JTG Implosion and The Connection

The JTG Implosion “All The People Some of The Time”
This resissue of Joe Gidding’s band from 2002 is a welcome addition if you’ve missed it when it was part of Not Lame Record’s catalog (which is now gone forever). This is a classic melodic power pop album that needs to be re-discovered. Giddings crunchy riffs get the party started on “Delta 88” and the hand clapping goodness of “This Is What You Get” is another gem. Best compared to Enuff Z’nuff and Velvet Crush these tunes have layers of fuzzy rock guitars against bouncy melodies (“The Biggest Liar In The World”), with the occasional harmony laden mellower tune (“Puzzle Peace”). Every song here is exemplary, not a weak track in the bunch – and if you’re looking for a yardstick in this genre it’s hard to find better. For newbies to power pop this is required listening.

The Connection “New England’s Newest Hit Makers”
Retro to the max, baby! If you love those “classic oldies,” we’re not talking about Boston or REO Speedwagon. We’re talking about Chuck Berry, Beatles, and The Swinging Blue Jeans. Musicians Brad Marino, Geoff Palmer, Chris Faulkner,and Andy Casey have decide to form The Connection, and deliver balls to the wall Merseybeat in its best form. The short punchy compositions start with the bouncy riffs in “It’s All Right.” Each of the eight songs here follow the feel-good high energy vibe – in fact I’ve been listening to the guys on my treadmill (“Stop Talking” has got the perfect BPM). Despite the lack of a ballad, the songs are catchy as hell, much like The Romantics early efforts and their hit single “What I Like About You.” Enjoy!

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