Category: Power Pop Review

The Wellingtons “In Transit”

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Melbourne Australia’s hardest working power pop band recorded and mixed In Transit in London and had it mastered at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. And the Wellington’s latest is once again a wonderful power pop creation. The band’s sound has gotten tighter and more consistent with time, and lead vocal Zac Anthony’s approach has more of a pop (as opposed to rock) sound than previous releases, with less emphasis on the lead guitar driving the melody and more reliance on vocals and harmonies to do the heavy lifting.

Opening with the fast-paced chords of “Keep Me Holding On” Zac takes charge assisted by Kate Goldby’s backing harmonies. And Goldby gets to shine as lead vocal herself for the brilliant “I’m Feeling The Same Way” and “Baby’s Got A Secret.” The compositions are dense with instrumentation that creates a full wall of sound that envelops the listener. The guitar is more prominent on “Adamant” which drives home the catchy chorus and Gustav Lindstroms crashing drums are a perfect compliment too. Another highlight among many is “Your Love Keeps Bringing Me Down” with its piano chords and “bop-bop” backing vocal harmonies that fans of Jellyfish will swoon for.

The pace is relentless till we reach the string laden ballad “I Fell For You,” and here the band stretches its wings with a goose-bump inducing bridge. The songwriting here is also excellent. Every tune here hits the mark, with a one exception(“Alright, Alright” feels a bit forced compared to the others). For those bands looking for a prime example of modern power pop, this should serve as the new template. Fans of IKE, Farrah, and group harmonies should not hesitate and grab this album. Easy top ten nominee for 2011.

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Valentiger and Dan Miraldi

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Valentiger “Oh, to Know!”
This Michigan band is on the cusp of something big. A very smooth blend of alt. country and folk pop with a casual attitude. Opening with the Wilco-ish “Oh, To Know!” features the commanding guitar strums and harmonies in the chorus. The building bass line and quiet-loud composition from lead guitarist-vocalist Brent Shirey also won me over. The slower beat on the melodic “All I” shuffles along and the Beck-like fuzz on “Another Cool Move” recall a lost Replacements tune. On the slower side of things, “Love to Forgive” is a sweet pastoral folk tune along with the wistful ballad “Why I’m Not Great.” Things roar back to life with the 90’s grunge of “Frozen Dozing.”  The poppiest song here is saved for last with anthemic “Good Day, goodnight” complete with handclaps and happy harmonies. No filler to be found here as everything here is nicely done. Fans of Uncle Tupelo, Wilco and Old 97’s will really love this one.

CD Baby | Amazon

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Dan Miraldi “Rock N Roll Band” EP
Ohio native Dan Miraldi was the keyboard player for The Silver Liners, and this is his newest EP. Miraldi has plenty of classic rock and roll influences, his sound is like a hybrid of Mick Jagger and Ricky Nelson. It opens with the hard rock “We Both Know” and the chord structure is very Nirvana, but Dan’s clear croon didn’t quite fit for me. “You’ve Got To Hurry” sounds better, with a familiar melody and workman-like performance. The single “Mystical Queen” is Dan at his most retro, here it’s almost an Everly Brothers song. The straight shooting “Rock N Roll Band” is another standout, with his own bio and sales pitch in the lyrics (“I was working on guitar, but I’m a much better singer…”). While this isn’t bad by any stretch – it doesn’t have the energy and swagger of his earlier album  Thirsty (listen to the single “Premonition“). But if you’re into oldies styled rock with a modern twist, it will appeal to you.

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The Bangles “Sweetheart Of The Sun”

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Celebrating their 30th year anniversary, The Bangles’ newest album Sweetheart of the Sun, has all the requisite power pop touch points (The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and The Byrds) and co-produced by Matthew Sweet. Combining their trademark angelic harmonies with jangling guitar riffs, the band is now a trio; Susanna Hoffs (guitar) and sisters Vicki (guitar) and Debbie Peterson (drums); former bassist Mickey Steele is the only original member to leave the group. While many will consider this a successful “retro” album – it really is the band leaning on those 60’s pop roots to produce a more confident and timeless approach. The feminine harmonies are seamless and the melody lines will instantly stick in your head, from the opening track “Anna Lee (Sweetheart of the Sun)” all the way through to the Todd Rundgren penned “Open My Eyes.”

The music here is so good it’s hard to find fault here as this is a solid comeback for the band. The lead vocal duties are split amongst the many tracks, notable are Susanna’s “I’ll Never Be Through With You” and Vicki’s “Mesmerized.” The slower mid-tempo number “Circles In The Sky” denotes the more mature Bangles, as Peterson’s vocal is deeper and assured. They still can rock a hard riff on “Sweet and Tender Romance” and the harmonies reach its apex with “Through Your Eyes.” Both musicianship and songwriting are simply perfect here – not a weak track in the bunch. This makes it an easy choice to give a top ten nomination for best power pop album this year.

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Moldy Oldies I Love: The Hollies

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The trailer for the new Reelin’ In The Years Productions/Eagle Rock Entertainment DVD- The British Invasion: The Hollies- Look Through Any Window 1963-1975. This first official documentary on the Hollies. This was a band that followed the Beatles in conquering America with the British invasion – and you’d be hard pressed to find a band who’s sound changed so dramatically over time, but the quality of the music remained excellent. For you young’uns I’d go here first to hear more.

The Modulators and Baby Scream

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The Modulators “Tomorrow’s Coming”
If you are nostalgic for the 80’s skinny tie era of great power pop this band fits the bill. The Modulators were a local New Jersey band that played the small clubs in NJ, and was a local favorite at the time. The trio of Joe Riccardello (bass & keyboards), Mark Higgins (lead guitar) and Mark Westlake (drums) gets things started with the high treble jangle of the title track and energetic beat of “Jimmy Says.” Especially great is the fantastic “Spin Me Around” which is a real highlight in the best Marshall Crenshaw style, and a sweet version of Dylan’s’ “My Back Pages” is another gem. The production doesn’t sound re-mastered so it can sound a little dated in spots, but each tune is bursting with jangle guitars and clean harmonies. Other highlights include “If You Let Her Go” and “Own Little World” – fans of The Records, Bram Tchaikovsky, and The Toms should get this album immediately!

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Baby Scream “Secret Place” 
Argentine rocker Juan Pablo Mazzola strikes again! His band Baby Scream returns with Secret Place and it boasts a solid mix of styles and songs that describe Juan’s various moods. “The Last Call” blasts through like a whiskey soaked anthem to escapism (“You gotta leave it all behind…”). “Hit and Run” continues the Lennonesque flavor of 70’s balladry and folk shuffle of the title track lighten the overall mood here. “Bad Seed” is a smart acoustic ballad about Juan’s tough childhood. The introspective mood of “Patiently” uses a variety of instruments (including a clavinet) to bring a mood of desolation. “London Sun” starts with a light touch, but builds to a great guitar solo within a psychedelic landscape – its my favorite tune on the album. Overall, despite a few missteps (“Cold Weather Raggae”) this is an album that shouldn’t remain a “secret” for long.

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