Category: Top Ten of 2025

The Lolas and Peppermint Kicks

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“The

The Lolas “Big Hits and Freak Disasters”

This is not a greatest hits compilation. Tim Boykin, the brains behind The Lolas has been releasing multiple digital-only singles since 2021, and now we get it all together in one beautiful package. Boykin never fails to deliver, whether he’s channeling psychedelic pop, British Invasion, jangle pop, or bubblegum hooks.

The album’s opening track, “Work is the Blackmail of Survival,” is very much like a jangling Byrds tune with great harmonies in the sunny chorus. “Shut Me Down” is pure West Coast bubblegum pop bliss, and “Call Your Name” is a dense guitar attack with a garage vibe. “Trick Myself” is very much like an early Who single, and when it comes to the ideal jangle of ’80s college rock, “From the Start” is spot on. As a singles collection, it varies in style from the mellow “I Wish You A Happy Journey” to the new wave synths meets guitars on “Down We Go.” With songs like these, Tim Boykin reminds us why The Lolas are one of the most reliable—and under appreciated—names in power pop.

Let’s also give props to Kool Kat Musik, which is still putting out tangible power pop CDs in the digital age, supporting musicians like Boykin and keeping the scene alive for both fans and collectors. Highly Recommended and makes my top ten album list for 2025.

Kool Kat Musik

The Peppermint Kicks

The Peppermint Kicks “Pop Rocks In My Chewing Gum”

The great Sal Baglio and Dan Kopko combine their talents with a variety of drummers to create The Peppermint Kicks 2nd album, and it leads to an explosive, heavy punk-pop. “Radio Wham Bam Boom” is a great glam radio show theme song that sets the stage. “Too Sweet” is a great Cheap Trick meets bubblegum track with a kick-ass strutting riff. The garage-rocking “Little Doll (Picolla Pupa)” harkens back to the best of British pop from the 1960s.

Many tunes here follow that template and are fond memories of teen years, “Lollipop Girl” is dreaming about an English magazine model. And plenty of loving references to mid sixties anime with “Gigantor” and “Speed Racer.” Indeed, the enchanting “We Did It All For Rock N Roll” emphasizes the nagging feeling that we all long for that nostalgia when rock and roll was at the top of the cultural zeitgeist. Fans of Sweet, Mott The Hoople, and Queen will love this. Overall it demands to be played loud and its highly recommended.

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Iain Hornal and The Grip Weeds

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Iain Hornal “Return to the Magic Kingdom”

Iain Hornal has likely the best pedigree I’ve seen for an artist, as he’s a long-standing touring member of both 10cc and Jeff Lynne’s ELO, including touring with prog legend Yes. On his third album he swings for the fences, and it does not disappoint. There are some stylistic parallels between these songs and those of ELO and 10cc; however, it is important to highlight that they are original songs that have been meticulously crafted by Hornal.

Starting with “Little Bit More” is a blast of guitars and chugging piano with classical ascending chords and overlapping harmonies. The glam rhythms of “Positive People” are next. Loaded with those “la la la” vocal touches and handclaps, it’s like a wicked monologue from a charismatic cult leader. The catchy “Already Dead” is a perfect diagnosis for modern anxiety disorder, but the crown jewel of this album is “Love Your Enemies.” It starts out a little like an Andrew Gold piano gem, but grows into something so much more, with its layered earworm of a chorus and a solid biblical message to stop “pointing fingers at those twisted fools on the news.”  Additional highlights include “If It Were You”, a co-write with 10cc’s Graham Gouldman (who also features on the track) and the very ELO-like break up song “Over and Out.” Overall one of the catchiest albums I’ve heard this year. It makes my top ten list for sure. Super Highly Recommended.

