Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

Jeff Litman “Outside”

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Jeff Litman gave us a terrific debut in 2009 with Postscript. This new sophomore LP is more than just a showcase for Jeff’s musical skills, Outside shows us a burgeoning maturity. The Tom Pettyesque opener “Over and Over” has steady piano chorus and cynical attitude, followed by the fast tempo single “Runaway,” which gives us a great hook and bouncing bass line. Giving power pop fans a tasty treat in the title track, “Outside” has Jeff channeling Elvis Costello, and includes Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. doing backing vocals and keyboards.

This album also boasts some tender moments on the duet with Maddy Wyatt in “What Hasn’t Happened Yet,” it brings to mind Mike Viola’s recent work. Just about every song here is impressive and varies in tempo and style, from the rocking “Chasing My Tail” to the alt. country strums of “til Someone Got Hurt.” There are echoes of Postscript’s pain in “Back To You” and “Time Heals Nothing,” and although these tracks aren’t as immediate as the debut, they still resonate and should easily find a place on your playlist.

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The Breakups “Running Jumping Falling Shouting”

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I reviewed The Breakups a few years ago when they had an EP, so now these guys have a new album and are definitely ready for the major leagues. Opening with “I’m Thinking of a Number,” it’s a slow grower with smart harmonies in the chorus, it builds its strummy melody similar to The Honeydogs. And it gets better from there, “Run From Rock n’ Roll” is a brilliant gem with a synth hook that would make Ken Stringfellow proud. Then “Better Off Alone” increases the tempo, synth rhythms and the handclaps are infectious.

The ballad “I Don’t Want To Know” is a weary but beautiful song about “ignorance is bliss… I’ll try to savor it while it lasts” accentuated by horns. The horns continue to emphasis the Beatlesque “Shelf life of Butterflies,” and its another winner. Each tune is highly melodic and although it takes a darker turn toward the albums end with more conventional alt. pop compositions (“Amelia”) it manages to hold your attention throughout. Officially releases on Feb.14 (Valentine’s Day) a perfect occasion for The Breakups.

Jet Electro “Jet Electro”

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Written over a two month period, Jet Electro is the musical autobiography of a guitarist superhero. The opener “I’ll Never Find Another Girl Like You,” is certainly a catchy slice of rock and roll, and Craig Daniels lead vocal reminds me of Sammy Hagar if he played in the Rubinoos here. We get the Memphis soul of “Buckle Up” and then “For Sale By Owner” describes selling his boyhood home with a background chorus of “Buy it, Buy it.” A Big Star vibe is present in the ballads “I Don’t Know How” and “Fingerprint.”

Next we get some wonderful Gretsch bass and horns for the gem “Walter Cronkite” as the band celebrates the man who gives us “unity and truth.” Some wonderful Beach Boys styled harmonies open up “This Baby Of Mine,” a sweet tune about a man’s love for a 1965 Cadillac. The lone quirky misstep, “100 Girls” is like a great Allan Sherman tune – but it belongs on a comedy LP, not here. Overall a loose, fun pop album with some inspiring guitar riffs and memorable stories sure to put a smile on your face.

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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!

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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.