The Power Popaholic interviews: Meital Dohan and Little Barrie

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It’s been quite a while since I put up an interview, but here are two that I finished last month and finally got around to editing. The UK’s Little Barrie have gotten rave reviews for their latest “King Of The Waves,” which I reviewed back in  February. Lead guitarist Barrie Cadogan couldn’t have been any nicer to me, and its a shame his last concert in NYC was on a weekday where I couldn’t get out. Check out the interviews page or listen to the interview directly.

In the “Hey-that’s-NOT-power-pop” department I interviewed the lovely Meital Dohan. Meital is an Israeli actress known for her supporting role on Showtimes’s Weeds as Yael Hoffman. She’s also done several episodes of the Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite) series Woke Up Dead and a couple movies. However she is also breaking into the dance pop genre and has a 2 new singles Yummy and Yummy Boyz. You can listen to my interview with her directly or visit todaysmodernpop.com

 

The Lemon Clocks “Now Is The Time”

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The Lemon Clocks, a “power pop all-star” lineup comprising Jeremy Morris, Todd Borsch (The Ringles/The Gilligans), and Stefan Johansson (The Proper Electronic Company), divide this album up between jangle and psychedelic prog rock. So retro you will swear this is a long lost 60’s classic. The Rickenbacker riffs jump forward on the punchy “Garden Of Eden”and then on the 8 minute plus “Rainbow Bridge” its like a magical pairing of The Byrds and 13th Floor Elevators.

The trippy hippie mantras “Life Is LIke A Dream” and “The Bright Side” are great tracks among many here. The vocals get a bit lost in spots (“The Man Who Lost The Time”) but Jeremy’s in full McGuinn mode throughout the album. A great head trip for pop fans who want to go to a “Better World Beyond.” Even the sizzling guitar distortions on “Lemon Clock Land” give the old Pink Floyd a run for its money. Not a weak track anywhere and my top pick for psychedelic pop album this year – so tune in and turn on, man. Also recommended for fans of those neo-psyche bands like Olivia Tremor Control and Neural Milk Hotel.

Kool Kat Musik | Jam Recordings | Amazon

Monday Freebies: The Tonighters, District Attorneys and The Counters

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The Tonighters “Photograph” EP
A while back I let you all sample the new band The Tonighters. Well, Billy Gilbert and his band got enough interest from this blog, so he decided to pass along a new EP. And yes it’s also a FREE download from bandcamp. Seriously the band sounds better than ever – thanks!

The District Attorneys “Basement Sessions” EP
Here’s another hidden gem, Drew Beskin and his band have been prepping a new album, and these are some of the sessions, including a cover of “Wrecking Ball” written by Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings.  It’s also a FREE download from Bandcamp.

The Counters “This Doesn’t Mean We’re Friends”
This is a good combination album with a little power pop, folk and country sprinkled throughout. The London, Ontario band is basically musician Rupert Heath and his friends. Power pop fans will enjoy “When You Come Around” and  “New Orleans,” and if you like a bit of country try “Death Won’t Slow Me Down” and “Cowboy Song.” It proves that you don’t need to be a one-trick-pony as a musician. And it’s “Name-your-own-price” on bandcamp as a digital download.

The Successful Failures and Dale Murray

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The Successful Failures “Here I Am”
The New Jersey guitarist Mick Chorba (Dipsomaniacs) leads his indie band The Successful Failures through their new album in typical fashion. Think Weezer meets The Goo Goo Dolls and add a touch of Wilco in places and you get the idea.  Starting with “How People Start Sentences” the dual guitar riffs drive the strong melody. It gets even crunchier on the next few tracks, “I Only Know What I Feel” is a standout with a key change in the chorus and “The Rise Of China” is a timely subject with strong beat.

It shifts into roots mode on the intro to “Clifton Mills” but finishes up in familiar territory. By the albums mid-point the band hits its stride,”Mickey Mantle’s Knees” and “Pig Tight Cattle High” combines the harmonies with a hook-laden melodies. The Successful Failures continue to improve although a few rough edges remain (“Turn It Down”). Still a really, really good album for those that enjoy extra power in their pop.

CD Baby | Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Dale Murray “Dream Mountain Dream”
Formerly of alt. country band Cuff The Duke,  Murray gives us some gorgeous jangle rock and folk pop sound on his newest solo outing. The title track opens like a Traveling Wilburys single, with a very Harrison-like melodic hook. The majestic “Assess The Mess” is another highlight, as Murray’s haunting vocal reaches its dramatic peak in the chorus.

Murray’s song writing is also superb. The stunning “Now You’ve Been Warned” has both intensely personal lyrics and a great arrangement. Fans of  a great love song need look no further than the strumming on “You Are My Girl”  to make a moving proposal. “Grove” and “Life Moves” both have solid Byrdsian jangle. Overall no filler and  alt.country fans will not want to miss this one.

CD Baby | Amazon