Johnathan Pushkar “Straighten Up”
Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Johnathan Pushkar now resides in Nashville, TN where he writes, records, and performs vintage British Invasion-styled power pop. If you enjoyed the Oneders from the movie “That Thing You Do” or the more recent The Last Bees, then Pushkar will be another “must-get” in your music collection.
Aided by producer Wyatt Funderburk and a classic Rickenbacker he starts with the obviously catchy “The Girl Next Door” which is sure to stay on my playlist all year. His clear vocals and overdubs are pleasant on the understated “We Could Be Together.” But he really resembles Fountains of Wayne on “Isabella.” So it makes perfect sense that he covers FOW’s “Hackensack” next. Most of the tunes fall under 3 minutes, and “Smile” and “I Can’t Help The Way I Feel” are highlights as sweetness reigns with these mid-tempo ballads. Pushkar isn’t afraid to rock, as “I’d Rather Be Late Than Never” has a rougher intro before it settles down. Overall a great set of songs to brighten your day. Highly Recommended.
Velveteen Rabbit “Velveteen Rabbit”
Velveteen Rabbit (ex-members of The Jeanies) have a magical debut here. Several years ago Bryan Scary was known to add glam elements to power pop with success, and Velveteen Rabbit has found a similar spark here. Opening with “Knock “em Dead” uses its combination of hushed vocals and thick riffs in a way that’s equal to pomp and swagger of Marc Bolan in his prime. And it just gets better from here.
“Guitar” is like a hopeful prayer similar to Chris Bell (Big Star) in its powerful solemnity. But the meaty tracks like “Oh, Logan” has a killer structure offset by smooth harmony, and the Ziggy Stardust-like ballad “Star In The Making” is simply epic. Next, “I’ll Be A Boy For You” has a Prince-like funk that struts across its bassline and “Better Than Ever” adds some mellow R&B. But it’s the slick pop sleaze and slinks of “I Wanna Be Your Woman” that really floated my boat. Not a single bad track here, full of brilliant crunchiness that mines the best of late 60s-early 70s guitar glam without plagiarizing a thing. This gem earns a spot on my top ten list for 2019 for sure. Super Highly Recommended.
