Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic Archives - Page 284 of 353

The Orange Peels "2020"

December 7, 2009July 6, 2024 powerpopaholic

It’s been about four years since Allen Clapp and his band The Orange Peels made a new record, but it’s a welcome return after label hopping lately. The album really is a look into the future by looking back over the past, through sharp guitars, lush melodies and strong rhythms that drive each track. The opening track “We’re Gonna Make It” is full of driving drums and indie pop guitar strums that offers hope for these trying times. Next, “Seaside Holiday” is a shimmering piano track that is almost straining to be positive. Good thing we get less glossy on “Shining Like Stars” with a great distorted guitar lead that approaches greatness here, it’s my favorite track. Piano pop is always a treat, and with “Birds of A Feather” it comes with hand-claps and harmonies. The Sgt. Pepper-like “Emily Has Told Me Why” is another highlight here that floats on air with layers of guitars and dense orchestral backdrop. If you are looking for power pop that visibly shines with west coast sunshine, look no further. Clapp has a stable of veterans assisting here: Oed Ronne (The Ocean Blue) on lead guitars, electric sitar and vibes, Jill Pries on bass guitars, Bob Vickers (The Incredible Vickers Bros.) on drums and John Moremen (the Roy Loney Band) on guitars. Add to this the meticulous studio work and it’s all worth the effort here.

My Space | Orange Peels site | Aimee St | Amazon

Review Disclosure

Corin Ashley "Songs from the Brill Bedroom"

December 4, 2009July 6, 2024 powerpopaholic 2 Comments

Corin Ashley (bass player for The Pills) made this album a few years ago, and I’m surprised it fell under my radar at the time. Opening with the Lennon inspired “Theme from The Brill Bedroom” it makes a big splash with “Gin and Panic,” one of the best George Harrison songs that George never wrote. “File Me Under Regret” is good Let It Be-era Beatlesque song that is performed with conviction and attention to detail. The lighter acoustic tracks like “Foolproof” and “Being Twelve” has a tinkling banjo that mirror the type of chord changes and pop sensibility of Mike Viola or Paul McCartney. Another highlight is the bouncy “Ladybug” with tight “la la la” harmonies and a hook in the chorus that won’t let you go. The slower “Your Moment of Weakness” is another warm melodic ballad that recalls David Mead. It’s all good, even the ukulele strum of the confessional “Daddy’s Song.” Overall, this debut is superbly crafted pop music that definitely belongs your collection. Corin also made a huge impression kicking off IPO in Boston and he is currently crafting a follow up at Abbey Road studios. I for one can’t wait for it.

CD Baby | My Space | Not Lame | Lala

Bobby Emmett "Learning Love"

December 2, 2009July 6, 2024 powerpopaholic

Bobby Emmett (The Sights) has a new solo album here, and it’s got enough to make power pop fans cheer this holiday. Emmett channels Big Star, John Lennon and The Lolas in this exciting release. The entire album has a very classic 70’s arena rock feel, and “Queen of Hearts” starts out with a riff straight of out of The Raspberries and a tight vocal harmony that resembles Roger Manning Jr.’s multi tracked goodness. It’s the main highlight of this impressive album. The follow up “Broken Hearted” is another catchy melody, with a more modern pop feel. Every track here sounds like a winner, and “Still Wanna Be With You” is a good example. The echoing Dick Dale styled guitar solo and dense vocals add to the tracks wall of sound. Another great tune, “Moving Ahn” has distinct hooks and remind me of The Bay City Rollers or Sweet, but with an extra heavy riff break toward the back end. The songwriting is also consistently excellent, so if you are to complain here it would be that the production sheen is too thick, with Emmett’s vocal being over modulated in spots. But the combination of guitars and melodies will linger long after the last track plays. “Not Gonna Take It” glams it up with rough buzz riffs, and a strutting chorus that takes no prisoners. The bombastic finale “Love Is Real” piles it on really thick with guitars and psyche-pop distortions, but the melody pokes it’s way through to win you over. Overall, a strong contender for this years top ten, no doubt. For fans of the above influences, this is essential listening.

