Mimi Betinis, founding member, lead vocalist and guitarist for Pezband, reaped the benefits of being in a pop band for several years, until it was time to move on. Betinis turned to his other talents as an artist and became an art teacher in the Chicago public school system. But now he is returning to his first love – that of music – with the release of his debut solo CD, “All That Glitters.” Nice to see this original power popper spreading his solo wings.
The Power Popaholic Interview: Scott Klass of The Davenports
Scott Klass talks about the new Davenports album, his relationship with Chris Collingwood (Fountains of Wayne) and why the popular single “Five Steps” has nothing to do with addiction. The interview is shorter than I expected because our first “take” was deleted due to an untimely computer crash.
The Silver Liners, The Pains of Being Pure At Heart and Sklyer
The Silver Liners “s/t” EP
A terrific band just gets better here. Washington, D.C. based Silver Liners have merged the catchy pop of Maroon 5 with the guitar assault of Foo Fighters on their new self titled EP. Starting with the danceable rock of “Runnin’ Through My Head” the melody hooks you and keep you around for the brilliant riffs on “Hot Mess.” Every single track shines here, my favorites being “Without A Face” and the funky “Just Like The Rest” with a beat guaranteed to make you move. Highly recommended and if you’re looking for the new vanguard of guitar based power pop – this is it. I can’t wait for the full length album as this is the best new EP I’ve heard this year.
The silverliners.com | Amazon
The Pains of Being Pure At Heart “Heart In Your Heartbreak” EP
Neatly described by Rolling Stone as a “Bell & Sebastian/Smashing Pumpkins collaboration.” This is an infectious slice of chunky power-pop with a great beat, sweeping synths and well-placed guitar jangle, it’s immediately obvious that the a production team has brought out the best in the band. Both songs on this short EP are great and would sit just fine next to Teenage Fanclub on your ipod. The band has been releasing material at a feverish pace so check out the earlier EPs and hear them evolve.
My Space | Amazon
Skyler “Long Gone” EP
It’s rare that I look at a teen prodigy but Skyler is a better than most, and he’s got a little Beatle in him on the catchy opener “Hold My Hand.” Plus he knows loads about rock hooks on the arena ready “Any Stupid Thing” and the anthemic jangle of “It’s Just The Night” recalls DelAmitri melodies with Bon Jovi bombast. Each tune here boasts solid songwriting and strong production. A few countryfied miscues on “Stephanie” aside, it’s no surprise that this is Skyler’s fifth EP. He’s already a veteran musician and only a freshman at the Berklee College of Music, so this is your chance to hear a future star.
MySpace | Amazon
Ned Brower "Great To Say Hello"
Rooney drummer Ned Brower knew what he was doing when he hired Ducky Carlisle to record and Mike Viola to co-produce his debut. The mix of pop styles are spread all over the map here. It’s cool that Ned explores these areas and mines his favorite influences. He thrills on the starting track “Underneath Your Spell” with harmonies and handclaps weaved together. The guitar riffs lead you into “Hide Your Secrets Away” and the chorus hooks you instantly (it’s the best track here).
“The New Lonely Fool” has a T-Rex style to it’s beat and is the most Rooney-like of the tracks here. An easy listening 70’s pop feel to “Mine and Mine Alone” slows things down a bit, and then the warm “Father To Son” bounces along like an updated version of Sam Cooke’s “Wonderful World.” On “The Alleyway” Ned seems to channel Thin Lizzy lead by Warren Zevon. Considering Rooney bandmate Taylor Locke has two albums out, Brower should get started on the next one while we enjoy the variety his debut offers.
My Space | Ned Brower’s Site | Amazon
More Top 10 Lists
Matt Whitby at The Pop Underground has these power pop albums ranked in order: