In 2009 this L.A. based band with a very English sound made it’s debut to much acclaim and support among music’s hoi pollio. With comfortable nods to 80s and 90s power pop, lead singer and songwriter Justin Kennedy impressed many with excellent songwriting and ear pleasing melodies. Now comes the sophomore album, and with so few well-known bands flying the power pop banner, its great to hear that Kennedy and the band are continuing to bring a new generation of fans to the genre.
Fountains of Wayne have returned and its powerhouse songwriting duo of Chris Collingwood and Adam Schlesinger are in fine form this summer. I cannot name a band that does a better job at mixing descriptive character studies with irresistible melodies. They run out of the gate with “The Summer Place” a delicious theme punctuated by a western-style riff after the chorus. Next comes the hilarious “Richie and Ruben,” a true FOW classic that begs to be sung along to.
The band seems more energized here, they don’t seem to be following any musical trend and are very comfortable in their hook-filled skins. Every song sticks, but exceptional songs included here are “Someone’s Gonna Break Your Heart” and “A Dip In The Ocean” full of fast paced rhythms and the ever shimmering tambourine. It’s hard to argue that this isn’t the best FOW album since the classic Welcome Interstate Managers. It shift gears slightly towards the albums middle with the country shuffle of “A Road Song” and “Workingman’s Hands.” And ends with the slow dances of “Firelight Waltz” and the solemn “Cemetery Guns.” Honestly, did you expect anything less? Neither did I.
The Krayolas Mexican Merseybeat continue to impress with Tipsy Topsy Turvy. Hector Saldana turns up the dial to “11” with the Dylanesque “Genuine” letting us know he bleeds San Antonio sangre. The familiar jangle on “Gonna Walk Down” is more what we expect from the band with great buzzing guitar breaks along its rolling rhythm. But this album has noticeably less light pop and more serious western blues influences than past works.
The blue collar do-wop on “Smile Away” is much like McCartney’s back-to-basics approach and a great homage to my one of my favorite Canadian pop stars, “Gordon Lightfoot” where we learn that “they don’t make ’em like that anymore.” Gordon’s influence continues on the gentle ballad “Does She Know.” A series of good mid-tempo songs are sprinkled in the albums second half that deal with immigration and economic issues, “Front Page News,” “The Working People” and “1070 (I’m Your Dirty Mexican).” Another gem is the bouncy “Twenty Miles,” with its gentle organ melody and steady bass line. The slow horns on “Love Is Gonna Getcha” is Saldana’s attempt at Marvin Gaye and a few nice diversions toward the albums end (“Louie’s Song”) make this a colorful addition to your Krayolas box.
The Webstirs “The Webstirs Re-Present Smirk”
After 15 years Chicago’s Webstirs have re-booted and remastered their debut album, with its cover spoof of Brian Wilson’s SMiLE, it comes closer to the DIY efforts of The Breetles. “You Can Hang Around” is great showcase for the band’s’s energetic pop style with its combo of fast riffs and harmonies. “Old Enough” and “I Turn Away” have melodic buzzing choruses and lyrical self determination that fans of Adam Marsland will appreciate.
Most of the tracks are great, even when a song seems mundane, like “Stone On The Ground” the hook filled chorus comes in to make it special. Lots of highlights here, the bouncy “It’s Over Now” and “Rent” are excellent examples. No filler here so if you’re looking for excellent power pop goodness, you can’t go wrong.
Sheri Miller “Winning Hand” EP
Acoustic musician and New Yorker Sheri Miller began her career co-writing with icons J.D. Souther (The Eagles), Jill Sobule and Shawn Mullins. Sheri’s highly melodic casual style serves her well on the catchy “Spoons.” Next, “Winning Hand” is a seductive mid-tempo love song that made me a fan right away with her twisting key shifts. “Satellite” is another gem with a Sheryl Crow vibe and beautiful multi-tracked chorus. The songwriting is also excellent and I hope a full length album is just around the corner. Highly recommended for sure.
Native New Yorker, Freddy Monday is an experienced songwriter/performer that’s done tons of work for TV and film. He’s got a great knack for compelling melodies that will remind many of McCartney or Willy Wisely. Opening with “Give Me Your Heart” it builds to multi-guitar tracked chorus, full of nice jangling details. Its followed by “Please” with a roots based rhythm, but the chords of the chorus burst forth and makes it pure magic. A tinkling piano starts the atmospheric “Rain All Day” on one of the happiest songs about a downpour ever.
In fact, every track shines bright and grows on you quickly. “Another Memory” is yet another bouncy gem guaranteed to get your toe tapping. It gets a bit more rock oriented on “She’s A Teaser” and “Fracture” is a beautiful ballad Macca would definitely approve of. Things get looser and laid back on the albums latter tracks, which is fine. One of the best debuts this year, and a refreshing slice of pop not to be missed.
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