Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

The Well Wishers “Dreaming of The West Coast”

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With his sixth release Jeff Shelton has fallen into a great groove that makes him so prolific, I would call him the power pop version of Robert Pollard (GBV). Driven by tight, punchy rhythms from drummer Nick Laquintano (Spinning Jennies) the Well Wishers hit the ground running on “Escape The Light” with its mix of REM jangle and Posies styled vocal phrasing. “Allison” has a great fuzzy riff similar to Bob Mould’s Sugar and the piano led “Nothing Ever Changes” is another standout with a great hooks.

The impressive thing here is that Shelton’s sound has more variety than any previous release, and as always no filler to be found. He gets positively inspirational on “Free? No,” the heavy reverb on “Have Some More Tea” keeps things moving, and he gets downright punk on “All I Got.” A great start to the new year and our first nominee for the Top Ten of 2012!

CD Baby | Panc.org | Amazon


The George Harrison Guitar App

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Wanna see George Harrison’s private guitar collection in detail? A new ipad app will make that possible. For the first time, with the help of unique 360° imaging by photographer Steven Sebring, fans can see the scratches, dings, and worn threads on the guitars as if they were themselves holding the instruments.

Fans will be able to examine Harrison’s private guitar collection, through personal audio recordings from Harrison himself as he introduces many of the guitars and plays sections of songs.

The Guitar Collection: George Harrison iPad app will be released through iTunes on February 23, two days before Harrison’s birthdate.

Origami Hologram “Bats In The Attic” EP

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Sometimes it makes sense for a power pop artist to test out a different sound. That’s exactly what Justin Kline is doing with this new band Origami Hologram.  Using a noise pop template Justin is joined by Dan Wax (Bass, background vocals) and Jamie Mclane (Drums) recording it all in his home studio in Murfreesboro, TN. “Bats In The Attic” uses textures like Robert Pollard, with amp hum and feedback as part of each song (mostly as a backing layer) and extra fuzzy guitars. Justin’s earnest vocals and harmonies still work each on composition, the standout being “Ghost Horse”. It’s all pretty good and best of all it a FREE Download. Enjoy!

Two Sheds Jackson “The Collaboration Series – Movement One” EP

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This came out very late in December, but it merits recognition as my favorite new EP so far this year. Named after a great Monty Python sketch, this German pop band  has put together an all-star cast of guest musicians on this short, but impressive Beatlesque release (you get the hint from the “Let It Be” styled cover).

The first song “Beautiful Sunchild” features the talented Rick Hromadka (Maple Mars) and it’s swirling chorus is comparable to The Wondermints at the height of their powers. Next Netherlands artist William Oudijk leads us through the “Port of Amsterdam” with a lush orchestration that brings to mind ELO with acapella harmonies between choruses. Next Luke Jackson is leading “Ain’t A Good Solution” with both a fast paced tempo and terrific guitar solo work.  Then Roger Klug gives us “Long Long Way” with a reference to a “long and winding road”  along it’s piano melody. Each song is excellent – and this collection of singles will find its way to a spot on your permanent playlist. My only wish is Movement Two isn’t far behind. Bravo!

Dwight Twilley “Soundtrack”

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For pop icon Dwight Twilley, Soundtrack is an autobiography, not unlike Ringo Starr’s reminiscing on Liverpool 8. It opens with “You Close Your Eyes,” which closely resembles those early hits that mirrored Tom Petty’s work with layered rhythm guitars and ascending bass lines.The album standout “Bus Ticket” has more lyrical muscle with honky-tonk memories and a kick ass guitar solo. The morose themes of “My Life,” “Skeleton Man” and “The Cards Will Fall” drive home the message that “Life is a short journey so you better get it right.” But overall the look back is affectionate and grateful on the title track and “The Lonely One.”

The album is also a tribute to his former partners Phil Seymour (on “Good Things Come Hard,”) and long time lead guitarist Bill Pitcock IV (on “The Last Time Around”). Twilley fans will hear echos of Sincerely in spots and although not as immediate as The Green Blimp, it still packs plenty of punch.

dwighttwilley.com | Amazon
Note: Youtube is not broken — there are 14 seconds of silence before the song starts.