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!

The Slingsby Hornets and Paul Starling

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The Slingsby Hornets “Borrowed and Blue”
Jon Paul Allen aka The Slingsby Hornets brings his own unique take to a selection of covers. Let me say there are two ways to go here, you either emulate the original artist or you do something unique. Allen excels in glam guitar excess and spreads those echoing Brian May type riffs over each song like jam on a scone.

Allen’s versions sound nearly unrecognizable when compared to the originals. But that’s why his off key punk version of The Carpenter’s’ “Yesterday Once More” works, with wailing chords and synths. In fact it’s best that you don’t compare these songs with the originals, it will ruin it for you. My favorites here are the obscure hit from David Essex “Rock On” played almost like a Led Zepplin ballad and Cliff Richard’s “Move It” done in the style of The Power Station! Allen has his own songs round out the album, and the best of these are the ballad “It’s Gonna Rain” and ELO-like “Answer?” Overall, this album has plenty of sting!

My Space | CD Baby  | Amazon

Paul Starling “Shipwrecked Commotion” 
Way back in 2007 I reviewed Starling’s long out-of-print debut. Well he re-did several of the songs and added some more for Shipwrecked Commotion. “Dress Me In Bowties” is a bouncy twee song that charms thoroughly. I still like “Caroline,” it’s memorable chorus and harmonies remain a standout. And “Where Are You Gonna Sleep Tonight?” is another memorable gem here. Starling does try to break away from his baroque pop influences, with a bit more alt. folk and country mixed in with the pop. It’s got a light touch so fans of the recent Lightships album will be glad to add this to the playlist.

Bandcamp | CD Baby (single only)

Cliff Hillis “Dream Good”

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Cliff Hillis “Dream Good”
Cliff Hillis has done what many power pop artists do after over a decade of solid output, they seamlessly transition to adult contemporary pop. Starting out with the legendary Starbelly, then transitioning to John Faye Power Trip and IKE he drew heavily on the riffs and influences of Matthew Sweet. Once his solo career started with Be Seeing You on Not Lame Records, fans knew what to expect and Cliff has remained a popular artist ever since.

On Dream Good, Hillis continues to show his melodic skills are as sharp as ever on the opener “Keep The Blue Skies” and he still surrounds himself with top notch collaborators like Scot Sax (The Feel), Danny Wilde (The Rembrandts) and Brad Jones. And he hasn’t mellowed that much, as “Ways and Means” packs lots of power into those driving blues riffs. I love the creative “Talking Tree” with its contrasting blend of strings, bass guitar and staccato picked rhythm. The next several songs are along the Fountains of Wayne or Marshall Crenshaw vibe with “When You’re Listening” and “Welcome To You.” More gems include the brilliant “Twin Sisters” and the low key “Just The Same.” Like Mike Viola, Hillis makes each story so compelling you need to listen. Each tune has a refreshing melody line and polished delivery (without filler to be found) that puts this album near my top ten list for 2012.

MySpace  | Amazon | Pre-Order Direct