My Space | E-Music | Itunes | Amazon

Anny Celsi "Tangle-Free World"

November 24, 2009July 6, 2024 powerpopaholic 1 Comment

If you combine equal parts of Laurie Biagini and The Gripweeds Kristin Pinell, you may likely end up with Anny Celsi. Anny Celsi is a west coast musician with links to Brian Wilson band alum Nelson Bragg, who produced the album. The title track is a good example of the Byrdsian jangle and exquisite psyche-pop harmonies perfect for a long car ride. Anny’s follow up song “Thanksgiving In Hollywood” starts slow but grows to a rich folk tapestry of guitars, and then she does a country ballad on “First Love Freezes” with a melancholy, but beautiful vocal lead. The Motown soul balladry of “Now You Can Hurt Me” is a nice change of pace here, that compares well with those classic girl groups of the 60’s. A bit of Bacharach styled pop is visible on “Own Sweet Time,” and it’s a gorgeous tune but I expected Anny to belt this one out, and her voice just stays too gentle and sweet here. A cover of Lee Hazelwood and Nancy Sinatra’s “Some Velvet Morning” (with Bragg and additional members of Brian Wilson’s band) is so effective, I would be really cool with a full album of this type of material (okay guys, get to work). Another highlight here is the strong hook of “Piece of Heaven,” full of jangle guitars and floating background harmonies. Anny is super talented here and the production work is superb as well. Fans of classic sixties pop influences should pick this one up right away.

My Space | CD Baby

Sarakula and The Spongetones present Jamie & Steve

November 23, 2009July 6, 2024 powerpopaholic 2 Comments

Sarakula “City Heart”

Aussie singer songwriter Joel Sarakula is similar to fan favorite Jeff Litman, in that they both started as classically trained musicians and then set forth a mission to pursue pop perfection. The second album (check out the debut Souvenirs) is an excellent radio friendly treat. “Turn It Up” has just a touch of that 70’s Billy Joel vibe mixed with Neil Finn – and it’s irresistible. With it’s strong piano melodies and pretty sweet lyrics, “Matchstick Girl” is another treat that sticks in your head as well. The production is clean, but not overly slick, even though the dramatics are turned up for “Driving With The Devil.” The album sags a little in the middle with “Breathing Again,” and then it goes all Steely Dan with “Better Late Than Never.” If you also enjoy McCartney styled pop, it’s hard not to enjoy this disc. “Caught In The Middle” is another bouncy piano gem, that will make your feet tap and your head bop. And “Marlene” is a fast-paced direct descendant of Billy Joel’s “Laura.” Sarakula is currently on tour with fellow Australian Bob Evans, and what a cool double bill. This is simply another great pop artist that would normally fall under the radar.

MySpace | CD Baby | Itunes | Not Lame

The Spongetones present Jamie and Steve “English Afterthoughts”

I’m not sure why Jamie Hoover and Steve Stoeckel needed to release this under their own names, but it’s a typical awesome Spongetones album. The Beatle-isms continue here, with great melodies and Jamies’ amazing guitar grooves. Quickly it starts off the ground with “Emily’s Ghost” and “Fly Girl” which highlight the duos angelic harmonies. “Let’s Don’t Count This One” is a Tom Petty styled pop guitar jangle and the Gerry & The Pacemaker styled Merseybeat ballads like “English Afternoon” and “Let Me Back In” are both short and sweet. The standout track here is “Between The Lines” with a daring dual melodic leads and a pile of hooks. The only small misstep might be “Do Be Cruel” as the song seems a bit strained, despite the wonderful background vocals. “Feeling You Are Watching Me” is another stroke of melodic brilliance and when you listen to it all, it’s consistently excellent – so once again no filler anywhere. I hope Jamie and Steve keep pumping out music. I can’t get enough of these guys, so it’s an easy recommendation.

MySpace | emusic | Amazon