Vanilla and The Prize

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Vanilla

Vanilla “Cookiewow”

Northwestern band Vanilla returns with ‘Cookiewow,’ a 17-track album released gradually over the past year, following 2024’s ‘Pish Posh.’ The slow rollout fits the record’s reflective tone, which centers on aging, loss, frustration, and resignation. The album opens with “Abney Park,” a jazzy meditation on a lingering ghost. It sounds refined rather than eerie, though the mood stays dark. “Weathered Faces” leans into rock territory, focusing on time slipping by and memories fading. Cultural decline surfaces in “Hand of Glory,” where a strong chorus shines through layered horns and guitars. “Hollow Man” strips things back with shuffling percussion and lyrics steeped in self doubt and surrender.

The second half brings more energy. The bouncy “Pardon Me” takes a blunt swipe at political corruption, while “Boxing Clever” answers with guarded optimism, undercut by the line “nothing’s worth the price we pay.” It stands out as one of the album’s strongest moments. “In the Margins” pushes forward with driving guitars and a sense of resolve. “Beat the Clock” and the seasonal “Gingerbead Shitshow” add more hooks without losing bite. Jayson Jarmon’s songwriting remains sharp throughout, as this album is Highly Recommended.

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The Prize

The Prize “In The Red”

Another classic Aussie debut! ‘In The Red’ by The Prize hits hard from the opening seconds. This record grabs you on first listen and never lets go. The Prize come out of Melbourne, consisting of Nadine Muller on lead vocals & drums, Carey Paterson on lead vocals & guitar, Joseph Imfeld on guitar, Austin Haire on guitar, and Ethan Stahl on bass. Their sound is akin to Redd Kross or Buzzcocks, but I hear the influence of Thin Lizzy and Cheap Trick with plenty of layered melodic riffs. You get tight punk energy, power pop hooks, and straight-ahead rock grit.

The strong opener “Connie” sets the table, and we are off to the races. The three guitarists trade riffs and solos without excess on “Don’t Need ‘Em.” Not a note of filler and the energy stays high across the full run time. The vocalists work equally well too, both Nadine and Carey carry each song and the songwriting keeps things compelling. The tempo finally moderates on “Silver Bullet,” so a ballad would have made it perfect. However, it still makes my Aussie dominated year-end list. Super Highly Recommended.

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All I Want For Christmas is…

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We have a few days left…

So in the spirit of the holiday season, I am looking through my massive list of 516 releases to see which albums make the cut. The end of year Top 25 List will likely arrive on New Year’s Eve or shortly after. In the meantime, I have a final blast of Christmas music. Enjoy it while it’s here, but even cooler is this stocking stuffer for you all. Jim Basnight has a new album coming out before the year’s up, I have an exclusive limited time download for y’all. Pick it up and pick up this LP when it comes out.

Some new Holiday Favorites!



The Salt Collective, Danny Ayala, and Sloan

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“The

The Salt Collective “A Brief History of Blindness”

Once again French songwriter-guitarist Stéphane Schück’s international collaborative project, The Salt Collective delivers a gallery of brilliant artists to interpret Schück’s musical compositions. The star power here is impressive; Aimee Mann, Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Andy Partridge (XTC), Jason Falkner and Matthew Caws (Nada Surf) to name a few. The title track leans into near-operatic pop, driven by Lynn Blakely’s dramatic touch. Falkner’s “Waiting for the End of Time” follows with an eclectic horn-filled verse, reflecting Stéphane’s push for a wide, open sound built around orchestral accents.

I really enjoyed Chris Stamey’s “You Swallowed The Sun,” with its memorable layered harmonies in the chorus. These are not simple catchy pop songs, but compositions loaded with depth and details. Mitch Easter’s “Ex Post Facto Kids” is another standout. These are tunes that need to marinate in your brain, so repeat listens are needed. That noted, the talent here is undeniable. Highly Recommended.

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Danny Ayala

Danny Ayala “Only Fools Love Again”

Danny Ayala grew up on Long Island, and the Lemon Twigs comparison lands fast. He plays keyboards in the band, and the D’Addario brothers’ influence runs deep. You hear it right away on “I Was Wrong,” where bubblegum pop meets classic power pop. The soft lead vocal and sticky chorus hit hard, with an even sweeter tone than the Lemon Twigs often use.

Ayala avoids sticking to one lane. “Something With You” and “The Village” lean into classical piano lines and baroque pop touches. “Pluto” shifts gears with heavier guitar-driven rock. The influences show clearly at times, especially echoes of The Left Banke and Tony Burrows, yet the songs hold together as his own statement. “The Ballad” stands out as the boldest cut. Strings weave through shifting melodic ideas, pushing the record past comfort and into risk-taking territory. Highly Recommended.

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“Sloan"

Sloan “Based on the Best Seller”

After 30 years, these Halifax power pop veterans have nothing left to prove. They still sound sharp and self-aware. “Capitol Cooler” opens with thick riffs and a smart jab at classic rock lifers who keep mining old ideas and asking if they will “die with their boots on.” It sets the tone fast. “Dream Destroyer” and “So Far Down” lean hard into glam, delivering tight hooks and clear nods to T-Rex. The songs hit as pure ear candy without feeling lazy.

