David Myhr and Jay Gonzalez

David Myhr “Soundshine”
All you need to know about Sweden’s David Myhr is that he was part of the Merrymakers. And they were one of the best power pop bands of the nineties (even Jellyfish Andy Sturmer was a fan). After the band’s demise, David suddenly found he had enough material for a solo album. Collaborators on Soundshine include Peter Morén (of Peter Bjorn and John) and Andreas Dahlbäck, who co-produced.

David’s melodic talents are still top notch, so fans of The Feeling, Jellyfish and Farrah will love this. Starting with “Never Mine” its got the hooks and hummable chorus sure to stick with you. The bubbly “Looking For A Life” and “Got You Where He Wanted” comes closest to that old Merrymakers ELO inspired sound. “I Love The Feeling” has a nice Beach Boys feel and infectious bounce that make it my favorite here. “Cut To The Case” has an 80’s flavor — a bit like Aussie band, The Go-Betweens. Each tune has its own charm, like the Beatlesque “Ride Along” where the tone is so upbeat, it will lift the sourest mood. Overall the apt-titled, Soundshine is chock-full of fantastic power pop, delivering one masterful melody after another. And so far it’s at the top of my year end best album for 2012 list.

Jay Gonzalez “Mess of Happiness”
Drive-By Truckers keyboardist Jay Gonzalez has released one of the years best retro pop albums. The material recalls the best of breed 70’s DIY, a la Todd Rundgren’s Something/Anything?. The crunchy riffs of “Punch of Love” literally knock you back and the multi-tracked harmonies in the chorus keep you engaged. The complex arrangements, and awesome hooks are in each tune, from the gentle love song “Luisa” to the organ chord shifts of “Baby Tusk” (even the lyrics reference the 70’s). Another theme for this album (and this blog) could be “Turning Me On” about the joys of discovering classic pop music.

No doubt if this album came out in 1973 it would be at the top of the charts, but in the messed up era we live in it will not get the credit it deserves. The Big Star meets Seals & Crofts tune “The Will” is another example of mining those influences to for great melodic effect. The jangle and genius of “I Urge You” is another gem among many that will demand repeat listens. The short faux punk “Tension” gives way to a wicked guitar solo, and it seems a perfect set up for the mellow “The Other Side.” Another top ten best album nominee for 2012. Don’t miss it!