A Pop Garden Christmas and The Winter Wonderband

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“A Pop Garden Christmas” Adam Waltemire the host of WMEL’s Pop Garden Radio brings us this basket of Christmas cheer in the form of 23 truly great holiday songs. He’s gathered tracks  from power pop musicians including Lannie Flower’s “Chritsmas With Out You” we featured last week. It’s an all-star cast: Lisa Mychols, Timmy Sean, Mimi Betinis, Vegas With Randolph and many more. Worth every shiny penny on Bandcamp.

“The Christmas Waltz” If you’d like a more traditional holiday approach towards music. Eric Crugnale and a group of musician friends (including Kevin Bents) and family made this album as a way to christen his new home studio, Fairway Sound. Check out the angelic harmonies on “The Christmas Song.” Get it at a “Name your own price.”

The Candle Thieves and Parthenon Huxley

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The Candle Thieves “All’s Well That Ends Well”
Peterborough, England’s The Candle Thieves have struck again. Two unassuming guys, lead vocalist Scott McEwan and a dude simply named “The Glock” burst forth with a very glossy brand of heartfelt, optimistic pop. The opening song “Tomorrow Is Another Day” is a full on mix of Beach Boys/Carpenters layered harmonies with a melody as sweet as buttered toast. “Ocean of Storms” is a more standard pop approach with synths and soft falsetto. “Sugarcandy Mountain” is another bouncy gem of a love song, and “Keys To My World” is a measured ballad that almost turns to syrup. Vocally, the duo kind of reminds me of an English version of The Rembrandts.

But without a wasted track, it successfully navigates through an early confidence builder “The Little Engine That Could” to the rousing “Don’t Grow Up Too Soon.” The concept of holding on to childhood so tightly it drives romance away is artfully done and with the inspiring ending “Honey I’m Home,” it brings the listener back from the sugar rush. No filler here and even though I almost missed it, I’m happy to add it to my year end “best of” list.

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Parthenon Huxley “Thank You Bethesda”
Parthenon Huxley or P.Hux as he’s called, is a veteran power pop artist I’ve known for a long time. Earlier this year he produced a new album and one of my fellow readers recommended a review. A new found energy is on the title track, a busy mix of Lou Reed-ish vocal phrasing and bass lines. In fact, Reed’s influence is all over this album. An early highlight is the catchy rocker “Angeleno,” about the search for fame and fortune in L.A.

He moves from from the slow soulful “Luckiest Man” to the smooth pop of “Long Way To Go.” His Beatlesque side comes out on “Roller Coaster” and “A Feeling That Won’t Fade Away.” The tonal shifts almost feel like you’re listening to a singles compilation album, it doesn’t stick to a single mood, but the overall theme is gratitude. This is a terrific album brimming with excellent guitar work and joyous melody. My last “top ten” recommendation of 2013.

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Lannie Flowers “Christmas Without You”

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It’s about that time of year where I start to compile my “Best of 2013” list and in the next few days showcase some great Christmas music from a few of my favorite artists this year. It goes without saying that Lannie Flowers is an outstanding musician and I’ve seen him very recently, so he gets my first nod to the holiday videos.

Note: In addition to doing the top 25 power pop albums of the year, I will be hosting a full 30 minute radio show on Sunday December 29 @ 7:30pm on 11L New York Radio International courtesy of John Lightning and Dave “The Boogieman.” Mark your Calendars!

Dylan Sires and Neighbors “No One”

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It’s not easy to pigeon-hole the Iowa based Dylan Sires and Neighbors. They definitely have a solid command of melody in the tradition of power pop, and are influenced by The Beatles, Vampire Weekend and 50’s styled balladry. The title track, “No One” is a bouncy piano melody with strong vocal harmonies and a Beatlesque beat. “In My Neighborhood” features a Harrison-like slide guitar and Dylan’s delicate crooning vocal. Quick tempo guitar riffs are main draw in “Save My Life,” and “Messenger” with its dense Rickenbacker textures similar to Mod-era Who. At points the instrumentation has a minimal lounge-like feel like on “Hold Me” and “Second Man.”

Another highlight is the Nilsson-like “Pictures of You” showing a vivid memory coming to life. “One Shot” is another compelling rocker, one thing for sure is that Sires has a unique sound combination and precise musicianship that will keep you interested all the way through. On Bandcamp is the follow-up Someone is ready as well. Both LPs are part of a three album trilogy titled No One/Someone/Everyone. Everyone will be released summer 2014.

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Someone has a highlights as well. “Good Ol’ Boy” is a catchy gem that features Dylan’s high crooning and “Someone Knows” has an infectious beat and guitar rhythm.

Not to be outdone this season, the band has its own Christmas single.