Secret Powers “More Songs About Her”

Secret Powers have been a favorite of this site from the beginning, and each year Ryan “Schmedly” Manes has released one great LP after another. Last year’s What Every Rose Grower Should Know cracked by top 25, but frankly it was a small step back as earlier releases made my top ten. Well almost as a response – the band is back with a set of sticky tunes that puts it back into top ten contention for 2012.

“Dragon Slide” starts us off, and what is noticeable here is the ELO styled flourishes and techniques are toned down compared to previous albums. In fact the growling chords are closer to Bad Company than anything else, as Shmedly recalls his childhood thrills with a great Queen-styled break in the solo. John Brownell continues the pace with “Impossible Girl” and the hooks are plentiful on his best composition “Post War.” The band spreads out the songwriting/singing duties a lot more, and Shmedly’s vocals are clearer too. Other gems here include “Drip Drop Drip,” “Not That Girl” and in his best Randy Newman mode, Shmedly gives us a tribute to the struggling musician in “Hard To Be Someone.” Every track here is great, although “Caroline” feels like it belongs on a different album. Anyway, add this to your “must-get” list.