Salim Nourallah “Hit Parade”

powerpopaholic 2 Comments

Texas based  singer/songwriter Nourallah was always a superior ballader, but on Hit Parade he hits paydirt. It sounds as if Ray Davies had joined The Beatles on a new White Album. It made the Absolute Powerpop #1 pick for 2012 and I’d squeeze it into my top ten at seven and a half. “38 Rue de Sevigne” opens slowly but expands with backing harmonies, guitars and drums into a rich tapestry.

It’s a concept album along chronological lines, when you’re young you feel “Unstoppable” but soon it becomes “This Goddamn Life.” While mostly downbeat, the album has some brilliant set pieces like the catchy “Channel 5” and the awesome title track with its rolling drum and bass line where Salim “used to be…”  Thinly disguised humor of “Travolta” reveals tragedy and “The Quitter” shows a maturity and humility that is rarely visible in music today. I’m grateful to those who brought this album to my attention.

Amazon | Itunes

More album favorites for 2012

powerpopaholic

This was an excellent year for melodic rock and indie-alternative pop. I didn’t have time to rank everything, but I did want to make another list for you, these are albums that I’ve enjoyed but I didn’t have time to review. More overlooked gems will be reviewed this week.

A message from Sunrise Highway musician who says “support indie artists!”

Songs for Sandy Hook

powerpopaholic

Before I go on to review the “best of” what I missed, I wanted to let you help another cause, Songs for Sandy Hook. 100% of all proceeds to Danbury Hospital in Connecticut. It’s got top notch talent and hauntingly beautiful songs. Highlights include tracks by Brandon Schott, Mike Viola, Herb Eimerman, and The Popdudes. Both volumes are available at Bandcamp.


Biggest Disappointments of 2012

powerpopaholic 10 Comments

Yeah this post might rile you up. I list and explain my biggest disappointments from some of my favorite musicians.

Jonny Polonsky “Intergalactic Messenger of Divine Light and Love”

OK I get it, the center of the universe is in your crotch – are we overcompensating here? After listening to this mess, I can point out one good tune, “See Your Lies” – but it’s a far cry from 2005 EP There is Something Wrong With You. I miss the old Jonny… this album proves “there is something wrong” with Jonny.

Jeff Lynne “Long Wave”

Sigh. It’s been so long since we heard from Mr. Blue Sky that the anticipation had me salivating.  And we get a cover album. It’s a very good cover album – Don Covay’s “Mercy, Mercy” is pure Wilbury-styled magic and other tracks like “Smile” are just lovely. But can we get some new songs Jeff? I expect this stuff from Brian Wilson – not you.

Paul McCartney “Kisses On The Bottom”

I love Sir Paul, but this just isn’t his style of music. Maybe he just decided to “cash in” on these oldies like Rod Stewart has been making off his great American songbook albums. At least Jeff Lynne made a good covers album, this reduces Paul to a cheap lounge singer. And a boring one at that – kiss my bottom, goo goo gajoob.

Other albums I wasn’t thrilled with this year