Major Label artists releases in 2015 – Part 1

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The big stars of rock/indie (with power pop leanings) have come out of the woodwork this year and although a rare few made my Top 25 list (Tommy Keene, Chris Stamey almost made it) most have been putting out exceptional music:

 

Wilco

Wilco “Star Wars” – The band continues to pave its own course (a free download!), mixing the influences from newer (Radiohead) and older (Lou Reed, Beatles) bands. Plays like a stripped down rehearsal in spots, with little studio gloss. Solid release stands nicely alongside its post-2008 albums. Listen to: “More”
Get it here.

Squeeze

Squeeze “Cradle to The Grave” – The Tilbrook-Difford songwriting partnership continues to dazzle. While not as good as the 1980-90’s era, its damn close. A welcome return to form, and some real sweet gems here. Listen to: “Nirvana”, “Happy Days”
Get it here.

Jeff Lynne

Jeff Lynne’s ELO “Alone In The Universe” – This was hyped up quite a bit and even though I love Jeff and the ELO sound, it just didn’t impress me. Maybe he shouldn’t have re-hashed “Showdown” into “Love & Rain,” it sounds like ELO on autopilot. Oh well. Listen to: “Dirty To The Bone”, “Ain’t It A Drag”
Get it here.

Joe Jackson

Joe Jackson “Fast Forward” – Leave it to Joe to deliver excellent musicianship and great songwriting that sounds like a mature artist. No this isn’t rock or the early ’80s and the brilliant title track makes it clear. While a bit long and with a few jazzy filler tunes, this is still a good album for JJ fans. Listen to: “If It Wasn’t For You”, “Junkie Diva” Get it here.

The Top 25 Power Pop Albums of 2015

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This was a very good year for power pop. In a few cases, albums I previously gave a rank of “8” are included in the top 25 and others I ranked “9” dropped off compared to the rest (instead of expanding my list). Sometimes ranking an album “8” or “9” at the time is based on its immediacy and doesn’t take into account if its a grower (aka an album that grows on you). Also this year I’ve elected not to make a video, but will include my 30 minute radio show*, which plays some of the music from selections below:

TOP POWER POP ALBUMS

  1. Reno Bo “Lessons from a Shooting Star”
  2. Michael Carpenter “The Big Radio”
  3. Tommy Keene “Laugh In The Dark”
  4. Three Hour Tour “Action and Heroes”
  5. The Turnback “Are We There Yet?”
  6. Nick Piunti “Beyond The Static”
  7. Ryan Hamilton “Hell Of A Day”
  8. The Orange Peels “Begin the Begone”
  9.  Mooner “Masterpiece”
  10.  Sam Vicari “Giving Up”
  11.  Kurt Baker “Play It Cool”
  12.  The Connection “Labor Of Love”
  13.  Pop4 “Summer”
  14. Michael Sherwood & Christian Nesmith “Groovy Lemon Pie”
  15.  Ryan Allen & His Extra Arms “Heart String Soul”
  16. The Lunar Laugh “Apollo”
  17. Fireking “Double Trouble”
  18. Adam Levy “Naubinway”
  19. Ex-Norwegian “Pure Gold”
  20. Elvyn “Valley Of The Kilowatt Hour”
  21.  Coke Belda “Nummer Zwei”
  22.  Greg Pope “Fanboy”
  23.  Love Axe “South Dakota”
  24. Yorktown Lads “Songs About Girls and Other Disasters”
  25.  Late Cambrian “Golden Time”

TOP 5 EPS

  1. Andy Reed “Relay Vol.1” EP
  2. The New Trocaderos “Frenzy In The Hips”
  3. Hidden Pictures – California Plates
  4. Donny Brown “Hess Street”**
  5. The Zags – The Zags

BEST COMPILATION

International Pop Overthrow Vol. 18

Comment: One thing I noticed this year was several artists experiencing life altering events as inspirations for their music (Adam Levy, The Orange Peels, Ex-Norwegian) and some emulated the late 1970s for inspiration (Pop4, Andy Reed). But I still love a great melodic hook – and that’s what put them on this years list.

Tomorrow:  It was unusual to see so many rock veterans produce albums after long periods of inactivity, I will have a list and mini reviews of major label artists from 2015.
* Note: The radio show was made when my list wasn’t quiet finished, so please forgive any errors.

** Note: Technically this was a late 2014 album, but I reviewed it in 2015.

Merry Christmas!

powerpopaholic

I wish you all a peaceful, healthy and prosperous Holiday Season.

Enjoy this new Green Day holiday song!

Open your present! It’s Close to the Hedge, a collection of new and/or previously unreleased songs donated by the artists and friends of Pink Hedgehog Records. It’s a FREE download!

Please enter to win a 3-CD collection if you haven’t already. The Top Albums of 2015 list comes out December 28, 2015.

Enjoy this new Dent May holiday song!

It’s the Jingle Jangle Giveaway!

powerpopaholic

 

giveaway

FREE TO ENTER! This contest is sponsored by the Power Pop Hall Of Fame ™. Now is your chance to win! Submit your name for a chance to win a set of three power pop CDs. The CDs are:

  1. “Jingle Jangle Pop” Assorted Artists
  2. The Honeymoon Stallions “The Honeymoon Stallions”
  3. Watts “Flash Of White Light”

Power Pop Hall Of Fame

A random drawing will take place at the headquarters at the Power Pop Hall Of Fame ™ on December 31st, 2015. All entries must contain a valid e-mail. Winner will be contacted by e-mail and must have a mailing address within in the United States.

Fill out my online form.
Online contact and registration forms from Wufoo.

Disclaimer: Winner will be displayed on January, 2, 2016. Power Popaholic may be in touch by e-mail to let you know about concerts, events, and related products. We will NOT share your information any with other persons or entities. If you do not wish to subscribe to our list please contact us to unsubscribe.

Singles: Burgess Meredith, Big Huge, Swedish Polar Bears and Alicia Rae

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Just a few final singles before the holidays…

Burgess Meredith is a 60’s-influenced rock & roll band located in Austin, TX. The band pays tribute to the late great actor and was formed by Josh King, John Vishnesky and Jesse Hester. These guys sound pretty amazing; a bit like a young 10cc, rumor is they’ve been tapped for next years IPO. All I can say is I can’t wait for the new LP to come out. Proof the future of power pop is bright with these artists!

Big Huge is pop punk band from NYC. I don’t know much about them – but they are unsigned and have a raw energy that’s hard to ignore. Check’em out.

The Swedish Polarbears give us the best Teenage Fanclub song not made by Teenage Fanclub in “Norman Blake.” Although this song isn’t new, the band is working on a new EP for 2016 called The Great Northern.

Alicia Rae is a singer-songwriter from Washington, DC. The self-taught guitarist purchased her first guitar in 2009, and quickly found her knack for songwriting. A little shy, it took some convincing from her loved ones to perform at her first open mic in late 2012. Alicia was quickly recognized for her crisp vocals and catchy lyrics. Pick up her EP at Noisetrade for a mere tip.