The Blood Rush Hour “Shrink”

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The Blood Rush Hour “Shrink”
Welsh combo lead by Robert DiStefano, The Blood Rush Hour  is a carefully crafted pop album that draws from 10cc, Jellyfish and Andrew Gold. But this band doesn’t just take influences, it twists them in knots. “The Way Back Home” is a smart opener with keys, horn accents and a little theatrical guitar solo. A great example of the shifts in tone is “Into The Fire.” It starts with a beatnik beat and sax, then shifts into a harmony filled chorus with a guitar heavy hook. My favorite “Came To Believe” is a gorgeous melody, that sounds a lot like Supertramp mixed with Roger Manning Jr.

Nothing here is predictable, and its simply hypnotic. “Delme” and the bright “Portrait of Jane” are reminiscent of Klaatu. The fact that you have two distinct vocalists here means, that you’re taken a back when Peter Tomlinson’s “The Nancy Song” and “Upon Losing A Kindred” prove to be a pleasant surprise. The jazzy swing undercurrent is throughout the album, with brass and brush drum and piano – it pops up occasionally. Another gem here is “The Tale of Lancelot” with its minor chord melody and it all comes together on the end track “Show Me Yourself” which ironically is the most power poppy song here. Definitely one of the most inventive albums this year. Fans of the mentioned influences, Martin Newell and Spygenius will love this. Highly recommended.

CD Baby | Amazon

The Connection and Kurt Baker

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The Connection “Seven Nights To Rock” EP
Those boys from Portsmouth NH continue to burn through classic rock and roll with a little rockabilly bend here on the title track.  “I Think She Digs Me” is a simple retro rock tune that’s all about teen innocence, with it’s “yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah” chorus.  If you loved the debut album, then this will be a great addition to your track list.

CD Baby | Amazon

Kurt Baker “Want You Around” EP
Another young gun in power pop circles is Kurt Baker and he continues to impress with this EP, the title track cracks with energy and bouncing riffs – part Elvis Costello, part Paul Collins.

Kurt’s faithful cover of Billy Joel’s “Sleeping With the Television On” is so good my ears did a double take. The other tunes,”News At 10″ goes at very rapid tempo and the defiant “Hollywood (Down On Your Luck)” adds some angular guitar and synths. Say hello to the new “Angry Young Man” of melodic rock.

CD Baby | Amazon

He’s Back! Jeff Lynne’s new single…

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Jeff Lynne (ELO front man, fifth Beatle, Wilbury Brother, etc.) will release a new solo album Long Wave on 10/9.

He also will release Mr. Blue Sky: The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra, a collection of ELO hits that have been re-recorded by Lynne. Why re-record these classics? According to Lynne, “When I listen to the old versions they don’t sound the way I thought they did when I first wrote and recorded them. I wanted to use the experience I’ve gained producing records ever since and have a completely new try at them.”

The last weekend of summer…

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so I intend to take a few days off from music reviewing this weekend to enjoy the last few days of summer. I have many new artists to promote next week and lets not forget September 22, 2012 is Powerpopaholic Fest. I expect all of you have marked your calendars for this awesome show. Click on the ad to your right for more info.

Wanderlust and Dan Miraldi

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Wanderlust “Record Time”
The reunited Scot Sax and Rob Bonfiglio bring back this classic 90’s power pop outfit into the spotlight. “Lou Reed” displays the grit and melodic riffs that got them noticed in the first place. Sax and Bonfiglio look back wistfully in “Blow Away” and brings some Raspberries nostalgia on the brilliant “Friend Tonight.”

The album’s theme is no doubt autobiographical, “Fork In The Road,” “Easy Street” and my favorite here, “We Need A Drummer” could be the soundtrack to a rock musical. The song starts slow, then builds to a Cheap Trick styled guitar and keyboard attack… “We need a drummer or this band will suck!” A Ziggy Stardust gospel number “Illuminate” is another sweet tune. The last few tracks don’t quite stick, but it’s worth celebrating another rock reunion – dig in and enjoy it.

Kool Kat Musik | Amazon

Dan Miraldi “Sugar & Adrenaline”
Cleveland rocker Miraldi (Silver Liners) has followed up his 2009 EP , with a pretty good full length album. The improvement in songwriting and vocals are noticeable on “Now Is The Right Time” and “Road Warrior.” A few missteps, like the faux hair metal “Few Rock Harder” and “Revenge” didn’t work for me.  But enough does, like the Cars styled “Record Collection” and sneering chorus of “Vampire Girl” bring to mind Tears for Fears. Give it try if your tastes are more the classic rock genre.

CD Baby | Amazon