Now that Power Popaholic Fest is over, I need to decompress and relax. I will give you all a full review on the Fest in a day or two. Enjoy this sweet video from one of the greats, Nick Lowe from his album The Old Magic out on YepRoc. The song opens the album with finely crafted lyrics and strong melody, so typical of Nick Lowe. The video features a forlorn-looking Paul F. Tompkins wandering away from a party to find a place to be alone.
Any Version of Me and True Hearts
Any Version Of Me “A Matter Of Time”
The French artist known as Any Version Of Me has returned with a new release, and those familiar with late sixties pop will find another treat here. Moving away from the Brian Wilson sound of past albums, it drifts more towards The Beatles, Donavan and the Aerovons. Especially good is the title track, with its simple strum and double tracked vocal.
Each song has its own wry charm, but I really enjoyed “I Won’t Let You Down” with it’s harpsichord chords and catchy chorus. Like his past albums, AVOM doesn’t exactly sing anything at a quick tempo, as “Say You Don’t Mind” plods along like a John Lennon ballad. And too many songs use the same technique, on the other hand it’s well written and performed. Worth exploring and if you reward Beatlesque tendencies you’ll enjoy this even more.
True Hearts “True Hearts”
Its been a while since I could say a power pop treasure has been uncovered from years of obscurity. The True Hearts were a Houston-based band that was born when Gary Littleton convinced Terry Carolan (Just Boys) to move to Texas where they performed in several local bands (The Pinups, The Flirt).
The band recorded a limited release EP under the name, True Hearts in 1977. Heavily influenced by The Raspberries, it found only a limited audience at the time. But listening now I wonder how the majors missed these guys. The Raspberries soundalike single “Not Tonight” has a strong hook in the chorus, and you can hear the bands confidence improve with each song. The impressive musicianship and songwriting on “Talkin’ Bout Girls” and “If I’m Late” will appeal to fans of Pezband, Off Broadway and The Rich Kids. The band is a great example of classic late 70’s power pop sound, and this collection compiles all the songs, so discover this lost album at last.
Kool Kat Musik | Amazon
BREAKING NEWS: Mark DiCarlo of Fuzzbubble added to The Fest!
Okay I don’t think I have to mention that The Power Popaholic Fest is tomorrow night. But I just got word that Mark DiCarlo of legendary power pop band Fuzzbubble will be singing along side The Heartless Devils for a few songs. If you want to hear how good Fuzzbubble was, just listen to the vid above. Get the debut album here.
Holy crap, it’s gonna be a wild night. Just be there early to catch all the action!
Steven Wright-Mark and Mark Crozer & The Rels
Steven Wright-Mark “My Plastic World”
Steven Wright-Mark sure loves the big riff. “I Wanna” and “On Your Turntable” is lead by dominant riffs that would be comfortable on a classic Matthew Sweet album. Especially sweet is the layered vocals of “Almost Summer” it echos of Cheap Trick and The Posies. “That Star” is a fuzzy guitar grower, about his dreams of pop star greatness. Steven’s vocal is eerily reminiscent of Eytan Mirsky in spots (“The End OF Another Year”) and the high energy rhythms and tempo start to wear on you by albums end. A slower, or mid tempo tune would have helped, but talent this good isn’t easily restrained so crank up the volume and enjoy it.
Mark Crozer and the Rels “Mark Crozer and the Rels”
Mark Crozer (Jesus & Mary Chain) has a new album for all you retro-pop lovers. In the 60’s all you needed was a fuzz riff and short hook to make it, and Crozer’s debut follows that blueprint with the pulsing groove of “War Drum.” Then “I Need A Vaccination” gives us a punk pop beat and a solid hook in the chorus. Mix the new wave guitar and tambourines in “Killed By Karma” and “Sunshine” is a gem with its sugar pop atmosphere. My favorite is “Brand New World” – it sounds like a lost Monkees single. However with all the sixties pop love here, it still has an 80’s heart (“Put Those 80s Records On”) and with 14 tracks you are sure to find a favorite.
markcrozermusic.com | Amazon
The Power Popaholic Interview: Jeff Whalen of Tsar
So I was lucky enough to get an interview with the lead guitarist and vocalist of Tsar, Jeff Whalen. We talk about what happened after the debut, and the new EP that I reviewed early last week. Check out the interview here.
NEWS UPDATE:
Musicians from around the world will pay tribute to the words and music of the incomparable Elvis Costello on “Beyond Belief: A Tribute to Elvis Costello,” a compilation to be released in 2013 on Futureman Records.
Co-produced by longtime Costello fans Olivia Frain and John M. Borack, the collection will feature more than two dozen artists putting their own spin on both Costello classics and deep cuts. Listeners will be treated to everything from 30-something-year-old gems from the new wave era to musical infants from Costello’s more recent work. Proceeds from the release will benefit the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, a non-profit organization that donates musical instruments to under-funded school music programs.
Why Elvis Costello? Well he’s a got a 35 year track record as one of rock’s most prolific artists, and Borack adds “There are just so many amazing songs in his catalog, and we wanted to hear what some of our favorite musicians could do with them.” See the Facebook page!