The melodramatic Ken Stringfellow (Posies) is a soul searching single from his new album ‘Circuit Breaker.’ He screams that last chorus, as a man who can give no more to this art. Another power pop veteran Bleu has been releasing a few singles here and there, and I really liked the duet with Carly Paige on “Where the Colors Bleed.” After 33 songs, the massive collection of ‘Pish Posh’ by Vanilla is quite the feat; “Consider It Done” is the latest one — when does this end? Our friend Shane Tutmarc (aka Dolour) has a completely new version of the album ‘New Old Friends’ and even though “October 29th” has passed, its a ballad worth keeping close. This month we have 2 freebies. The first is a clever bit of yacht rock “The Boathouse” by a mysterious group, so help me solve who this really is. Second is Captain Wilberforce with his angular guitar jangle about a certain election, called “the Installation” and repeat after the chorus, “We don’t care, We don’t care.” Well, at least you can enjoy the music.
Category: Power Pop Review
2nd Grade and Andrew Weiss
2nd Grade “Scheduled Explosions”
Philadelphia musician Peter Gill (aka 2nd Grade) just has a knack for effortless melody and alt. rock fuzz that makes ‘Scheduled Explosions’ his most accessible collection of ADD power pop. With 23 songs it’s always been hit or miss, but very much like Robert Pollard (Guided By Voices) Gill has a high batting average here.
“Live from Missile Command” is a great catchy start that ends just as we’re taking off. The fanboy dreams of “Uncontrollably Cool” and bounce of “Fashion Disease” are a great pair of tunes. Other favorites include the distorted love notes of “Joan on Ice,” hand-clapped “Instant Nostalgia” and mellow rockers “Made Up My Own Mind” and “Evil Things.” In between the songs are experiments with studio tape defects like “Crybaby Semiconductor,” or the muffled beautiful mess of “All About You.” Similar in technique to Mo Troper, it feels like he has a really great song at first and then goes out of his way to bury it in harsh lo-fi production. Despite this, the melodies shine through, making it repeatable and highly recommended.
Andrew Weiss and Friends “the world’s smallest violin.”
Andrew Weiss, a singer-songwriter, feels a kinship to the West coast rock sound from the ‘70s as he revels in confessional moments and emotional storytelling. “Summer of ’68” is a great example of speaking about the past while comparing it to today, “Why does it feel like nothing’s changing?” he asks. Some real gems make the cut here like “He Must Be High On Something,” with its great slide guitar flourishes. He also channels a little early Paul Simon on “We’re Trying To Have a Society Here!”
The biographical “Rockin’ it Since ’83” and “Emergency Contact” are neat little scenarios, but many songs have a tendency to blend into each other without much variety. While it might feel a bit self indulgent, Andrew gets some good vibes going and you may like it. Check it out.
Halloween, here and gone! Otonoke, Shake Some Action, Barbara, 20/20, Black Flamingos
Maybe I went a little overboard with these holiday posts. Oh well — in the spirit of cosplay, check out the video for my new favorite anime Dan Da Dan. The song by Japan’s Otonoke isn’t power pop, but it’s frantic and catchy. See how many anime characters you recognize in the video!
On a serious note, Shake Some Action! leans harder into it’s recent retro sound on the new EP Chase The Light. Solid rock and roll that’s just timeless, so check it out. Brothers John and Henry Tydeman are known as Barbara and they’ve got the grand pop harmonies down pat on Happy Days! EP, and melodies as sweet as candy corn! Another treat is the return of power pop legends 20/20; original members Steve Allen (vocals, guitar) and Ron Flynt (bass, vocals) return older and wiser on “Back to California.” Finally we actually has some real Halloween music, courtesy of Black Flamingos. What’s the Cryptkeeper’s favorite type of comedy? Deadpan humor! Have a fun night, boys and ghouls!
More Treats for you: Jette Planes, Bye Bye Blackbirds, Corner Laughers, Bill Swan, Pop 4, KC Bowman, Vista Blue, Dazy, Randy Klawon, Rich Restaino
Yes, more Halloween music is here. But first the Philly band Jette Planes! These guys have both spirit and energy! Get the single on Bandcamp, and enjoy the rooftop concert video. Next a compilation of Halloween freebies, and I’m lovin’ the Bye Bye Blackbirds, Corner Laughers, Bill Swan, Pop 4, KC Bowman, and more. Each song is quality, its the best holiday EP I’ve heard so far this year! If you’d like a more punk pop in the Ramones style, check out Vista Blue especially “Let’s Scare Jessica to Death” named after a classic 70’s horror flick. Dazy returns with its uniquely gritty power pop sound on “It’s Only A Secret.” And fresh off his excellent Half Cubes record, Randy Klawon does a great DIY Raspberries styled gem “Tonight.” Finally Rich Restaino gives us a spooky sounding “Ear Worm!” as part of his Mixtape. Enjoy the power pop and don’t fill up on too many sweets!
Halloween singles: Muse, Drool Brothers, Liteweight Champion, The Jack Rubies, Minky Starshine, Hidden Pictures
So I could not find a new Halloween video, but Muse certainly has a ton of horror movie references in their video of the single “You Make Me Feel Like It’s Halloween.” The Drool Brothers have a more traditional rocker, “Halloween Teen.” I also liked the dense melody of “Everyone is Wrong Most of the Time” by an Ohio band called Liteweight Champion. From our friends at Big Stir Records, we have The Jack Rubies with “Phantom,” with plenty of spooky vibes. I’m happy to report Minky Starshine is expected to return with a new LP, so here is the advance single “Our Father,” and Hidden Pictures turns up the twang for the gem “Hayward Hall of Justice.” The band’s sound very much reminds me of The Honeydogs. At last, a sentimental pop song by Alex Dominish and Carlos Morales that reminds me of how much I used to like a particular orange, white, and yellow colored treat. Enjoy the goodies, campers!