Category: Power Pop Review

Archie Powell and The Exports “Back in Black”

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If you were expecting Archie Powell and The Exports to go back to the happy-go-lucky mood of Skip Work, you’ll have to keep waiting. Back In Black doubles down on the punk/hard rock leanings and is closer to classic Nine Inch Nails, The Pixies or Nirvana than anything else. But the band still has a knack for catchy melodies, “Everything’s F*cked” is a solid single despite Powell screaming out the lyric. My favorite here is “Tattoo On My Brain” with its snappy downbeat, and inventive lyric; “Just tattoo on my brain/ remind me how you made my agenda for going insane..”

After some scream therapy exercises (“Lean” and “Scary Dream”) we get the workman-like “Holes” and “The High Road.” This high energy album gets across the emotions of hitting rock bottom when you’ve been dumped, best described in “I’m Gonna Lose It.” The hard edged arrangements lead to our protagonist ready to “Jump Off A Bridge” and then reins it in, and realizes “Everything’s Cool.” Overall a great anger album, all about frustrations and settling in a dark place. I just hope the band has a sunnier disposition on the next release.

Bandcamp | Amazon

Nine Times Blue and Tiny Volcano

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Nine Times Blue “Matter Of Time” EP
After a solid debut, Kirk Waldrop and the band continue to forge ahead with melodic rock in the tradition of The Gin Blossoms, Fountains of Wayne and Matthew Sweet – heavy on the guitar licks and earnest on the lyrics.

The band sounds even tighter here, with a more balanced sound than before. “Falling After You” is a pretty mainstream single that non power-pop fans will gravitate to. “Matter of Time” is the collaboration of Waldrop and Cliff Hillis, but my favorite track here is “Only Lonely (The Shovel Song)” where Kirk has a terrific guitar solo under the chorus. Give it a spin.

Bandcamp | Amazon


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Tiny Volcano “Tiny Volcano”
This is a blast from the past, around 2003 Tiny Volcano was featured in the Not Lame Catalog, this Washington state band was led by Scott McPherson. Critic Eric Sorensen called the single ” ‘You Wanna Go’ a perfect combination of Beatlesque and jangly pop as I have heard since the Spongetones were recording material in this genre.” Well, now its re-released on Bandcamp and if you missed it years ago here’s your chance to get it.

The album touches on all the genre’s influences from piano pop bounce of “Loaded Gun” lead to the heavier guitar melodic gem “Mary Goes Around.” How cool is it to have a song named “Liam Gallagher” sung in the Oasis style and “Wonderful Sun” done in “Blackbird” finger picking style, just trust me and re-discover this lost gem.

Bandcamp | Amazon

The High Dials and Tam Johnstone

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The High Dials “Yestergraves” EP
The High Dials have evolved their style, shedding the psychedelic influences and moving up a few decades to the late ’80s on Yestergraves. Fans of Depech Mode and The Cure will find a lot to like in the title track. The next song “Echoes and Empty Rooms” is a cool update on The Psychedelic Furs sound. While this is all well and good, I kind of miss the old synth-free band that focused on a more guitar centric melodies.

Bandcamp


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Tam Johnstone “Cockatoo”
Loved Tam Johnstone’s work years ago on the great The General Store album, so I was totally into this roaring 1920’s soundtrack that’s oddly compelling. If you liked Paul McCartney’s period Music Hall single “Honey Pie” — imagine an entire album of this stuff.

All done with a tongue-in-cheek attitude and great radio acting as well. The slow melody/radio play of “Under The Moonlight” is contrasted by goofy absurdity of “Be-Bop Skiddly-Doo” including faux Louie Armstrong vocals. Just imagine if 10cc played at the Overlook Hotel, and you’ll get the sweet ballad “I Still Dream Of You.” And the title track is another hilarious vamp that combines The Muppet Show theme with Monty Python humor. Honestly, Tam’s talent shines underneath all the period trappings and weirdness. Go really, really retro and give it a listen.

Bandcamp | Amazon

Damp and Terry Draper

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Damp “Damp”
Damp is the duo of Ryan Bredehoeft and Jerry Bennett. They are primarily a piano and guitar pop band from Oregon. Both “Time” and “What’s to Come from What Has Been” focus on baroque melodies and harmonies recalling Elliot Smith mixed with early Billy Joel. Two versions of “Ye Ol’ Bitch” are next, one with a rootsy Beck style and the other sung like a stage showtune. And both are pretty catchy.

Both “A Song” and “This Too Shall Pass” sound like demos and that’s an issue with a few of these songs – they sound like filler.  But sometimes the melodies are so good you can look past the lo-fi delivery like “I Love You” and  “Swimming Lessons.” They get too cute on the kazoo backed “I’m Thinking of You,” but at least they don’t take themselves too seriously. The gems here are worth seeking out.

CD Baby | Amazon

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Terry Draper “When The World Was Young”
Draper was part of the legendary band Klaatu, he’s made several solo LPs and this is his latest. Terry’s approach is now more romantic adult oriented pop music, and a slew of guests contribute here including Jamie Hoover, Ray Paul and Vinnie Zummo.

“All The King’s Men” is a pleasant pastoral song, and “(I’m So Happy To Be) Alive” and “Carry On” showcases Draper at his most Klaatu-like. “The Tea Horse Road” and “To Whom It May Concern” both have their moments, and the title track is a beautifully rendered epic ballad. Klaatu fans are sure to enjoy the highlights, and its only available through Terry’s website, so get’em while they last.

Exclusively on Terry Draper’s site

Twins and Doug Gillard

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Twins “Tomboys On Parade”
Twins wave their power pop flags high, and produce a rocking happy-go-lucky style of music that’s easy to fall in love with. “Teach Each Other,” follows the Big Star tradition of intricate melodies, memorable riffs and clear harmonies. “Long Way Down” has another catchy riff, with enough quirky vocal styling to keep it interesting.

“Thankful” is downright bizarre lyrically and vocally the harmonies remind me of The Loving Spoonfuls. “Babe City” also has a optimistic, almost inebriated approach with heavy riffs and “ba, ba, ba” choruses. Even the Kinks-like ditty “Ardsley Lane” is a joyful acoustic gem. Like the video we posted last month, this is an infectious fun party album. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

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Doug Gillard “Parade On”
Doug Gillard is one of those special musicians not enough people pay attention to, and should. He’s played with Guided By Voices, Nada Surf, Lifeguards, Death Of Samantha, Gem, Bambi Kino, Sally Crewe, Mascott, and many more. With Parade On, he starts with the best George Harrison song he never wrote “Ready For Death” a catchy hummable melody about the inevitable. “Angel X” is a fast paced tune with some great layered keys and amazing guitarwork.

The melodic subtleties of “I Shall Not Want” remind me of Alan Parsons a bit. Both “Come Out and Show Me” and “No Perspective” have some obvious GBV fingerprints. One of the best songs here is “Oh My Little Girl,” a  jangle-filled melody, that could’ve used a more forceful vocal but still shines bright. The title track is another catchy earworm that you’ll find yourself humming along to. The flat production doesn’t always benefit the songs, but that said its a fine collection of tunes worth your time.

Amazon