Category: Top Ten of 2012 Candidate

Kenny Howes “Tornadoes Here and Past”

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Kenny Howes “Tornadoes Here and Past”
It seems like a million years since I last heard Kenny Howes, who was a bona fide power pop superstar in the late 90’s. I am happy to report on his return, with Tornadoes Here and Past, a new album full of original material. Opening with the delicate acoustic rhythms of “Cannot Remember” it showcases Kenny’s instrumental prowess, then builds to a fantastically lush melody. “Slip On By” has echos of Todd Rundgren, and “Silence and Camouflage” guitar and bass combo is classic Kenny Howes pop.

There are a few detours, like the 70’s influenced “Foxy Jackie” has some nice horn accents and nice harmonies. Other highlights, “People are Doing Stuff” is a simple whimsical ditty, that asks the question “What are you doing?” It gets a bit looser on the albums second half with the powerful rocker “You Don’t Say Anything” and the Harrison-styled slide guitar of “Five Minutes Of Rain.” We are treated to some Beach Boys harmony on the intro of the impressive closer “We Don’t Get To Say Goodnight.” Overall another triumphant comeback in a year full of them. Don’t miss this one either.

Kenny has played with tons of artists in power pop, including Smithereens frontman Pat DiNizio, here doing a cover of The Monkees “I’m A Believer”

Kurt Baker and Research Turtles FREE download

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Kurt Baker “Band New Beat”
After the several winning EPs, including one a few months ago,  Kurt Baker (The Leftovers) now has his first full length album and as indicated its everything fans have hoped for. Baker has carved out a spot as one of the best young power pop artists in the genre, with his Elvis Costello meets Rooney styled delivery. Brand New Beat literally “Hit The Ground Running” with a fantastic hook and chorus that sticks in your head. Just as memorable is “Don’t Go Falling In Love,” as our lovelorn protagonist continues on his journey.

The guitar tempos are pretty fast paced and relentless, so its nice to get such a sweet ballad on “She’s Not Sorry” that reminds me a bit of Marc Bacino. Easy pick for one of this years best on my top ten list for 2012. Don’t miss it.

Research Turtles “Mankiller Part 2” EP
After a year long wait with Part One, The Research Turtles album  Mankiller finishes up and its available as a FREE download. It sounds a little like a band in transition, with new drummer, Chad Townsend, and keyboardist, Wesley Royer added. Singer Jud Norman gives “The Fancy” a shoegazer attitude full of dark tone that continues on “Break It Up.” The one bright pop song “Into You” has a terrific beat and chorus with smooth backing harmonies.Keep your eyes on this Louisiana band as they continue to impress.

Free Download Monday: Sunday Sun and Young Rival

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Sunday Sun “III”
After parts One and Two, this is the cherry on top. Collectively, Sunday Sun offers us one of the finest releases in 2012 –  like the other EPs it is available as a free download for a limited time. The quartet from Amsterdam features bright cheerful harmonies like Sonic Executive Sessions and the highly melodic ear worms displayed in the chorus of “Better Than That.” Elements of ELO and The Beach Boys mixed with The Jellyfish are stamped on several tracks, my favorites here are “Honest And True,” “Sing” and the Bleu sounding “Light Up The Sky.” If you missed the earlier EPs then get’em on Itunes. Don’t miss this series, it ranks very high on my year end list.

 

Young Rival “Stay Young”
Indie pop out of Hamilton, Canada, includes Aron D’Alesio on vocals and lead guitar, Noah Fralick on drums, and John Smith playing the bass. “Black Popcorn” and “Nothing You Know Well” are pretty good clones of early Apples in Stereo, so you have a good idea where we’re going here. The band has a bit more grit and you’ll hear the clear influence of  The Pixies with “Let it Go” and the raw riffs on”I Don’t Care.” The garage anthem “Two Reasons” is the obvious single here, and just like Locksley’s “The Whip” its just as infectious. Check out the awesomely freaky video below and its a FREE download — so no excuses!

