The latest album from Paul McCartney’s sideman, Rusty Anderson. His first album is a bona fide power pop classic, and this new one sounds headed in that direction as well. Check it out here.
This Blue Heaven "Quicksandglass"
This Blue Heaven is female-fronted power pop band and similar in spirit to Kelly Jones and Aimee Mann. The Boston based band has a vibrant bounce on it’s opener “Bliss,” where front woman MacKenzie Outlund intones “You better enjoy this.” The next song, “But As Hard as You Try” is a more adult oriented pop rich in it’s production and MacKenzie’s vocal soars here. Guitarist Stu Dietz puts his signature guitar sound on each tune, especially on the riff heavy “Any Other Way.” Aaron Rosenthal adds swirling synth and piano to the mix, with help from Mark Desrosiers (bass) and Brandon Erdos (drums). Stylistically melodic pop like “Future World” delivers hooks as strong as Aimee Mann’s best work, and this one is my favorite track. The distinctive synths and driving beat of “My Disgrace” is another winner. MacKenzie and Stu have a strong enough vocal chemistry to try a few sweet duet diversions like “That Summer” and “Insomnia.” But it’s the shimmering pop tracks like “As Ever As Always” that will win you over. The group’s latest project Spinning and Shining, a five-song EP produced by Paul Q. Kolderie (Radiohead, Pixies), has released just recently (free single below) and is highly recommended.
My Space | Amazon | FREE Single “Nova Love” | Itunes
Dani Rosenoer "Punching Keys"
I have to admit being totally impressed with Dani Rosenoer’s skill as a musician. Everyone’s Talking is his piano-rock band consisting of Dani (piano/vocals) and Evan Kuhn (guitars/vocals). The band’s now releasing it’s “Punching Keys” EP. But oh, that poor doomed piano! Their last album “Dragonflies” is produced by David Bottrill (Muse, Tool, Silverchair). The band’s pop progressive aim is very high, and as musicians they have the talent to go far.
MySpace | Everyone’s Talking website
R. Stevie Moore Tribute Albums, Vol. 1 and 2 Free Downloads
This is a huge amount of FREE music for your ipod. R. Stevie Moore has compiled a huge list of artists, many of them power pop favorites doing a bunch of covers. The massive project is posted on the blog Sick Of The Radio and spread out over 2 massive posts and a mind blowing 47 tracks. Many of my favorites are represented like Lane Steinberg, David Gregory (XTC), Jason Falkner, Martin Newell, Eric Matthews, and The New Pornographers. Note: The quality of the music varies from artist to artist so listen to the track before you download. ENJOY!
Vol. 1 – “Copy Me, Treat Me” by RStevieMooreTribute
Vol. 2 – “New Wave Moons” by RStevieMooreTribute
The Sunshine Ponies "Mixtapes & Soundtracks"
Pop Boomerang Records owner Scott Thurling and partner Sarah Halligan compiled this group of tracks based on their own poetry. Many of the impressive roster on Pop Boomerang contributes to this album, so it’s the cream of the Australian pop crop. The songs themes are universal, so if you’ve ever loved, lost, lusted or laughed you’ll identify with these tunes.
Opening with the sweet “Sarah Sunshine” is typical Carpenter on a summer’s day, with a perfect sing-along chorus. Adrian Whitehead shines on the moving “Ballad Of The Blue Butterfly” and Tim Reid’s acoustic “18 Floors” recalls the Finn Brothers best ballads. Bryan Estepa adds his charm to the jangling “The Good Egg” and pop favorite Kelly’s Heels delivers “The Bigger Picture.” Another standout is Brilliant Fanzine’s Matthew O’neill on “Love Bus” and “If Our Days Are Numbered” by D.Rogers and Emma Heeney. Even though there are ton of tracks here, most of them work on a deep emotional level making this compilation the best one I’ve heard since the last IPO.