Category: Power Pop Review

Joe Giddings “Stories With Guitars”

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“Joe

Joe Giddings “Stories With Guitars”

Joe Giddings (Star Collector) has finally returned with a follow-up to ‘Better From Here’ after more than five years, and it’s safe to say that the wait was absolutely worth it. His new album bursts forth with power-pop energy, showcasing his signature blend of infectious melodies, shimmering harmonies, and dazzling guitar work.  The album kicks off with “Tonite Tonite,” a brief but thrilling opener in the grand tradition of the Raspberries. The hooks are razor-sharp, and the harmonies soar, setting the stage for what’s to come.

“My Riviera” stands out as an early highlight, serving as a joyful recounting of Joe’s rock and roll journey. Packed with clever references—from “Jellyfish milk in his tea” to his beloved guitar—it’s a love letter to the music that shaped him. Listeners with a keen ear will pick up shades of Brian May (Queen) and Randy Bachman in his guitar phrasing, adding depth to an already irresistible track. “Then Came Madeline” shifts gears with its jangling strum and heartfelt melody. It would feel right at home on a classic Posies record, demonstrating Giddings’ knack for crafting emotionally resonant songs wrapped in shimmering production.

“David Stepanski” and “Adrenalin” paints a vivid portrait of childhood memories, complete with the kind of detail that makes it feel deeply personal yet universally relatable. Meanwhile, “Song at the End of the World” presents an imaginative concept—an critic interview set to music—further showcasing his creativity and storytelling prowess. The Jellyfish vibe is so strong through the entire album, and Joe’s ability to blend these influences with contemporary energy results in a collection of songs that feel both timeless and immediate. It’s an album that rewards repeated listens, and is the first one to make my new 2025 best album list! Super Highly recommended!

Kool Kat Musik | Amazon

Badfinger and The Davenports

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“Badfinger"

Badfinger “Head First”

In 1975, power pop pioneer Badfinger was at a creative peak, however their masterwork ‘Wish You Were Here’ was taken off the shelves amid a fog of contract errors and managerial blunders. Still under contract to Warner Brothers, they needed one more album done, but it was too much for Joey Molland. He left the band, and Bob Jackson took his place as they created ‘Head First.’  

Both lead songwriters Pete Ham and Tom Evans offered good tunes, but the record company rejected the finished package. Pete Ham committed suicide shortly after. However, the album was eventually released in 2000 and depicts their painful experience in the music industry. In fact, the standout tunes “Hey Mr. Manager,” “Moonshine,” and “Rock ’n’ Roll Contract” are likely Tom Evans finest songs. With the 50th anniversary of this album, Bob Jackson meticulously remastered each track. It sounds great overall, and features Ham’s excellent songwriting on “Lay Me Down” and “Keep Believing.” Bob Jackson adds the Ham-penned instrumental “Saville Row” as a bittersweet coda. Highly recommended.

Amazon

The Davenports

The Davenports “You Could’ve Just Said That”

Brooklyn’s own The Davenports return with an album that showcases Scott Klass’s talent for crafting thoughtful, understated pop in a world often dominated by bombast. Klass has long been a master of quiet storytelling, and this latest collection proves that his knack for melodic balladry is as sharp as ever.

The title track, “When Everything’s Over,” sets the tone with a subtle groove, drawing the listener in with a gentle pulse that feels both intimate and reflective. Slowing things down is where Klass really shines, and songs like “I Am Lying,” “Full Length Mirror” and “I’m Not Gonna Bother You” are when his storytelling is most moving. “We’re Talking About You” picks up the tempo, injecting some welcome energy into the mix. But at its core, ‘When Everything’s Over’ is a testament to the power of restraint—a beautifully understated record that doesn’t need to shout to make itself heard. Fans of literate, melodic pop (like Elliot Smith) will find plenty to love here. Highly recommended.

Amazon

20/20 and Them Elephants

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“20-20"

20/20 “Back to California”

20/20 is rightly considered one of the greatest power pop bands. Steve Allen and Ron Flynt had emerged after fellow Tulsa natives Phil Seymour and Dwight Twilley had success. Their debut album according to John Borack, “is as close to a perfect power pop album as anything released in that “second wave” (’78-’81) time period, and it stands up to the best the genre has ever produced.”

Like prodigal sons, they returned literally and figuratively to California to pick up where they left off older and wiser, and the songwriting hasn’t lost a step. Ron’s son Ray Flynt is added on vocals and drums. The duo focus on several jangling love songs starting with the title track “Back to California.” Some really excellent songs like “Laurel Canyon” and “The End Of The Summer,” showcase a laid back nostalgia with some simple but compelling hooks. It’s not all power pop either, as “The King of The Whole Wide World” recalls Tom Petty. Highly recommended.

Amazon | Big Stir Records

“Them

Them Elephants “Sugar”

Them Elephants, a project created by San Francisco musician Alex Charlow, accurately follows the template for modern power pop with anthemic choruses, big melodic hooks and buzzing riffs that cut through boredom like a knife through butter. He gets a little more psyche pop on “The Way You Move” with a distorted fuzzy guitar solo after each chorus; its a great way to use a vintage sound in a song with funky rhythms.

The feel good riffs of the title track “Sugar” and “Get Up” make it hard to keep still. The sound is refreshingly modern but stylistically homogenous; and the anthems can wear a bit thin by the end, but overall this is a lot of fun. Highly recommended!

Amazon

January EPs and more: Hexham Heads, Ramírez Exposure, Tom Henry, C Duncan

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These guys are great. Melbourne musicians Van Walker (Swedish Magazines/Livingstone Daisies) and Mic Hubbard (Spencer P. Jones/Ella Hooper/Downhills Home) created Hexham Heads out of a love of loud guitars and hooky pop melodies. EP expected out soon.

Spain’s Víctor Ramírez did a series of sunny albums with Marc Jonson last year, now he continues the journey with an easy going EP inspired by a poetry collection by Ray Bradbury, as he reflects on the theme of nature and individualism. Check out “I Don’t Get It” and “Beneath the Sun.”
Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Tom Henry is a new musician from Los Angeles, born in Chicago. His early works aren’t as distinctive, but this debut single “Bella” of his upcoming album has a great retro-feel, and he’s listed Big Star, and The Raspberries as influences. Play attention to this future power pop star.

Sometimes I toss aside my power pop, and my sappy romantic side comes out. This song caught my ear, as the talented C Duncan  sings the old fashioned pop of “It’s Only A Love Song.” The album of the same name, has some brilliant pop ballads in it. Get it on Amazon

IPO Vol. 25 and thoughts on David Bash’s Top 25 of 2024

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“Ed

Assorted Artists “International Pop Overthrow: Volume 25”

With a lot of personal issues getting in the way, and cleaning up my yearly music list, most of January is comparing and contrasting with other sources for good stuff I missed. New 2025 reviews after this post, I promise!  This year many artists from both our lists are included, but also bands you wouldn’t expect across Vol. 25’s three discs.

Disc One adds heavier pop rock gems like Armchair Oracles “Undertow” and Dixon’s “Into the Ocean,” along with more traditional power pop sounds like Dave Cope & the Sass “Precious Heart” and The Pozers “Ease Off My Heart.” You’ll always end up some odd tracks here and there, but quality is generally good. New artists I enjoyed include Curtis Suburban and Mark Malibu & the Wasagas.

Disc Two had more 60s-influenced elements starting with Fox Paloma’s “Madame Bay” and Captain Easychord’s “Happy Times.” But I really loved the mix here with great pop songs like Bruce Moody’s “I’m Gonna Tell Her Tonight” and the jaunty XTC-ish “Don’t Let Me Down” by The Stoke Barehills Town Band. Add in the heavy fast-tempo gem of Vegas With Randolph’s “N.S.A.” and you’ve got a great playlist. You even got a great Who-like Spanish tune by Jose Estragos.

Disc Three had more great tunes, and surprises like Michael Roberts “We Are Stars (In a Roundabout Way)” and 80’s power pop of Iron City Houserockers playing “Rock and Roll Heart.” The last disc had less I liked overall, but I enjoyed Matt Purcell and thick riffs of The Deep Drags. Overall highly recommended as always!

Amazon

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David Bash of The International Pop Overthrow Festival and Mark Hershberger of Pop Detective Records

Watching Material Issues with David Bash of The International Pop Overthrow Festival and Mark Hershberger of Pop Detective Records, they reviewed David’s TOP 25 albums of 2024. Here are some comments I need to mention, as we had some overlaps. But more importantly, some great releases did not show up on my list that deserve a mention:

Sparkle*Jets U.K.”Box Of Letters”

Truly a great album that belongs in my top ten, but I mistakenly thought it was a cover album and miscatagorized it. It deserves much more attention as it is a successful reunion of the band sounding better than ever, and with multiple listens it improves. Don’t hesitate to pick this gem up. Review here. Buy it on Amazon.

Telejet “Spiritual Age”

While this was number one on Dave’s list, a few things knocked it off my list for 2024. Firstly, its a remaster of music from 2004, so it’s not “new.” In addition, the remaster was officially released in 2023. That said, it is an excellent album and deserves to be in every power pop fan’s collection. Review here. Buy it on Amazon.

Armchair Oracles “Nothingeveris”

This also ended up as a 2023 release, but coming out so late in the year, it did not receive the attention it deserved. Overall a great power pop album with guitar muscle to spare. Another gem that aged well after multiple listens. Oh, and the band has already moved on to an Americana themed album. Review Here. Buy it on Amazon.