Gavin Guss and Paul Rocha

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Gavin Guss “On High“
Gavin Guss returns after his sharp debut and happy to report there isn’t a sophomore slump. After starting out with the piano ballad “Avenue A,” it reminded me more of Mark Bacino or Elvis Costello. The tempo picks up quite nicely on “Come Over” and its got a sweet guitar hook in the rhythm. This album is a bit more personal, the breakup song “Voice Inside My Head” has an interesting percussive treatment and the slow melodic ballad “Riga In The Fall” is similar to Jeff Larson’s laid back approach.

The rock guitar comes bouncing back on the title track, but it sounds a little forced compared to the other songs. (Note: originally I thought the lyrics were about Jesus, but it’s not. Doh!)  And it gets better as we go forward. The serious subjects of “Wonder Too” and “Invent You Myself” are on par with Mike Viola and the brilliant “Will To Fly” with its solid melody and catchy chorus really impressed me. Overall, a smart showcase for Gavin’s expanding songwriting talents.


Paul Rocha “Crayons”
Paul Rocha starts Crayons with a Beatlesque gem in “Sevens into Nines” sure to warm the heart of power pop fans. British styled hooks and melodies are all over this album, with a psychedelic touch “Peaches and Lemon Line” uses sitar and overdubbed acoustic strums making it sound like a Gripweeds tune. It stays fairly trippy until the acoustic title track, which is full of strings and sweet chord shifts in a pastoral XTC style.

The awesome guitar bombast of “Sunshine Sue” is closer to early Matthew Sweet with its Revolver styled bass line. Then we get to “Fairies in a Yorkshire Glen” with demented sped-up laughter and its repeating melody. Similarly “Amelia Earhart” starts with a 12 string strum, and sardonic lyrics. One of the best songs here is “Tomorrow Soon” with its ascending bridge and looping chorus. The sorrow (?) of losing the names of Adolph, O.J. or Lee Harvey is beautifully described in “Baby Adolph.” Overall a terrific pop album with all the melodic goodies that appeal to fans of Pugwash and Andy Partridge. Too many beautiful melodies to ignore, and it makes my top ten list this year.

 

Sitcom Neighbor and Hot Freak Nation

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Sitcom Neighbor “Charm”
Led by singer/songwriter/guitarist John Murphy, Sitcom Neighbor recorded Charm over a two year period with bassist Pat Mitchell (The Records) and drummer Eddie Cleland. Producer Steve Refling (Seth Swirsky, Nelson Bragg, Nushu, etc.) added his talents as well. Opening with “Amphetamine” you know right away you’ve got a winner with simple acoustic strum and harmonious dual tracked vocal similar to Teenage Fanclub. “Vaseline Water Balloon” is a XTC meets Kinks styled collection of metaphors with nice cello accents.

My favorite is the majestic Badfinger-like “Let It Go” with its awesome hook. “Darlene” is another fine rocker, with a strong melody. The songs continue to evoke late period Beatles, especially in the ballads like “True Love and Medication.” No filler anywhere, it figures to be high on my year end top ten list.

 

Hot Freak Nation “Lifetime To Lifetime”
Hot Freak Nation is led by the songwriting team of Greg Roberson (Tiger High, Reigning Sound, Arthur Lee’s Love) and Don Main (The Late Show).

The jangle anthem “(You Are) The Best Kind Of Poison” starts us off, sounding a bit like Superdrag. It moves quickly to pysche-pop and garage on “Nothing Stays The Same” and “All The Right Things” but it also has subtle hooks that slowly sink in after repeat listens. The ballads like “Sunshine From The Heart” have an Alex Chilton styled resignation and the march “Everything Is Everything Else” is a great party song. The band settles into the retro vibe comfortably so fans of both The Clash and Terry Anderson’s OAKT will really love everything here. A rock solid debut.