Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

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.

Bandcamp only

Redd Kross and The Junior League

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Redd Kross

Redd Kross “Beyond the Door”

One of the great power pop bands, Redd Kross is back with an eighth album, and they are truly timeless despite the seven-year wait since 2012’s Researching the Blues. The band has been around for 40 years (!) but now has updated its line-up; the McDonald brothers; Steve (bass) and Jeff (vocals) with drummer Dale Crover and guitarist Jason Shapiro. Just remember, the McDonalds started Redd Kross by opening for Black Flag at a middle school graduation party in 1981. And today the sound still rocks; harmonious rock and roll somewhere between Cheap Trick and The Jellyfish.

They open with “The Party” which grooves like a lost song off The Austin Powers Soundtrack, but it’s based on the theme to a 1968 Peter Sellers film. “Fighting” is where the brothers excel, with loud driving guitar riffs and a catchy chorus. The band delivers more gems with the Kinks-like psyche-pop of “Ice Cream (Strange and Passing)” and “Fantastico Roberto.” The party atmosphere continues with “The Party Underground” with swirling guitar solos. It’s tough to find a favorite here since every tune hits its mark. It ends with a cover of Sparks “When Do I Get To Sing “My Way” and it too is glorious. Highly Recommended, and an easy pick for the top ten list of power pop for 2019.

Amazon

Extra: Redd Kross is funding a documentary on the band. Check it out at www.reddkrossfilm.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl4BtWCgvT0&feature=youtu.be

The Junior League

The Junior League “Adventureland”

Joe Adragna is back and he continues to impress under the moniker of The Junior League. His latest LP Adventureland starts strong out the gate with “Heavy,” led by thick guitar riffs that carry you away, and thick synths of  Scott McCaughey (Minus 5) keep it coming on “Have Faith In Yourself.” The feel is very similar to The Posies, Tommy Stinson or Bob Mould.

It shifts into bubblegum rock territory with “Falling In Love,” and with Tammy Ealom’s backing vocals it bounces along like a lost Tom Petty rocker. Joe’s riffs are direct and there are plenty of melodic rocking gems here. “Queen of the Dead” is a standout that will stick in your head, and “Town in a Box” is almost Nirvana-like with its heavy-pounding chords. “Delete and Repeat” adds a sugary sweet chorus to the dense guitars. Overall the songs are short and sweet, but most of all they are meant to be played loud. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik