Category: Highly Recommended by Powerpopaholic

I always liked Big Kid. The first two albums are collections of can’t-miss hooks and feel-good riffs that put the pop squarely back into power pop. The band has always followed the influences of Andy Sturmer and Roger Manning, Jr. to a perfect “T” so many were looking forward to this new release in 2007. The San Diego-based quartet has made one change though, and the new lead singer, Justin Avery has the lead vocal duties. Avery sounds even more like Roger Manning, Jr. than the last vocalist, and Steve Clark’s songwriting is still pretty sharp here. Opening with the uplifting “Gold” it has that energy that makes it easy to enjoy. “Get Up” continues the ride, with organ, guitars and irresistible hooks. Things get into a lower key ballad with “Love’s a Slow Song” with probably the best chorus of the album. The song describes a girl “who listens to old Beatles and Jazz” and the anxious suitor who wants to know more. The next track “Monsters” has a sharp rhythmic bass lead that gives off a Michael Jackson meets Glen Tilbrook vibe. The remaining ballads here seem to take center stage, as the lovely chorus of “Perfect Sunrise” will echo in your head for days. Avery’s vocal dominates on the last few tracks and it’s so sweet and romantic, you could dance your wedding to both “Madly” and “Hollywood Star.” Jellyfish fans and romantics alike shouldn’t let this album pass you by.

Early in 2006, I kind of discovered Jonathan Coulton and he is what I would call the quintessential indie Internet rock success story. He left a software job a year earlier to pursue music full time releasing a song a week on his website. Some became big Internet hits including his biggest hit “Code Monkey” which became a TV show. Now between the internet sales and live performances, he is able to make a living at it. He’s been compared to They Might Be Giants, Barenaked Ladies, Loudon Wainwright III, and other “Geek” musicians, because… well he’s a geek. And he writes damn catchy stuff too. This release goes over all the songs he’s done and like TMBG, it’s mostly short 2 minutes tunes that get to the point. Highlights here include, “Tom Cruise Crazy” which looks back on the celeb’s couch jumping days, and the brilliantly melodic “Skullcrusher Mountain” about a mad scientists passion. With 20 tracks there is a lot of good material here.

Jonathan’s Website | CD Baby

Chicago’s dynamic duo, The Handcuffs are back with a new record, building on the debut album “Model For A Revolution” the band struts it’s pop muscle here. The Handcuffs are primarily a duo of vocalist Chloe Orwell and drummer Brad Elvis (of the infamous Elvis Brothers). If you ever wondered what would Gwen Stefani sound like if she did power pop, this is your closest answer in the title track “Electroluv” which may be an ode to a sexy vacuum cleaner (not sure here). Brad Elvis knows his way around a pop tune and the group delivers powerful, melody-driven songs that are both accessible and commercial. Some of the lyrically simple ideas here work well (“Half A Mind”) and others not so much (“Gotta Problem With Me?”). But there are enough highlights here to shake your mojo to, including the very Debbie Harry sounding “I Just Wanna Be Free, Man” with Chloe’s sultry purr of the chorus. And the ballads are another pleasant surprise, as “Turn it Up” and “Wonderful Life” are very sweet and memorable. Another standout for me is the guitar riff heavy “Resurrection” and the piano pop hooks of “Fake Friends” which for me is the best written of the bunch. Fans of Joan Jett, INXS and Blondie will eat this one up.

My Space | CD baby

The Lund Bros. ( Chris and Sean Lund and bassist Gwon Chang.) specialize in smart songwriting, colorful, catchy hooks, full-tilting melodies and plenty of repeat-worthy pop hooks at every turn. I had no idea these guys were so prolific, releasing 4 albums already. This is a two disc set, and plenty of gems are here. Opening with the song “Mars Will Understand” it starts soft and expands to Cheap Trick-Matthew Sweet proportions. And this first disc follows the style on most of it’s tracks. For example, “Find The Sun” is a sweet guitar ballad that would make Robin Zander do a double take. One of the best songs on this disc is “Magnifying Glass” full of irresistible melodies and harmony. The instrumental “Johnny’s Jump” is pure guitar magic and shows off the Lunds‘ impressive guitar prowess. “Losin” is a gem that would fit well on “Dream Police” and “Mr. McCain” is a poignant power ballad about the losing presidential candidate, asking “would you do it again?” This first disc was so impressive, I thought I couldn’t take more riches here. Well the second disc opens with “Listen” a sure fire hit single, full of fast beats and awesome hooks. The mood takes a turn on “Love is Leaving” and reminds me a bit of Big Star here (“Olive Branch” has the same feel). The remaining songs continue to impress and are more conventional, following closer to Van Halen styled guitar rock. Fans of both Cheap Trick and Van Halen will flip for these guys, but I would highly recommend this set to anyone who loves modern melodic rock. I now want to get the older albums on CD Baby to see what I’ve been missing.

My Space | CD Baby