The Wellingtons “In Transit”

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Melbourne Australia’s hardest working power pop band recorded and mixed In Transit in London and had it mastered at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. And the Wellington’s latest is once again a wonderful power pop creation. The band’s sound has gotten tighter and more consistent with time, and lead vocal Zac Anthony’s approach has more of a pop (as opposed to rock) sound than previous releases, with less emphasis on the lead guitar driving the melody and more reliance on vocals and harmonies to do the heavy lifting.

Opening with the fast-paced chords of “Keep Me Holding On” Zac takes charge assisted by Kate Goldby’s backing harmonies. And Goldby gets to shine as lead vocal herself for the brilliant “I’m Feeling The Same Way” and “Baby’s Got A Secret.” The compositions are dense with instrumentation that creates a full wall of sound that envelops the listener. The guitar is more prominent on “Adamant” which drives home the catchy chorus and Gustav Lindstroms crashing drums are a perfect compliment too. Another highlight among many is “Your Love Keeps Bringing Me Down” with its piano chords and “bop-bop” backing vocal harmonies that fans of Jellyfish will swoon for.

The pace is relentless till we reach the string laden ballad “I Fell For You,” and here the band stretches its wings with a goose-bump inducing bridge. The songwriting here is also excellent. Every tune here hits the mark, with a one exception(“Alright, Alright” feels a bit forced compared to the others). For those bands looking for a prime example of modern power pop, this should serve as the new template. Fans of IKE, Farrah, and group harmonies should not hesitate and grab this album. Easy top ten nominee for 2011.

Video Reviews: The Doughboys and John Wicks

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It’s a real rarity that I review concert DVDs, but I wanted to show my appreciation for these talented artists.

The Doughboys “Rock N Raw Live”
You thought you knew the New Jersey band, The Doughboys? Well I’m sure no one told you the history of a band that is over 40 years old and one of the best live rock bands in the east. It all started with Richard X. Heyman and Mike Scavone in the early sixties and how they formed a band, drifted apart and re-united. This documentary is very well done, similar to the Beatles Anthology with photos, radio clips and between each biographical segment is a live concert performance from the reunion at Arlene’s Grocery in NYC. Highly polished and beautifully filmed it will give the average viewer a special insight into how good the Doughboys really are.

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John Wicks “Lessons Learned (Live & Unplugged)”
This is a rare DVD release that captures an acoustic performance of John Wicks of The Records and guitarist Dennis Taylor at McCabe’s Guitar Shop in Santa Monica, CA on August 20, 2010. It’s an intimate and simple setting, one camera and no frills here. Wicks and Taylor do a great job performing from John’s extensive catalog of material. For Wicks and Records fans it’s a must buy.

Only at Kool Kat Musik 

Valentiger and Dan Miraldi

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Valentiger “Oh, to Know!”
This Michigan band is on the cusp of something big. A very smooth blend of alt. country and folk pop with a casual attitude. Opening with the Wilco-ish “Oh, To Know!” features the commanding guitar strums and harmonies in the chorus. The building bass line and quiet-loud composition from lead guitarist-vocalist Brent Shirey also won me over. The slower beat on the melodic “All I” shuffles along and the Beck-like fuzz on “Another Cool Move” recall a lost Replacements tune. On the slower side of things, “Love to Forgive” is a sweet pastoral folk tune along with the wistful ballad “Why I’m Not Great.” Things roar back to life with the 90’s grunge of “Frozen Dozing.”  The poppiest song here is saved for last with anthemic “Good Day, goodnight” complete with handclaps and happy harmonies. No filler to be found here as everything here is nicely done. Fans of Uncle Tupelo, Wilco and Old 97’s will really love this one.

CD Baby | Amazon

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Dan Miraldi “Rock N Roll Band” EP
Ohio native Dan Miraldi was the keyboard player for The Silver Liners, and this is his newest EP. Miraldi has plenty of classic rock and roll influences, his sound is like a hybrid of Mick Jagger and Ricky Nelson. It opens with the hard rock “We Both Know” and the chord structure is very Nirvana, but Dan’s clear croon didn’t quite fit for me. “You’ve Got To Hurry” sounds better, with a familiar melody and workman-like performance. The single “Mystical Queen” is Dan at his most retro, here it’s almost an Everly Brothers song. The straight shooting “Rock N Roll Band” is another standout, with his own bio and sales pitch in the lyrics (“I was working on guitar, but I’m a much better singer…”). While this isn’t bad by any stretch – it doesn’t have the energy and swagger of his earlier album  Thirsty (listen to the single “Premonition“). But if you’re into oldies styled rock with a modern twist, it will appeal to you.

CD Baby | Amazon

The Power Popaholic Interview: Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles

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I was really thrilled to interview the lovely Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles. We talk about the new album (Sweetheart Of The Sun) of course and yes there will be a new Sid & Susie album, Under The Covers, Vol.3 coming out soon. I ask her about Prince, Dhanni Harrison, Susan Cowsill and other interesting things including a possible Bangles boxset in the future. I tried to squeeze in everything and she was very personable.