Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic Archives - Page 293 of 339

Jeff Litman "Postscript"

March 6, 2009July 6, 2024 powerpopaholic 1 Comment

New York based singer/songwriter Jeff Litman has created a wonderful debut that shines with authenticity. Although trained in both jazz and classical music, it’s Jeff’s love of rock and pop melody that drives the songs that focus on the aftermath of a failed relationship. The opener “Anna” starts the song cycle with upbeat pop bounce, much like Chris Von Sneidern or Jim Boggia. As the album progresses, the lyrics show the stresses of compromise and self-doubt in the story arc. The solid melody of “Complicated” is supported by excellent piano work and jangle guitar riffs. The compromises of the relationship culminate in “My Wife” which is a wedding proposal set as an Elenor Rigby-like ballad with guitar and strings. “Everything You’re Not” has a solid melodic arrangement similar to Jason Falkner’s style and the catchy “Detroit Layover” and “Knock Me Down” are both solid rockers. No filler on any tracks here, and even the tune “Open Arms” uses different instruments (like a xylophone) to get the right emphasis. It runs the gamut, and toward the end of the album, you sense an emotional reckoning is coming.

And when it comes it’s truly great as the real emotional heart of the album comes out on the ballads. Both the title track, “Postscript” and the closer “It Wasn’t Me” are so well done, that the lyrics “It wasn’t me, it was you,”cut to the truth of the break-up, and moving on with your life. A powerful statement and a highly personal work absolutely deserves “top ten” of 2009 consideration.

My Space | CD Baby | Jeff’s Site

The Yum Yums "…Whatever Rhymes With Baby"

March 4, 2009July 6, 2024 powerpopaholic 1 Comment

Hold on to your hats, pop fans. Norway’s The Yum Yums bring an infectious energy to the newest release “…Whatever Rhymes With Baby.” Lead singer Morten Henriksen pulls out all the stops on the opener ” I Wanna Be The One” it jams like The Who with the punk atheistic of Green Day. The following track “Too Good To Be True” is equally flawless punk pop. The songs are lead by buzzsaw guitars and a manic beat. Fans of the Ramones will flip for “If I Ever See You Again” and “Anytime At All.” The Big Star meets Weezer vibe is all over “Rock And Roll Tonight” includes direct references to The Ramones and its got a catchy sweeping melody and solid guitar breaks. It’s my favorite track here among many gems. The band tends to coast a bit on the DIY flavored “Killing Time” and “Sugar Rush” with even speedier beats. But the gems keep comin‘ with “Imaginary Girl” a pop song with a Beach Boys like backing harmonies in the chorus. Fans of Splitsville and Cheap Trick will also love this album. It would have been nice to get at least one mid-tempo song or ballad here, but if that’s not your thing you won’t miss it – just crank up the volume. Add a few live tracks and in case you forgot, the band includes back up vocals from Vibeke too. So far the best punk pop album I’ve heard this year.

My Space | CD Baby | Pop Detective Records

Bricolage "Bricolage"

March 3, 2009April 4, 2018 powerpopaholic

I knew there would be some crossover between Today’s Modern Pop.com and Powerpopaholic. Here is a excellent example of modern alt. pop that I can endorse wholeheartedly. Just listen to the sparkling harmonies on the track “Plots are for Cemeteries” and you’ll be sold. Bricolage, are Glasgow gents: Graham Wann, Wallace Meek, Darren Cameron, and Colin Kearney. Produced with sparkling economy by former Altered Images guitarist Stephen Lironi, its dozen tracks are the product of its influences, like Teenage Fanclub, Belle & Sebastian and Franz Ferdinand, but also they have developed their own distinct clean pop sound. If you want pop romanticism of the Smiths, then “Turn You Over” will fit the bill, or Northern Soul-style stomp then “The Waltzers,” will suit you. This is pop full of melody, verve and wit – for a modern world that is about to discover how badly it needed it. Bricolage may be a new strand in Glasgow’s ongoing musical history, but for Bricolage themselves, this is where their own stunning history truly begins being written. After a few listens, I couldn’t find a track I didn’t like — and it makes my Top Ten of 2009. Happy Happy, Joy Joy!

My Space | eMusic | Lala

The Galaxies "Here We Go!"

February 28, 2009July 6, 2024 powerpopaholic

If you’re looking for a good example of the traditional power pop sound, you couldn’t ask for a better example than the L.A. based Galaxies. The songs are catchy and light-hearted with a focus on that lead riff, like in the opener “Here We Go Again” with it’s clean production and well conceived arrangements. Lead singer Bobby Cox sounds great and resembles Kevin Cronin’s (REO Speedwagon) crisp vocal style. This is pop that won’t scare away your non-power pop fans and it’s got enough hard rock muscle, so the music is never esoteric. The jangle of “You Promised” has a nice 80s pop style with some sweet harmonies. “Lost & Lonely” has a gentle Seals and Crofts feel to it. Although much of the tracks are about romance, there is not a sappy song in the bunch. This is a highly recommended album for that “feel good” weekend.

My Space | CD Baby

The Ravines "Manifesto Of A Broken Heart"

February 26, 2009July 6, 2024 powerpopaholic 1 Comment

Great albums always slip through the cracks on release, only to be championed by impassioned fans years later. The Ravines first CD Manifesto of a Broken Heart was actually released back in 2005, and if you like the sound of Crowded House, Squeeze and The Gin Blossoms, then this album needs to be heard. The title track is an excellent pop track, with vocalist Chris Corney commanding a catchy guitar lead to a chorus full of lush harmonies. The album then gets slightly heavier after that, with “Higher and higher” and “Supersize,” with hand claps and low riffs that recall the softer pop side of The Goo Goo Dolls. This template continues throughout the album, which is consistently good, and the lyrics are often introspective, but the guitar leads the story along. It’s hard to believe these guys fell under the radar for so long. The stories Coreny pens recall Danny Wilde of The Rembrandts, usually a wry commentary on emotional touch points. Highlights include the jangly warning “Best Friends,” “Queen Of England” and the fast paced “Rescue Me.” Even the final track “The Getway” is a real toe tapper. No filler either, as Corney sings “How you gonna get away?” you can’t wait to hit the repeat setting. This “lost classic” album grows well on you too.

My Space | CD Baby | Lala