Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

All you need to know about the Geniune Fakes is this quote: “The Genuine Fakes are proof of Sweden’s seemingly inexhaustible font of pop genius. Hitting all the right marks, they walk you thru the major required classes in the school of pop – Ken Stringfellow (The Posies)“ Johan Bergqvist formed the band in Södermalm (part of Stockholm) with like-minded musicians. They start the album with their own theme song! It reminded me of the much loved band, The Merrymakers with it’s optimistic “Have you heard, there’s a brand new band in town!”

The bright shiny tone continues on “The Promise” and fans of Swedish pop will be thrilled by the loud melodic chords and big harmonies. “Something New” and “When Reality Hits You” have classic power pop structures and incredibly catchy choruses. The production is very Jellyfish-like, polished and worth many repeat listens. Although the compositions suffer from a lack of variety in the albums middle, they still manage to belt it out with plenty of thematic energy. Johan even managed to redo the Beyoncé ballad, “Irreplaceable” and make it a power pop song as well. However, the album could have used a ballad as the bombast here might wear down the average listener. That mentioned this is a superior power pop album, that easily gets a Top Ten nomination for 2011. Kool Kat is offering an additional 5-track bonus disc when you order here.

Bandcamp | Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Seattle-based rocker Ian Moore is already a studio veteran as he constructs an excellent album with The Lossy Coils, assisted by bassist Matt Harris (Oranger, Posies) and drummer Kyle Schneider. Blasting out the first song “Secondhand Store” is about the Austin SXSW festival where every hipster is trying to find a payoff. Another gem here “Birds Of Prey” is a perfect roots pop song that fans of Old 97s will appreciate. “The album is a retrenching in the face of a diffuse pop culture landscape,” says Moore, as his jaded take on pop culture is enhanced by some excellent blues riffs added to this song.

A bit more traditional is “Belle, My Butterfly” and on “Newfound Station” the shuffling rhythm and solid musicianship recall Wilco’s best moments. But power pop fans will flip over “Silver Station” which brings to mind the best Jason Falkner tune he never wrote. The entire album is full of top shelf melodies and Ian’s guitar work is exceptional. This is by far the best alt. country pop album I’ve heard this year.

Spark and Shine | Amazon

Originally from Minnesota, Gagner began his career as a drummer for several bands in San Francisco. He started his solo career with the acclaimed Cartographer EP and now here is the full length follow up. The bouncy riffs jump out to a rich chorus on “I Hate To Say” and the perfect jangle compliment “Speak & Spell” recall Elvis Costello at his early melodic best.

“Laura No. 1” is a rich mid-tempo gem with hand claps, and minor chords you’ll feel compelled to sing along to. The subtle guitar arpeggios in the ballad “Right Before My Eyes” change the albums tone and it shifts into alt country mode with the Wilcoesque “Love You More.” Flawless musicianship and melody grace us with the gentle “Houdini.” The album’s tone picks up energy on “Take Two” and “Ride” and towards the album’s end veers into psychedelic ambiance on “The Golden Mean.” This is a great album with plenty of variety as Gagner spreads his wings creatively. Keep your eye on Scott — his potential is limitless. A top ten album nod and the best debut so far this year.

Artist’s site | CD Baby | Amazon

Lick And A Promise “Come Together In The Morning”
Here is a classic styled rock band that plays both loose acoustic-style pop and R&B influenced rock. Lead vocalist Jochen W. Thoma has a terrific sound, a great mix of Robert Plant and Roger Daltry.

Opening with the laid back “Dance With Me,” you get the simple strum and a sly lyric. “Hey Hey Hello” seems to channel Extreme’s best harmonies into the chorus. The Stones-like rock impresses with “The Highway” and “Come Together.” And the album is far from predicable, as “Throw It Away” has a country beat to go with the pop song structure. Clearly no filler here, and guitarist Manuel Eisesser has riffs that remind me of Stevie Ray Vaughn. Fans of Led Zepplin, Neil Young and The Black Crowes will find lots to love here. Highly recommended.

Bandcamp | CD Baby | Amazon

Dreaming In Stereo “Dreaming In Stereo 2”
Fernando Perdomo returns after a wonderful debut, and there is no sophomore slump here. Fernando balances his guitar virtuosity with equally strong melodies. A variety of instruments and even guest vocalists (Marisol Garcia) support Fernando’s mix of Todd Rundgren, Pink Floyd and Jason Falkner. “Fill My Sky” features his exceptional guitar work and solid hook. The gorgeous pyche-pop of “Enough’s Enough” is filled with his swirling melody, dreamlike background vocals and strings. Marisol’s vocal leads the ballad “Saturday Song” and the Gilmour-esque guitar reverb brings us to the goose bump inducing chorus.

“The Traveler” is a little ear worm that simply won’t leave your head with it’s “Woah, oh oh” refrain. Every song here leaves an impression, and although some tunes seem a bit derivative, they never get boring. “Standing Still” is a Ringo-ready melody that opens up to rich orchestration. “Open The Door” is a haunting Brian Wilsonesque chant that is both creepy and compelling. Another gem here is “Music All Around Me (Dudley Moore’s Last Words)” with a Harrison slide riff and ELO styled arrangement. As long as Perdomo can take those classic power pop influences and wrap them in an intoxicating original package, he’ll get my attention. The band definitely deserves a top ten of 2011 mention.

My Space  | Amazon