Before I go on to review the “best of” what I missed, I wanted to let you help another cause, Songs for Sandy Hook. 100% of all proceeds to Danbury Hospital in Connecticut. It’s got top notch talent and hauntingly beautiful songs. Highlights include tracks by Brandon Schott, Mike Viola, Herb Eimerman, and The Popdudes. Both volumes are available at Bandcamp.
Every now and then a band with a power pop or indie streak, wises up and “goes commercial,” leaving behind some of the cult audience to experience mass audience acceptance and adulation. The best example of this was a little known L.A. band called Kara’s Flowers, who in 1997 wowed me with their debut The Fourth World on Reprise Records. Like most new “star” talent it had great songwriting and massive hooks on the single “Soap Disco.” But it wasn’t until lead singer Adam Levine ditched the tight group harmonies, and started emulating Stevie Wonder’s soulful approach he was able to breakout as the band Maroon 5.
This year the new “breakout” band to reach mass popularity is the Fun. While Aim and Ignite was one of 2009’s best power pop LPs, the band then moved away from those classic power pop influences (Beatles, Queen, ELO). Nate Ruess (vocal), Jack Antonoff (guitar) and Andrew Dost embraced popular hip hop culture and style for Some Nights. They even used Auto-Tune and had Janelle Monáe assist on their breakout hit “We Are Young.“ Thankfully, the band’s core strengths stay intact: uplifting melodies and emotional lyrics have made this one of the best releases for a pop band.
It’s not in my main list this year because its not really a power pop band anymore, but its mainstream success should be applauded.
This is a fascinating tour of Ice Station Zebra, the home of producer, engineer and performer Ducky Carlisle. Filmed with Bleu, Ducky shows us around and mentions some of the great artists he’s worked with, like Mike Viola. Bleu’s next album was on our Help A Musician page (it’s been fully funded) so I expect greatness for the 2013 release.
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Shameless Self-Promotion Dept.: A big shout out goes to the blog Pop That Goes Crunch! who was kind enough to review our compilation Power Popaholic Fest Original Soundtrack Vol.1 and mention a few other compilations that are available.
Stag “Stag”
After an impressive EP last year, Seattle’s Stag presents its new self-titled LP chock full of pretty pop melodies and big hook filled guitar riffs. Similar to Cheap Trick, Big Star, Redd Kross and Guided By Voices it blasts off with “These Times,” a strong anthem for you to get up and take action.
For those who worked in record stores “Love Her Records” is a great tribute with its Big Star riff. “Don’t Lead With Your Heart” is another melodic gem about another heartbreak, and overall there are no real duds here, although the slower tunes don’t resonate as much. Other standouts include: “Tiffany Rose,” Ides of March” with a cool horn flourish, and my favorite here -“Don’t Call Me” with its classic power pop rhythm.
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Stars and Sons “Colour Me Red”
The fantastic opener “Chance Or Such” shows this Brighton UK band moving forward from its last album and flirts with greatness here. A bit like The Eels or Supergrass mixed with Travis, the chords and harmonies are infectious with just a hint of anxiety. Its rocking that cow bell on “Effectively Dead” and then “Family Tree” has a willowy harmony in the chorus.The acoustic ballad “Brewer Street” is a brilliant tribute to a childhood memory filled with creeping menace. In fact most of the album is themed around leaving childhood behind – sometimes over the top (“Urge Yourself”) but mostly beautifully poignant. And the price is right — so pick it up!
Eytan & The Embassy “Everything Changes”
This is a band that’s grown up considerably from their debut, Brooklyn native Eytan Oren and his crew add a dose of Motown soul to their buoyant pop. “Everything Changes” is a perfect example, with a great hook and horn accents that remind me of Squeeze. “Do It For Me” is another terrific song that is similar to the new Kurt Baker LP.
The ballad “The Things You’ve Never Done” hits that perfectly emotional note, and Eytan’s croon is like a young Elvis Costello. There is even a collaboration with Locksley on “The Good Life.” Each tune is really good, but “Good Morning Marilyn” is a richly detailed gem that shouldn’t be missed – its simply goose bump inducing. Without any filler, this looks to be the last LP to enter my year end “best of” list. These guys are the next “big” thing, so don’t miss it.
The Susan Constant “Rayonnement”
Boston based Susan Constant is readying a new EP and they’ve released the free single “Locked Up” in advance. The debut from last year is a free download too and a good intro to this indie band with it’s poppy upbeat songs about the dark side of love. Enjoy the sharp lyrics and serious hooks – the band is Paul Sennott (guitar, vocals), Brian Kingsbury (guitar), Jim Bernat (keys,vocals), Mark Veligor (bass, vocals) and Jason Rossman (drums).
