Drumroll… It’s almost here.

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Enjoy a few New Year’s celebration songs.



The year in review 2024

The phrase “power pop” alone makes one picture jangly guitar riffs, catchy tunes, and vibrant energy. Think Big Star, Badfinger, Cheap Trick, and The Raspberries. But where does the genre stand today?

While the classic sound still resonates with some, the genre’s boundaries have blurred significantly. Rising independent artists challenge easy classification and push artistic limits. Punk, metal, techno, and many other influences permeate the music from indie rock to alternative pop. This combining produces a vivid, always changing soundscape. Rarely do artists limit themselves to a rigid power pop template. Instead they use several techniques to create original sonic tapestries. An album might feature a driving power pop anthem alongside a brooding ballad, an experimental electronic track, or a raw, punk-infused outburst. Actually, I’ve seen more music this year than last year — along with less of that traditional power pop sound.

This eclecticism isn’t necessarily a departure from the spirit of power pop. At its core, power pop celebrates melodic songwriting and infectious energy. From the jangly guitars of the past to the cutting-edge sounds of today, these ideas can be articulated in innumerable ways.

The result is a more dynamic and exciting musical landscape. While purists might lament the loss of a “pure” power pop sound, this evolution ensures the genre remains fresh, relevant, and constantly surprising. Onward to 2025! Next post is the Top 25 of 2024.
 

December singles and looking ahead: Timmy Sean, Joe Giddings, Blend Eleven and more

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You know things are still very busy in December at Power Popaholic. We have several important releases all ready knocking on the door for 2025, notable is Joe Gidding’s new album (we have 2 singles to share), and a new Davenports album is coming too. In the holiday rush, we noted that Timmy Sean did a song about “Drones Over Jersey” and I think Adam Schlesinger fans will  enjoy it. Blend Eleven is another goodie, and this driving rock single is a great intro.

You know I can’t forget Hanukkah. Luckily I found a fresh new song by Danny Henry and Sam Kogon. Plus, as we look under the tree for gifts check out Big Stir Records and Rum Bar Records samplers from all their artists. Enjoy the free bounty of music here!





motherwest · When Everything’s Over

The last of the Christmas Music: CokeRoque, Dan Miraldi, Shake Some Action, James Clark Institute, Sunturns, Pigeon Club, The Krayolas

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Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. My top 25 of 2024 is due to post January 4, 2025, so stay tuned!






New Reviews: Dislexia, John Faye and Jukebox The Ghost

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“Dislexia"

Dislexia “Snowball” EP

This is an interesting supergroup; Coke Belda forms a union with two great Spanish power pop artists, Pepe Murgadas (Shennon and Lotton) and Roque Esteban (Inquieto Roque). The result is this sweet EP, and the opening harmonies of “Love Is Blind,” give you a Beatlesque gem that hits all the right buttons.

The guitar and vocal approach are suitably aggressive, but a few songs are just beautifully executed demos (“Mister,” “At Least”). I enjoyed the easy-going pysch-pop of “You Were Water” and “Sleeping All The Days.” Overall a very good example of pop craftsmanship, but more hooks are needed to put it over the top. Highly Reccomended.

Amazon

“John

John Faye “The Long Game”

John Faye (the Caulfields, IKE, John Faye Power Trip, John & Brittany) is back. The title track is a heartfelt ballad, but the catchy “Sell Your Soul as An NFT” would fit perfectly on any of his IKE albums, with its crunching guitars and defiant vocal. He hasn’t lost a step here, as the slowly building “Something Devine” and “Feug Shui” both have great positive energy and lots of cool sonic flourishes. His song “Epidural” is a heartfelt story of parental anguish and the subject of online reputation is the point of  “Asking for a Friend.” Faye is one of the few veteran musicians I know who always consistently delivers, and you should pick this LP up. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

“Jukebox

Jukebox The Ghost “Truth” EP

Piano pop trio Jukebox the Ghost has been returns and asks “Would you rather be happy or be right?,” and seems to be a comment on the state of “truth” in our current political reality. The band’s repertoire has always had a predilection for speculating about the end of the world, but here it’s a case of tuning out on “I Feel So Good,” a catchy theme about letting go, and reconnecting with “Friends Again.” Each song is beautifully rendered, “Save a Little Room” is another standout. No filler here, and super highly recommended. A contender for best EP of the year, too.

Amazon

Discovering Music, Building Connections: The Story of Ckord

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How a Chance Encounter Sparked the birth of a Platform

Ckord was born from a single, transformative idea: music and technology should bring people together, not push them apart. This vision took root when founder Darko stumbled into a bar one night and witnessed an incredible band performing live. The energy in the room was electric, but a nagging question lingered in Darko’s mind: “How would anyone know this amazing band was playing here tonight without sheer luck?”

Determined to solve this problem, Darko dove into conversations with musicians, fans, and industry insiders. The answer became clear—there was no easy, accessible way to promote local, lesser-known artists. While household names dominated the spotlight, independent musicians struggled to find their audience.

Thus, Ckord was born. The platform was designed to bridge this gap, making music discovery personal, local, and deeply meaningful. At its core, Ckord connects audiences with underrepresented talent, helping communities celebrate the art that’s right in their own backyard.

Inspiration from AirBnB: Democratizing Live Music

Ckord draws inspiration from companies like Airbnb, which transformed the hospitality industry by connecting travelers to unique experiences while empowering hosts. Similarly, Ckord aims to empower independent artists and venues to thrive without being overshadowed by big industry players.

Like Airbnb encourages people to explore the world beyond their screens, Ckord encourages users to discover and support local music scenes. By shining a light on emerging artists, Ckord is creating a vibrant ecosystem where musicians, venues, and fans can connect and grow together.

What does this mean for me?

Ckord aims to be the ultimate app for discovering live music. Whether users are uncovering a favorite local artist or stepping outside their comfort zones to try something new, Ckord wants to create unforgettable nights out. Empowering independent musicians is also key goal. Ckord envisions a future where artists can earn a living doing what they love—without needing major record labels. Like YouTube transformed video, Ckord wants to redefine live music discovery and sustainability.

Ckord isn’t just about discovering music — it’s about rediscovering the joy of human connection. Check it out!