Danny Echo and The Chemistry Set

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Danny Echo “Danny Echo”
The first impressions from Vancouver powerpop/alt-rock band Danny Echo was that distinct deep raspy rock vocal that reminds me of Cheap Trick mixed with The Rolling Stones. The first couple tracks, “Out Of Style” and “Killing Me” are strong and slick productions that would be well suited for a big arena. Danny delivers the rock and roll goods with loud guitars, keyboards and soaring falsetto. Even better is the anthemic chorus on “Tomorrow Today” which approaches Oasis for delivery and tone. Lots of added instrumental goodies are sprinkled in songs like the horns and interwoven vocal parts in “It’s Up To You.” You’ll hear a lots of other influences here from the Cars, U2, and even Garth Brooks in places. The music has a professional polish and style, but by trying to please several different audiences at once, it loses it’s punch after the first half. However it’s worth sticking through it to hear the majestic orchestration of “Barely Getting By” which would sound great in concert I’ll bet. My lighter is ready.
MySpace | CDBaby| Danny Echo site


The Chemistry Set “Alchemy#101” EP
This UK band gets lots of props for doing psyche pop the right way and deserves a spot on your shelf next to your Gripweeds and the High Dials albums. Band members David McLean and Paul Lake have plenty of good vibes and harmonies flowing across this debut EP. The opening “She’s Taking Me Down” features rich instrumental textures, the ever present rhythmic vibrato and flowing Rickenbacker guitar leads. The follow up “Seeing Upside Down” have that Bryds meets Bob Mould atmosphere, with a wicked guitar break that will get fans of XTC’s Dukes of the Stratosphear excited. And all those psychedelic sound cues are in no way gratuitous. Turn on the black light and tune out on “Look To The Sky” with a smooth Farfisa organ lead.  But my favorite here was the jangle fest of “If Rome Was Meant to Fall” — it’s got the hooks, harmony and layered guitars aplenty. Not a bad track here and definitely worth seeking out. Expected to be released on CDBaby any day now I was told. 
MySpace | HeyDay Mailorder | Kool Kat Musik

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The Luxury "This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things"

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With the new U2 album making the rounds and getting good reviews, I wanted to post a vid by a band that came out in 2007, with plenty of big hooks and melodies. The Luxury have a full rich sound that compares well with Bono and crew, on the opening single “Let Go.” Thankfully, this is not the only style the Luxury emulate. The brainchild of Boston frontman/guitarist Jason Dunn, the band specializes in anthemic rock with a big stadium sound. You hear it right away, the full guitar buzz on “Seven Stories” that brings to mind Oasis and Bob Mould’s Sugar to the dramatic piano lead power ballad “Rockets and Wrecking Balls.” Even the melodic vocal and guitar phrasing of “So Easy” will win over pop purists and the cool layered riffs of  “Malcontent” recall a mix of  Badfinger and Coldplay. By the album’s mid point it gets a little self indulgent along the lines of Tonic with “Simple” and “Covered in Smiles,” but this doesn’t spoil anything after it. At the end of the album, the majestic eight minute epic “Commonplace” has a vibe similar to the Police mixed with Radiohead, as things get all Kid A on us. Though the ending may wear you out, there is plenty to like here. Fans of Ed Harcourt should be all over this one too.

CDBaby | The Luxury website

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NYC Power Pop Show coming 4/25

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Saturday, April 25th, Kenny’s Castaways, 157 Bleecker St., New York City

8 PM – Joey Salvia
8:30 – The Trouble Dolls
9:30 – Amanda Kaletsky
10:30 – Splitsville

Joey Salvia is featured daily on 1050 ESPN Radio’s The Michael Kay Show. The Trouble Dolls is a favorite local band whose biography is not to be believed! Amanda Kaletsky has sang the National Anthem before Mets and Islanders games. Splitsville are widely recognized as one of the finest power pop bands. This is one show I don’t want to miss! 

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Bazooka Jones and The Sexy Accident

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So this title sounds like a really dirty comic strip wrapped up in bubble gum. Actually it’s two bands I’ve listened to.


Bazooka Jones “Bazooka Jones”
You gotta keep your eye on Detroit, rock city… Fronted by a 4′ 11′ rock and roll dynamo Viagra and backed by the crunchy, guitar attack of her 6′ 3′ ventriloquist dummy Bullethead, the band delivers in spades, both sonically and visually. Viagra’s velvety vocals resemble a cross between Natalie Merchant and Debbie Harry. Bullethead’s strong guitar work support the basic melody and the opener “Pants Off” sets the right tone. The colorful/menacing visual images of the band don’t quite match up with the guitar pop that gets too light on occasion (“Swinging On The Moon”). I expected something more Southern Culture on The Skids, and get something closer to The Donnas or Vibeke. And that’s fine with me. In fact the hooks and harmonies are in full force on “Goodbye, Mr. Nice Guy” and the bouncy “Love Up.” These are great pop songs and Bullethead does get to go a little Van Halen on “Bazooka Ride” and a wild cover of “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’.” The drums keep a steady beat and help put together a string of great songs like “Girl On Fire” and “Drive In Boy” with a heavy emphasis on the “power” in power pop. Fans of Garage pop and female lead bands mentioned above should pick this one up.
MySpace | CDBaby| Bazooka Jones site

The Sexy Accident “Kinda Like Fireworks”
This is a Kansas City-based band lead by singer/songwriter/guitarist, Jesse Kates. After a great punchy pop debut, the band gets more adult and serious in subject. The sound recalls Jonathan Coulton meets Elvis Costello. “Baby it’s Not Cheating” is a great topical tale, about just thinking about being unfaithful. Jesse sings about someone he met online and convincing himself “it’s not cheating, as long as it’s fleeting” and hoping it really is a girl online. The super catchy “My Girl” is immediately accessible with a smooth guitar hook, and tight delivery. The slower tunes like “Gardener, Gibbet, Misery” are emotionally honest in telling the tale of self doubt. Jesse speeds things up with buzzing guitar on “Flirting With Disaster” and “Hey You” brings to mind Weezer or Fountains of Wayne. Other highlights include the snappy tempo and chord changes of  “Morning Drive,” and the spiteful “Dancing With My Friends” complete with wild guitar break about stewing over regrets. A worthy set of emotional pop songs with lyrical bite. FYI – you can get it for FREE on the Sexy Accident site!
MySpace | Sexy Accident Direct | Emusic

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Powerpopaholic Power Pop TV commercial?

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<a href="http://www.grapheine.com">Agence communication Paris Lyon Graphéine</a>

Hey I just made a commercial for Powerpopaholic – what do you think?

Spinnerette Poster Contest is now over!
Congratulations to: Justine Lovell of Riverside, CA

She won the random drawing for the poster, and hopefully she’s a big Brody Dalle fan. Thanks to all who participated in our first contest!
power pop reviews, power pop and rock and roll opinions. Power pop and even more power pop and rock and roll.