Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

The Ditchflowers and Stratocruiser

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The Ditchflowers “Bird’s Eye”
Brain Merrill (Barely Pink) has a long history of great pop songwriting and this follow up to the debut Carried Away is a solid slice of adult contemporary power pop. “Sunshine Lifetime” is a soulful pop number that has a touch of Steely Dan. “You Could Hurt Someone” charms with its bouncy beat and quick paced chorus, similar to Squeeze – but a real winner is the subtle “Simple Guy” with its heartfelt lyrics about the sensitive artist trying to find himself.  The guitar composition builds layers of guitars and vocals, and then it comes to the atmospheric ballad “Rainout.” This song is a real standout with a Billy Joel meets Alan Parsons Project feel, with strings, backing vocals and guitars backing up Merrill’s perfect vocal performance. Although the second half of the album isn’t as strong, it still has plenty of great music. The title track has a nod to The Beach Boys,  and other notable tunes are “We Are The Time” and “Tuesday Is Dead.” Overall an excellent album that I highly recommend.

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Stratocruier “The Spark”
After a series of EPs and successful KickStarter campaign, North Carolina’s Stratocruiser is back with its ringing guitars and Cheap Trick meets Kiss inspired approach. Opening with the title track, it reflects the rock aesthetic from the Thin Lizzy “Jailbreak” era with an inspired rhythm guitar arrangement. “Adult Situation” is great power ballad with big chord shifts and Clay Howard’s strong lead vocal. The band is much looser than previous releases, as the heavy prog-rock composition “Slush” lets its Black Sabbath influences out in the open. “Somebody’s Girlfriend” is a another standout, with Mike Nicolson doing a great job on multiple instruments. Matt Brown’s drumming and percussion are just as forceful. As with any vanity project, a few indulgences like the rock instrumental “Possession” are expected. Earlier singles like “Best Actress” standout against the heavier stuff here, and it looks like the “pop” side has taken a back seat to cowbell-heavy rock like on “Start Finishing.” As a bonus, power pop icon Robbie Rist contributes his guitar solo to the fast paced “Indian Summer.” Overall a great driving album to blast on the car stereo with the windows down. No real duds or filler here either, so its really a gift to fans who love melodic rock with a capital “R.”

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No the video isn’t broken, the sound starts after 10 seconds of silence….

Peter Baldrachi and Long Play 33 1/3

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Peter Baldrachi “Tomorrow Never Knows”
Boston singer/songwriter Baldrachi delivers his long awaited follow up to 2006’s “Solid Ground” and like his previous release, it’s worth the wait. As a respected IPO veteran, he blasts out the opening track “In The Dead Of Night” with a strong driving melody in the classic Matthew Sweet – Velvet Crush style. The jangling open on “Make It Our Own” gives way to excellent guitar breaks between each catchy chorus. “Promise Me A New Start” features backing vocalists Alice Austin and Amy Fairchild, and has a bit of country twang too. That twang carries through on “Pray For Rain,” and what impresses most is Baldrachi’s clear lyrical narrative. Each track is a winner, without any filler. More highlights include “Someone isn’t me” with it’s soaring harmonies and “Now For Good” with it’s compelling slide guitar riffs. And despite the fact that the title is named after a Beatles tune, there isn’t any homage here. But this is an album that deserves multiple listens on my ipod and a spot on my top ten list for 2011.

CD Baby | Itunes | Amazon

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Long Play 33 1/3 “Being Nowhere”
A group of Hungarian musicians with a longing for English-American pop and rock formed Long Play 33 1/3 in the second half of 2009. Lead by vocalist/guitarist István Békei, all the band members were part of tribute bands in Budapest (yes, including a Hungarian Beatles band called “Blackbirds”). They decided to do a full album of original compositions for Being Nowhere.The band takes many classic influences, but fans of 80s rockers Starship, Supertramp, The Allman Brothers, and Styx will spot a few similarities. “I’m Free” is a densely composed power rocker, full of multiple guitar riffs and glossy production style. One cannot deny the skill here on tracks like the Oasis styled “Peaceful Hideaway” and the beautiful guitar solos and harmonies  on “Ocean Inside.” The mastering is a bit spotty on “Wait For A While” as the production drowns out the lead vocals occasionally, but some nice strings and melodies highlight “Soulmates” and “On The Rush.” Overall a very inspired debut.

