apex Manor, Papercuts) second solo project picks up right where he left off.  After the quick demo-like intro “One Knee” it goes into the title track with Big Star styled guitar chords and a strong horn section. Next we get the subtle lounge tones of “Candy” and the mutli-tracked acoustics and harmony in “A Little More Time.”

There is an element of Andy’s jangley sound that will definitely appeal to fans of Chis Stamey (DB’s) and REM, especially on “Be Nice” and “Cats on The Roof.” Some songs are simple sketches with compelling melodies like “Call The Doctor” and “Stopping Somewhere.” Not everything sticks, but with 18 tracks you can’t go wrong here as most hit the mark. Additional highlights include “Marsha (Think It Over)” and “She’s Not A Liar.”

Steve Katz “Barricades” EP
This is not power pop, but you can’t ignore talent like this. Originally from Belgium, singer/songwriter Steve Katz has made Manhattan his home and produced his debut. It highlights Steve’s strong vocal skills which resembles a mix of Eddie Vedder and Damien Rice on the modern rock opener “Thrive.” He follows this with a simple acoustic ballad “Today I Saw Hope” and title track, but my favorite here is “Fair” because the melody  is memorable and a good match for Steve’s rich vocal performance – kinda reminds me of David Gates and Bread.

CD Baby | Amazon

Scott Warren and Sara Melson

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Scott Warren “Dyed In The Wool”
Formerly of Signal Hill Transmission, Warren gives us his 2nd solo effort. The bouncy opener “Divisible/Indivisible” leads with Beatles styled brass and handclaps. “No One’s Home Anymore” is a solemn mix of “Elenor Rigby” till you get to the fast paced chorus. My favorite here is “When She Comes Around” a gentle love song with a great bass line and catchy jangle chorus.

The stripped down, sparse approach concentrates on Scott’s lyrics and composition, this works well on “Guess I Should Tell You.” And it also works magic on simple pop treats like the “Dime Novel” and the Shins styled “Sinking Feeling.” Even the slightly psyche-pop closer “Tongue-tied” is a marvel of melody with natural sound effects. After several spins this album grew on me like a well worn pair of jeans, and would make a excellent headphones album on a quiet night.

CD Baby | Amazon | Bandcamp

Sara Melson “The Beachwood Canyon Sessions”
Sara Melson is one of those artists, who have such a lovely voice you wonder “How come I never heard her before?”  – especially since her debut Dirty Mind from 2008 was considered a folk pop success and she’s been a TV actress. Since that time Sara left her label, sold songs to TV and like Jeff Lynne of ELO, has decided to re-record and reinterpret some of those songs in a stripped down manner for The Beachwood Canyon Sessions.

Coming at these tunes fresh, Sara breathes real life into them, the songs have spiritual quality with “Birthday Prayer” where she looks back and forward at once. The optimism of “Never Been Hurt” is tempered with caution after the chorus where “…my fear has got no chance of winning.” Each track charms and let’s Melson’s personality shine through. Fans of Carole King, Joni Mitchell and Sarah MacLachlan will savor this.

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The Condors and Electrolic

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The Condors “Three Item Combo”
It’s been a while since I heard The Condors, this latest gem shows a band that has improved with time. Gone is the rough garage ethos, songwriter and frontman Pat “Pooch” DiPuccio gives us slicker rock melodies with tighter instrumentation. Influences range from The Kinks, Plimsouls, Raspberries and the Smithereens. Starting with “Here I Go,” it crackles with energy and magical riffs, a song that is definitely a great addition to the music playlist that you should listen to.

“My Slice Of Life” takes us on a great autobiographical study with handclaps and flamenco touches. “Queer Fascination” has great bounce and memorable riff that compares well with The Romantics. No duds here, overall a satisfying “take-out” that appeals to classic rock and roll tastes.

Jam Recordings | Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Electrolic “Live On Land”
Scott Gagner‘s new project, a collaboration with long-time friend Steve Enstad is a mix of electronic-synth pop. The catchy “Hello Hello” is a neat introduction, but “Benefit Of The Doubt” is a meandering combination of Depeche Mode and John Mayer.  “Refreshing” is a little psyche-pop treat bathed in synths, and the Cars’ “Drive” is a compelling cover version that displays Scott’s soft vocal. “After The Fall” was another gem buried here with the best combination of synth, guitar and melody. But some of this didn’t work for me, “Flash” tries too hard to be like Radiohead, although it was an interesting listen. If your tastes run more eclectic, you may like this one.

CD Baby | Amazon
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