Category: Power Pop Review

Stockholm, Sweden is the home of indie lo-fi artist, State of Samuel. The new album “Here come the Floods” are on first listen, an attempt to recreate the subtle beauty of the Elephant Six Collective bands. With some quirky pop fragments (some lasting under 2 minutes) you really get a sense of early Apples in Stereo or Neural Milk Hotel with a very nasal delivery. Many of the songs have snappy hook filled goodness like “Always Under the Gun” complete with 12-string strum and a nice harmony with Betty-Marie Barnes of Saturday Looks Good To Me. The vocals by Samuel Petersson, will either grow on you (“Square Roots” and “Residence of Gloom”) or annoy you (“Slow Day for UFOs”). Some gems are here, like “The Unholy Ghost” or “Suburbs on The Run” and most other tunes are too short to take hold, in fact the entire album is a only 28 minutes long. I’m conflicted here, because although many tunes are tightly arranged and catchy pop sing-a-longs, the vocals would strain that acceptability beyond a few minutes each. Pick and choose here for best results.

The State of Samuel Page | My Space | eMusic | Itunes | CD Baby

Listen to “Residence of Gloom”

Luke Sneyd is a Toronto singer-songwriter. His debut solo album “All of Us Cities” is full of high energy modern power pop. His big single “The Prisoner” sounds a little like Jason Falkner, complete with muscular guitar melodies and a killer hook. The lyrics are pretty good too, and they take a slightly obtuse approach in “Unknown” for example: “Your love is like a scorpion … when it stings the poison is like heaven.” Luke takes a political shots at Bush with “I’m The Decider.” The production and musicianship is crisp like Brian Ray or Criag Bartock’s albums last year. Sometimes the songs take as turn into U2 territory for example in “Timeless” it’s rythym and driving drum line remind me of Bono’s earlier efforts. “Galileo” also stands out with extra heavy guitar with references to science vs. religion. It sounds like a mix between Rush and The Breetles! It’s not exactly politically correct stuff – it’s just plain cool stuff. Also no real duds here either. A good album and a definite e-music pick-up!

Luke Sneyd’s site | My Space | eMusic | Itunes

Listen to “The Prisoner”

Maybe Radiohead has started a trend here? As mentioned first on Absolute Power Pop these albums are being offered to power pop fans absolutely free, so spread the word and enjoy the music this holiday season!

Adam Miner’s desire is to offer these recordings to those who love his music. It’s a great love note to The Beatles and it comes with liner notes and a cool Sgt. Pepper-styled cover.  If you like this album, I would encourage you to get “Dangerous Eyes” from him as well.

Adam Miner’s Playing House

Not to be outdone here, Dave Stephens is releasing two albums for download! Both “Stories for Copper” and “Here We Go…” are available. I reviewed “Stories for Copper” a while ago and it’s perfect stocking stuffer. Spread the word and who knows, there may be a few who never thought they would be considered “power pop fans” until exposed to this music!

Dave Stephens Downloads 

I wanted to do something a little wacky today. So I’m adding this novelty song for you to listen to. Enjoy it! Originally done by “Little Roger and The Goosebumps” it made me chuckle.

Listen to “Fool on The Hill”

I also wanted to also take time to thank the artists who have contacted me about reviews and who continue to struggle in this business. The bands here all work hard and deserve your $$ if you enjoy the music. As the original Gonzo journalist, Hunter S. Thompson said “The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs.”

This is a classic old school eighties power pop group for you. Doug Khazzam and his group Buddy Love are true veterans of the skinny tie era. With a local single hit “Sheila/Party Girl” as a springboard they played the local clubs. At some point leader singer Joey, left the band and they carried on with 2 albums. With different band members over the years, it has managed to keep it’s signature sound. 26 years later, Joey returned and the band is playing live once again and released “Now and Then”. Best described as a mix of The Knack meets early Elvis Costello, I listened to all three Buddy Love albums and each one has something to offer it’s listeners.

“Buddy Love” starts out with Gary Glitter’s “Rock & Roll” and rolls off some adequate guitar pop, but things improve by mid album with “Ticket to your Heart.” Out of nowhere, a rockabilly tune “Who slapped John (Lennon)?” is next and it really belongs on a Stray Cats album. Another standout track here is the mid-tempo “I Just Want to Hold You” which has some of that classic Elvis Costello vibe. “Wild Angel” ends the album with some nice chord progressions and guitar work.

“More! Buddy Love” opens with a great single “Something in My Eye” and the rest of the album has a similar sound, but much improved guitar acrobatics and song writing. There is a hint of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the vocal structures of songs like “He’s Back in Town” and “Love is a Martial Art.” Most of the songs are on par with groups of the era, 20/20 and The Records. Things here are all kicked up a notch with the energetic “Teaser” and “Liar” and they manage to cover The Knickerbockers’ “Lies” without evoking The Beatles at all!

A future post will review “Now and Then” – but keep in mind this album contains the original singles “Sheila” and “Party Girl” plus the latest tunes from the group. Each CD is handcrafted by Rockville Records and you can get it from The Buddy Love website. Lovers of eighties power pop Buddy Love has arrived!

Buddy Love Homepage | My Space

Here’s a bit of a documentary on Buddy Love

Listen to “Party Girl” circa 198os