What’s coming in 2016… Part 2

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honeyThe Honeydogs are back in the studio and if you’re an old fan of the band then you’ve come to expect great music with each release over their 20 year career. Adam Levy’s solo debut was a rare non-power pop LP that I added to my top 25 for 2015 list. The band is funding the new LP on Pledgemusic, and I encourage you to support this great band.

Honeywagen

The biggest anticipated release has to be Emitt Rhodes first new full-length release since 1973. Producer Chris Price has assembled a village of power pop superstars to assist: Roger Joseph Manning Jr, Jason Falkner, Taylor Locke, Fernando Perdomo, and guest appearances from Aimee Mann, Susanna Hoffs, Jon Brion, Nels Cline & Pat Sansone (Wilco), Bleu, Probyn Gregory & Nelson Bragg (Brian Wilson Band). Omnivore Records has set the release date of February 26, 2016. Visit Emitt’s Pledgemusic page here.

Also in the works: Sonic Executive Sessions sophomore album and a new Vegas With Randolph album. And after he’s finished with Emitt Rhodes big re-introduction, producer Chris Price will follow up his debut album. Right now we only have this one song, “Uncle John” he made with Fernando Perdomo. Stay Tuned!

John Faye and Les Fradkin

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John Faye

John Faye “Meddling Kid”

With two decades in the music business under his belt, Philly rock veteran John Faye (Caufields, IKE) has truly gone solo where he plays every instrument on his newest LP. Fans of his past work will be glad to know that he’s just gotten better with age, “Mere Mortals” and “Back In The Day” are brilliant pop songs that touch on getting older without sounding old. The wonderful anthem “Keep On Hanging Around” almost dares the listener not to raise a fist in support of Faye. Like another late ’90s icon Adam Marsland, Faye has only mellowed slightly, he’s still got that fire on “Platonic” about ending up in “the friend zone.” Great stuff here that easily would’ve reached my top 25 if I heard it earlier!

CD Baby


Les Fradkin

Les Fradkin “Rehearsals for Retirement”

Guitarist Les Fradkin was one of the original members of the hit Broadway show “Beatlemania” playing lead guitar and the part of “George Harrison” in New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago from 1977-79. He’s in good company, with fellow former cast members Glenn Burtnik and Marshall Crenshaw. Since that time Les has been busy making lots of music (20 solo albums,) pioneered a Guitar Synthesizer, and played with many bands including The Ventures, The Left Banke and David Sanborn.

Rehearsals for Retirement is a 30 track retrospective of his career with selections from his many albums. If you like lots of jangle and heavy gloss production, this is for you. The opener “Jangleholic” and its exactly what you expect it to sound like, with 12 string McGuinn styled rhythm. Fradkin’s selections are mostly a mixed bag, some sure sound like long lost hits from the early ‘70s like “I Can Never Saw Goodbye” and  “God Bless California.” There are some CSNY and Bryds influences on “Get It Together” and “Why Smiling.” So if you’re into rock with a unique point-of-view, this may float your boat.

Amazon | CD Baby

 

Happy New Year from Power Popaholic

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Happy New Year I wish you all a good 2016.

Here is a new song by The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club to close out 2015 and its a FREE download. After going through a pile of lists from other sites, I have a few LPs to review that I missed last year. Then its on to new music for January! BTW, this your last chance to enter our FREE CD Giveaway. Winner gets picked tomorrow.

 

Major Label artists releases in 2015 – Part 2

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The big stars of rock/indie (some with power pop leanings) have come out of the woodwork this year and here are mini-reviews of some that I follow. If you missed it check out Part 1 of this.

 

Ben Folds

Ben Folds “So There” – Ben has slowly made his journey from piano popster to orchestral composer. He addresses this change on the poignant “Not A Fan.” But he still can make thrilling pop music buried under all those strings. Some good songs, but he eventually he goes to the full Concerto. At least Danny Elfman did it on separate albums. Listen to: “Phone in A Pool”, “Yes Man” Get it here.

The Fratellis

The Fratellis “Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied” – Huge shift in sound for the band; if you’re looking for another “Chelsea Dagger” go elsewhere. The grander, more dramatic  “Me and The Devil” and “Baby Don’t Lie To Me” sound a little like Supergrass. “Thief” is another standout here, and the funk bass on the circus-like “Dogtown” keeps it interesting. Unfortunately, it doesn’t consistently hit the mark. A good album, but it needed editing to make it great. Get it here.

Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams “Get Up” – The amazing Jeff Lynne does for Adams what he did for Roy Orbison; making him relevant to audiences again. Adams gets the full Wilbury treatment here with great catchy singles like “Go Down Rockin” and “That’s Rock and Roll.” Plus amazing ballads like “We Did It All” takes advantage of Adams sandpaper-vocal delivery. Its easy to see why Absolute Power Pop blog added this to his top ten. Proof Lynne always has the magic touch (with other artists.) Get it here.

Sleater-Kinney

Sleater-Kinney “No Cities To Love” – Legendary punk all-girl band returns. It’s a little more structured, less grungy, a decent reunion that delivers plenty of radio friendly songs that will appeal to the indie pop crowd. Bitching about the state of affairs on “Price Tag”,”Surface Envy,” and the catchy “A New Wave” are highlights.  Old fans will note it doesn’t reach the highs of 2008’s The Woods, but that’s okay – it’s a great starting point for new fans.  Get it here.