Category: Public Service and Charity
Best Compilations of 2023: International Pop Overthrow Vol. 24 and Embers of Aloha
Assorted Artists “International Pop Overthrow Vol. 24”
Every year, Dave Bash reliably puts out this 3-disc overview of old and new power pop talent. There are always unexpected gems that I never see promoted anywhere else, and that’s one of the best reasons to pick this up. Unlike past volumes, the quality is truly spread across all three discs. Here are some highlights for me:
Disc 1: Opening with The Cowsills on “Ya Gotta Get Up!” is proof that power pop never goes out of style. Sunbourne Rd gives us “Pioneers and Natives,” with its strong psyche-pop vibe, The Parlophonics’ brilliant pop of “Reading Kerouac,” Tyler Graham’s “If It Were Up To Me,” and the 80’s-like strums of 6Kitty’s “Do I Walk.” One apparent thing is that this is not strictly power pop but a huge selection of pop styles.
Disc 2: The jangling dream-pop of Pikal’s “That’s Not Me” or Plasma Chasms’ “Chasing Ghosts” follow a path closer to full psychedelic prog. The optimistic “Yesterdays and Silly Ways” by Thomas Charlie Pedersen is also a standout. Brian Larney & Dean Falcone have the riffs on “Love Signs,” as well as The On and Ons’ “Don’t Wanna Talk About It.”
Disc 3: The 80-rock stylings of Robin Schell’s “Eleven” and Jody & The Jerms’ “Insatiable” both have great hooks. The Love Gamblers’ “Without Love,” Stephen’s Ruin “Lorraine,” Broken Sound’s “Sky Girl,” and Lizard Music’s “Keystone Cops” also all had me very impressed. Without a doubt highly recommended, and we look forward to next year’s compilation.
Amazon | Kool Kat Musik
Assorted Artists “Embers of Aloha: A Maui Wildfire Benefit Project”
The people who have suffered because of the Maui wildfires will receive immediate assistance thanks to this musical initiative. The people of Lahaina and the communities located in West Maui will appreciate your generous donation, which will help provide relief to those affected by this terrible calamity. Thanks to my friend, Michael McCartney, for bringing this to my attention.
While most of these songs have already been released, some of them are exclusive to the collection. Featured highlights include Dana Countryman, Star Collector, Timmy Sean, Tammy Ferranti, David Myhr, John Hunter Phillips, and The Hurricane Beach Band (doing an awesome Beach Boys-like track). With 42 tracks, you can’t go wrong. Highly Recommended.
More best compilations
Shine On: A Tribute To Pete Ham
Please lend a hand to Jesse Malin.
Your gift can alleviate him of the additional burdens brought on by the significant cost of his immediate and long-term care. Power Popaholic interviewed Jesse a few years ago and wants to spread the word and hopefully, fans like you will answer the call.
Tributes: John Wicks and Australian Wildfires
Assorted Artists “For The Record: A Tribute to John Wicks”
The great John Wicks (The Records) sadly passed away in 2018 while he fought a lengthy battle with cancer. During that time he continued to write music and was planning to release a final album. He was gone before he could finish it all himself, but producer Jamie Hoover (The Spongetones), pop journalist Richard Rossi and Kool Kat Musik made sure John’s final songs saw the light of day. Each contributing artist involved had a personal connection to John. They gave generously of their time and talents, as a tribute to the man who dazzled us with the power-pop hit “Starry Eyes.” Proceeds from all sales go to John’s son Perry and to the American Cancer Society. Highly Recommended.
Assorted Artists “Pop! Fights The Flames (benefit album for the people of Australia)”
A special digital benefit album, whereby every artist on this compilation has donated a song to help support the people of Australia where many have been ravaged by the awful bushfires during the Australian Summer. 90% of sales from this album will go to the RFS NSW (Rural Fire Service). Some brilliant music is part of this massive 34 track benefit album; including power pop favorites: Nick Frater, Chris Price, Dana Countryman, Lisa Mychols, Wyatt Funderburk, Eric Barao and many more. Highly Recommended.