Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

Chicago’s dynamic duo, The Handcuffs are back with a new record, building on the debut album “Model For A Revolution” the band struts it’s pop muscle here. The Handcuffs are primarily a duo of vocalist Chloe Orwell and drummer Brad Elvis (of the infamous Elvis Brothers). If you ever wondered what would Gwen Stefani sound like if she did power pop, this is your closest answer in the title track “Electroluv” which may be an ode to a sexy vacuum cleaner (not sure here). Brad Elvis knows his way around a pop tune and the group delivers powerful, melody-driven songs that are both accessible and commercial. Some of the lyrically simple ideas here work well (“Half A Mind”) and others not so much (“Gotta Problem With Me?”). But there are enough highlights here to shake your mojo to, including the very Debbie Harry sounding “I Just Wanna Be Free, Man” with Chloe’s sultry purr of the chorus. And the ballads are another pleasant surprise, as “Turn it Up” and “Wonderful Life” are very sweet and memorable. Another standout for me is the guitar riff heavy “Resurrection” and the piano pop hooks of “Fake Friends” which for me is the best written of the bunch. Fans of Joan Jett, INXS and Blondie will eat this one up.

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The Lund Bros. ( Chris and Sean Lund and bassist Gwon Chang.) specialize in smart songwriting, colorful, catchy hooks, full-tilting melodies and plenty of repeat-worthy pop hooks at every turn. I had no idea these guys were so prolific, releasing 4 albums already. This is a two disc set, and plenty of gems are here. Opening with the song “Mars Will Understand” it starts soft and expands to Cheap Trick-Matthew Sweet proportions. And this first disc follows the style on most of it’s tracks. For example, “Find The Sun” is a sweet guitar ballad that would make Robin Zander do a double take. One of the best songs on this disc is “Magnifying Glass” full of irresistible melodies and harmony. The instrumental “Johnny’s Jump” is pure guitar magic and shows off the Lunds‘ impressive guitar prowess. “Losin” is a gem that would fit well on “Dream Police” and “Mr. McCain” is a poignant power ballad about the losing presidential candidate, asking “would you do it again?” This first disc was so impressive, I thought I couldn’t take more riches here. Well the second disc opens with “Listen” a sure fire hit single, full of fast beats and awesome hooks. The mood takes a turn on “Love is Leaving” and reminds me a bit of Big Star here (“Olive Branch” has the same feel). The remaining songs continue to impress and are more conventional, following closer to Van Halen styled guitar rock. Fans of both Cheap Trick and Van Halen will flip for these guys, but I would highly recommend this set to anyone who loves modern melodic rock. I now want to get the older albums on CD Baby to see what I’ve been missing.

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I will continue to review some great pop music, the year isn’t over… yet. The Eisenhowers made an impressive debut in 2006 with Almost Half Undressed and now almost three years later Raymond Weir has taken the next step in his maturing sound, which the influences of XTC, Kinks and Elvis Costello are heard. The sound is richer here with Weir getting the help of backing vocalists and sharp studio musicians. The lyrical content has also taken a leap forward with epic sagas of hopelessness, best exemplified by “Reign of the Stupid” and “After The Tide.” Include the addition of violins and many instrumental effects and you get the idea. With 14 tracks, there are plenty of highlights. “Gathering Dust” resembles an Andy Partridge song with it’s looping melodies and percussive details. The epic “1969” is a ballad that goes through an astronaut’s mind full of both idealism and narcissism. “Aggrodisiac” most definitely has spirit of Costello. Some of these song while, expertly produced don’t linger too long in mind. The jazzy feel of “Janine” is a great sophisticated pop ballad with little Bowie accents and “The Long Way Home” is my favorite here, with just the right mix of all the influences and melody. It ends with “Icarus Succumbs” an expansive epic along the lines of latter era Tears For Fears. The Eisenhowers will win over many with this group of literate and tuneful pop music.

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Wes Hollywood, a well known Chicago rock veteran (The Wes Hollywood Show) always had a deep rooted sense of melodic rock. Here in his new band Tenniscourts, he has the energy built on the stylings of Elvis Costello and Cheap Trick. Starting off with “Forever True” it lives on those loud heavy guitar riffs. “All I want is a swimming pool…” sets the theme for a blistering set of riffs on “Swimming Pool” and a touch of Ray Davies styled lyrical appeal about a kid’s dream. This working man’s touch to is also revealed in “Love In The Night.” The mid-tempo “Falling” has some awesome guitar melody and is my favorite on this album, it has a lots of subtle details that makes it rise to greatness. Spencer Matern’s effortlessly melodic bass lines on “Crystal City” bring to mind Oasis (take that Noel Gallager). “Ordinary Life” bounces along with “la la la” choruses and could be a sequel to The Kinks “Well Respected Man” with Mr. Pleasant finally reaching millionaire status. The big riffs come back in “In The Scene” and no track here falls flat. Overall, an excellent album worth more than a few spins on the ole’ ipod.

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