Category: Power Pop Review

Off the beaten path: Stray Blue

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Stray Blue “Wake Up and Smile”

Nick Anastasakis (vocals, guitar), George Athanas (bass guitar, vocals), and George Papazoglou (drums) make up the Greek trio Stray Blue. With its catchy “Hey!” and subtle country strum and blues rhythm, the lead track “Wake Up & Smile” immediately grabs your attention. “Allow me to tell you a story…” and the plot revolves around a man who leaves his overbearing wife but can’t help but long for her presence. As the stanza delves into his emotions, the constant tone is set by the acoustic strumming. The chorus comes after the third verse as he sings “Wake up and smile I feel fine Walking’ around still don’t know why” and it has a little Beatles-like cadence to it. It reminded me of one of Ringo’s songs. Nick’s vocal is unconventional, but you get accustomed to it very quickly. The other side, “Moody Sky,” is a beautiful duet with Nick Anastasakis’s acoustic guitar and Yoed Nir’s electric cello. The cello playing by Nir makes for a soothing, although melancholy, melody.

Visit The Stray Blue Website to learn more.

John Larson and The Silver Fields and Jamie James

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“John

John Larson and the Silver Fields “Rumble Candy”

John Larson has been hard at work since last year’s ‘Constellation Prize,’ and the opener “For One Night Only” talks about the elusive goal of rock and roll stardom. Larson’s voice is authentic and appropriate, but it can be a bit underpowered at times. The tone and approach is better on “Turn Around, Girl,” a catchy tune with a nice hook. Things settle in with “Let’s Get Lost (In a Carnival of Sorts)” and “Contact Low” with pleasing melodies and jangling guitars.

“The Hits Keep Coming” embodies the album’s philosophy with its sense of drive and determination. Throughout the ten tightly packed tracks, the band remains true to its roots as a fast-paced power pop band, particularly on the Steppenwolf-inspired “Whisper To Be Heard.” Although the most of the songs are mid-tempo and flow well together, the set would be a bit better with a slower ballad or a harder rocker mixed in for variety. I would still give this one your time, as it is music that deserves to be heard.

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“The

Jamie James “Straight Up”

Jamie James is country and rock and roll musician who founded the early ’80s rockabilly band The Kingbees, and penned their notable hit “My Mistake.” He was also was a longtime guitarist for actors-turned-musicians Harry Dean Stanton and Dennis Quaid. At 71, he’s got plenty of grit and experience to put out many albums, so I’m glad he finally released this solo record.

“Let the Praying Begin” opens the album. It’s an and pop blues tune with wicked harmonica flourishes. The music has a open loose feel and “Get a Hold of Myself” follows the same path, with multiple instruments blending together. “Show Biz Boogie” is the highlight, a blues based takedown of celebrity burnout that recalls ZZ Top with its quick rhythm. “Septuagenarian Blues” is wry, matter of fact song that speaks to Jamie’s age. The production across the album is flawless and fans of modern blues, pop and rock will enjoy this.

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July singles: Bill Lloyd, Sloan, Trolley, Original+, Jonathan Rundman, Mary Strand

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July is hot and rainy, but the music keeps on coming. First a really cool AI video from my buddy Bill Lloyd on “Miles Behind” with the moody jazz sax, and lounge percussion, it’s a smooth instrumental, very different from the usual country or power pop. But hey, we are a power pop blog, so let’s not forget it. Sloan returns with something cinematic as well, “Live Forever” is a typical gem with a great chorus from the upcoming album. Another dramatic preview is Trolley and “A Carnival of Grey and White” that boasts a great song with a cool synth and bass rhythm. The guitars punctate each verse here and it sails. New Jersey band Original+ has an energetic EP just check out “Can’t Hang” and “Fraidy Cat.” Jonathan Rundman’s new single is kinda like vintage Mojo Nixon, about getting fireworks. Finally, Mary Strand gets to the point of it all with “Does any of it really matter?” Sometimes I ask myself the same thing. Enjoy.




Chris Stamey and Willie Nile

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“Chris

Chris Stamey “Anything Is Possible”

Chris Stamey, a songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, and producer from North Carolina, has a long and illustrious history in indie rock, including co-founding the power pop band the dBs, playing with Alex Chilton, Jody Stephens’s Big Star Quintet, and recording with the Salt Collective. Stamey has also broadened his focus in recent years to encompass contemporary interpretations of the Great American Songbook and various other genres. This album mixes several distinct styles.