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“The

The Grip Weeds “Soul Bender”

At this point The Grip Weeds are not contented to stand still. On ’Soul Bender’ they create a kaleidoscope of sound by combining garage rock, paisley pop, and baroque psychedelia. The title track marches out like a combination of late ’60s The Moody Blues and The Who. It sets the mood nicely, and next we have “Flowers for Cynthia” and “Spinning The Wheel.” These fuzz-laden psychedelic power pop tracks juggle garage rock tenacity with Byrdsian jangle in a strong, powerful hook. The Rickenbackers are up front, and the distortion pedals are less of an issue. Kurt Reil makes sure the vocals don’t get lost either, and it makes great listening.

“Conquer and Divide” and “Wake Up Time” seem direct descendant of Moby Grape, and the band still has that Beatlesque blend with The Byrds to dazzle with “Column of Air” and the Kristen vocal led “If You Were Here.” Another pop confection is “Someone in Love,” which reminds me of The Aerovons. Overall, no filler or a trace of indulgent psychedelic bombast get in the way of each melody. A great band continues to impress with a great album. Highly Recommended.

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The Toxhards and The Humbugs

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The Toxhards

The Toxhards “Your Neighborhood”

Sometimes, the components are greater than the whole. The Toxhards, a LA garage rock band, have a concept LP that doesn’t tell much of a story. However, the band’s unwavering dedication to superb pop and rock is evident here. The band’s wacky theatrical image is compelling, akin to a circus opera at a heavy metal festival, they sound influenced by Pink Floyd, Queen, Tally Hall, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. They’ve already made an impression locally, with a sizable TikTok and Instagram following, so their debut album definitely raises the bar.

The intros are effective in establishing a mood but run a bit too long; then we get the first song, strums of “Beatrice,” a gentle rocker that amps up quickly to heavy Foo Fighter-like riffs. It’s a fun, wild ride to its loud crescendo. Then it dials back dramatically to the quiet title track “Your Neighborhood,” which recall a Roger Waters inner monologue. Then we get “Get Creative! Or Get Radicalized!” with Queen-like harmonies and boisterous chorus, and it’s simply great from the melodic croon to the screaming “Na, na, na, na!” Another gentle gem is “Apple TV” with handclaps and hooks sticking in your head on that chorus.

But the album’s highlight is “DIE! DIE! DIE.” The song begins with a funky rhythm and bass line, and the lead singing, “Don’t you love the feeling when a song comes on the radio, and it sounds like they wrote it for you?” Next, “Satan’s Little Hell Song” is reminiscent of Queen’s “Stone Cold Crazy” in a frenzy. Overall, a thrilling set of tunes, the most schizophrenic rock album I’ve heard in a while. Highly recommended and a top ten contender. Thanks to my brother, Dan, for finding this one.

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The Humbugs

The Humbugs “AM Operetta”

Veteran Minneapolis band The Humbugs are Adam Marshall (guitar, lead), Tim Formanek (bass), and Matt Baccoli (drums), with an assist from Kristin Marshall and Mike Senkovich. Some nice power pop and a few folk tunes here, many pulled from Adam’s songwriting archives in a homage to the many different styles of music that was being played on AM radio in the 1970s. However nothing here sounds like it came directly from that era, it’s all original music.

The opener “Be Careful What You Wish For” is a solid start, with lots of jangle and a nicely constructed, distinct verse. The catchy “Take Out The Trash” is my favorite here, with great hooks and harmonies. The styles vary from here, Kristin’s lovely vocal leads on the pensive “Further From Yesterday” and “Never Noticed Me.” Highlights include “Tearing Me Up” and the bouncy ender “Doing Something Right.” Overall, a really good album with minimal overindulgences. Technically released last year, but the band recently posted their catalog on Bandcamp (also worth checking out.) Highly recommended.

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Eureka Machines and The Spindles

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Eureka Machines

Eureka Machines “Everything”

Chris Catalyst (guitarist for The Sisters Of Mercy and Ginger/The Wildhearts) founded Eureka Machines in 2007. Although he has been quite prolific on Bandcamp with solo work, his band Eureka Machines has been improving with every record. It’s not hyperbole to say their sixth LP is the best album to date.

