Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

Jeffrey Foskett and Stephen Clair

powerpopaholic
Jeffrey Foskett

Jeffrey Foskett “Voices”

Jeffrey Foskett isn’t a household name, but he really should be. One of the most versatile and skilled vocalists in pop, he spent most of his career with The Beach Boys. He sang the high falsettos previously credited to Carl Wilson and was a dependable vocalist for countless live shows. Unfortunately, his singing career was cut short in early 2018 when he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Surgeries and treatments have led to the loss of a vocal chord, but he continues to play other instruments. Foskett’s stunning a cappella singing pays tribute to several pop classics and was recorded over several years’ time.

The easy-going “Feelin’ Just The Way I Do” by Hawaiian pop duo Cecelio and Kapono is very typical of Jeff’s solo work, and the gentle rendition of Buddy Holly’s “True Love Ways” is perfect for a slow dance. But it wouldn’t be a Foskett LP without some Beach Boys covers. This is where Jeffrey kills it. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “Good Vibrations” are faithful to Brian Wilson’s vocal arrangements, but on “Warmth of The Sun,” I think it’s even better than the original. Jeff’s version of The Association’s “Everything That Touches You” is untouched by instrumentation and showcases his amazing harmonic skills. Another jaw-dropping display of vocal skill is his rehearsal on Neil Sedaka’s “Laughter In The Rain.” The collection is a touching portrait of Foskett’s love of harmony and compelling melodies, so do yourself a favor and get this now.  Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik


Stephen Clair

Stephen Clair “Strange Perfume”

NY musician Stephen Clair makes a basic statement with his new album, Strange Perfume. It’s that rock and roll doesn’t need a lot of bells and whistles to be good, but it does need emotional resonance to make an impact. Clair’s sound is what I would consider alternative garage rock, you’ll hear influences from Lou Reed, Wilco, Soul Asylum and The Rolling Stones. Stephen is joined by bandmates Aaron Latos, Daria Grace, Nate Allen, and Brad Hubbard.

The title track starts with a grungy kind of jangling rhythm and Clair’s understated, but deep vocal keeps things moving. “Cadillac Jack,” is a big highlight, similar to Tom Petty’s style with a steady beat and ethereal backing vocals in the chorus. “I’ve Got Trouble” has more guitar muscle, like the Stones a little with the barroom croon, “I’ve got no trouble, getting into trouble, it just comes to me.” Another highlight is “Crown Of Man” with its grimy guitar slowly trudging forward full of squelches, and the tempo increases as it gains traction. “What Got In Your Head” is another slow grower that sticks. Overall a terrific LP full of bluesy rock that deserves to be heard.

Amazon

https://youtu.be/tthtzn-J068

Pernice Brothers and Project: Ghost Outfit

powerpopaholic
Project Ghost Outfit

Pernice Brothers “Spread The Feeling”

This is the Pernice Brothers’ first new album in nine years. And Joe Pernice almost makes it look effortless with excellent songwriting and stellar musicianship. Starting with the simple strums of “Mint Condition,” it flowers into a catchy gem full of richly textured sound. “Lullabye” opens with those ’80s styled guitar notes, resembling Modern English and “The Devil and The Jinn” is a classic Pernice return to form. A story told with lyrics that are more poetry; “Love is a cruel company store, a trans-global disaster it’s a meltdown to the core.”

It’s those emotional notes matched with a compelling melody that makes this album so damn good. Even the simple ballads, like “Evidently So” are so expressive they demand attention. The punchy pop returns on “Throw Me To The Lions” and its jangling perfection with “Skinny Jeanne.” Not a hint of filler here and even the bonus tracks are good.  Joe’s crafted this with a solid cast of musicians; Pernice Brothers alumni (Peyton Pinkerton, James Walbourne, Patrick Berkery, Bob Pernice, Ric Menck) and new contributors (Joshua Karp, Neko Case, and Pete Yorn). It’s like rediscovering the Pernice Brothers all over again, and it makes my top ten list for 2019.

Amazon


Project Ghost Outfit

Project: Ghost Outfit “Project: Ghost Outfit”

A super-group is a rare thing, and when you have all the players on the same page it creates something special. The great Bill Lloyd has teamed up with Cheap Trick guitarist Tom Petersson, guitarist Adam Shoenfeld, and drummer Keith Brogdon. They all met up at a party hosted by Petersson and decided to play together. The result is Project: Ghost Outfit.

The opener “Somebody’s Heart” is pure magic, with Keith’s vocals and the group harmonies in the chorus create power-pop gold here. Lloyd’s guitar leads the anthemic rocker “Hang On” and it’s another catchy rocker with a sweet descending chord progression in the chorus. Throughout the album, you do hear a distinctly original sound although the DNA of Cheap Trick is clearly present on tracks like “Ups and Downs” and “Never Remember.” Lloyd’s influence is most pronounced on “Mess My Mind,” and like all his material – catchy as hell. It took a few spins to appreciate all the details and there is no filler amongst the 7 tracks. The finale “Buying Time” is a good reflection on getting older and remembering days past. I just wish there was more – hope the band considers a sequel. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

Dan Israel and Fastball

powerpopaholic
Dan Israel

Dan Israel “Social Media Anxiety Disorder”

Minneapolis singer-songwriter Dan Israel is back with his 15th studio LP, and he’s better than ever. While always a reliable roots rocker in the tradition of Tom Petty or Steve Earle, on Social Media Anxiety Disorder he hits it outta the park. “Be My Girl” is a gem that blasts out the horns and guitar riffs with abandon and a solid hook that will stick in your head quickly.