The glorious “I’d Be Lost Without You” opens things. Not your average Beach Boys pastiche, it’s given life through a variety of guest stars like Mitch Easter, Probyn Gregory, and Rob Ladd. And when the Lemon Twigs entered the picture with their harmonies, it grew into something more. The Twigs influence flows through a few other tracks, like the hopeful title track “Anything is Possible,” a powerful mantra that sticks. Next, it shifts to “After All This Time,” a lovely contemporary interpretation of a pop standard. “Meet Me In Midtown” has a Brill Building-style New York themed melody, loaded with character and nice flourishes.

The only cover here is of Brian Wilson’s “Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” given a more orchestral treatment. “Done with Love” is another pop gem that shows being burned by love can prove to be inspirational. Brian Wilson wrote the pinnacle of “teenage symphonies,” but Chris approaches the topic with an obviously adult perspective. Overall a great listen for the wistful and lovelorn. Highly Recommended.

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“Willie

Willie Nile “The Great Yellow Light”

NYC rocker Willie Nile is survivor, and on his 21st album he starts our ride with “Wild, Wild World” a bouncy sing along on the precarious state of our planet with climate change, and inaction in Washington. Loaded with handclaps and amazing riffs, the bridge is very much like Cheap Trick. He then raises his fist in defiance with the strong anthem “We Are, We Are,” and keeps things rolling with boogie woogie rock of “Electrify Me.” These tracks are classic Willie Nile in fine form.

Things quickly slow down in tone and style on the very keltic folk of “An Irish Goodbye” with Paul Brady, and the title track is very much a story of Willie looking to the future generations with “wonder in her eyes, thunder in her heart.” On “Tryin’ To Make A Livin’ In The U.S.A.” to be honest, Willie sings “There’s nothing wrong with me a hit record wouldn’t cure” and “Fall On Me” is a great Dylanesque song of support. He closes it out with the patriotic “Wake Up America” and “Washington’s Day,” a solid message for the country to pay attention to what’s going on. Overall a solid effort with no filler and a worthy addition to his stellar catalog. Highly Recommended.

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Compilations Worth Getting: The Songs of Rick Springfield and Jeffrey Foskett

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“The

Various Artists “Second By Second By Minute By Minute: The Songs of Rick Springfield”

Rick Springfield is known for his time on the TV soap opera General Hospital and  several of power pop classics from the 1980s, such as “Jessie’s Girl,” “Don’t Talk To Strangers,” and “The Human Touch.” However, Springfield has been in the music business since the early 1970s, and his work spans a variety of genres, including pop, rock, power pop, and New Wave. He remains a rock and roll survivor, and still is very active to this day.

Andrew Curry, executive producer, has assembled an incredible roster of power pop musicians to pay tribute to Rick, many of whom have been on his previous compilations (Andy Gibb, Paul Williams, etc.) Great artists like Splitsville, The Corner Laughers, Lisa Mychols, Joe Giddings, and more dig deep into the discography. Highlights include Popdudes’ faithful “Don’t Talk To Strangers,” Eytan Mirsky’s version of “Jesse’s Girl” and Barely Pink’s honky tonk version of “Love Somebody.” And if these songs encourage others to investigate Springfield’s past, dig away! Highly Recommended.

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Jeffrey Foskett

Jeffrey Foskett “Something There – Remembering Jeffrey Foskett”

Although his passing pained me, it was a revelation how crucial Jeffrey Foskett was to Brian Wilson‘s resurgence in the twenty-first century. It is a fact that Brian never would have completed the ‘SMiLE’ album or ‘Pet Sounds’ tour without him doing the high falsettos the Beach Boys made famous. Foskett also had a key role in bringing The Beach Boys back together for their wildly popular reunion record and 50th anniversary tour in 2012.

This set is a more comprehensive retrospective of his career. It includes appearances from Brian Wilson, Mike Love, America, Robert Lamm (Chicago), Christopher Cross, Los Straightjackets, and more. Several important Foskett recordings are included in this 25-song compilation (“I Live For The Sun,” “Everybody,” and “Something There”), along with rare duets and previously unreleased tracks. For Beach Boys fans this is essential listening.

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