Author: powerpopaholic

Mark Ward and Telejet

powerpopaholic
Mark Ward

Mark Ward “Let’er Rip”

What would you say if someone asked you to describe typical American power pop? Mark Ward’s latest album, “Let’er Rip” is a good example. Everything is in its proper place, from the jangling guitars to the massive musical hooks in each chorus. “I’ve Been Around” has echoes of The Raspberries in the intro, and follows the early 80s style template, with a great chorus.

Musically, Ward’s hitting all the right notes, but while his vocals are good, they don’t stand out as much as they should. But then again, the jangling “Love Me Once Again” and “Pixie Girl” wouldn’t be out of place alongside early Nick Lowe singles. The songs get longer as we move beyond the album’s first half. He gets a little more guitar muscle on “Girl Like You” and fuzzy textures on “Paint My House,” and it’s a good stylistic progression. Mark adds a bit of Johnny Cash-style country storytelling to “Villain” and “The River.” Other highlights include the slow-building “Little Frames” and “Home Tonight.” Overall, this is a very good album that’s highly recommended.

Kool Kat Musik | Amazon


Telejet

Telejet “Spiritual Age”

Toronto musician Gene Hughes formed a band with several others known as Telejet. After a digital album in 2021 and several lineup changes, he continues to release new music. The sound is very much in the melodic mold of the poppier side of XTC or Martin Newell.

The optimistic “Beautiful World” has a beautiful, descending chord line, and a harmonious chorus.  Then the relaxing “Indian Summer” is supported by subtle orchestration, with its Jellyfish-like vibes. The wistful title track, “Spiritual Age,” starts simple, but grows to a grand chorus with lots of sonic details and layered instrumentation.  Other highlights include the Beatlesque “She Speaks Her Mind” and “We Had It All” which remind me of Richard X Heyman’s jangling style. While there is nothing revolutionary here, the melodies are so pleasing that they’re worth exploring through re-plays. Thanks to David Bash for discovering this highly recommended gem, even though it was officially released last year.

Kool Kat Musik | Amazon

Redd Kross and Sparkle*jets UK

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The Black Watch

Redd Kross “Redd Kross”

Jeff and Steve McDonald have been doing their brand of power pop for over 45 years, and have transformed themselves from snot-nosed young punks to elder statesmen who can rock and roll all night (and party every day!) This new album carries on from 2019’s Beyond the Door and raises the ante. It’s a massive 18 tracks of their most intense and captivating music to date. Pulsating with vitality, crackling with intensity, and chiming with sweet harmonies, it shows a conspicuous dedication to songcraft.

On glam rockers like “Candy Coated Catastrophe” and “Stunt Queen,” the brothers strive for a heavy stadium sound that is on par with their best songs. On poppier numbers, their Beatlesque influences pop through, like “Good Times Propaganda Band” with its swirling bass line. There are simply too many highlights to list, and the band does vent about rockstar life in “What’s in it for you?,” “Way Too Happy,” and “Terrible Band,” which are both catchy and lyrically interesting. However, the band doesn’t slow down the tempo or tone much. Even power ballads like “The Main Attraction” build up quickly to loud harmonies. Still, this remains a triumph and gets a nod for inclusion in my year-end top ten list. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

Sparklejets UK

Sparkle*Jets UK “Box of Letters”

Sometimes the stars align with a power pop band that hasn’t been heard from in a while. After 2002’s Bamboo Lounge, it looked like the band was done. Even though the album was planned and recorded in 2006, bad luck prevented it from getting finished. But the band got back together for last year’s cover collection, Best of Friends, proving that magic was still there. The core lineup of singer-guitarist Susan West, multi-instrumentalist Michael Simmons, and bassist James Knight are joined by Joel Valder (drums) and Tisha Boonyawatana (keys, vocals). They all sound like they’re having fun here.

Opening with a cover of The Zombies’ “This Will Be Our Year,” it’s a richly layered tune with many impressive sonic details. “Goodbye X3” and “Love Burn” showcase Susan’s vocal personality perfectly, and then we get the Jellyfish-like “Princess Needy” with its bouncy chorus and the disco break midway through. More highlights include “I Can’t Wait for Summer,” a beautiful Beach Boys pastiche, and the title track “Box of Letters, ” a grower that builds on sweet nostalgia and is so catchy. Plenty of gems are sprinkled here, and other than the ‘80s lounge pop of “Where’s The Moment,” it’s all killer, no filler, and highly recommended!

Big Stir Records | Amazon

Fourth of July Special: Brian Ray, The Drolls, Gentlemen Rogues, Friends of Cesar Romero, Steven Wright-Mark, Brad Marino, Muck and the Mires

powerpopaholic


It’s been a long time, but Brian Ray (guitarist with Paul McCartney) returns with a new album in August. The new single, “When The Earth Was Round” is a small sample of what to expect. Freebies are here! The Drolls and Gentlemen Rogues deliver plenty of fuzzy punk power pop. Check out “Happy Hour,” and “Connection.” Then South Dakota’s Friends of Cesar Romero have a new high-energy EP, so check out “Last Summer a Year From Now.” Speaking of summer, we have a wonderful pop single from Steven Wright-Mark called “Summer Sky,” Hopefully, a new album isn’t far behind. Another great EP is Muck and the Mires newest, “Zoom Breakup,” with a high-tech way to dump your date. Finally, Brad Marino has been listening to those old hot-rod-era Beach Boys and The Rip Chords. He decided to add to that vintage genre with his car songs on “Hot Rod Rampage.” I love that cover of “Shut Down!” And in case you missed Steve Conte’s new song… Happy 4th of July!






Hot Summer singles and EPs: The Martial Arts, The Shang Hi Los, The Mediocre Friends, Teenage Tom Petties, Bad Moves, Shake Some Action!

powerpopaholic

A cool new video for The Martial Arts (aka Paul Kelly) for the single “Exploding Crushing Inevitable” from his upcoming album ‘In There Like Swimwear.’ It’s tough not to love The Shang Hi Los, with its bouncy rocker “Op-Operator” they continue the party with, “Morganatic Panic,” proving these guys have a big hit album in the making. Remember Gay Elvis from Readymade Breakup? Well, he has a new project, The Mediocre Friends and it’s the opposite of mediocre. Plus, it’s a freebie! I also enjoyed “Kissed Me in Seattle,” by Teenage Tom Petties, with its catchy fuzzy melody, it sounds like a keeper. Two bands I follow are back; Bad Moves has a new album coming out, and Shake Some Action! gives us a great-sounding EP with a crisper retro sound. Check out “I Want You,” and pick this gem up today!