Category: Top Ten of 2026

Modesty Blaise and Marc Valentine

powerpopaholic
Modesty Blaise

Modesty Blaise “Melancholia” (25th Anniversary Remaster)

For years, Melancholia remained out of reach, the standout album from Bristol indie pop collective Modesty Blaise absent from streaming while its reputation quietly grew. An example of retro style reworked to sound timeless. Now we have a 25th Anniversary 3-disc edition  featuring a newly restored master, unreleased outtakes, and updated artwork.

Formed in Bristol in 1993 by Jonny Collins, Modesty Blaise gained early attention with their debut single “Christina Terrace,” produced by Edwyn Collins, which led to an ITV appearance and eventually supporting Robbie Williams on tour. Gregory Jones and Jonny Collins approached the remaster as an excavation, not a rewrite. The goal was to reveal what was already there. Known for dense, layered arrangements, the band now benefits from improved clarity and dynamic range. Details that once blurred together now come into focus, making the album feel fuller and more immersive. And it’s damn impressive, as this album captured a band pushing indiepop beyond its limits. This reissue proves the album always had more to offer. Now you can finally hear it. Super Highly Recommended!

Amazon

Marc Valentine

Marc Valentine “Uncommon Side Effects”

Marc Valentine (Last Great Dreamers) has been playing in bands since he was thirteen, and his glam-infused power pop album ‘Uncommon Side Effects’ is on Little Steven Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records. The album is “about misadventures of youth and chasing rock’n’roll dreams.”

The opener “NY UAP” sets the tone fast. Big guitars, catchy melody, and a solo that demands attention. “High In The Underground” follows with swagger and big hooks that will draw you in right away. “The Other Side” continues that run, built on tight structure and a chorus that sticks after one listen. This album works because it balances energy with weight. “Loneliest Part” slows things down and lets the mood breathe, with synths adding depth instead of gloss. Valentine understands that strong pop needs contrast, not a constant sugar rush. Next “Tiger On Glass” he ramps the energy back up, next “Half-Moon Pendant” strips everything back to acoustic. Across 30 minutes, Valentine delivers a sharp display of power pop songwriting, pairing strong melody with tasteful guitar work. Highly Recommended and a nominee for my top ten of 2026 list for sure.

Amazon | Streaming Platforms

Uni Boys and Lukah Boo

powerpopaholic
Uni Boys

Uni Boys “Uni Boys”

The Uni Boys return sharper and more focused, leaning fully into the sound they hinted at early on. While they share some overlap with The Lemon Twigs, Reza Martin and Noah Nash continue to carve out their own lane when mining the past. Pulling from the Nerves, The Paley Brothers, 20/20, and Milk ‘N’ Cookies. It lands somewhere between scrappy and polished, with a clear nod to late ‘70s L.A. power pop. The Uni Boys bring enough energy and conviction to make it feel fresh rather than recycled.

The production keeps things tight and direct. No filler, no gloss, just hooks and melody driving every track. This is where the Uni Boys sound most natural. There’s a balance between heartache and optimism that gives the record its staying power. The Beatlesque “You’ll Curse His Name Again” speeds along, while “I Don’t Wanna Dream Anymore” hits with a quick, upbeat punch. Both tracks feel loose and fun, like the band is enjoying every second. That energy carries through the album and pulls you in. “Abra” is a dramatic ballad with layered harmonies, while the mid tempo “Genevieve” lifts things with its brilliant chord changes and a baroque piano break. That makes this their strongest release yet. Without a doubt it makes my top ten for 2026 list. Super Highly Recommended.

Amazon

Lukah Boo

Lukah Boo “Respirar”

Lukah Boo (aka Antonio Sáenz) is a Madrid based singer and guitarist, who’s also known with the band The Happy Losers, one of the best Spanish speaking power pop bands ever. Occasionally I listen to foreign language power pop, because I love a great hook. And Lukah does too.

The opening title track translates to “Breathing” and it begins with piano and lovely vocal harmonies. It transitions to strong melodic guitar and verses, and the joy comes through in the music. No translation needed. There are some English ballads here, “This is What It Is,” “Like Any Other,” and “A Fool,“ and they are heart felt and sound akin to Gilbert O’Sullivan. Other highlights include  “Lo bien que me he portado” and “Aquella luz.” Overall an enjoyable listen, and if it had more songs like the title track, it would be even better. Check it out.

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