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Get the printed edition of “Songs Stuck In My Head” for half off! That’s $15.00; you will not find the printed edition in any bookstore (including Amazon), so this is the only way to get one. This offer expires on 1/14/2024.
What better way to spend a slow holiday week than with a power pop documentary?
Power pop documentaries are all over YouTube, so here is a short list of my favorites. The last two are more TV/internet specials and not full-on documentaries, but worth a watch if you don’t know these band’s histories. Of course, we are still waiting for a real power pop documentary. In the meantime, enjoy these links below:
The collaboration between Memphis musicians Vicki Loveland and Van Duren has proven fruitful over the years, as they both are consummate professionals that play off each other beautifully. This new album is no exception, the opener “Tumbledown Hearts” is an A-list single that would win over the pop and country charts if given a chance. “Any Such Thing” is Loveland’s anti-fascist screed laced with strong rock instrumentation and blaring horns. This is soulful pop music for grown-ups.
While the styles are pop and country, the songs feel timeless when they click. “Funny Way of Showing It” has Loveland’s emotions on her sleeve when it comes to domestic abuse accompanied by orchestral strings. And Van Duren’s just as emotional on ‘Where are we going?” when it comes to a relationship in trouble. When the two collaborate, it’s pure magic; “Bridges I Had To Burn” is another winner that speaks to experience. Van Duren also manages a very timely statement on political discord with a strong melody on “Everyone is Out of Tune.” Not everything here is as memorable, but this 3rd LP by the duo is a good mix of songs that deserves to be heard.
Chicago band, The Embryos are back three years after their debut Open The Kimono, and their maturity is evident, “Morning Birds” is a sophisticated pop tune, but they shift their sound on the instrumental “The Funky Embryo” akin to Graham Central Station and “Rattlesnakes” is a great synthesis influence from The Doors and The Byrds. It’s likely the best tune here, but they inject some power-pop-blues-rock with the great “Spend Tonight,” and it’s another high point.
The next several songs seem to channel The Stones, from “Catching Fire,” to the sleepy “You Can Be A Mystery.” The energy from earlier has mellowed quite a bit. The cryptic “Cosmic Wheel” and “Rolling Wheels” are both sweet stoner tunes with layered harmonies, psychedelic touches, and catchy bass lines. Overall a very good LP that grows on you with each repeat. Highly Recommended.
Van Duren was part of the 70’s Memphis Power Pop scene, playing with the likes of Chris Bell and Jody Stephens and atone point auditioning as the 2nd guitar player for Big Star just before the band’s demise. While a seminal musician, Van remained an obscure figure, mainly because his 1977 debut Are You Serious? was only reissued in limited quantities and the 1979 follow-up Idiot Optimism was released 20 years too late. But Van has continued making music on small indie labels with a variety of collaborators.
Van’s public renaissance was rekindled by two Australian fans, Wade Jackson and Greg Carey, whose latter-day discovery of Are You Serious? turned into a two-year documentary project about the dogged persistence of his career. The soundtrack stands as a fitting introduction to the artist with some of his best work. The starting track “Grow Yourself Up” has the strong piano melody similar to the style of Todd Rundgren. “Chemical Fire” is another gem with its funky bass and deep chugging guitar that recalled Alex Chilton. The title ballad, “Waiting” and “Positive (Wedding Song)” are soulful themes that ooze emotion. There are live tracks that showcase Van’s intensity on stage and some brilliant tracks from his tenure at 80’s band The Good Question. Overall a solid compilation for an artist long overlooked. Highly Recommended.
Thanks to Dave “The Boogieman,” as he hosts a 4-hour show with music and interviews every 2 weeks on Radio NY International. I am given the opportunity to post my favorite music during special show segments:
February’s Featured New Artists
My Favorite Artist feature: Electric Light Orchestra
There is a not-so-good analogy to be made in power pop: The Beatles begets Badfinger, and Big Star begets Van Duren. Both artists followed inspired genius, and both did not end well. I cannot wait to see this. Check your indie-theatre listings for dates and times.
