Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

Lamar Holley “Lo-Fi”
Lamar Holley created one of the best power pop albums ever on Confessions of A College Student, and this year Holley has decided to focus on some early concept material. Lo-Fi is a mixed bag of smart pop with a Broadway flair and early demos. A few tracks have the same melodic genius displayed in Confessions, notably the the opener “Jack Loves Julie” with a Smile-styled orchestration, and the vocal harmonics sparkle on the chorus of “It’s Amazing,” a collaboration with Mark Plummer. The songs are mini-dramas and even through the crude four-track production of “Sorry Charlie” you hear the inventive composition and compelling story. Comparisons to Ben Folds (with a child’s POV) are inevitable on piano tracks like “Genius” and “Amelia.” The problem with some tracks is that they beg to be fleshed out (“Johnny in School”) and the crude demo quality detracts from the listening experience. Like an artist’s sketch book you’ll find a gems among the assorted songs and musical snippets but also an overall appreciation of Lamar’s considerable talents.

MySpace | Lamar’s Website | Amazon

The Boolevards “More Real Pop”
If you loved The Boolevards debut Real Pop, then you are in for another power pop treat.  Seventeen more tracks that feature classic 70’s power pop composition with that distinct Rickenbacker jangle. “Roxanna” sets the pace, with tight drum fill between choruses and melodic hooks that do the job just perfectly. “Beat The Clock” features two part vocal harmonies & those background oohs and aahs, fans of The Rubinoos are sure to love. “Little Miss Impossible” goes back to the band’s Merseybeat roots, mimicking “Twist and Shout” and “Ships Passing” continues to brings to mind that simple nostalgic mid-tempo sound. The production seems better here than on the first album, and the songwriting is just as sharp. A variety of tempos also help make this album better. Fans of both Beatlesque and skinny tie pop genres will enjoy this, so fans of The Romantics, The Flashcubes, Scruffs, The Poppees, Sorrows and The Offbeat can come together on this one.

MySpace | CD Baby | Not Lame | Kool Kat Musik

Brian Huber 
“Imagination of Ourselves”
Washington DC musician Brian Huber kind of reminds me of Jonathan Coulton, in that he’s got a catchy guitar and synth novelty song “Snuggies” and has a talent for writing melodic DIY bedroom pop. “Reverie” is an easy going pop jam that brings to mind Doug Powell and They Might Be Giants. Many songs are slice of life stories (“Life Is A Song” and “My Cure”) that will bring a smile and warmth to your heart. Occasionally the tongue in cheek humor of “Shipwrecked (Part 1 & 2)” tends to drags on too long, but on “Snuggies” it’s just right. Likewise Brian vocals seem out of place on standard rock compositions like “Don’t Go Down to The River” but excels at heart felt mid tempo pop like on “Time Will Only Know.” A very easy-on-the-ears album for casual Fridays.

MySpace | CD Baby | Amazon

Jukebox The Ghost “Everything Under The Sun”
Jukebox The Ghost is a band that is heavy on sunshine and nostalgic influences. Produced by Peter Katis (Interpol, The National) the trio is made up of guitarist/vocalist Tommy Siegel, pianist/vocalist Ben Thornewill and drummer Jesse Kristin. The group has a solid upbeat piano sound that makes an impression on the opener, “Schizophrenia,” with quick beats, playful synths and the contrasting lyrics “No I can’t, Yes I Can…” The album is tons of fun with expertly executed hooks in the bouncy “Half Crazy” and quirky lyrics of “Empire,” which sounds like a brilliant combination of Billy Joel and Field Music. Read more on the Rock and Roll Report

MySpace | Amazon

What happens when a bunch of Northern California power pop musicians indulge their love of 60’s bubblegum pop? You get The Agony Aunts. This is primo groovy psych-pop for only $6 on bandcamp. Thanks to KC Bowman for posting it on our facebook page. Who’s in The Agony Aunts? The Corner Laughers in alter-ego mode with members of Preoccupied Pipers, The Orange Peels, Bigwheel, and the William Cleere Band are the main contributors.