Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

The Hillary Step “Note 2 Self”
The Hillary Step (Rob Schiffmann and Jon Rothstein) continue to work melodic magic on ‘Note 2 Self’. The wonderful opener “Tell Me You Love Me” works its masterful chorus into your head effortlessly with smart key changes at just the right moment. The guitar compositions on “All I’ve Got” and especially “Answers” are reminiscent of The Rembrandts in spots.

It shifts gears with a piano ballad in “For The Moment,” with its captivating acoustic solo at the break. And the ballads really resonate, like the son’s plea to his father on “What Are We Waiting For” and “Quietness Of Love” – both full of emotion and honest lyrics. The compositions vary in style, but it’s impossible to dismiss the quality of these songs. Fans of Andrew Gold and Dan Fogelberg will also enjoy this immensely.

Ward White “Done With The Talking Cure”
White is a Brooklyn, NY based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. The title track is part Bowie and part Byrds wrapped in a soulful operatic tenor. Next, the sarcastic “Change Your Clothes” is where White’s style most reminds me of Stephen Trask. “Radio Silence” has an effective Beatles guitar riff and catchy chorus.

Frequent collaborator Joe McGinty does some keyboards here, and if you liked the duos album, this seems like a natural addition. The Scott Walker – Burt Bacharach influence is over most of the latter tracks, with light string arrangements on each track. The nicely baroque “1964” has neat hand claps and harpsichord melody. White is a gifted vocalist with a distinct voice and musical stories that beg to be heard.

Way back in 2001, Michael Carpenter came out with SOOP#1 aka “Songs Of Other People” and it was a smashing success.  After SOOP#2 came out in 2006, it brings us to the newest batch of covers. Michael plans on five new releases over the coming months and he’s rolled out a unique subscription plan, so fans get all sorts of bonuses for signing up.

As for SOOP#3, it’s got some great selections, starting with Tracy Ullman’s “They Don’t Know” where Michael actually improves on the original (few artists can do this). Likewise for Nick Lowe’s “(What’s So Funny About) Peace, Love And Understanding” where it starts out like a church hymn and then roars to life about a minute into the second verse. The solid production and riffs make Fleetwood Mac’s “Think About Me” another gem that can’t be missed. Say what you will about cover albums, but Carpenter has the chops to make each track fresh and an essential part of your playlist.

You can go home again. New Jersey’s legendary power pop band The Smithereens come back 12 years later with producer Don Dixon to pick up right where they left off. Singer/guitarist Pat DiNizio, guitarist Jim Babjak, drummer Dennis Diken, and bassist Severo “The Thrilla” Jornacion are back to recapture  those bygone days when vintage hits like “Blood & Roses” ruled the airwaves.

The cover art mimics the band’s 1989 album which in turn is an homage to the film ‘Ocean’s 11.‘ Much like the Rat Pack, these guys are pros and crank out the lead single “Sorry” with solid guitars and Pat’s unmistakable vocal. For a while the excitement of hearing classic ‘Reens is enough to keep your enthusiasm going. “One Look At You” is great follow up and those crunchy riffs keep you engaged, however the band slows down with the psychedelic “A World Of Our Own” clocking in at almost 5 minutes (despite the lush harmonies). The next few songs feel like the band is on autopilot, until it picks up with “Bring Back The One I Love” where the melodic chords and lyrics sounds fresh. “Nobody Lives Forever” is another gem with Pat’s dark point of view and and then we get the brilliant bluesy “Goodnight Goodbye.” The song “Turn It Around” also hits the mark, so I’d say this is a successful comeback. Lets hope the band builds on this re-birth and they don’t wait another decade to deliver their sweet power pop goodness.

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Buddy Love “s/t”
When we last left Buddy Love, they had a gem of a single “Crying Town” which combined lead singer Joey Kelly’s rich baritone and Doug Khazzam’s jangle pop mastery. This brilliant song took the band to the next level, and the follow up tune “Almost In Tears” nearly matches it, with solid guitar work and sax touches. You’ll still hear the tint of 80’s style pop, but it’s got more sophistication, and this is evidenced in the terrific “Tearing You Down”  with Beatlesque guitar licks and musical key shifts after the chorus. “Intersection” seems to borrow a bit from “Sweet Child O Mine,” but its still impressive. Other highlights here are “Hard To Get” and “Idle Hands.” Both songs are catchy and have been an essential part of  Buddy Love’s live show. Add to this a few odds (“Set You Free”) and ends (“Waiting”) – and you have a great introduction to Buddy Love. Highly recommended.

Trent Dabbs “Southerner”
Dabbs is an accomplished indie singer-songwriter from Tennessee. His sound is a mix of romantic dream pop with steady rhythms and folk styled melodies. Although pleasant, it didn’t impress me until the bouncy “Don’t Blame Love,” where Dabbs ethereal vocal floats above a twanging guitar and toe-tapping beat. Like a southern version of Elliot Smith on “Catch Me Up To Speed,” it’s subtle horns, catchy chorus and detailed composition win you over. A nice tribute song “Neil Young” basically lets you know “it won’t reach the heart unless its in the blood.” The gentle ballads like “Me & God” and the title track have a wonderful spiritual quality and slightly countrified “Can I Cross Your Mind?” linger in your head and make up for the rare misstep (“Paper Trails”) here. Fans of Lindsey Buckingham, Elliot Smith and most acoustic indie pop will find a new favorite in Trent Dabbs.