Andrew "From Me To You"

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To say Andrew Sandoval is prolific is the height of understatement. He’s recorded and toured with Dave Davies (of the Kinks) and produced reissues of classic baroque pop and rock artists from The Beach Boys to the Zombies and loads of bands in between. In 2005 he wrote THE book on The Monkees and is a DJ with weekly radio show called “Come To The Sunshine” on www.luxuriamusic.com. So how’s the music he does on his own? I compare him to a modern day Curt Boettcher, using light melody and multi-tracked harmonies that even makes a song titled “I Hate Your Guts” sound like a gentle love poem. Andrew is a baroque pop specialist and has a delicate touch to each song similar to Micheal Penn. A good mix of Beach Boys, Van Dyke Parks and Zombies are influences for Andrew’s own laid back California-styled ballads. “From Me To You” goes through several songs about the cycle of heartbreak (what else). A standout here is the Pet Sounds meets Everly Brothers tune “Something For You.” The lyrics are earnest, if sappy and “Something Warm” brings back memories of The Turtles best ballads. What else can I say? This is truly a perfect album “for a blue afternoon in your lonely room.”

Andrew’s Website | My Space | CD Baby | Not Lame

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Michael Carpenter "Can’t Go Back"

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G’day powerpopaholics! This great sounding video by Aussie power popper Michael Carpenter tells me another album may be on the way soon! This is classic hook-filled goodness with all that Beatles paraphernalia in the studio for inspiration.

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Orba Squara, A Faulty Chromosome and Tessa

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Orba Squara (or Mitch Davis) is a one man band whose song, “Perfect Timing (this morning)”, was on the iPhone commercial. I made a jolly reference to it here. His debut album”Sunshyness” isn’t power pop, but full of ambient organic sounds and gentle guitar. After a few listens, the sweet guitar sounds of “So Comfortable” and toy instruments of “Sunshine” are lots of fun. A good single here is “My Favorite Song” which goes perfectly as a B side to “Perfect Timing (this morning).” The vocals are understated and slightly warbley, kind of like a Tiny Tim for the 21st century. This is good easy going music and deserves a second listen.
My Space | Orba Squara.com | Itunes

A Faulty Chromosome is quirky enough to get you to pay attention to. They like to list New Order and My Bloody Valentine as influences, but I hear a distinct link to The Beta Band and Guided By Voices. This is not for everybody, but if you want to take a detour from your normal stuff, this is a rabbit hole you could fall into. Listen to the entire album streaming over here. Listen to “Anomie’s the enemy” and “Eyes Foreign eyes” – the rest of the it is for the fearless only.
My Space

Tessa Rae Newman “Spellbound” is something I don’t usually listen to, as it is contemporary pop. But Tessa has a great message, about all the pop star superficiality on “Barbie Doll Syndrome” and a pleasant voice. The studio craft is high here, and a highlights are “Spellbound” and “Don’t Rain On My Parade” with a good hook and the multi-tracking chorus fits just right. Sometimes it gets a bit too overproduced, but I’m not expecting the next LeAnn Rimes here. This is a good start for Tessa and if you’re looking for an alternative to Hilary Duff, give it a go.
Tessa’s Site | CD Baby

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The Crayons "What’s Wrong With You?"

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The Crayons are wondering “What’s Wrong With You?” – after all, you have here a really good power pop album with a gorgeous model on the cover, and you haven’t bought it yet? This second album from the Albany, NY group is produced by the Churchills, so the pedigree is in place and the music is tight pop rock tunes with an alternative edge. Opening with “God Hates Me” has a bit of Tonic meets Posies, a nice hook and ringing guitars to feed your ears. I have to say the the band’s website is of exceptional design and offers streaming tracks too. Mike Bolduc and Ron Haney blend the tight harmonies, dark lyrics and great musical craftsmanship together with ease. If you miss the Churchills or The Tories, The Crayons will fill your needs immediately. “Every Moment” flows along with handclaps and guitar bass beat that can’t be ignored. Even the ballads, like “Here and There” have that expansive rich quality that makes lyrics like “I’m alone/ but that doesn’t mean I don’t love you” feel sincere. The ballads like “By The Way” and “Maybe” reminds me a bit of the poppiest parts of Toad The Wet Sprocket’s hit singles. “Sliding” is also a highlight here, with perfect chorus and driving beat. No duds here. Just get this one if you missed it.

The Crayons Website | My Space | CD Baby | Not Lame

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