A good time was had by all at the IPO show on November 10, 2007. All the acts were great – even through it began with some performers playing solo without a backing band. Chris Breetveld had a good acoustic set that got the crowd’s attention and the next act, to my surprise was the great Lane Steinberg of Tan Sleeve. He was an amazing solo with near pefect syncing to an orchestral backdrop with “Happy Holidaze.” Then the club was transformed via flashback to 1981 with the tight new wave set by The Trend. The highlight of the set for me was the single “Mama Thought You Were A Nice Girl”. After a great set the room continued to rock with another reunited 80s band, Buddy Love (pictured above) as they sweated out an amazing bunch of high energy songs. After that Dave Bash, IPO founder introduced me to the audience and in turn I thanked him and introduced The Orion Experience to the stage. It was really cool for Dave to let me introduce an act — I hope to do it next year at IPO NYC!
Category: Power Pop Review
International Pop Overthrow 2007
The New York City festival known as IPO NYC 2007 has started last night. I will attend the show tomorrow night and check out some of these bands live. It’s at the Baggot Inn, I will give a short review of the concert. I have already reviewed a few bands that will appear:
Just to make things even more interesting I put together a Cafe Press page with “powerpopaholic” branded goodies on it. Take a look. So get a button and support this site! More reviews coming after the show.
10cc Reunion – sort of
Kevin Godley joins Graham Gouldman’s revamped 10cc at Shepherds Bush Empire, London. They sing “Old Wild Men” which is really appropriate now. Originally the songs was a tribute to The Beach Boys, but now sounds more like a tribute to 10cc. “Old men of rock and roll/Came bearing music/Where are they now?”
Listen to a newer song by Graham, “Beautifulloser.com” sung by Kevin at the same concert. But maybe you prefer….
“The Things we do for Love”
Small Sins "Mood Swings"
Small Sins could be classified as indie electronica pop, but with a melodic sense that brings them into the power pop camp. It’s shimmering electronics meets infectious pop guitar hooks. Thomas D’Arcy, the main force behind the band has fashioned a true rock album with elements of electronica. The opening track, “I Need a Friend” has harmonies with an undercurrent of menace that bring to mind 10cc. The Banjo and handclaps of “Morning Face” continue this trend. Fans of Ween or Sparks will appreciate the catchy falsetto of “What Your Baby’s Been Doing.” The hooks in the music are what draw you here, despite the quirky instrumentation of “On The Line” or the electro-synth noodling of “Drunk E-Mail.” Sometimes the songs take a turn into a New Order-styled dance music like on “It Keeps Me on My Toes,” and fans of Sissor Sisters will enjoy that too. The lyrics are often at odds with the sunny electro-pop melodies. The exception is the melancholy “Bullet.” Most of the songs do hit the mark correctly and if you like a bit of something different from usual power pop fare, this is it.
Small Sins Main Site | My Space | Itunes
Listen to “On The Line”
The Bollywood Beatles
Some typical strangeness from India. Obviously they take “I wanna hold your hand” and add new lyrics. Does everyone have to shake their head so violently? I was waiting for the Beatle-wigs to fly off! More new reviews coming Monday!