Category: Power Pop Review

The Jeremy Band “All Over The World”

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Jeremy Morris has been a prolific creative force for many years now, and his latest album All Over The World is credited to his newly minted Jeremy Band which include his sons Peter and Mark (doing guitar, bass and vocals) along with several other musicians including Todd Borsch (The Ringles, The Gillegans, The Lemon Clocks) on guitar, bass, vocals and Bart Mendoza (The Shambles, True Stories) on guitar and vocals. Its still a Jeremy album, with the ever present shimmering jangle of Rickenbacker guitars and Byrdsian solos. The new band covers several classics from Jeremy’s past albums, originals and unique compositions recorded literally all over the world. And with a massive 20 tracks, its over 75 minutes of music.

Where to begin? The first 11 songs are taken from a live performance in San Diego. “Let Me In Your Heart” is a long jam that has a solid melody line and great bass hook, then the original “Cool Your Jets” has a bit of Raspberries in its DNA. The psychedelic “Rainbow Bridge” is from Jeremy’s other band The Lemon Clocks, but here the band stretches the song out. If you like jangle-prog jamming you’ll be enjoying this.

One big highlight is an extended version of “Pop Rules” with 12 guitar melodies interwoven into the break, from Dick Dale to Led Zeppelin. Many tracks were also recorded at IPO shows all over the world including the Cavern Club. While this may be overkill for some, its an effective representation of a power pop concert and “greatest hits” album. Enjoy!

Jam Records


Listen to a sample of “Cool Your Jets”

Concert: Electric Daisy Carnival UK

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The world-famous dance music festival returns to the UK for an epic two-day party which will see organisers transform Milton Keynes Bowl beyond all recognition on Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13. Having already announced a star-studded line-up, including Avicii, Calvin Harris, Fatboy Slim and Steve Angello, Electric Daisy Carnival UK promoters have added even more names to join the weekend’s festivities.
The latest line-up additions include very special guest Hardwell, the world’s number one DJ, chart-toppers Sigma, Route 94, Kerri Chandler, who will also appear at Eastern Electrics 2014 at Hatfield House, and there’s a DJ set from Pendulum. Deorro, Nick Curly, Ibiza favourite Andrea Oliva, Firebeatz, Miguel Campbell, Radio 1 DJ/producer Danny Howard and Bassjackers have also been added to the EDC bill. Back by popular demand, Hardwell will take to the Kinetic Field stage after an incredible reception at EDC’s inaugural UK event in London last summer. Voted the world’s number one DJ in DJ Magazine’s Top 100 DJs in late 2013, this inimitable Dutch electro house purveyor will have the crowd jumping to his tune, as one of the most dominant forces in electronic dance music.

The Squires of The Subterrain and Toxic Melons

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The Squires of The Subterrain “The Squires of The Subterrain”
Christopher Earl is back to his Beatles-Merseybeat fetish on this new self-titled album. Similar to DIY pop of Guided By Voices and Chris Breetveld, Earl starts us off with “The Windows” a trippy track with a really cool chorus of echoing harmonies. The “Penny Lane” styled horns lead “History” with its melodic catchiness and single note piano rhythm, then “This Charming Place” adds cellos and rich Kinks-like lyrics about a local bar. The songs early on are wonderfully layered and XTC fans will savor the first 3 songs. Earl runs into complete parody with “Private Gherkin’s Psychedelic Silly Mustache Band” along the lines of They Might Be Giants.

Clearly no filler here, from the catchy “Attitude and Altitude” to the Lennon inspired “Jet-Black Sunrise.” Then,”Dr. Van Der Jagt” goes into full “Dear Prudence” mode with Earl’s nasal vocal fitting perfectly. Unlike earlier Beatles-centric offerings this one really concentrates on the Fabs late 60’s psychedelic style. Highly Recommended.

