Powerpopholic

Three Hour Tour and Chapa

November 19, 2010July 7, 2024 powerpopaholic

Three Hour Tour “Looking For Tomorrow”
Three Hour Tour returns and this time Darren Cooper’s pop vision is joined by Adam Schmitt, Brad Elvis and Paul Chastain (Velvet Crush). Unlike earlier efforts, Looking For Tomorrow emphasizes the “power” part of power pop. Cooper’s heavy guitar chords on “Pig In Disguise” reminds me of Bob Mould’s band Sugar, with a pounding beat and straight ahead melody. “For Now We Say Goodnight” is another gem with a hook filled riff that inspires air guitar theatrics. Things slow down a bit on “Alcatraz” with it’s measured tempo it recalls Richard X. Heyman. My favorite tune here is the anthemic “All We Need” with just the right amount of riffage, melody and solid harmonies. All the songs work spectacularly well, and other standouts include the jangling “Looking for Tomorrow” and “Dead Reckoning.” No filler here and very consistent all the way through. One of the best rock releases this year, fans of Myracle Brah and Guided By Voices will also flip for this. Makes my top ten list for 2010 and highly recommended to crank up on your stereo.

MySpace | Kool Kat Musik | Amazon

Chapa “Creation Room”
Far from their native Brazil, Chapa was launched in Rio de Janeiro and has relocated in London for Creation Room, the band’s first english language album. Named after the rehearsal room where the Fagundes brothers (Marcos, Diego and Felipe) learned to play together, you hear plenty of rock and theatrical influences througout. “Before You Go” is a nod to Queen, with smooth harmonies and march-like tempos. “Just A Dream” is a rich dramatic piano ballad with Marco’s strong vocal. The band has a great sound as evidenced on “Highs and Lows,” but lyrics throughout the album are ultimately forgettable. The many melodic shifts on songs like “To The Bone” sound Beatlesque, or in “Move The Night” are similar to 10cc in style, but nothing ties the songs together and ultimately it disappoints. Often times the vocals sound like they don’t match the composition (“Silver Falls”) and despite the obvious talent on display here, not a single hook sticks. Even with all the right ingredients, this musical souffle just can’t help but to collapse.

MySpace | Band Website

Al Jardine "A Postcard From California"

November 18, 2010October 27, 2024 powerpopaholic

When you think about it, Beach Boys fans haven’t heard any original beach music for almost 30 years now (and the band really dissolved with Carl Wilson’s death in 1998). Al Jardine has kept the sound and legacy of the band alive through the years. I don’t know why it took this long for a talented pro like Jardine to get out a solo album, but I’m glad he did it.

Jardine finally looks back lovingly at his Beach Boy years on A Postcard From California. He got an impressive list of guest superstars helping him out including Neil Young, Stephen Stills, David Crosby, Steve Miller, Glen Campbell, Gerry Beckley & Dewey Bunnell (America) and even the remaining Beach Boys, David Marks and Brian Wilson. So if you’re looking for a band reunion, this is the closest you’ll get.

Starting with “A Postcard From California” it’s a got a touch of “Sloop John B” (with Campbell’s vocals joining in on the chorus). Fans will flip for “Don’t Fight The Sea” which is a real “lost” Beach Boys track with Mike, Brian, Al, Bruce and even Carl in vintage form. Other original standouts, “Looking Down The Coast” and “San Simeon” with Gerry Buckley, each song has those famous harmonies and the tracks connect seamlessly into each other. The not so good news here is the remakes of old BB material with guest stars that are hit and miss. But overall Beach Boys fans will enjoy Al’s ability to craft a California atmosphere and fitting tribute to his years as a musician.

Facebook | Amazon | Itunes

Joe Reyes and The Corner Laughers

November 17, 2010July 7, 2024 powerpopaholic

Joe Reyes “Worry Row”
Grammy award winning producer and musician Joe Reyes’ latest release is a detailed musical gem that speaks volumes. Highlighted by brilliant songwriting it opens with “Don’t Kid Yourself,” a tune fans of Michael Penn, Jon Brion or Neil Finn will cherish. And there’s plenty more.

“Wicked Life” is a slow country-like ballad that will make Ryan Adams jealous. The shimmering pop of “Never Look Back” is another treasure to be uncovered here. The Beatlesque “Trying To Get Used To It” and “Consolidation” are more examples of his flawless musicianship. Nearly every song hits the mark and even when the song has a bit more production (“Just Dangling,”) Reyes works real magic here. Lyrically it’s also one of the best written albums this year, despite the depressing themes. San Antonio native Reyes is an unsung talent that should not be missed.

MySpace | CD Baby | Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

The Corner Laughers “Ultraviolet Garden”
Produced by Allen Clapp (The Orange Peels) and featuring the stellar vocals of Karla Kane, Ultraviolet Garden is a shiny, happy album that sparkles with pop charm and rock smarts. Fans of female pop vocals like Kelly Jones or This Blue Heaven will be glad to add this to the music mix. An early standout is “For The Sake Of The Cat” a lyrical story with a jazzy ukulele and catchy chorus. Another gem is the folk based “Half A Mile” with a backing vocal and tinkling keys from Khoi Huynh.

Sometimes things are a bit too novelty (“Inner Archaeologist”) or too overdone (“Dead Sicilians”) but the majority are great compositions here, with pop gems like “Silver Medal” and “Yellow Jacket” both with fast paced rhythms. Overall, a real sweet pop treat that’s guaranteed to add a smile and help get that toe tapping to the beat. And don’t forget this same crew is the core of The Agony Aunts.

MySpace | CD Baby | Amazon

The end is near… for Not Lame Recordings.

November 16, 2010April 4, 2018 powerpopaholic 4 Comments

Sad but true. The founder and popaholic-in-chief Bruce Brodeen is closing up shop at www.notlame.com on November 24th. This is the label and brand that got me really inspired as a power pop fan and music blogger. As a music resource, Not Lame was one of the best places to get all your power pop and related artists in one shot, but as the modern music consumer is shunning CDs in favor of downloads, it made business extremely challenging. But I’d hang on to those CDs, they are rare collectors items now.

He recorded a special goodbye message to fans here. He is now promoting an online community, rockandrolltribe.com and new site www.popgeekheaven.com. I wish him well and look forward to his new endeavors.

The Power Popaholic Interview: Dwight Twilley

November 15, 2010November 16, 2024 powerpopaholic

Here is my exclusive interview with Dwight Twilley and his interesting revelations of an near reunion with former partner Phil Seymour and how they got discovered by Sam Phillips (Sun Records), and got that rockabilly feel from Ray Harris. Get the newest album “Green Blimp” at www.dwighttwilley.com.