Awesome Christmas tunes by favorite artists Eric Crugnale and Kevin Bents, Grahame Coulton and John Dunbar
Category: Power Pop Review
Biggest Disappointments of 2012
Yeah this post might rile you up. I list and explain my biggest disappointments from some of my favorite musicians.
Jonny Polonsky “Intergalactic Messenger of Divine Light and Love”
OK I get it, the center of the universe is in your crotch – are we overcompensating here? After listening to this mess, I can point out one good tune, “See Your Lies” – but it’s a far cry from 2005 EP There is Something Wrong With You. I miss the old Jonny… this album proves “there is something wrong” with Jonny.
Jeff Lynne “Long Wave”
Sigh. It’s been so long since we heard from Mr. Blue Sky that the anticipation had me salivating. And we get a cover album. It’s a very good cover album – Don Covay’s “Mercy, Mercy” is pure Wilbury-styled magic and other tracks like “Smile” are just lovely. But can we get some new songs Jeff? I expect this stuff from Brian Wilson – not you.
Paul McCartney “Kisses On The Bottom”
I love Sir Paul, but this just isn’t his style of music. Maybe he just decided to “cash in” on these oldies like Rod Stewart has been making off his great American songbook albums. At least Jeff Lynne made a good covers album, this reduces Paul to a cheap lounge singer. And a boring one at that – kiss my bottom, goo goo gajoob.
Other albums I wasn’t thrilled with this year
- AC Newman – Shut down the Streets – very ho hum offering from The New Pornographers genius.
- Nigel Bennett – Truth Or Consequences – excellent guitar player, but please don’t sing.
- Dandy Warhols – This Machine – one time impressive band, now very lame.
Jingle, Jingle… Holiday Singles!
Vegas With Randolf “Snow Day”
Ho, ho, ho, waiting for the first blizzard of the season. Washington DC based Vegas With Randolf sings about the only thing that’ll make kids glad about missing school and sledding down the hill. | CD Baby
Justin Kline “Once A Year”
With a Beatlesque hook and timed beat of sleigh bells, it makes this holiday gem from Justin Kline irresistible – love the “do do do” chorus. Plus all proceeds will benefit TOYS FOR TOTS. | CD Baby | Bandcamp
Lannie Flowers “Christmas Without You”
Perfect Texas styled power pop with the lovelorn Lannie Flowers in a mid tempo tune destined to be a classic for lonely hearts everywhere. | CD Baby
The Connection “Rock N Roll Christmas”
Solid melodic joyful tiding from New England’s Newst Hit Makers. You get the single “Rock N Roll Christmas” and the B-side “Merry Christmas (I don’t want to fight tonight)” Both are a sweet combo of The Ramones and The Kinks.
FREE download on Bandcamp
The tour of Ice Station Zebra + a review of our comp!
This is a fascinating tour of Ice Station Zebra, the home of producer, engineer and performer Ducky Carlisle. Filmed with Bleu, Ducky shows us around and mentions some of the great artists he’s worked with, like Mike Viola. Bleu’s next album was on our Help A Musician page (it’s been fully funded) so I expect greatness for the 2013 release.
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Shameless Self-Promotion Dept.: A big shout out goes to the blog Pop That Goes Crunch! who was kind enough to review our compilation Power Popaholic Fest Original Soundtrack Vol.1 and mention a few other compilations that are available.
Stag and Colour Me Red
Stag “Stag”
After an impressive EP last year, Seattle’s Stag presents its new self-titled LP chock full of pretty pop melodies and big hook filled guitar riffs. Similar to Cheap Trick, Big Star, Redd Kross and Guided By Voices it blasts off with “These Times,” a strong anthem for you to get up and take action.
For those who worked in record stores “Love Her Records” is a great tribute with its Big Star riff. “Don’t Lead With Your Heart” is another melodic gem about another heartbreak, and overall there are no real duds here, although the slower tunes don’t resonate as much. Other standouts include: “Tiffany Rose,” Ides of March” with a cool horn flourish, and my favorite here -“Don’t Call Me” with its classic power pop rhythm.
Stars and Sons “Colour Me Red”
The fantastic opener “Chance Or Such” shows this Brighton UK band moving forward from its last album and flirts with greatness here. A bit like The Eels or Supergrass mixed with Travis, the chords and harmonies are infectious with just a hint of anxiety. Its rocking that cow bell on “Effectively Dead” and then “Family Tree” has a willowy harmony in the chorus.The acoustic ballad “Brewer Street” is a brilliant tribute to a childhood memory filled with creeping menace. In fact most of the album is themed around leaving childhood behind – sometimes over the top (“Urge Yourself”) but mostly beautifully poignant. And the price is right — so pick it up!
Name your price at Bandcamp