The Power Popaholic Interview: Billy Hinsche and Paul Collins

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After a short week, here’s a treat I’ve been cooking up for you…

Billy Hinsche. Talk about living rock and roll history, Billy Hinsche was a member of the Beach Boys touring band during the “Holland” era and has been connected with the group for many years. Prior to that he was a member of the 60’s pop group Dino, Desi and Billy. We talk about his new documentary “1974″ about life on the road with The Beach Boys complete with his own candid footage of the group on tour. We also get into the Dino, Desi and Billy and his work with Brian Wilson (pictured here with Billy). Read my interview with Billy Hinsche here.

Paul Collins. Collins was a founding member of The Nerves in the 70’s and leader of The Beat. The Beat, a high energy rock group in the style of The Ramones, Blondie and The Dictators had a big hit with “Rock N Roll Girl” from their legendary debut. The Beat played with many bands, including The Jam, Pere Ubu, The Police, Eddie Money, The Plimsouls and Huey Lewis. The Beat became Paul Collins’ Beat when a ska band from UK began using The Beat as their moniker. Read my interview with “Beat Commander” Collins here.

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Taylor Locke & The Roughs "Grain & Grape"

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L.A. natives Taylor Locke (of Rooney) and Charlotte Froom (of The Like) have united with Chris Price and Mikey McCormack (of Everybody Else) to form Taylor Locke & the Roughs. With a combination of experience and talent you get an excellent disc that rocks with a classic flavor and modern style on the opener “Start Me Over.” Like a mix of Kings of Leon and Rooney with a  bit of Badfinger thrown in, this is a true “supergroup” that knows what it’s doing. “Jennifer In High Heels” is a classic rock tune with muscular rhythms, cowbell, and guitar that struts through the melody.  The album starts pretty strong and glides into greatness as it continues. The frantic “Reach For The Sky” jumps everywhere with Queen-like choruses, manic Moon-like drum passages, and Locke’s  incredible vocal energy.”Hourglass” and “Joy” delivers sparkling harmonies similar to Bleu, Jellyfish and ELO pop perfection. “Amnesia” is another catchy gem that echoes both Paul McCartney and Eric Carmen.  The 70’s West Coast rock influences are strong, but they do not overwhelm this band’s unique sound. “I’ll Be Gone” has soft harmonies and bluesy harmonica, “Weekend Warrior” is an irresistible Dave Edmunds styled romp that will get your body moving to beat. “What Have I Done” is a power ballad that shows a winning passion in the songwriting. “Stay Awhile” is a Posies/Weezer hybrid that ends off a perfect album. Once I heard this I kept it in my disc player for the past few days, and I see no reason to remove it as it hits the melodic ball out of the park. This is a brilliant debut album that shouldn’t be missed – Hell, it’s so far my pick for best of 2010.

MySpace | Not Lame | Kool Kat Musik | Amazon

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Poison Control Center "Being Gone"

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Okay all April Fools kidding aside, these guys have been on tour with Apple In Stereo recently. Poison Control Center will release their new double-album “Sad Sour Future” through Afternoon Records on May 18th. The new video was shot in the band’s home digs of Ames, IA by Andrew Roger. Horns, cowbells, and jangly guitars…just the way you like it!

MySpace | Get the MP3 download here

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Wild Bores "We Think Alike"

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John Whildin launches The Wild Bores’ second album with the richly melodic “In Front Of Me” full of warmth and an easy going guitar strum. This album is much more focused and improved from their debut album last year. After the rainy atmospheric “Willow Street” with it’s fuzzy keyboards, it shifts back in high gear. The low key approach of “I Still Think She’s Mine” is deceptively inviting along the lines of Steely Dan with horns and guitar driving the melody. This is my favorite  track on the album, with piano and horns accenting spots, and a nice sax solo to top things off. John’s simple cadence and rootsy delivery are very similar to pop favorite Chris Stamey, as the hooks and jangle of “Same Routine” make it one of the highlights here. A light country-folk feel is also easy to recognize in a few tracks like “Rocket Loose” and “Life Is Fine.” Fans of Wilco and The Jayhawks will easily warm to these songs. Another joy is the bright “Sunshine Lady” and “Anecdote” which recalls the best acoustic guitar pop of REM and The DB’s. No real duds here, and the end result of this is a gentle, but intelligent pop album that’s a perfect soundtrack to spring sunshine. Kool Kat is offering a special deal on both this album and the band’s debut at a special price, check it out.

My Space | CD Baby | Not Lame | Kool Kat Musik

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Girl in a Coma and Cheri Curri "Cherry Bomb"

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At SXSW, my favorite grrl rock band Girl in A Coma performed “Cherry Bomb” with original Runaways member Cheri Curri. It’s about time The Runaways got their due in rock history, and with Girl In A Coma’s connection to Joan Jett’s label it made total sense. Check out the official movie version of the song.

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