Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

The Brothers Steve and The Embyos

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The Brothers Steve

The Brothers Steve “#1”

Former Members of L.A. band Tsar; Jeff Whalen, Jeff Solomon, and Steve Coulter were then joined by Os Tyler and Dylan Champion to form The Brothers Steve. The anthemic songwriting and power-pop crunchiness that characterized Jeff Whalen’s solo album earlier this year is even more pronounced here.

The opener “Angeline” makes good use of different vocalists, its shifting tempos and the deep rhythmic riffs before the chorus. The party time feel of “We Got The Hits,” and “She” are infectious, with manic energy and buzz. The band also builds a nice mid-tempo ballad with “Carolanne” and its minor chord shifts. The sixties roots (Monkees, The Grass Roots, Paul Revere) really show off on “C’mon Pappy,” a dizzying layered jam of harmonies and guitars. That neo-hippie flavor is also present on the four-minute “Sunlight.” The band hits each tune outta the park, and I couldn’t find a single weak track. Without a doubt, it belongs on my top ten list for power pop album of 2019. Super highly recommended.

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The Embyros

The Embryos “Open The Kimono”

To “open the kimono” in business is to disclose information about the inner workings of a company. This Chicago band reveals strong guitar craftsmanship and a workmanlike attitude, reminding me of The Connection in spots. “Circleville” is an understated jangling melody that builds up as the song continues along.

“Wake Up Screaming” has a catchy vibe, and “Ghost Dreams, Mainly” boasts moving lyrics and interesting chord shifts, with a sweet instrumental passage. While not everything here is as memorable, the album finale “Eleven Forty” jams along with some great guitar work and a solid catchy rhythm. Definitely, music that deserves to be heard. Check it out.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Highly Recommended EPs: Pugwash, David Woodard, Cape Cartel, Kid Bear

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Pugwash is one of the best-loved, hardest working bands and its talented team is led by Thomas Walsh, whose unique melodic stylings continue to amaze. This new EP is no exception and deserves to be added to your collection. “You Can Build A House On Love” starts the party and every track thereafter is a new classic. The band’s entire catalog is now on Bandcamp, so if you are missing anything – you now have no excuses. What else? How about a loving tribute to Walsh’s songwriting skill? It’s the gift that keeps giving.

David Woodard has a new EP ready, and he’s upped his game with “We’re Not Coming Back,” a Beatles-styled gem that sticks fast. The title track (“Everything in Between”) pours it on thick, with horns and a march-like rhythm straight out of “It’s Getting Better.” Next, “Nine Hundred Ninety Nine” recalls P.Hux with its melodic chorus. Not a bad track in the bunch. Get it on Amazon.

Quebec rockers Cape Cartel sophomore EP gets some influences from Beck on the opener “Vitamins,” and bounce to fast tempo power pop on “The Matador.” They also take some real risks musically on “Flying” and the catchy, breezy “I’m Still Your Man,” which will stay on my playlist for a while. Even the finale “Boy Bruiseless” has wonderful harmonies in the chorus that deserves to be heard. This is a band headed for greatness. Just listen. Get it on Amazon.

Chicago’s Kid Bear isn’t what I normally listen to, but its damn good roots-rock. A chance encounter with country legend Steve Earle changed everything for guitarist and songwriter, Matt Neuroth. As Matt tells it, “I was sitting in Matt Umanov Guitars in Greenwich Village and in walks Steve Earle. He picked up an acoustic guitar and just started strumming some chords.” Matt’s encounter inspired him, so comparisons with Steve Earle, Neil Young, or Lou Reed is purely coincidental. EP2 has some real gems; “A Simple Thing” and the bluesy riff “All The News” are just infectious. Check it out on Amazon.

The Well Wishers and The Rallies

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The Well Wishers

The Well Wishers “The Lost Soundtrack”

Jeff Shelton (aka The Well Wishers) was assigned by a production company to create a soundtrack for an indie film, but due to complications the film was never made, and the music was shelved. Jeff now brings these tunes out of the shadows to see the light of day.

The Well Wishers sound is well established and doesn’t change here; melodies full of heavy riffs, fuzz bass, and drums. “Back Door” is a good start with a catchy chorus that sinks in immediately. “Free” recalls The Smithereens with its deep rhythmic approach, and “Layover” leads with an inspired piano rhythm. The only misfire is the out of place country ballad “Dreaming My Dreams With You.” While these songs aren’t as inspired as last years A View From Above, this soundtrack has its share of highlights including “Great Day Out” and “She Already Knows.”

