Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

Two Sheds Jackson and Popravinas

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Two Sheds Jackson

Two Sheds Jackson “Some Kinda Life”

This German band made a big impression with me several years ago, so I was excited to hear this full-length LP. Opening with a very ELO-influenced “Weekend” it shares some production qualities with Long Player, but Two Sheds has a more varied palette. The subtle ballad “Where The Sunflowers Reign” and “A Life Supreme” has strong orchestration and the latter has a slick hook with a smooth guitar solo. You’ll also hear elements of 10cc, Sparks, and Paul McCartney perfectly referenced, without being an homage.

The band does a great job setting a mood with little snippets like “September Rain” and delivers great AOR pop gems like “Kiss and Say Goodbye,” “Trip The Light Fantastic,” “Some Kinda Love,” and “Prism of Time.” Incorporating the last EP, the band collaborates with several pros like Vinnie Zummo, Rick Hromadka, Luke Jackson, Roger Klug, and the late Wim Oudijk. And with these excellent songs, it lifts the entire set to a “must-buy” if you missed the earlier EP.

With 22 tracks, there is alot here to absorb. Maybe too much as we get several tracks of filler sprinkled in spots, but it’s hard to find any real duds here. Kool Kat is offering the LP along with the band’s first album bundled at a special price. Highly Recommended.

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Popravinas

Popravinas “Willy Nilly”

The memorable Eddy Sill and his band are back with their heavily anticipated third album Willy Nilly. The Popravinas have a great classic rock sound, with nods to The Stones, Wilco and Old 97’s. The tight guitar licks and reliable melodies are also comparable to The Connection and Lannie Flowers. “Talkin’ Out Loud” is a great opener, laid back and catchy with a killer hook. They up the jangle on “Tim’s Basement” an ode to their favorite place to hang out and some great twang enters the weary gem “Put It All To Bed.”

The great thing about the Popravinas is that they’re never boring, and the band picks up the tempo on “Dun’ Me In” with its vocal harmonies and references to life on the road. The best tune here is the driving “Sofia (CMU)” about an old girlfriend that will have you singing along. You can’t ask for anything more from these guys. Highly Recommended.

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R. Stevie Moore and Screen Test

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R. Stevie Moore

R. Stevie Moore “Afterlife”

R. Stevie Moore isn’t exactly a household name, but he might just be the most prolific musician in America. With a career spanning 50 years and over 400 albums, Stevie is a pioneer of DIY low-fi bedroom pop and is finally starting to be recognized for his innovative music.

Pulling some of his best work from his massive catalog, Afterlife is an upgrade from the original lo-fi recordings, as they are re-recorded in a full studio. All recordings were made in the past 15 years, some compositions date from the 1970s to the 1990s, and there are a few new songs. This is the closest thing RSM has to a “Greatest Hits” album. And some famous fans help contribute; Ariel Pink, Jason Falkner, Lane Steinberg, and Chusid.

The studio polish really shines these old melodic gems, like “Irony” with its wonderful jangling rhythm and overdubbed harmonies. “Pop Music” and “The Winner” all maintain their subversive humor and are darn catchy too. Jason Falkner fans will recognize his touch on “National Debate” and  “Another Day Slips Away.” In addition, Lane Steinberg’s “What Will I Do With The Rest Of My Life” is enhanced by RSM’s chorus and his Beach Boys tribute “Here Comes Summer Again” could’ve been part of their 20/20 album. Highly Recommended.

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Screen Test

Screen Test “Through the Past Brightly”

When The Flashcubes split in 1980, bassist Gary Frenay, guitarist Arty Lenin, and drummer Tommy Allen continued making music as Screen Test. The band had plenty of music left in them and released Inspired Humans Making Noise a year later. And while central New York was a loyal fan base, it couldn’t help the band get signed to a national label. But like their previous band, it was music too good to be buried in the past for long.

Through The Past, Brightly serves up some of the band’s best music, starting with a standout “Notes From Trevor,” a power pop gem with plenty of riff muscle. “Best Seller” is another great tune that layers guitars and thick percussion, with an Elvis Costello-like lead vocal. This is terrific power pop in its 80’s prime, and add to this covers of Emitt Rhodes “Fresh As A Daisy” and Greg Kihn’s “Hurt So Bad.” Occasionally the excesses of the 80’s production conventions on “My World” and “There’s No Place Like Work” make it dated, but most of the music is timeless, especially the standout “Make Something Happen.” For fans of 1980’s power pop, this is a no-brainer. Highly Recommended.

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Van Duren “Waiting: The Van Duren Story” Original Soundtrack and more!

