Okay, so I made my annual trek out to Manhattan to visit David Bash at the International Pop Overthrow once again. This was a special opening night, as Starbelly was appearing and I made it just in time for their hard rocking set. When David introduced the band, he said “This band epitomizes power pop,” and he was correct. The reunion of Bryan Ewald (guitar), Dennis Schocket (bass) and Cliff Hillis (guitar) was magical. Next came The Whims (a local band I will be reviewing next week) followed by my old friends The Hillary Step, who played a wonderful acoustic set previewing tracks from a new EP due this summer. The venue, National Underground was a small, but lively bar – the only hindrance being a support pole directly in front of the stage. The Festival continues through this Sunday. See the schedule here.
Category: Power Pop Review
Jeremy Porter & The Tucos and Ex Norwegian
Jeremy Porter & The Tucos “Partners In Crime”
Michigan’s Jeremy Porter is no stranger to power pop, alt. rock and country. He’s gained his chops in many bands, but with his buddies Jason Bowes (bass) and Gabriel Doman (drums) they are a tight energetic trio.
Starting with “Castaways,” its a catchy 3 minute rock song very similar style to The DB’s or REM brand of power pop. “Little Miss Awesome” is a slicker, 80’s styled tune that showcases Porter’s guitar riffs between each chorus. The country jangle comes out on “Wedding Day” and “Still Waiting Here.” And the band sounds like its having a great time on the bouncy “Pizza Girl” and the twisting lyrics of “What You’re Doing Today.” Each song is interesting (no filler here) and its played just right. Highly recommended.
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Ex Norwegian “Crack”
Roger Houdaille’s continues to take Ex-Norwegian in bold directions, but always keeping those hooks in mind. “Your Own Swing” is a pretty basic sing-along that warms you up, but he throws a perfect curve with “Bibi Kan Werk It” which is part Weezer and part Beach Boys including a terrific melodic chorus.
“Aventura” has a bit more glam guitar, and the hook on “I’m A Fighter, Not A Lover” is even better with Michelle “Big Meech” Grand leading the vocals here. Then Roger struts in full Ziggy Stardust mode on “Full Time Lover.” With the unique harmony of Roger, Michelle and Giuseppe Rodriguez, the band is morphing into the America’s version of The Wellingtons. No real filler here, each tune has a strong beat and tries to experiment with unique sounds and like all great power pop this Crack can be just as addictive.
Drink A Toast To Innocence: A Tribute To 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.
Corin Ashley “New Lion Terraces”
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.
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The Jac and Picture Day
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’!
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.
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