John Brodeur “Little Hopes”
The culmination of several years of work,  Brodeur moves beyond Tiger Pop, to a more mature sound. Brodeur starts with the minimalist hand claps “Be Careful,” but quickly rocks out the confident guitars on “One Man Army.” The next few songs have a modern sound, like Matt Pond meets Arcade Fire, or Liam Finn. Both “Neil Young” and “Oh My” have a touch of roots rhythm and the echoing vocals here are similar to Mark Oliver Everett (Eels), but the album really picks up steam mid way through.

“Favorite Feeling” has a great bass riff and fast paced chorus, then “Old Wounds” is an amazing confessional tune full of great composition. But my favorite song here is “You Kill Me,” a slowly building power pop gem with layered chords and an killer hook in the chorus. Then”Spit It Out” gives us another fantastic guitar gem about “happy endings all around.”  Trust me, you’ll want to play this LP over and over. Don’t miss it.

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Dana Countryman “Pop! The Incredible, Fantastic Retro Pop World of Dana Countryman”
Countryman is one of those musical chameleons like Vinnie Zummo,  who can play several different genres with ease. He’s done a ton of commercial TV work including a song that appeared in South Park. This album is a smorgasbord of pop styles, starting with “Every Night” and “Thrill Me” its a glossy mix of The Carpenters combined with The Buckinghams. Crisp harmonies are part of “Tricia’s Song,” a achingly good romantic ballad. “I Still Get Shy” is like a long lost Neil Sedaka tune, and “Peanut Buttery Gumdrop Girl” recalls the bubblegum era pretty accurately.

Countryman also has guest musicians including Dee Long (Klaatu) and Wally Reddington III(The Explorers Club) to name a few. Then he explores some 80’s AOR soul and even manages to throw in a country tune in (“Throw My Heart In The Garbage Can”). So its pretty safe to say fans of retro pop will enjoy this.

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Schnauser “Where Business Meets Fashion”
Welcome to the world of Schnauser – a place where Canterbury prog, 60s psych and melodic pop gently collide. After the impressive Sound of Meat, the band picks up where it left off albeit at a less manic pace. It’s about contrasts for lead singer/songwriter Alan Strawbridge (Lucky Bishops). “Showers of Blood” cheerfully describes a gory scene with a sweet chorus. “Good Looking Boy” is another winner about a computer nerd who sees nothing special in “good looking girls.”

The Byrdsian jangle starts off “Dinner Party,” its a highlight with many key changes to delight. “Pigeons” and “Waterloo Teeth” channel Ray Davies through bright Floydian glasses. A Schauser album is always a treat for listeners who re-visit the album. It’s got a dark psychedelic trip just underneath that sugary coating. You’ll always hear a passage that catches you, or a twist that loses you (often midway through a song). A musical maze awaits for the smart audiophile!

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

The Brigadier “Suburban Incubation”
Welsh musician Matt Williams (The Brigadier) once gain showers us with melodic pop-rock full of intricate chord changes and lighter than air melodies. He starts with the up tempo “It Needed to be Sunny” chock full of fuzz guitar goodness. The pastoral compositions are still here, “Don’t Want To Think Anymore” and “Little Boba” are perfect for a lazy Sunday in the park.

Some of the songs stick to the theme of getting older, from the insecurities of the love song “Do You Want Me Too?” to the look back at “The Middle Ages.” The Brigadier continues to dazzle us with the excellent “Music Makes The Pain Go Away.” Is there anything else more truthful? Highly Recommended.

Amazon | CD Baby

I have to raise my glass in mutual respect for Torbjorn Pettersson and his band. Not too many groups are willing to carry on the shiny pop torch pioneered by The Merrymakers, but The Tor Guides are thrilled to do so. Their last LP Strawberries & Chocolates was pretty sweet, and things get sweeter (and more polished) here.

The glossy opener “Dynamo” recalls ELO’s grand sweep with the tandem of pipe organ and bass guitar in a catchy head bopping melody. “Things We’ll Do Today” flows in perfectly, as light easy listening pop just made for a sunny day. “When The Stars” plays like a lost Wondermints track with its Beach Boys styled rhythm guitar. The love ballad “Apricote” does feel a little too saccharine, and reveals Torbjorns vocal limitations. Fortunately that’s the only miscue, as “Sentimental Fool” is an infectious pop gem that delivers. “Happy” is another gem that is the closest to The Merrymakers with its harmonies and rolling riffs. Torbjorn leaves the template for the four minute plus “Turquoise” and its a compelling chamber pop composition. Overall very highly recommended.