Above, the concert prior to the premier of the movie Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me. A ton has been written about the film last week, so any attempt by me to regurgitate it seems pointless. Instead rent the film on itunes, if you are a fan it’ll tell you everything you ever wanted to know about Big Star.
Interview with Director Drew DiNicola | Q & A with Drew DiNicola and cast
Darren Sweet “Pop’s Three Minute Pleasures” EP
If you were around during the Not Lame years in the late 90s, then you remember The Naked Chollas.Led by musician Daren Sweet, his influences ranged from The Knack, The Romantics, The Beat, and Joe Jackson. But just as the band was beginning to catch on, it faded from view. Now Sweet has re-emerged, “I guess I am still carrying the torch for power pop music”, said Sweet. “Pop’s Three Minute Pleasures in my own statement and my own brand of power pop”.
Starting with “Great Big World,” it’s a mint single, jangling verse with a big fat hook in the chorus. Next the homophone filled “Caring More Bout Karen Less” is another energetic gem, and mid-tempo “It’s Not Your Time” has a palpable sense of longing and a terrific guitar solo in the break. Honestly, almost every song shines here proves Darren hasn’t lost a beat in the past ten years. And even though the last 2 tracks are longer than three minutes, it certainly was a pleasure to listen to.
Get it at CD Baby
Beady Eye “BE ” (Deluxe Edition)
For all you Oasis fans, Liam Gallagher’s Beady Eye returns to go through the routine of developing rock anthems on sophomore album BE, starting with the opening horns on “Flick Of The Finger,” which has a plodding verse buildup that feels like Oasis-lite. Not a bad tune, but without a big payoff in the chorus, it fails to generate real excitement. Unlike the enjoyable debut LP Different Gear, Still Speeding, the production here sounds too clean and antiseptic. So the next tune on BE, “Soul Love,” drones on like a long song intro, instead of a fully complete tune. Read the Full review at BlogCritics.org
Shake Some Action “Wait For The Summer”
You know I almost never review singles, BUT once in a while an exception is made and this song is so good I had to spread it around to all of you. Fresh off of Full Fathom Five, James Hall has this kick ass single, that’s only a buck and essential summer listening!
Jose Casas y la Pistola de Papá “Canciones de Kilómetro Cero”
For the Spanish power pop lovers, Jose Casas gives us nice little EP full of power pop covers in español. The EP begins a big way with “Cielo”, an appropriation of the “Heaven” by The Psychedelic Furs, and continues with the awesome “No Quiero Ilusionarme, ” a bright and luminous adaptation of a song by The Red Button. La Pistola de Papa also do a tribute to Jason Falkner (The Three O’Clock and Jellyfish), transforming “Miss Understanding” into “Que Parezca un Accidente.”
Best of all, es gratis, sin dinero necesario!
I was lucky enough to speak with Corin Ashley about the the genesis of New Lion Terraces, one of the year’s best albums. This smart, lyrical pop was partially recorded at Abbey Road and its filled with sprinkles of psychedelia, power pop and acoustic instrumentation. Listen to our interview over here.
Too Much Saturn “Moving Forward Sideways”
This band played at Chicago’s IPO this year, consisting of Mark Hoffman (guitar/vocals), Chris Cerasoli (keys/vocals), Russ Spice (guitar/vocals), Guy Sheldon (bass/vocals), and Dave Franco (drums). The debut is full of spunky attitude and melodic hooks, with a sound somewhere in between The Lemonheads and The Barenaked Ladies.
“Photogenic” is a first rate power pop single, along the lines of The Rubinoos with an emphasis on guitars and fun. “Walter Cronkite” and “What is Your Plan?” gives us jerky synth and riff combos that recall The Cars, but the standout for me is “Funny” with its inventive arrangement and great guitar solo midway through. It ends well with a bright cover of The Monkees’ “Daydream Believer.” Lots of talent and potential here, so give it a chance.
Anny Celsi “January”
After his Celsi blew me away with her last album, she takes a step back and delivers a more polished adult oriented album. With a gallery of talented friends (Adam Marsland, Rich McCulley, Nelson Bragg, etc.) Annys’ talent shines through each track. The light bouncy melody of “Au Revoir, My Darling” owes much to the classic 60’s hits, like “You Can’t Hurry Love.” The breezy “Travelogue” is a soothing bit of folk pop as we search for “music to take us home,” the soft harmonies are really sweet. “Ghosts In The Room” has a country feel, and the slow ballad “Oh Baby, Is The Circus In Town” is beautifully descriptive, as it sets the mood perfectly. As finely crafted as it is, some of the songs didn’t stick with me. The last several tracks are more winter themed, like the orchestrated ballad “Wait” and the lap steel beauty of “Christmas in The Pines.” Fans of Paul Simon, or Norah Jones will also love much of this pop mellowness.