CD Baby | Amazon

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Toxic Melons “Bus Therapy”
I heard an advance demo of “Take Me Back” from Bus Therapy and was blown away by the crisp harmonies, rich-pastoral melody and knew it was something very special. For this new LP Pablo Melons has recruited some top notch talent to help; Eric Dover, Chadwick Salls, Taylor Locke, Chris Price, Linus of Hollywood, and Fernando Perdomo. And several tracks are just outstanding.

But Melons inconsistency is just maddening, “More or Less” is a defiant piano-organ rant that sets the stage and its a decent start. Unfortunately, next comes the sleep-inducing 4 minute instrumental “Journey” and then the low vocal “Let Me Sleep” that didn’t quite wake me up. Thankfully the Jellyfish-styled “Change The World” is next and its one of the highlights. But then comes “Disco Balls, ” a Zappa-influenced synth-guitar mess. For each good song (“Take Me Back”) we get a rotten one  (“Getting Old”). My advice is to cherry-pick this effort for maximum enjoyment.

Bandcamp only

Pete Molinari and Crystal City

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Pete Molinari “Theosophy”
I’ve not heard Pete Molinari before, but this new LP is a great introduction. Pete’s influences are vast; ranging from Bob Dylan and The Beatles to John Coltrane. The opening track “Hang My Head In Shame” is a flawless mix of rock and blues that compares well with early Oasis and the rolling strum on “I Got Mine” recalls classic Beau Brummels crossed with Dylan and its totally infectious. “I Got It all Indeed” is another richly layered pop gem with 60-era percussive accents and Molinari’s crisp vocal is similar to Phil Everly or Ricky Nelson.

The slower ballads like “When Two Worlds Collide” and “Dear Marie” are also well done, as Pete’s folk and blues-training bleeds through each chorus. Fans of Rick Nelson will gravitate to the highlight “What I Am I Am” with its bass accents and sweet harmonies, as the spiritual chorus sings “Find my way back to you, Lord.” Cooler than cool blues finds its way on “So Long Gone” with a slow heavy tempo and wicked guitar solo. Highly Recommended to fans who enjoy a blend of folk, blues, pop, and country flavors.

Amazon

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Crystal City “Change”
Crystal City is the fruitful collaboration between Iowa musicians Dave Helmer and Sam Drella. The bands sound is best described as a mash-up of The Replacements, Wilco and Lana Del Rey. The opener “The Best Way” is the most energetic, fast paced rock tune. The lyrics are well written and the albums theme is about the ins and outs of a love affair. “Dynamite” is a brilliant turn for vocalist Drella, as she melts through this torch-rocker singing “I’m not trying to be so wicked/I’m just trying to fall in love.”

“Change” is another gem, with a 90’s styled garage riffs and laid back attitude. Helmers midwestern lovelorn approach is influenced by Paul Westerberg and Tom Petty mostly, as “Give Me A Kiss” and “Where The Treasure Is” rely on a simple strum to get us started. Thankfully, “Change” has variety as “Pink Bayonet” introduces horn accents and a hook in the chorus, and “Little Italy” is a great example of loud/soft dynamics in a catchy rock song. Only a few missteps here, like the slow “Tangled Down” but it doesn’t take away from the effective narrative built up by this charming duo.

CD Baby | Amazon

Updates from Hot Nun, The Nines and Radio Ready

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While Jeff Shelton is working on new tracks for a new Well Wishers full length album, his harder edged side project Hot Nun with Braden McGraw  and Pete Bohan (Headslide),  released a lone single this week. The new Well Wishers LP is due out in September, you can always go get the Dunwoody EP in the meantime.

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Also Steve Eggers of The Nines is hard at work on live album. Due out end of the month. Here is a bonus track from Nine Lives, a little cover tune written by an ex-Beatle…

 

Last summer we reviewed a compilation of rare power pop from Texas called Radio Ready, Vol.1, and this year another equally impressive collection has been released. This time Vol.2 goes north to Wisconsin and finds hidden gems that beg for re-discovery. Included in this are The Wigs – a classic power pop band that needs to be heard.