Tag: Mark Ward

Father’s Day: doubleVee, The Krayolas, Mark Ward, Richard Snow, The Rallies, DelCobras

powerpopaholic


Happy Father’s Day to all the dads. Plenty of great new music to share with your dad today, starting with Allan Vest & Barb Vest (Starlight Mints) as doubleVee in anticipation of the release of the ‘Periscope at Midnight’ EP. The rest of the EP is no Dig that bass line! Next, The Krayolas deliver a sweet tribute to Brian Wilson with “Surf’s Down” a newly released gem from the Tex-Mex trio. Speaking of tributes, Mark Ward has done a cool EP full of covers, interpreted in his own way. Check out the pop bounce of Gordon Lightfoot’s “If You Could Read My Mind,” a great song with a whole new spin. With all the anxiety going on in the world today, Richard Snow has a very timely response to the conspiracy culture we’re in on “Governments Always Lie.” The Rallies are also back with a simple song that“Comes and Goes” and it really impresses during the harmony-filled bridge. Philly Green Day inspired rockers DelCobras have a great single here with “Untied (She’s The One)” with that infectious chorus. Enjoy a nice cold drink with these tunes. Cheers!






Mark Ward and Telejet

powerpopaholic
Mark Ward

Mark Ward “Let’er Rip”

What would you say if someone asked you to describe typical American power pop? Mark Ward’s latest album, “Let’er Rip” is a good example. Everything is in its proper place, from the jangling guitars to the massive musical hooks in each chorus. “I’ve Been Around” has echoes of The Raspberries in the intro, and follows the early 80s style template, with a great chorus.

Musically, Ward’s hitting all the right notes, but while his vocals are good, they don’t stand out as much as they should. But then again, the jangling “Love Me Once Again” and “Pixie Girl” wouldn’t be out of place alongside early Nick Lowe singles. The songs get longer as we move beyond the album’s first half. He gets a little more guitar muscle on “Girl Like You” and fuzzy textures on “Paint My House,” and it’s a good stylistic progression. Mark adds a bit of Johnny Cash-style country storytelling to “Villain” and “The River.” Other highlights include the slow-building “Little Frames” and “Home Tonight.” Overall, this is a very good album that’s highly recommended.

Kool Kat Musik | Amazon


Telejet

Telejet “Spiritual Age”

Toronto musician Gene Hughes formed a band with several others known as Telejet. After a digital album in 2021 and several lineup changes, he continues to release new music. The sound is very much in the melodic mold of the poppier side of XTC or Martin Newell.

The optimistic “Beautiful World” has a beautiful, descending chord line, and a harmonious chorus.  Then the relaxing “Indian Summer” is supported by subtle orchestration, with its Jellyfish-like vibes. The wistful title track, “Spiritual Age,” starts simple, but grows to a grand chorus with lots of sonic details and layered instrumentation.  Other highlights include the Beatlesque “She Speaks Her Mind” and “We Had It All” which remind me of Richard X Heyman’s jangling style. While there is nothing revolutionary here, the melodies are so pleasing that they’re worth exploring through re-plays. Thanks to David Bash for discovering this highly recommended gem, even though it was officially released last year.

Kool Kat Musik | Amazon