“Live Forever” turns the mirror inward, poking fun at the band’s own longevity while calling out the uneasy rise of anti-aging drugs. The band is so comfortable, and clear with its sound and message. “Collect Yourself” is another gem, along the lines of Stealers Wheel. Easily this is the most cohesive album since “12”, and no filler anywhere. Top shelf grade A+ rock and roll. On the best of the year list for sure. Highly Recommended.

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International Pop Overthrow Vol.26 and more comps for a cause

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International Pop Overthrow: Volume 26

Various Artists “International Pop Overthrow: Volume 26”

Every December, readers tell me the same thing. You enjoy discovering new power pop bands here, yet the volume feels overwhelming. These compilations solve that problem. David Bash’s IPO festival releases an annual soundtrack on CD, and it works as a smart filter. You get a mix of familiar artists and new names without digging through hundreds of releases. The strongest moments come from bands I had never heard before. Those surprises make each disc feel like finding an overlooked record while digging through the bins at a local shop. Here are some highlights:

Disc one sets the tone fast. Forte Sterra’s “Jennifer Says” opens with clean, direct power pop. Thom Hell follows with “All Good Things,” leaning into an Andrew Gold style hook. The Flower Machine adds “Wensleydale Road,” full of clear Beatles influence. Micah Gilbert’s “Fly Away” channels Harry Nilsson in both melody and feel. Andras Jones wraps the disc with “Hating the Haters,” sharp and direct.

Disc two keeps the quality high. Miniscule 605 delivers a catchy beat on “I Cried All Night.” Joe Dilillo’s “When It Comes To Us” stands out through strong songwriting and structure. “On The Radio” brings together Danny Wilkerson, Lannie Flowers, and Nick Frater, blending Texas roots with British pop sensibility. A rare track you will not find anywhere else.

Disc three leans into variety. The Lemon Clocks’ “Seventh Wave” pulls from 1960s psychedelic pop. The Samurai Seven add energy with “Duck and Cover.” And Geez Louise with “Mexico,” adds a smooth bossa nova flavored beat. Overall, highly recommended (as usual).

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“Pop

Various Artists “Pop Aid: Volume 2 and 3”

Songs for a cause also deserve attention, and Pop Aid delivers. Any serious compilation discussion includes Kool Kat Musik. They stand as one of the strongest distributors of power pop and indie rock, and they back it up with action. Alongside quality music, they release compilations tied to real support efforts. The first volume focused on the Ukraine war. These volumes shift the focus to people affected by hurricanes and wildfires. You get strong songs while knowing the project supports people who need help. That combination gives these compilations extra weight and purpose.


Short Takes: The Toms, The Gnomes, Tony Molina, Ronnie D’Addario

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“The

The Toms “Sound Bytes”

Tom Marolda makes it all looks so easy; another year another album for this prolific artist. The Tom’s newest comes out of the gate with a real classic gem “Summer Without You,” loaded with hooks and an easy to love melody.  Other highlights include “Multiple Personality,” “One Day, “She Can’t Let It Go.” If you’ve always liked The Toms, this sticks to what he does best for the most part. It loses a bit of momentum the later half, but the fun, loose “Houseflies Hum in the Key of F” is another gem. Highly Recommended.

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The Gnomes

The Gnomes “Introducing… The Gnomes”

Aussie bands have made a huge splash this year in power pop, and Melbourne’s The Gnomes are no exception. Lead by musician Jay Millar, this debut album is loaded with tight rhythms and catchy melodies with a forceful, garage-styled edge. From the opening of “Better With You” it just floors you with its energy. This and other songs like it are designed for live performance, and it brings to mind the early albums of The Connection. The album rides on riff crunching guitars and an obvious love for classic power pop sounds, as “I’ll Be There” channels early Beatles energy. The further we go, the fuzzier we get too. “Open Your Eyes” and “Flippin’ Stomp” have its DNA in the late sixties beat movement. “Stung” slow things down into a churning psych-pop swirl, and Kinks-like “I Like It” round out the sound. No filler. Anywhere. It’s a top ten contender!

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“Tony

Tony Molina “On This Day”

San Francisco-based band Tony Molina has been know for making short, quick catchy songs – usually a single chorus. Here the songs are shorter and sweeter than usual. The “FC ’23” is a gentle jangling theme, followed by a piano based “Faded Holiday.” And so it goes, classical guitar interrupted by occasionally a fuzzy “Have It Your Way.” The frustration here is that I wish some of these songs hit the 2 min. mark. Highlights for me “Broken Down,” “Living Wrong,”  and “Don’t Belong” which highlight Tony’s Byrdsian influence. Like detailed demo sketches, it’s very pleasant but leaves you wanting more.

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Ronnie D'Addario

Ronnie D’Addario “Written By”

Ronnie D’Addario (Papa Twig) shows us a tribute album of sorts. The Lemon Twigs (Brian and Michael D’Addario) looked to record some of their dad’s favorite songs and a few unreleased demos. What started as a Lemon Twigs project grew, with lots of guest stars contributing. Some real magic here as the boys doing justice to “A Very Short Dream,” “Not Today” and “5th of July.” The guest spots are a mixed bag, but it’s wonderful to hear Darian Sanahaja (Wondermints) with the inspirational groove of “Be Like Him.” Plus the lovely harmonies of Matt Jardine on “Don’t Wait For Yesterday.” Another highlight is Ronnie having fun doing his best Elvis on “If I Were You.” Overall, Highly Recommended.

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