Next “125” is a mellow psych-pop tune that comfortably grooves, and “Just Can’t Take It” is a catchy gem that sounds like Bob Dylan playing with Mark Knopfler. “I’m Still Lost” is a soulful examination of anxiety and facing it head-on. “Another Day” and “Alright” are uptempo rockers that resonate, and he revisits the earlier theme on “Just Can’t Take It Revisited,” and its a clever deconstruction. No filler here, each song brilliantly captures Dan’s emotions and insecurities. This LP is built for multiple listens and highly recommended.

Amazon


Fastball

Fastball “The Help Machine”

Platinum-selling band Fastball is known for smart catchy power-pop and its latest LP is another strong effort that leans heavily on the great songwriting from Miles Zuniga and Tony Scalzo. However, the musical hooks so prominent on past albums are in shorter supply here. While the quality of the music remains excellent, the mood is mainly dispirited.

The world-weary “Friend or Foe” projects a sense of angst with all the uncertainties of life. Scalzo’s “White Collar” is an early highlight, with some terrific shifting chords and tight harmonies, along with its organ melody. “Redeemed” is a bluesy mid-tempo gem that plays like a sermon with a jazzy guitar solo. One of the few uptempo tunes “The Girl You Pretended To Be” is like a bouncy early Elvis Costello song with a steel pedal country vibe. But most of the songs are lovely ballads like “I Go South” or “The Help Machine,” which focuses on that empty existential feeling as Zuniga croons “I don’t want to spend my life chasing money.” A downer, but so well done. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

 

EP Reviews: The Seven and Six, Vista Blue, Dogmatics, Nick Bertling, The Martial Arts

powerpopaholic

The Seven and Six is a new band with the ever-talented Lisa Mychols and Tom Richards. This is great power pop with a beat you can dance to. This is Mychols in her natural habitat, each song hits the right notes, kicks ass and with its upbeat tempos, it’s super highly recommended.

Vista Blue dials back its natural punk influences and turns up the Beach Boys-inspired power-pop tendencies. “Summer Wonderland” is a sweet single with some great harmonies and the other tracks are a cut above the usual seasonal music. Get this one now! Available at Amazon


The Dogmatics is a more traditional garage rock and roll band from Boston thanks to our buddies at Rum Bar Records. Fans of The Replacements or The Johnny Thunders will dig this one. And who else will write a song about the current United States Secretary of Commerce? Also available at Amazon.


Nick Bertling made this faithful group of Monkee cover tunes in honor of the late Peter Tork. It even has a cover of a Kellog’s jingle! Not an EP, but a labor of love and it’s a great FREE download.


The new EP from The Martial Arts (aka Paul Kelly) is a quirky pop romp that is both catchy and idiosyncratic. The other songs are just as infectious and melodic. Get it on Amazon.

 

Richard and The Young Lions, Laissez Fairs, Paul Bertolino

powerpopaholic
Nick Frater  Nick Frater

Richard and The Young Lions “Vol 1 & 2”

This cult garage rock combo out of Newark, NJ has long been a hidden gem amongst those late 1960’s bands and in 1998, it was included on the box set version of the definitive ’60s garage-rock compilation Nuggets. In 1966, lead singer Richard Tepp had a chance encounter with producer Bob Crewe (The Four Seasons) who’s studio helped create the hit “Open Up Your Door.” Unfortunately, the band disappeared after a few singles. They had a reunion in 2000, a fan in Steven Van Zandt, and he helped create this definitive collection with Wicked Cool Records.

What we have is a great collection of garage music in the mold of The Animals and Paul Revere and The Raiders. Highlights include “Hurt By Love,” “Nasty,” “You Can Make It,” “You Make Me Lonely,” and “Sick And Tired.” The remastered sound is crisp and the recent cuts blend in seamlessly with the ’60s originals. Not everything sticks, but between both volumes, there is plenty of great music to enjoy.

Amazon (Vol. 1) | Amazon Vol.2 | Kool Kat Musik (Vol.1) | Kool Kat Musik (Vol.2)


The Laissez Fairs

The Laissez Fairs “Marigold”

Las Vegas Psych poppers The Laissez Fairs return with this new LP on Rum Bar Records, and they perfectly recreate the shimmering apex of ’60s psychedelia. The opener “Long Grow The Marigolds” is flush with layered fuzz guitars and Farfisa organ, and it sets the tone. The standout “Phantom Stranger” has a sweet catchy rhythm as it jangles along, and the ballad “My Thursday” Girl” is like early Bowie meets Brian Jones.

The band’s general approach reminds me more of The Stones (especially on “Redundant Beach”) than The Lemon Pipers. Although some modern techniques filter through the rose-colored lenses, the music is consistently good across 16 trip inducing tracks. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik


Paul Bertolino

Paul Bertolino “Poseur”

Bertolino has a distinct love for the early 1970s sound and production technique. The opener “On The Downslide” emulates Terry Kath-era Chicago with its horn blasts and bass funky beat. “Parade” is another strong vocal by Paul and great use of harmonies. He impresses for the piano ballad “Ghosted” using a falsetto almost like Barry Gibb, and it grows to a neat guitar solo at the coda.

While the melodies miss out on those hooks occasionally, Paul’s use of saxophone, flute, and R&B elements make “All The Way To Chicago” another winner, and “Tap Out” boasts a spirited guitar floating alongside the Matthew Sweet-like vocal approach. The last track “The Antidote” is another gem where he weaves together flowing vocals, rhythms, and instrumentals beautifully. Overall its the most sophisticated and polished set of music Paul’s done. Highly Recommended.

Amazon