Radio Days “Get Some Action”

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Radio Days are Milan’s premier power pop band and like another Italian band, Radio Days took some time to find it’s sound, but with Get Some Action it’s reached near perfection. Opening with the clean melody line of “Burning Together” it’s part Weezer, part Rubinoos, with a dash of The Wonders.

“Girl, Girl, Girl” continues the sunny smooth ride, each melody more contagious as we go along. The title track emphasizes simple three chords, handclaps and a bouncy chorus of “yeah, yeah, yeah.” The slower “One Thousand Miles Away” brings forth dreamy harmonies, and “Love and Fun” uses a familiar Joe Jackson bass riff to great effect, guaranteed to make you dance. Lead vocalist and chief songwriter, Dario Persi doesn’t go for any complex poetry here, like the early Beatles it’s all about getting the girl. Then losing the girl. The minor key masterpiece “Goodbye My Lover” makes it clear that even if you break up with him, he “just wants to see you smile.” It may be simplistic, but rarely are the basics of power pop done so well. Easily makes my top ten list for 2013.

Bandcamp | Amazon | Out on CD March 6.

A Tribute to Lite Rock: What the artists are saying…

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We’ve already mentioned Andrew Curry’s awesome Tribute to Lite Rock CD Kickstarter project. Now hear why the artists wanted to do it. We also have the full line up: Mike Viola, Eytan Mirsky, Michael Carpenter, Brandon Schott, Linus Of Hollywood, Bleu, Willie Wisley, Kyle Vincent, Kelly Jones, Lisa Mychols, Mike Ruekberg, Lannie Flowers, Vegas With Randolph, Paul Bertolino, Throwback Suburbia, Paul Myers, Seth Swirsky, Cliff Hillis, The Davenports, Greg Pope, An American Underdog, David Myhr, Sonic Executive Sessions, Wyatt Funderburk, Joe Giddings, Chris Von Sneidern, Plasticsoul, Sunshine On Mars and Popdudes (whew!). This all ends on March 9, 2013 – so hurry up!

Gerry OKeefe and Andy Stone

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Gerry O’Keefe “Whatever Suits You”
Chicago musician Gerry O’Keefe was lead vocalist of the power pop band The Hideouts. This solo effort enables Gerry to explore several styles of pop. The simple guitar melody of “Your Brand New Beginning” is a catchy folk pop tune with nice laid back harmonies. Vocally O’Keefe resembles Cat Stevens, and it works well in the Country melody of “Darlin’ Divine.”

Many of the songs are mid-tempo gems but the slow ballads really stand out, “Lovingly” is a touching song by a dying man who serenades his “precious one” and “Dream Like I Used To” is a wistful acoustic surrender. The pop jangle of “In Your Closet” is another highlight sure to impress and “The Road That Doesn’t End” reminds me of Richard X Heyman‘s recent work. This refreshing collection ends with “We’ll Call It Hope,” and I hope we hear some more from Mr. O’Keefe in the future.

Bandcamp | CD Baby  | Amazon

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Andy Stone “This Giant Awoke”
Andy Stone returns with his third LP, very much like his last one. Starting with the very bouncy piano tune “Another Rainy Day,” very much in the McCartney/Emitt Rhodes mold. “I Am The Adopted Kid” is clearly trying to be Andy Partridge, with quick changes in tempo and melody. When he goes into Ray Davies mode on “Topsy Turvy” and “Understanding Me” things definitely click.

Clearly Stone is an excellent songwriter, with clear hooks and strong lyrics, but his vocals just fall short on “The Couple Sitting Next To Me” and “Welcome To Your Love.” But the melodies are adventurous and compelling enough that fans should give it listen.

CD Baby | Amazon

Shake Some Action! and The Junipers

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Shake Some Action! “Full Fathom Five”
More than previous efforts, James Hall has remained consistent in his love of guitar oriented power pop. He’s touched on the Manchester sound in Fire and Ice and the garage elements in Sunny Days Ahead.

Now with Full Fathom Five, James continues with his 60’s Brit pop style. The unmistakable Rickenbacker 12 string jangle greets us on the opener “Lost In Space.” Without missing a beat the magic continues on “Nothing Can Stop Me Now.” “Soul On Fire” is a fantastic single with its goose bump inducing chorus, rivaling Supergrass or Oasis (at their peak). Even the mid tempo “Lost Without You” has great big hook, and no filler anywhere. The Merseybeat ” I Didn’t Know What To Say” is so good, it sounds like a lost track from those Liverpool lads. It also varies its sound enough to prevent falling into a rut, making each of those 14 tracks fly by. More than other albums, the vocals are better and the songwriting is rock solid. It’s a retro treat and a definite contender for best album in 2013.

Bandcamp | Soul on Fire single only

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The Junipers “Paint The Ground”
 The Junipers are a psychedelic pop group with a new line up following 2008’s Cut Your Key. Paint The Ground is one of the best sunshine folk pop LPs ever with sweet harmonies and shimmering guitars similar to Curt Boettcher and Millennium. “Willow and The Water Mill” is a song that paints a vivid picture of a summer day in the country.

The gentle “Phoebus Filled The Town” is a heartbreaking melody with a prog-folk sound that will remind many of Steve Hackett era Genesis.  Each song seamlessly blends into a perfect tapestry of mood, as in “Antler Season,” the ethereal chorus rides along an acoustic melody. The only issue is that these songs tend to be indistinguishable from each other. Using a full load of instruments from Mellotrons to Zithers, it perfectly evokes the sunshine pop era without blatantly ripping it off – a true musical treasure.

CD Baby | Amazon

Concert Connection: Robbie Williams

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* English pop superstar Robbie Williams tagged along with Oasis during the 90’s but moved out of the Brit-pop shadow by the turn of the century. He’s moved more towards dance pop starting with 2002’s Escapeology and then hit #1 with Rudebox, a group of originals and covers that went double platinum in 2006. Recently he finished Take The Crown last year, a career revival with with big hooks and huge stadium sized melodies. Currently touring with Olly Murs (who has  developed quite a viral fan base), if you are interested in Robbie Williams tickets then now is the time to see him.