Tag: Cheap Trick

Short Takes: Cheap Trick, Sharp Pins, The Manic Standstill, Rome 56

powerpopaholic
“Cheap

Cheap Trick “All Washed Up”

This review will be easy, because if you didn’t like Cheap Trick you wouldn’t be reading this blog. Tom Petersson and Daxx Nielsen’s rhythm section is rock solid, Rick Nielsen is still can belt out a distinctive riff, and Robin Zander possesses the same blend of nuanced sensitivity and loud energy that has been part of the band’s defining style throughout their long history. For the uninitiated, Cheap Trick remains an unapologetic power pop institution, so pick this LP up and enjoy the big harmonies, layers of glistening guitars and big hooks. Highly Recommended (what else?)

Amazon

“The

Sharp Pins “Balloon Balloon Balloon”

Chicago Wunderkind Kai Slater is on his third album already, and each one shows tremendous growth. Leaning on various influences from garage-era bubblegum to Robert Pollard, it boasts a massive amount of brilliant songwriting. Taking on the DIY bedroom pop approach, the hooks are great here on the opener “Popafangout” and the lost-Beatles gem “I Don’t Have The Heart.” Most of the long 21-track list hits the mark and remind me that The Lemon Twigs are not the only band that can mine the past to create future gems. Despite the obscuring production and layered fuzz lots of standouts like “(I Wanna) Be Your Girl,” “Gonna Learn To Crawl,” and “Talking in Your Sleep.” Highly Recommended, and makes my top ten list.

Amazon

“The

The Manic Standstill “Moving”

Los Angeles-based band The Manic Standstill hit the ground running with the solid rocker “Reasons Why” (great video too!) and boasts contributions from members of The Aquabats, Teenage Bottlerocket, The Dollyrots, The Screamers, and more. Its a blend of Punk Pop and Hard Rock influences, its high energy approach works on several tracks like “Oh Francisco,” “Trying Too Hard,” and “Girlfriend Island.” The harmonies and musicianship are excellent overall. Fans of Green Day and Extreme will really enjoy this.

Amazon

“Rome

Rome 56 “Pony Tales”

Arthur Lamonica (The Shirts) continues to dazzle as rock’s elder statesman with Rome 56. “One Way Ticket” is a compelling start, the band is both melodic and easy going on “Ladder of Love,” and comparable to prime Elvis Costello. Highlights include the catchy “In The City,” “Shut Down Town,” and “Sam The Delivery Man.” You’ll appreciate these songs far more if you immerse yourself in them. The album is definitely a grower rather than an instant hit.

Amazon

Concert Review: Cheap Trick at The Paramount

powerpopaholic

Cheap Trick Live at The Paramount, Huntington, NY – October 21, 2025

There’s something truly admirable about a band that’s been at it since 1973 and still refuses to slow down. Cheap Trick has outlasted most of their peers, and somehow, they still make it look like fun.

The classic trio ran through the hits with ease, and Robin Zander can still hit those high notes — especially on the ’80s ballad “The Flame.” Rick Nielsen, ever the showman, joked to the crowd that they were “too stupid to quit” before breaking into “Twelve Gates,” a track from their upcoming album All Washed Up.

The Paramount crowd started off a little mellow but quickly found their groove, singing along to “Surrender” and other favorites. The sound mix was a bit muddy at times, but that didn’t faze them. Zander was in great spirits, and Nielsen powered through with his usual swagger.

Sure, the guys move a little slower these days — they’ve earned it — but they still put on a show that’s equal parts nostalgic and genuinely enjoyable. Cheap Trick might not have anything left to prove, but they keep proving it anyway.

With several tour dates left, this might be one of the last chances to see Cheap Trick in full flight. Catch them while you still can.

Cheap Trick and Chris Church

powerpopaholic
Cheap Trick

Cheap Trick “In Another World”

What else can I say about the longest-living power pop band? These guys have nothing to prove on their 20th album, so I will gloss over the fact that the album cover’s generic checkerboard style didn’t thrill me (even though it’s a Nielsen trademark). And at first, it seems the band is just going through the motions. But as we’ve mentioned before, Rick, Robin, Tom, and Daxx haven’t lost a step and they sound like they are really having fun here.

 “The Summer Looks Good On You” hits you between the eyes as a big hook-filled theme designed to be played loud. This is followed by the bouncy keys of “Quit Waking Me Up,” a cheery song clearly meant to lift the spirits of the COVID weary. “Another World” has those majestic qualities that make a Cheap Trick power ballad unique, and then comes the 80’s styled hard rock throwback “Boys & Girls & Rock N Roll.” Rick Nielsen proves resourceful with the catchy riffs on “The Party” and “Light Up The Fire.” Added highlights include “Here’s Looking at You,” and a cover of John Lennon’s “Gimme Some Truth.” Highly Recommended (what else?)