Just listening to the opener “Everything,” he packs every hook into this dense song, and the 4 minutes fly by quickly. The band includes Wayne Insane (BIG drums), Pete Human (bass), and Davros(guitar) and they keep the sound consistent here. The layered guitars lead the way, “Back in The Back of Beyond” and “Black and White” are both excellent follow ups that keep you engaged. The song structure tips into heavier rock on “If I’m Gonna Fight Myself,  I’ll Never Win” and “Nature and Nurture.” Things calm a bit with the slower strums of “Home,” but it’s a breather and then we’re back to melodic rock. Added highlights include “The Great Indoors” and the epic closer “Beautiful Day.” Chris deserves praise for his ability to write catchy songs that hold your interest even after six minutes. Highly recommended. 

Eureka Machines site


The Spindles

The Spindles “Wavelength”

Chicago-based power pop rock quartet led by Jeff Janulis follows up the successful ‘Past and Present’ album from 2019. Wavelength features guest appearances by Brad, Graham, and Rob from The Elvis Brothers, and Bill Corston from Jay & The Americans.“Getaway” is a great catchy opener, with a terrific solo guitar break. The band covers The Hollies “Bus Stop” and several Elvis Brothers tunes, and it fits in well with their originals.

“Rock Boy” is the perfect description of today’s veteran musician as a “part-time worker, but a lifetime rocker.” And these guys really can rock your socks off. Lots of call outs to the 70s-era bikers with “Ride My Bike” and the fun “he said/she said” story of “Two Sides to Every Story” adds a Nick Lowe-ish hook in the chorus. No filler here, so enjoy! Highly recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

OK Go and The Bablers

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OK Go “And the Adjacent Possible”

OK Go has always been at that rare intersection of indie rock musical innovation and commercial success. The new album while it adds more electronica and other modern tropes, can still claim to be at its heart a well made pop album. “Impulse Purchase” oozes cold cool with its deep buzzing bass beat, and Damian Kulash’s unique vocal.

On the lovely melody for “A Stone Only Rolls Downhill,” he laments “it’ll all be all right” and “it’ll all be just fine,” but fails to convince us. Much better is “A Good Good Day At Last” which has plenty of Prince-like funk, and on the bouncy “Take Me With You” he embraces his inner Bowie. The album’s center piece is “Love,” a swirling gem with strong harmonies, angular guitar riffs and an unmistakable arrangement. The soulful “Going Home” and wistful closer “Don’t Give Up Now” offers a mellowness that contrasts with most of the album, and the finale feels like an acceptance of present tragic events and a warm hug.  Definitely highly recommended. 

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The Bablers

The Bablers “Like The First Time”

If you want to make a name in power pop, go big or go home.  Finland’s The Bablers were promoting singles in the US since their Beatlesque debut ‘What’s All About’ in 1980 (a long sought after gem,) but most of the release action took place in Finland, until 2022’s highly recommended ‘Psychadilly Circus’ came out. The group is led by Arto Tamminen (guitars, vocals) with Janne Haavisto (drums), Pekka Gröhn (bass, keys) and Hannu Pikkarainen (guitars). The band has continued to tease with it’s singles, but now the proper follow up to their debut (previously only available in Finland or Japan) has arrived. And it’s big, as it was remastered and new tracks added as well.

The opener “You are The One for Me” has all the hallmarks of excellent power pop, as the music is both catchy and timeless. Those Beatlesque guitar chords are also back with “One of Those Dreams” and “Thinking of You,” and these gems could give the Spongetones a run for its money. But the band doesn’t hold back on romantic themes like “Holding Me Tonight,” and the ELO-ish “Sometimes.” The melodies are easy going and the sentiment is genuine, as opposed to sappy. (although “Together Forever” comes close). The second half is almost as good as the first, but with longer pop epics, for example “Like The First Time” and “In This World.” Additional highlights include the jangling “Here I Come,” and the finely orchestrated strings and woodwinds on the baroque “Where the Wind Blows Free.” Overall, a great album that’s long overdue here. Highly Recommended and a contender for top ten album of 2025.

Amazon | Big Stir Records