Category: Power Pop Review

Drink A Toast To Innocence: A Tribute To Lite Rock

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Lite Rock

I’ve been an advocate for Andrew Curry’s project “Drink A Toast To Innocence – A Tribute To Lite Rock” for a while now, and the time is here to get this huge 28 song collection performed by a “who’s who” of power pop artists. What is “Lite Rock?” Well if you’re over 30, I guarantee you’ve heard most of these songs which were big hits in the late ’70’s and early 80’s. These newly recorded versions definitely make them fresh and re-discoverable to younger audiences.

I wanted to highlight some of my favorite tracks, as this collection is packed with great material. Opening with the masterful Michael Carpenter he slowly builds up “We Don’t Talk Anymore” from a single bass line to a layered, lush chorus. Lisa Mychols digs deep to give us the obscure hit by David Soul (of Starsky & Hutch fame) “Don’t Give Up On Us Baby,” and she makes it her own. David Myhr (Merrymakers) pulls out all the stops on his version of 10cc’s “The Things We Do For Love” and Kelly Jones turns “I’d Really Love To See You Tonight” into a top notch ballad that changes the song’s point of view.

Mike Viola’s version of “Steal Away” has that deceptively simple hook and The Sonic Executive Sessions imbue the Stephen Bishop tune “On and On” with  heartfelt vocal precision. Out of all the faithful song re-creations, Paul Bertolino’s version of  Firefall’s “Just Remember I Love You” even manages to outshine the original. A few tracks don’t hit the mark, but they are the exception here not the rule. This is so far the best music compilation of 2013, so don’t miss it.

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Corin Ashley “New Lion Terraces”

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Recorded in Abbey Road Studios Corin’s follow up to Songs From The Brill Bedroom is a finely crafted pop gem full of meticulous compositions. With nods to McCartney, Badfinger and Emmit Rhodes, a  splendid time is guaranteed for all.  The simple keyboard notes of “Geez Louise” build to the sweet multi-tracked chorus. “Sgt. Sunshine” is the Beatlesque mid-tempo highlight with buzzing guitars and “la-la” English styled brilliance.

“Marianne” is very much like a Glen Tilbrook hit, and Ashley hits us with amazing key changes. The hooks in these first three tunes are so good, you can’t believe Corin can keep this up. But he can – the plaintive ballad “Badfinger Bridge” is a baroque gem, and even as Corin settles in, the warmth of each tune shines through. The homespun title track and “On The Ledge” charm you and “Malady” will just rock you. Honestly, this is the best album I’ve heard all year so far. Don’t wait – get it now.

The Jac and Picture Day

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The Jac “Record Store” EP
Just in case you missed out on “Record Store Day” goodies, Joe Algeri (Jack & The Beanstalk, Britannicas) has a gift for you. This is an extended single from the forthcoming album, ‘Whether I’m Arthur or Martha.’ The single is a rocking tribute to the Record Store experience and a great addition to you playlist. Next the punk anthem “F•ck It” is very much in the spirit of The Sex Pistols, and a cover of Neil Young’s “Heart Of Gold” sounds like it could’ve come from Neil’s ill-fated Trans album. Hey this is great free stuff, Joe. Keep it comin’!

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Picture Day “Every day is Picture Day” EP
This St.Louis band has clean harmonies and hand claps, very much in the REM meets The Outfield realm – but it doesn’t stay there. “Madoline” is an impressive opener, full of solid rock riffs and “Immaterial” has a bit of a new wave feel, with a nice interplay of guitar rhythms, until it gets to the bombastic overly dramatic chorus. “One of Us” is more of a hard rock song with multi-tracked vocals very much in the style of Foo Fighters – this is well done, but doesn’t feel natural to the band. Then it changes gears again with “Long Division” the EP’s highlight, with jangling guitars and Jordan Ross’ excellent vocals. The issue seems to be a band in between styles, looking for its place but the potential for greatness is easy to hear. Give it a shot.

Happy Record Store Day!

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Krayolas

Today is Record Store Day.
 It’s a day that retailers hope will draw both loyal and new customers to celebrate the independent record store and all that it has to offer. Kool Kat Musik is not a traditional “brick and mortar” retailer but they do share the same passion and enthusiasm for music and in support of the “indie” guys they will be having a “Virtual Record Store Long Weekend” from Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 21! 

10% OFF all NEW CDs listed in the Power Pop/Alt Country Online Store

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Also check out this new vid from The Connection “Comes and Goes” available on 12″ vinyl at Interpunk Records and on their own Bandcamp site.

The Grapes of Wrath and The Evening Cast

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The Grapes of Wrath “High Road”
At the request of a Popaholic reader, I sought this album out (thanks, Jonathan!) and boy was it worth it. The Grapes of Wrath is a Canadian trio that’s been around since the 80’s, similar in style to REM with heavy jangle influence. Brothers Chris and Tom Cooper are joined by lead singer Kevin Kane (who btw had a terrific solo LP a few years back). I’ve always liked the band, even though they never seemed to breakout successfully in the U.S. – but High Road is poised to do just that.

The shining harmonies and hook-filled riffs of “Good To See You” are similar to both The Orange Peels and Teenage Fanclub. The Beatlesque “Mexico” is another vivid melody  with Duane Eddy styled twang and hand claps. And without any drop off in quality, “Paint You In Blue” sounds closer to past GoW material, and “I’m Lost (I Miss You)” is a stunning emotional ballad. They go in the other direction and “Make It OK” is like a lost Oasis outtake. Each tune stands out – it may have taken 20 years, but these guys deserve to be on the top ten album list for 2013. Don’t miss it.

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The Evening Cast “Lake”
This Melbourne band is creating quite a buzz down under, started by brothers Joel and Paul Cooper, alongside Joel’s wife Rachel the melodic “Knots and Bows” starts subtle and grows on you like a weed. The glowing synth melodies remind me of Lightships, The Ocean Blue or Keane. “No Stopping” is a great example, with a soulful vocal and strong ambient rhythms that stick in your head.  “Heartbeat” is a lounge-like harmonic melody with booming percussion, and its a real winner here for me. This is a band discovering itself and having a great time doing it. Check it out.

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