Whitejacket “Hollows and Rounds”

powerpopaholic

Chicago-based Musician Chris McDuffie has been part of Apples In Stereo since Tone Soul Evolution, but now he’s moved to Chicago and created his own band, Whitejacket (a reference to a literary influence of his, Herman Melville) that wears its Beatlesesque influences on its sleeve.

Opening with the low key “Versus Angel” its got all those vintage sounds and ghostly choruses that the Apples are famous for. White Album fans are sure to hear the cues in “The Modern” and “Easy Now.” Chris also claims more obscure influences like Margo Guryan and Billy Nicholls. “The genesis of the record came from my long-standing admiration of the baroque pop of the late sixties and seventies,” McDuffie explains. “I guess I’ve always been fascinated with the arrangement and production from that period, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve come to appreciate it even more.” We appreciate it too. The overall tone of the album is slow and measured, be sure to soak it all in.

 CD Baby  | Amazon

Ambulance “Planet You”

powerpopaholic 3 Comments

Let’s go back in time to the skinny tie era of Power Pop (before people even knew the term) in 1980. And a little known New Jersey band, Ambulance had a single “It’s All Up To You” early that year on Sing Sing Records. And even Richie Ramone helped play drums on that track. Much like our friends Buddy Love, these gents have returned decades later to re-tell the tale of Ambulance.

If you are a fan of that old school garage power pop, SW Miller (guitar), Bobby Padula(drums) and Alan Rigoletto (bass) deliver the raw energy and  enthusiasm. The original tracks are great – and mixed in with the new stuff. I’ll give Miller credit, his guitar playing and song composition are spot on. Unfortunately his vocal sounds like Bob Geldof with a sinus cold and the attempted harmonies on “Tonight” made me cringe. There are several good new tracks here like,”Not Fighting Fair” and “Believe In You.” But I had difficulty getting past those vocals. Fans of the early punk/new wave era however will not be disappointed.

Artists Site | CD Baby  | Amazon

 

Eytan Mirsky and Astra Via

powerpopaholic 4 Comments

Eytan Mirsky “Year Of The Mouse”
The perpetual optimist Mirsky is best known for the songs he contributed to the indie films “Happiness,” “American Splendor” and “The Tao of Steve.” His approach is often compared to Nick Lowe or Marshall Crenshaw, with a strumming rhythm guitar  as his constant backdrop.

The album benefits from compelling songwriting and hook filled choruses like in the opener “This Year’s Gonna Be Our Year” and the fast paced “Positive Energy.” Lots of heartbreak tunes like “Another Week Or Two” and “I’m Losing You.” Eytan throws in a ballad or two, my favorite being the inspiring “Don’t Forget.” He even gets a bit honky tonk on “A Little Heartache,” so overall a thoroughly enjoyable album.  Eytan sells his catalog on CD Baby and Amazon, but this new album is on Bandcamp only.

Astra Via “Folie a Deux” EP
Astra Via is the music of Olivia Mancini and Jarrett Nicolay. They remind me a of Abba, and you’ll hear the similarities on “Fame” with its layered instrumentals. The next few tracks are more roots oriented, with “be Where You Are” and “Lone Traveller.” I’m not sure who’s singing on “I Don’t Mind” but it’s also very pretty in a Paul Simon way. Ending with a cover of The Beatles “I’m So Tired” it makes an impressive debut. And its practically free, so get it now!