There are tons of albums out there that don’t quite make it onto my radar, sometimes because it’s not quite in the power pop genre, but that doesn’t mean it’s not good music. Here are some of noteworthy groups you might want to check out.
Jack Butler “Fit the Paradigm”
It turns out that Jack Butler isn’t a single guy but a group of funky Scottish musicians who play ska and post-punk pop. Similar to the Cure, Modest Mouse and Public Image Ltd. Highlights include “Are You A Hustler?” and “He Got No Game!”
MySpace
MySpace
Jesse Sprinkle “Surrounded by Lights”
Seattle native Jesse Sprinkle has a rich pop texture to his sound, similar to Michael Penn or Neil Finn. With carefully blended vocal performance and gentle guitar strum, this album flirts with darkness, but always brings enough hope in his melodies to keep things from slowing down.
MySpace | CD Baby
MySpace | CD Baby
Dubious Ranger “Uneasy truce at the Watering Hole”
This is a genre-hopping acid-trip of an album that goes all over the place, started by Alexander Eccles, with one foot in David Byrne-ville and the other in Ozomotly country. And throw in some classicial interludes while you’re at it. Highlights include “French Song” and “Shortcake”
MySpace | Dubious Ranger site | CD Baby
MySpace | Dubious Ranger site | CD Baby
The Small Cities “self titled EP”
Sobering little EP from this Minneapolis quartet that plays intricate pop songs along the lines of The Shins or Pedro The Lion. This group has rich sound that is full of exquisite sadness and style. Every track is decent and this is a band to watch out for in the future.
MySpace | Common Cloud
MySpace | Common Cloud
The Pomegrantes “Everybody, Come Outside”
Cincinnati’s Pomegranates have a smooth arty brand of indie pop. The sound is full of swirling guitars, cheerful keys, and hammering drums, the album tells the story of a boy’s swim across the ocean and abduction by a time traveller. The soft melodies lead us through dream-like soundscapes, and elegant guitar work make it a small treat for the ears. A good follow up to the debut album.
MySpace | Lujo Records | Itunes
MySpace | Lujo Records | Itunes