Arguably the most influential power pop band of the 90’s was Jellyfish. While recording their two studio albums, (1990’s Bellybutton and 1993’s Spilt Milk), “instrumental” mixes of each record were created by Jellyfish and their producers. These “previously unheard” versions of Bellybutton and Spilt Milk were created in the studio, at the time of their original recording/mixing.
These are not “remixes” from the multi-tracks, they are authentic and transferred from the original 1/4″ masters. An individually numbered edition of 2,000, housed in a digipak for the limited first edition, with new illustrated artwork (created for the release), this 2-CD set is destined to become the newest gem in the collections of power-pop fans everywhere.
After you’ve stuffed yourself full of turkey and cranberry sauce, it’s nice to know you can satisfy your musical hunger with IPO. Another year, another 67 tracks spread over 3 CDs from a variety of bands known and unknown, as selected by power pop guru David Bash. As always, a great way to discover new sounds at a great price!
Disc 1: The immortal Shoes begins our journey with “Head vs. Heart,” and it’s matched by the Byrdsian guitars on Fireking’s “So You Say You Lost Your Baby.” Old favorites are on hand like Lisa Mychols (“Taken,”) Private Jets (“Speed Of Sound,”) and the recently reviewed Condors (“Queer Fascination.”) But what I look for are the rookies, like the playfully seductive “Crush On A Girl” by The Jooles, and the frantic punk-pop “Square Pegs” by The Issue and “Yesterday” by The Secrets.
Disc 2:King Washington‘s epic “The Gears” starts us off. The Afternoons “Wait Til You See Her” has a bit of Oasis’ echoing beat and the new track from The Sunchymes “Revelations In Her Mind” adds its light 60’s pop touch. My favorite track from the new Spygenius LP is here (“K is Menatlly ill”) and Nushu’s cover of The Cars “My Best Friend’s Girl” is a blast. A new Vegas with Randolph track here “Nikki’s Plan/Broadway” and Robin Stanley’s “Make Up Your Mind” are also highlights.
Disc 3: Strong tracks are all over this one. I really liked the harmony filled opener “Summer’s Green” by The Tor Guides, and “Never Stop Wooing You” by Sweet Diss and The Comebacks is a perfect follow up. “Get Her Off My Mind” from Throwback Suburbia thrills, and even Japan’s Mayflower is on here with “Cat’s Boro Blues!” The bluesy rock of The Pengwins (with Lannie Flowers) leads on “Naive” and The Pozers “My Maze” add a Beatles-ELO influenced gem. Overall, you’ll be coming back for repeat listens on this compilation… I guarantee it!
Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me is a feature-length documentary film about the dismal commercial failure, subsequent massive critical acclaim, and enduring legacy of pop music’s greatest cult phenomenon, Big Star. The film opened last week at the SVA theater in NYC. Probably the most important power pop band that ever existed. More info here.
ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK VOL.1 UPDATE
I am proud to say that our fundraiser for Hurricane Relief has been a success! The Power Popaholic Fest Original Soundtrack Vol.1 has raised $152.32 for The American Red Cross this month. At this point it we will be expanding distribution to CD Baby, Amazon and Itunes by this Monday. I would like to see if our sales can increase for the holiday season so we can make a second donation to The Red Cross for Christmas time.
I would like to thank all of you who donated to the Soundtrack, and a Happy Thanksgiving to power pop fans everywhere!
Ashbury Keys “Wake Up” EP
Texas brothers David and Darwin Keys are joined by bassist and vocalist Bill Walter on this new EP. It’s got a blended sound, just add equal parts of Foo Fighters, Noel Gallagher and Taking Back Sunday. Each of the five tracks give us solid hooks and loud guitars, starting with the pounding drums and guitars of “Swimmer.” And these guys can still do the melodic as evidenced by “Hero” with its great minor chord shifts. The bands versatility is displayed through the punk beat of of “Oh My God” or the ballad-like start of “Break.” And if you want to hear more, then listen the full length LP Growing Up.
Didn’t Planet “We’re Goin’ Nowhere”
Why didn’t I hear about this band? Maybe its the horrible pun for a name, but this Massachusetts group won me over with its light-hearted intro “the Fat Albert theme.” Then it rocks right into “Maryanne” with ringing guitar riffs and harmonies. The POV with “Any Requests?” is a band struggling to play at venues “going nowhere” and doing covers. The narrative on “Bitter” is that of a resigned musician “out of touch with the kids” wanting to play what he wants. I’m sure every power pop artist can relate to this song. However there are too many self-pitying songs, fortunately most of them are pretty good. Recommended.
Hi Electric “Hi Electric”
Indie band from Memphis,TN that references garage, soul, rockabilly is lead by singer Neil Bartlett. Influenced by Big Star, Queens of The Stone Age and The Grifters it starts off with the subdued but effective “Bicycle Blades,” that has almost a grunge redux with snarling guitar solos after the chorus. It shuffles along like a softer version of Soundgrarden, but never really impresses until the mid-point with the catchy tracks “Open Cuts,” “Foolin’ Myself,” “It’s Not You” and the mid tempo shimmering “Come Down.” After additional listens, the melodies help the fuzzy exteriors take shape, so overall it’s a grower… why not give it a try?
It’s coming up in the Spring of 2013, the ‘Monsters Of Lite Rock’ Tribute album. And one of the artists featured is Michael Carpenter, doing a great job on the Cliff Richard classic “We Don’t Talk Anymore.” To find our more about this awesome tribute go to the Monsters of Lite Rock Facebook Page.
THE POWER POPAHOLIC INTERVIEW:
It’s been a few months since I interviewed some artists so I’m trying to make up for some lost time here. First I reached Roy “Holmes” Shakked. He is still promoting his 4th album ‘Complication Simplified’ and I got to talk with him here. Then the very next day I contacted my old friend Vinnie Zummo who just finished three albums in the last six months! I recently reviewed the last volume of his trilogy called ‘Swinging Guitar Sounds of Young America’ – our conversation is here. Of course you can navigate to our interviews section and find them there too.
