Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

Kishi Bashi and Fallon Cush

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Kishi Bashi “151a”
Out of the tons of bands coming to SXSW this past year, Kishi Bashi made the best impression on me.  Bashi is a touring violinist for Of Montreal and Regina Spektor, and on his solo album he manages to spin both lush texture and joy in his orchestral arrangements.

The swirling violins of “Manchester” are just dazzling with elaborate harmonies and strings building to a loud crescendo. Next “Bright Whites” is another album highlight, with a Japanese language backing rhythm choral – it’s undeniably catchy too. The album travels into electro-pop world with hand claps on “It Began With A Burst” – kind of like The Beach Boys and The Beta Band partying with The Shins. The slower “Wonder Woman, Wonder Me” reminds me of Godley & Creme a bit and the clean harmonies in “Atticus, In The Desert” are also impressive. Fans of Arcade Fire, Yes, and Andrew Bird will love this.

Artist’s Website | Amazon

Fallon Cush “April”
The new Fallon Cush album marks a distinctive change in style. The first album flourished with power pop; April sticks mostly in the genre of Americana and Folk. The rootsy reflection of “Forever After” has varied orchestration and memorable guitar chorus. A bit like Jullian Lennon and Glenn Tilbrook, lead singer Steve Smith’s emotional plea in the melody of “Honey, Honey” resonates beautifully.

The tension is released on the weary “In The Nick Of Time” where the lyrics concentrate on saving a doomed relationship. But most impressive was the piano melody of “Where Your Name is Carved” – it recalls the best of Andrew Gold and Mike Viola and it’s my favorite here. Fans of Steely Dan and Bruce Hornsby will enjoy the compositions “Sight to Remember” and “Every Waking Hour” with its wonderful lyric and spot-on guitar melody. No filler here, and things pick up in tempo on “Renegade Blues” and a touch of Dylan is heard on “Frank & Margaret.” Overall, no sophomore slump here – a great LP from Smith that’s highly recommended.

CD Baby | Amazon

Bos Taurus “In The Sun”

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I was happy to introduce Bos Taurus a few years ago, finally after a long wait we get Steve Chesser’s follow-up, In The Sun. The sound and atmosphere has completely changed from the debut, and the songwriting reflects a much lighter pop sound, with REM styled jangle and Belle & Sebastian like intimacy.

“I’m Fine” slowly fades in and sets up a light summery vibe. On “Even Now” the jangling rhythm and harmony rain down with well placed guitar solos between each chorus. Some horns, piano and female backing vocals are added to the infectious “Just Like Lightning.” The same approach is taken with the catchy title track, and the sounds here start to remind me of Field Music. Some songs feel like they want to break the format, “Precious Pearls” is an example of the densely layered approach of two both styles (soft pop rhythm and rock guitar). In any case the overall results do make for a compelling listen. Occasionally the lack of hooks (“Household Of Your Soul”) and the repetitive tempos (“If”) make it a chore. But when Chesser is able to get his guitar at the forefront of a melody, like on the Joe Jackson-ish “Must Be The Light,” its pure magic. A great summer album arrived early, so check it out.

Facebook | CD Baby | Amazon

The Lemon Clocks “Now Is The Time”

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The Lemon Clocks, a “power pop all-star” lineup comprising Jeremy Morris, Todd Borsch (The Ringles/The Gilligans), and Stefan Johansson (The Proper Electronic Company), divide this album up between jangle and psychedelic prog rock. So retro you will swear this is a long lost 60’s classic. The Rickenbacker riffs jump forward on the punchy “Garden Of Eden”and then on the 8 minute plus “Rainbow Bridge” its like a magical pairing of The Byrds and 13th Floor Elevators.

The trippy hippie mantras “Life Is LIke A Dream” and “The Bright Side” are great tracks among many here. The vocals get a bit lost in spots (“The Man Who Lost The Time”) but Jeremy’s in full McGuinn mode throughout the album. A great head trip for pop fans who want to go to a “Better World Beyond.” Even the sizzling guitar distortions on “Lemon Clock Land” give the old Pink Floyd a run for its money. Not a weak track anywhere and my top pick for psychedelic pop album this year – so tune in and turn on, man. Also recommended for fans of those neo-psyche bands like Olivia Tremor Control and Neural Milk Hotel.

Kool Kat Musik | Jam Recordings | Amazon

Monday Freebies: The Tonighters, District Attorneys and The Counters

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The Tonighters “Photograph” EP
A while back I let you all sample the new band The Tonighters. Well, Billy Gilbert and his band got enough interest from this blog, so he decided to pass along a new EP. And yes it’s also a FREE download from bandcamp. Seriously the band sounds better than ever – thanks!

The District Attorneys “Basement Sessions” EP
Here’s another hidden gem, Drew Beskin and his band have been prepping a new album, and these are some of the sessions, including a cover of “Wrecking Ball” written by Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings.  It’s also a FREE download from Bandcamp.

The Counters “This Doesn’t Mean We’re Friends”
This is a good combination album with a little power pop, folk and country sprinkled throughout. The London, Ontario band is basically musician Rupert Heath and his friends. Power pop fans will enjoy “When You Come Around” and  “New Orleans,” and if you like a bit of country try “Death Won’t Slow Me Down” and “Cowboy Song.” It proves that you don’t need to be a one-trick-pony as a musician. And it’s “Name-your-own-price” on bandcamp as a digital download.

The Successful Failures and Dale Murray

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The Successful Failures “Here I Am”
The New Jersey guitarist Mick Chorba (Dipsomaniacs) leads his indie band The Successful Failures through their new album in typical fashion. Think Weezer meets The Goo Goo Dolls and add a touch of Wilco in places and you get the idea.  Starting with “How People Start Sentences” the dual guitar riffs drive the strong melody. It gets even crunchier on the next few tracks, “I Only Know What I Feel” is a standout with a key change in the chorus and “The Rise Of China” is a timely subject with strong beat.

It shifts into roots mode on the intro to “Clifton Mills” but finishes up in familiar territory. By the albums mid-point the band hits its stride,”Mickey Mantle’s Knees” and “Pig Tight Cattle High” combines the harmonies with a hook-laden melodies. The Successful Failures continue to improve although a few rough edges remain (“Turn It Down”). Still a really, really good album for those that enjoy extra power in their pop.

CD Baby | Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Dale Murray “Dream Mountain Dream”
Formerly of alt. country band Cuff The Duke,  Murray gives us some gorgeous jangle rock and folk pop sound on his newest solo outing. The title track opens like a Traveling Wilburys single, with a very Harrison-like melodic hook. The majestic “Assess The Mess” is another highlight, as Murray’s haunting vocal reaches its dramatic peak in the chorus.

Murray’s song writing is also superb. The stunning “Now You’ve Been Warned” has both intensely personal lyrics and a great arrangement. Fans of  a great love song need look no further than the strumming on “You Are My Girl”  to make a moving proposal. “Grove” and “Life Moves” both have solid Byrdsian jangle. Overall no filler and  alt.country fans will not want to miss this one.

CD Baby | Amazon