Amazon


Chris Church

Chris Church “Game Dirt”

North Carolina’s Chris Church follows up his rocking Backwards Compatible with a more personal album. His Big Stir label debut features songs that are short and sweet, but like a 12-year old’s stream of consciousness, it zig-zags all over the place. A great example of this is on “Falderal” where the melody shifts with each key change, and then it’s over. “Fall” sets the stage with an oppressive minor key as Chris sings about setting unrealistic expectations. The one-word song titles are clever, showing a subtle emotional progression.

There are some real gems are here, the blues-oriented “Lost,” catchy lead riff on “Hang,” and the majestic piano-guitar combo on “Sunrise.” Some of it gets lost in the mix as the percussion dominates some tunes too much (“Trying”) and the sound is akin to Matthew Sweet mixed with The Gin Blossoms at times. Still, a mighty fine album that deserves to be heard.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Holiday Gift Guide: Cheap Trick and The Searchers

powerpopaholic
Cheap Trick

Cheap Trick “Christmas Christmas”

Like an Energizer bunny, Cheap Trick has been firing on all cylinders this year with a new album and now it’s first ever Christmas album! Needless to say, this one is a real holiday gem with a combination of new and old songs. Robin Zander can belt it out unlike anyone else on  “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day.”

As with most things CT, you get ringing guitars and a full production. A good mix of slower numbers (“Please Come Home For Christmas”) balance out the hard rocking crowd-pleasers (“Run Run Rudolph”). The only missteps are an odd remake of The Kinks “Father Christmas,” (the slower tempo just doesn’t work) and “Our Father Of Life” which sounded like filler. Otherwise a great soundtrack for your holiday.

Amazon

The Searchers

The Searchers “Another Night: The Sire Recordings 1979-1981”

During the British Invasion, there was another Liverpool band topping the charts not named The Beatles. The Searchers had 11 Top 40 hits between 1963 and 1966 in the UK, with “Needles And Pins,” “Sweets For My Sweet,” “Don’t Throw Our Love Away”  and the US hit “Love Potion No. 9.” By the end of the decade, they toured Europe but never faded away. The band continued to develop musically, change personnel and eventually signed with Sire Records in 1979 for a revival. This was a rare case of an “oldies” band re-tooling to a new generation successfully.

“Hearts in Her Eyes,” (written by The Records’ Will Birch and John Wicks) was a vibrant new sound that still maintained the Searchers trademark harmonies. The band showcased this sound on the Sire recordings, as they covered many great bands (Big Star, Duck Deluxe, Tom Petty) and originals. “Feeling Fine,” is a lost link between those Merseybeat days and 80’s power pop, with its jangling chords, harmonies and catchy as hell chorus. Fans of supergroup Rockpile (with Dave Edmunds and Nick Lowe) will really enjoy this collection, as the guitar work and even vocals make The Searchers very comparable. The music has no filler either, as most of the songs have a timeless quality with little of the cliched overproduction from the era. Fans of 80’s power pop will love this and its highly recommended. Thanks for the Christmas gift, Omnivore Records!

Amazon

Cheap Trick and Screamfeeder

powerpopaholic
Cheap Trick

Cheap Trick “We’re All Alright!”

Cheap Trick is considered one of the longest running power pop bands ever but they have decided to let loose with more of hard rock and roll album than anything in their storied past. Like last year’s Bang, Zoom, Crazy… Hello the band’s direction is less melodic and runs more on manic energy. Ever since Daxx Nielsen replaced Bun E. Carlos as the band’s drummer – he’s seemly given the entire band a shot of youth serum.

Starting with the guitarist Rick Nielsen’s monster riffs of opener “You Got It Going On,” it’s a sing out loud anthem that rocks the socks off bands half their age. And it doesn’t let up as “Long Time Coming,” and “Nowhere” keep the energy level high. “Radio Lover” is a shelved single from the late ’90s that also fits right in here. Robin Zander takes a glammy turn on “Lolita” and his vocals are ageless too. More consistent and less studio gloss than Bang, Zoom… the band sounds like it’s having fun again. No duds here either, and so get the deluxe edition with extra tracks. On these, the band takes The Move’s “Blackberry Way” and makes it their own, plus a brilliant power ballad finisher “If You Still Want My Love.” Highly Recommended.

Amazon

The Naturalas

Screamfeeder “Pop Guilt”

Heavy indie pop band Screamfeeder was born in the ‘90s and became one of Australia’s most-loved bands, its youthful fuzz riffs tempered by catchy melodies. For over 20 years the band has made the transition to adulthood seamlessly. Like other veteran bands of the era (Redd Kross, The Figgs) they have improved with age and Pop Guilt evokes that early punk spirit with high energy riffs and explosive drumming.

Starting with the guitar buzz of “Half Lies” is a great start, “All Over Again” combines leads guitarist Tim Steward and bassist/vocalist Kellie Lloyd very much in the mold of Hüsker Dü with a droning rhythm under each melody. Highlights include “Got A Feeling,” “Alone In A Crowd” and “Karen Trust Me.” Not everything sticks and the band admits this lyrically on the generic sounding “Making It Up,” the lack of variety on some tunes allow them to sonically blend into each other. However, we end with the defiant “I’m Fighting” and overall fans of ’90s alt. pop punk will enjoy this.

Amazon