Category: Power Pop Review

Toxic Melons and Michael Faherty

powerpopaholic

Toxic Melons “International Accident” EP
Pablo “Melons” new EP is more realized than 2011’s Melon Jam. The four minute piano ballad “Diffidence” is full of yearning and key changes, almost like a Millenium tune, with guitars coming in on the last verse. “Passing Reflection” is a similar styled, almost madrigal guitar plea for world peace. Former Jellyfish guitarist Eric Dover adds his skill to the chanting “Ode To Procrastination” but the vocal performance here isn’t quite right. The a cappella “Alex’s Song” is a fun little coda that mentions she’s “more precious than the rarest Jellyfish single.” Short and sweet.

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Michael Faherty “Space in Your Heart” EP
Brooklyn born Faherty is the real deal, a true talent with “Space In Your Heart” he sounds part Bon Jovi and part Paul Collins. “Orthodox Girl” wonders if an Irish Catholic has a shot with her, but it could really use a middle eight to breakup the choruses. “Give It Good” once again gives us a really nice guitar riff, but the song needs more of a hook. Michael is working on his first solo LP at this point so he can take his time “baking the cake.” If this EP is a beginning, I look forward to his next development.

 CD Baby | Itunes

Frank Bango and Neil Nathan

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Frank Bango “Touchy Feely”
 Frank Bango was has emerged from a long hiatus after The Sweet Songs of Decay, this album was entirely funded with Kickstarter. It’s also a wonderful comeback for Bango to the positive melodic goodness of “Defenseless,” full of layered McCartneyesque touches. Bango’s nasal vocal  works perfectly on the psychedelic melody “Not A Word” and the yearning ballad “Night Song” is almost like Elvis Costello. Overall a great album with barely any low points (although the ballads tend to drag), easily could’ve been added to my top 30 list. Other highlights include “Too Lazy Too Love You,” “What Kind Of Saturday” and the jangly treat “Astronaut I’m Not.” Note: I was told this is an official 2013 release – so its the first candidate for the top ten in 2013.

Bandcamp

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Neil Nathan  “Sweep The Nation”
After an awesome debut, Nathan moves toward a hard rock concept album, although it reminds me a bit of Pink Floyd’s The Wall mixed with Styx Mr. Roboto bringing us a dystopian plutocracy message. The both the title track and “Jumpstart” drives the thematic melody forward, much like Collective Soul. Then “Comin’ Round The Bend” is more like classic Meatloaf.  “I Aint No Company Man” has a solid KISS riff and his voice deepens as he plays a different character. Both “There Is No Time” and “Everybody Everywhere” relentlessly blasts you, almost into submission. Fans of late 70’s styled bombast will love this, others be warned it doesn’t tone down till the last track “All We Need Is So Much More.”

More album favorites for 2012

powerpopaholic

This was an excellent year for melodic rock and indie-alternative pop. I didn’t have time to rank everything, but I did want to make another list for you, these are albums that I’ve enjoyed but I didn’t have time to review. More overlooked gems will be reviewed this week.

A message from Sunrise Highway musician who says “support indie artists!”

Biggest Disappointments of 2012

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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