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.
The Bangles “Sweetheart Of The Sun”
Celebrating their 30th year anniversary, The Bangles’ newest album Sweetheart of the Sun, has all the requisite power pop touch points (The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and The Byrds) and co-produced by Matthew Sweet. Combining their trademark angelic harmonies with jangling guitar riffs, the band is now a trio; Susanna Hoffs (guitar) and sisters Vicki (guitar) and Debbie Peterson (drums); former bassist Mickey Steele is the only original member to leave the group. While many will consider this a successful “retro” album – it really is the band leaning on those 60’s pop roots to produce a more confident and timeless approach. The feminine harmonies are seamless and the melody lines will instantly stick in your head, from the opening track “Anna Lee (Sweetheart of the Sun)” all the way through to the Todd Rundgren penned “Open My Eyes.”
The music here is so good it’s hard to find fault here as this is a solid comeback for the band. The lead vocal duties are split amongst the many tracks, notable are Susanna’s “I’ll Never Be Through With You” and Vicki’s “Mesmerized.” The slower mid-tempo number “Circles In The Sky” denotes the more mature Bangles, as Peterson’s vocal is deeper and assured. They still can rock a hard riff on “Sweet and Tender Romance” and the harmonies reach its apex with “Through Your Eyes.” Both musicianship and songwriting are simply perfect here – not a weak track in the bunch. This makes it an easy choice to give a top ten nomination for best power pop album this year.
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Moldy Oldies I Love: The Hollies
The trailer for the new Reelin’ In The Years Productions/Eagle Rock Entertainment DVD- The British Invasion: The Hollies- Look Through Any Window 1963-1975. This first official documentary on the Hollies. This was a band that followed the Beatles in conquering America with the British invasion – and you’d be hard pressed to find a band who’s sound changed so dramatically over time, but the quality of the music remained excellent. For you young’uns I’d go here first to hear more.
The Modulators and Baby Scream
The Modulators “Tomorrow’s Coming”
If you are nostalgic for the 80’s skinny tie era of great power pop this band fits the bill. The Modulators were a local New Jersey band that played the small clubs in NJ, and was a local favorite at the time. The trio of Joe Riccardello (bass & keyboards), Mark Higgins (lead guitar) and Mark Westlake (drums) gets things started with the high treble jangle of the title track and energetic beat of “Jimmy Says.” Especially great is the fantastic “Spin Me Around” which is a real highlight in the best Marshall Crenshaw style, and a sweet version of Dylan’s’ “My Back Pages” is another gem. The production doesn’t sound re-mastered so it can sound a little dated in spots, but each tune is bursting with jangle guitars and clean harmonies. Other highlights include “If You Let Her Go” and “Own Little World” – fans of The Records, Bram Tchaikovsky, and The Toms should get this album immediately!
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Baby Scream “Secret Place”
Argentine rocker Juan Pablo Mazzola strikes again! His band Baby Scream returns with Secret Place and it boasts a solid mix of styles and songs that describe Juan’s various moods. “The Last Call” blasts through like a whiskey soaked anthem to escapism (“You gotta leave it all behind…”). “Hit and Run” continues the Lennonesque flavor of 70’s balladry and folk shuffle of the title track lighten the overall mood here. “Bad Seed” is a smart acoustic ballad about Juan’s tough childhood. The introspective mood of “Patiently” uses a variety of instruments (including a clavinet) to bring a mood of desolation. “London Sun” starts with a light touch, but builds to a great guitar solo within a psychedelic landscape – its my favorite tune on the album. Overall, despite a few missteps (“Cold Weather Raggae”) this is an album that shouldn’t remain a “secret” for long.
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The Power Popaholic Interview: Tommy Keene
I had a pretty good rapport with guitarist songwriter Tommy Keene and we talked at length about his new album Behind The Parade and his 30+ years as a performer.