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Van Duren

Van Duren “Waiting: The Van Duren Story”

Van Duren was part of the 70’s Memphis Power Pop scene, playing with the likes of Chris Bell and Jody Stephens and at one point auditioning as the 2nd guitar player for Big Star just before the band’s demise. While a seminal musician, Van remained an obscure figure, mainly because his 1977 debut Are You Serious? was only reissued in limited quantities and the 1979 follow-up Idiot Optimism was released 20 years too late. But Van has continued making music on small indie labels with a variety of collaborators.

Van’s public renaissance was rekindled by two Australian fans, Wade Jackson and Greg Carey, whose latter-day discovery of Are You Serious? turned into a two-year documentary project about the dogged persistence of his career. The soundtrack stands as a fitting introduction to the artist with some of his best work. The starting track “Grow Yourself Up” has the strong piano melody similar to the style of Todd Rundgren. “Chemical Fire” is another gem with its funky bass and deep chugging guitar that recalled Alex Chilton. The title ballad, “Waiting” and “Positive (Wedding Song)” are soulful themes that ooze emotion. There are live tracks that showcase Van’s intensity on stage and some brilliant tracks from his tenure at 80’s band The Good Question. Overall a solid compilation for an artist long overlooked. Highly Recommended.

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Power Popaholic On The Air

Thanks to Dave “The Boogieman,” as he hosts a 4-hour show with music and interviews every 2 weeks on Radio NY International. I am given the opportunity to post my favorite music during special show segments:

February’s Featured New Artists
My Favorite Artist feature: Electric Light Orchestra

David Mead and Cavetown

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David Mead

David Mead “Cobra Pumps”

After a long run of great albums, David took some time off after the 2011 LP Dudes. He is back, with a new album that he’s been heavily promoting on social media. Mead expands his stylistic skills all over Cobra Pumps, by sticking with an electric guitar compared to past elaborate productions. The opener “Bedtime Story” is a wonderful tune about domestic life and where it can take you.”The Business” has a neat hook and a jangle that keeps things moving. “She Walks Like A Grown Woman” is another big highlight, an in-your-face theme about female empowerment.

The jazzy tones of Mead are still here with “Head On Straight” and “Poster Child.” The 80’s vibe of “Big Balls” is something that feels a little out of place, but it’s still a good tune. And the classical influences are still what resonate on “Hopalong.” Overall there is plenty of variety here, so pick this one up. Highly Recommended.

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Cavetown

Cavetown “Dear.” EP and more

Cambridge-based artist Robin Skinner (aka Cavetown) is a making a serious run of great music in the tradition of Elliot Smith and Nick Drake. After 2017’s Lemon Boy Robin has embarked on a series of EPs and singles that focus on teenage isolation and depression. They are sparsely composed, with guitar and the occasional backing female vocal. Dear. was produced last year, with the somber “Just Add Water” and “Talk To Me” has a simple charm that stays with you.

Even more impressive is Robin’s songwriting skills continue to grow with his new “Animal Kingdom” series of singles. “Boys Will Be Bugs” and “Juliet” is all about being the pain of being an outcast. Hopefully, he gets more exposure as this stuff is too good to ignore. Highly Recommended.

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Joe Jackson and 8×8

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Joe Jackson

Joe Jackson “Fool”

It isn’t easy to find an artist that doesn’t bend to current trends, but Joe Jackson is one of them. On his 20th album, his voice still drips with sarcasm and sounds great as he makes his way through eight long detailed tracks.

“Big Black Cloud” slowly builds into a storm warning about the precarious state of middle-class living, and its piano chords just draw you in.  “Fabulously Absolute” is a terrific tune with Jackson’s classic tonal twists, as he cries “Tell me what I want, tell me what I feel!” It really showcases the fear, anger, and alienation of the everyman. Then it goes into “Dave,” a great mid-tempo portrait of modern drudgery with nods to Jackson’s past works. Fans will definitely hear echoes of 2008’s Laughter & Lust throughout, but these songs are not so immediate. The overall production is sharp as ever, with Graham Maby (bass) and Teddy Kumpel (guitar) given ample time to shine. It needs a few listens to appreciate Jackson’s subtleties here, but this is the master at work. Highly Recommended.

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8x8

8×8 “New Data New Day”

The prolific Lane Steinberg and Alexander Khodchenko continue to craft a dense weave of melodic richness on a bed of psychedelic textures. Never predictable, Lane launches into the standout tracks immediately with the rich piano, organ and woven harmonies of the title track and the catchy psychedelic fuzz of “Papa’s Garage.”

However, after those songs, the album slows considerably. “Racing To The Sun” is a fine exercise in restraint, as the melody is sparse but compelling. Other tracks don’t stick out as well, but Lane manages to describe milieus perfectly. On “Bye, Bye Landslide,” we visit a shifty carnival or on “Bernard’s Dilemma” its barbeque time in hell. Musically Alex is able to let loose on “Hidden In Plain Sight” and “Absolutely Hypnotized” with its swirling psychedelic guitar riffs. Overall a very good album that makes you want more. Highly Recommended.

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