Amazon | CD Baby

The Rallies

The Rallies “Upside Down”

The Rallies are returning with their sophomore album and if you love positive vibes, then this is for you. Led by Steve Davis (Acoustic Guitar, lead vocals), and backed up by Lee Brown (Drums), Karl Van Der Velden (Guitar) and Ben Heege (Bass). The bouncy tempo & jangling guitar opener “All Over Town” sets the tone and begs repeat plays. A calming acapella mantra opens the catchy “It’s Okay,” as it bathes you in reassuring vocal harmonies of “Keep Calm/Carry On.”

The acoustic “All of Us” also slowly builds into a brilliant harmonic sing along. Next, “If You Do” uses a simple riff and rhythm to hook you immediately, it reminded me a little of Lannie Flowers work. Other highlights include “Brand New,” the Tom Pettyesque twang of “Alive,” and the layered vocal gem “Up To You.” While the songs are uniform in approach, there isn’t a dud to be found here. Highly Recommended for sure.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

The Nines and Marcus Goodwin

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The Nines

The Nines “Shipwrecked (Eggers Songbook Vol 1)”

Steve Eggers (aka The Nines) continues to musically explore and follow his muse on this collection that references the mythology of 70’s California. The ear-worm simplicity of “Don’t Ever Lose Control” is a classic Nines confidence-boosting inner monologue. The Stevie Wonder styled clavinet on “Give to Get (Night Confusion)” has an easy-going groove. And you hear a definite lean towards Pretzel Logic-era Steely Dan on “Danielle (You Know it’s True)” and “Valley of No Return.”

“Making It Better” is another effortless pop gem that sticks hard and fast, and its one of the catchiest songs here.  The orchestral 70’s pop stands out, “Take The Chance” and “When You’re Ready” are also big highlights. While ballads are usually an area of Eggers strength, they fail to draw much emotion until the solemn “Old Refrain.” But there is so much good music here, and I can’t wait for Vol. 2! Highly Recommended.

Amazon

Marcus Goodwin

Marcus Goodwin “The Slow Age”

Marcus Goodwin was the guitarist for one of the greatest power pop bands in Australia, Ice Cream Hands. From the late ’90s until 2007 they were known for crisp guitar melodies and wonderous harmonies. And then the bandmates went their separate ways for the following decade. Now with the  20th anniversary of the Not Lame favorite Sweeter Than The Radio, the band got back in the studio to work on a new album. Goodwin originally released this solo LP in 2000, but it’s new to me.

We’ve covered bandmember Charles Jenkins before, but Goodwin’s solo sounds more like Ice Cream Hands. If you aren’t familiar, just think of an Aussie version of Squeeze meets Crowded House.”The Perfect Song” picks at that nostalgia scab and delivers a bittersweet gem for the ears. “Turn It Over” faces the fear of growing old, and “The Brain Wash” is a tight bass-led melody that just grooves along. The guitar roars on the too-short “She Hates Cars,” and “Old Man Parker” is another memorable gem (related to Mean Mr. Mustard, no doubt.) While not everything sticks, this is a welcome return and will appeal to fans far and wide. Check it out! Thanks, Scotty!

Pop Boomerang

Those Pretty Wrongs and Kai Danzberg

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Those Pretty Wrongs

Those Pretty Wrongs “Zed For Zulu”

The spirit of Big Star still lives on with the pairing of the band’s drummer Jody Stephens and guitarist Luther Russell.  The opener features a simple acoustic rhythm that builds its melody from the emotional strings (courtesy of Chris Stamey) and harmonies on the wonderful “Tonight Tonight Tonight.” The jangling “Ain’t Nobody But Me” is another catchy highlight, recalling the California vibe of The Byrds or America.

Most of these songs are started with a simple guitar strum and easy-going vibe like “Time To Fly” and “The Carousel.” The contrasting acoustic and big fuzz riffs of “You & Me” evoke Big Star more than most here, but the ballads while lovely don’t generate much excitement. The lone piano song “Undertow” is a refreshing change of pace towards the end of the album. Not just for Big Star completists, Those Pretty Wrongs are pretty darn cool. Check it out.

Amazon

Kai Danzberg

Kai Danzberg “Euphoria” EP

German power-pop wunderkind Kai Danzberg has returned after a successful run early this year with Not Only Sunshine and has been very busy this year. This self-released EP is his latest musical confection, influenced by The Jellyfish, Michael Jackson, ELO, and Drake Bell. Like his early LP Pop-Up Radio, Kai likes to set up an atmosphere first. The carnival sounds of the overture lead to “Welcome To Euphoria” a tune of Sgt. Pepper grandiosity similar to Paul Steel.

The seven tracks are richly composed,  as Kai narrates like a cabaret emcee the dramatic tragedy “Finally Free.” Next, “A Fool To Me” has an uptempo beat, and marches along but the gem here is the duet with Lisa Mychols “The Day” with its layered harmonies that perfectly welcome summer, and a coda full of swirling psychedelic guitar. Highly recommended.

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