No one does English pop quite like The Brigadier (aka Matt Williams). I’ve touted his albums before, but his latest effort The Secret Of No Success is one of most light hearted and whimsical. The theme is job seeking, and the 10cc meets Aztec Camera inspired “Doing The 9 to 5” is a bouncy romp that wouldn’t sound out of place as a theme for a musical about The Office. It goes through the day, from the commute “On The Bus” and the rocking “Just A Little Kiss Miss Busy” is a real standout track, with a signature riff and casual flirt approach. Plenty of great soul searching lyrics are found in the wonderful “Middle Management” where it focuses on the hopes and dreams of the boss, with a blistering guitar break and dreamy background harmonies.

Comparisons with Pugwash and XTC are easy to hear in the weaving vocals of “C.V” and hook-filled guitar strums of the title track. The guitar and synth play on “Let Me Impress You” is impressive, as the smooth vocal work here. It ends on another pop gem “A Better Day” which tells the listener “sweet relief will come.” This is the best Brigadier album since The Rise and Fall Of Responsibility and there is more than enough here to recommend.

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Dallas musician Lannie Flowers acclaimed debut was an ambitious concept album, but on his sophomore LP Circles he sticks to a more traditional pop format (or does he?) Starting with the title track he describes his frustration, “I don’t know where I’m going, all I know is I’m not knowing, going round in circles all the time.” His sound is harder to pin down here, but similar to The Animals with hints of ELO and Cheap Trick. The songs go from upbeat harmonic pop to sneering hard rock, often in the same song.

“Turn Up Your Radio” has a memorable chorus, harmonies and a wicked riff that sticks like glue. “Not In Love” is another gem that does everything a power pop track is supposed to do. “I Don’t Know” has a rougher vocal that recalls Eric Burdon or Alex Chilton. The contrast of sweet pop and rough pub rock is really pronounced on “Where Does Love Go” – a great song that shifts tone between each chorus. “All Dressed Up” is another great track that sounds like Mick Jagger playing for The Beau Brummels. The styles may be jarring at times, but there is not a wasted note here. Lannie makes it clear, that while we might all be going around in circles, sooner or latter we make it back home.

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It seems Paul Collins isn’t the only pop legend still making great music this year, as Dwight Twilley has returned with Green Blimp. Like most of Twilley’s work it is unabashed guitar pop of the highest order, and fans will lap it up eagerly. Despite the years, Twilley remains on at the top of his game, albeit with the perspective of a musician who’s fame began with “I’m on Fire” back in 1975.

Along with some notable guest stars (Susan Cowsill and Rocky Burnette), Dwight has original Twilley Band guitarist Bill Pitcock IV as his main collaborator here. Opening with “Me and Melanie” it’s a piano and guitar rocker with a psychedelic flavor and decidedly Beatlesque chord progressions. The follow up “Let It Rain” is a gorgeous ballad with a simple guitar melody and “Get Up” finds Dwight in familiar rock mode with a terrific solo in the break. Both gems; “Speed Of Light” and “Doctor” have those solid harmonies and memorable hooks that prove Twilley is as sharp as ever. The title track is his own version “Yellow Submarine” and the melody floats happily along, it maybe a bit too easy going here. But it really hits home with the strong composition on “It Ends.”As an allegory of musical freedom, Green Blimp is sure to float your boat as well.

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