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Michael Carpenter “SOOP #4”

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Another hard working Aussie, Michael Carpenter is still doing great cover work. This is Carpenter’s fourth album of “Songs Of Other People” and he digs into some more obscure album tracks of his favorite artists. If you are not familiar with some, like “End Of The World” by Jonah’s Road then this is a great introduction to these songs. Others that are better known are still a lot of fun and Carpenter’s unique vocal and style makes each song his own.

Highlights are many, and include Graham Parker’s “Life Gets Better” and the McCartney chestnut “Get Closer.” Because of the track selection – a lot of this was fresh to me, as even oldies like Gene Clark’s “That’s Alright By Me” seemed like a new song. The only argument against the covers here is if the track compels you to find the original, as it doesn’t quite feel natural. I only found that with Steely Dan’s “FM” – as good as Michael is I really missed Donald Fagen’s vocal. This covers collection will definitely expand your musical horizons – and it’s a welcome addition to your collection.

Hurricane Fighter Plane and The NewNo2

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Hurricane Fighter Plane “s/t” EP
Fans of Rainbow Quartz retro bands like the Resonars and Brit-pop bands like Oasis will appreciate this one. Classic influences are easily spotted (The Who, Small Faces, The Beatles) and dutifully applied. The band opens with the Mod rhythms of “Moonlight Through The Norfolk Pines” filled with Who-styled high energy guitar riffs. “Come Back To Me” demonstrates lead singer  Wesley Fuller’s uncanny ability to channel Noel Gallagher and the chiming chords of “It Won’t Last” make it a triumphant pop single that’s sure to linger – it belongs on your ipod now. And the band knows harmonies too, just check out the amazing “Free As The Wind.” Every tune here is filled with short, sharp, hooks guaranteed to please. An great debut and it only costs five bucks – so get it!

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TheNewNo2 “EP002” EP
The second  EP from Dhani Harrison (George’s son) collects several singles including “Live A Lie” featuring Regina Spektor as well as rapper RZA on “Mr. President.”  Fans of his dad’s somber approach will find a lot to like on “Wide Awake.” The track is a slow techno-soul ballad with a solid vocal, slow beat and spacey flourishes. “Live A Lie” is another exotic single with the flavor of a smokey lounge and Ms. Spektor’s cooing background vocal. You can get this single free on The NewNo2 Facebook page. I wasn’t thrilled with the rap, which obviously panders to Obama supporters, but maybe we can expect something more upbeat on the next EP.

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The Wellingtons “In Transit”

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Melbourne Australia’s hardest working power pop band recorded and mixed In Transit in London and had it mastered at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. And the Wellington’s latest is once again a wonderful power pop creation. The band’s sound has gotten tighter and more consistent with time, and lead vocal Zac Anthony’s approach has more of a pop (as opposed to rock) sound than previous releases, with less emphasis on the lead guitar driving the melody and more reliance on vocals and harmonies to do the heavy lifting.

Opening with the fast-paced chords of “Keep Me Holding On” Zac takes charge assisted by Kate Goldby’s backing harmonies. And Goldby gets to shine as lead vocal herself for the brilliant “I’m Feeling The Same Way” and “Baby’s Got A Secret.” The compositions are dense with instrumentation that creates a full wall of sound that envelops the listener. The guitar is more prominent on “Adamant” which drives home the catchy chorus and Gustav Lindstroms crashing drums are a perfect compliment too. Another highlight among many is “Your Love Keeps Bringing Me Down” with its piano chords and “bop-bop” backing vocal harmonies that fans of Jellyfish will swoon for.

The pace is relentless till we reach the string laden ballad “I Fell For You,” and here the band stretches its wings with a goose-bump inducing bridge. The songwriting here is also excellent. Every tune here hits the mark, with a one exception(“Alright, Alright” feels a bit forced compared to the others). For those bands looking for a prime example of modern power pop, this should serve as the new template. Fans of IKE, Farrah, and group harmonies should not hesitate and grab this album. Easy top ten nominee for 2011.

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