It’s often mentioned that The Beatles were the inital template for Power Pop bands, but other American bands that picked up the Rickenbacker in the mid sixties did even more to shape the sound into a solid genre, instead of a mere offshoot of Merseybeat. “It’s Cold Outside” by The Choir is what really great local bands sounded like at junior high and high school dances in the mid-late ’60s – particularly in the eastern half of the country. The pride of Mentor, Ohio, The Choir would eventually join forces with Eric Carmen of Cyrus Erie to form ’70s power pop sensation, The Rasberries.
The Alligators "Piggy & Cups"
When it comes to the newest direction in pop music, The Alligators take the best practices of the past and push them to the future. Piggy & Cups is one of the best modern pop albums to be released so far this year. Recorded at Jason McGerr’s (Death Cab For Cutie) Two Sticks Audio in Seattle, the group take influence from many of the greats and hints of Radiohead, The Beach Boys, and The Zombies can be heard in their songs. To me, comparisons with Death Cab, Belle and Sebastian and The Shins are appropriate as well. All the members, hailing from the greater Bremerton area of Washington state, are experienced from a variety of other talented bands. With the apathetic and bland music that plagues radio stations and music venues today, it’s only a matter of time before Alligators’ start to make their presence felt. “Where Does it Hide” has a beautiful melody and clever arrangements and the theatrical “Original Fear” reminds me of Brian Scary a little. It gets a little less dynamic after the albums mid-point, but no less compelling. Each element of the band is interesting; from the tight pulses that the bass and drums provide, to the guitar-synthesizer relationship during the always-stylish vocal harmonies.Learn even more about the band via this short documentary.
MySpace | We are the Alligators
The Humbugs "On The Up Side"
The Humbugs make it easy to champion the power pop genre, as this Minneapolis quintet is already on it’s fourth album. At the root is sweet natured melodies and sing along harmonies, with a tight rhythm section. The band hits the ground running with the very Posies-like “One More Day” full of top quality guitar riffs and inspiring lyrics. The brilliant hooks and chords changes on “Lies Behind The Glass” take it up another notch and recalls the best of 70s power pop sound buffed with a modern pop sheen. “As Long As I Matter” recall Cheap Trick and vocalist Kristin Marshall does an inspiring job here. Both Kristen and Adam Marshall split the vocal duties and sometimes share the lead. Another musical nugget full of great chord changes in that vein follows with “Employee Of The Month.” Little Beatle-y touches make “Walking Home To You” an unexpected treat and the pensive ballad “Crash On Your Couch” paints a vivid scene, and the combined vocal lead compares well to Fleetwood Mac. It ends strong on “Mic Stand” with a driving guitar and drum leading the way. Every track has a smart hook and the album has no filler at all. Just place it on the ole’ ipod — you will enjoy repeat listens of On The Up Side often.
MySpace | CD Baby
Mothers Day Review Special
There are tons of albums out there that don’t quite make it onto my radar, sometimes because it’s not quite in the power pop genre, but that doesn’t mean it’s not good music. Here are some of noteworthy groups you might want to check out.
Jack Butler “Fit the Paradigm”
It turns out that Jack Butler isn’t a single guy but a group of funky Scottish musicians who play ska and post-punk pop. Similar to the Cure, Modest Mouse and Public Image Ltd. Highlights include “Are You A Hustler?” and “He Got No Game!”
MySpace
MySpace
Jesse Sprinkle “Surrounded by Lights”
Seattle native Jesse Sprinkle has a rich pop texture to his sound, similar to Michael Penn or Neil Finn. With carefully blended vocal performance and gentle guitar strum, this album flirts with darkness, but always brings enough hope in his melodies to keep things from slowing down.
MySpace | CD Baby
MySpace | CD Baby
Dubious Ranger “Uneasy truce at the Watering Hole”
This is a genre-hopping acid-trip of an album that goes all over the place, started by Alexander Eccles, with one foot in David Byrne-ville and the other in Ozomotly country. And throw in some classicial interludes while you’re at it. Highlights include “French Song” and “Shortcake”
MySpace | Dubious Ranger site | CD Baby
MySpace | Dubious Ranger site | CD Baby
The Small Cities “self titled EP”
Sobering little EP from this Minneapolis quartet that plays intricate pop songs along the lines of The Shins or Pedro The Lion. This group has rich sound that is full of exquisite sadness and style. Every track is decent and this is a band to watch out for in the future.
MySpace | Common Cloud
MySpace | Common Cloud
The Pomegrantes “Everybody, Come Outside”
Cincinnati’s Pomegranates have a smooth arty brand of indie pop. The sound is full of swirling guitars, cheerful keys, and hammering drums, the album tells the story of a boy’s swim across the ocean and abduction by a time traveller. The soft melodies lead us through dream-like soundscapes, and elegant guitar work make it a small treat for the ears. A good follow up to the debut album.
MySpace | Lujo Records | Itunes
MySpace | Lujo Records | Itunes
FREE tracks from The Spinning Jennies!
Shortly before my Spinning Jennies called it quits back in 2003 the band recorded some basic tracks for two songs that were shelved and never finished. Well, Jeff Shelton of The Well Wishers has taken these tracks from his old band and finished them up for you!
DOWNLOAD “Down”
DOWNLOAD “I before E”
The band also turned up on the ABC show “Motherhood” with the track “Seashells” from the “How I Won The War” album playing at the beginning of a scene. Jeff is working on a new album due out in early 2010.
My Space | The Well Wishers latest “Jigsaw Days” album