Category: Power Pop Review
Jon Flynn and The Half Cubes
Jon Flynn “Cherry Cherry”
The second solo effort by Jon Flynn, half of the power pop group Diamond Hands, “Cherry Cherry” is a great listen. The ten songs that make up the album take the listener on an adventure of discovery from Jon’s move from Los Angeles to San Francisco. “Game You’re Playing” has a sparse electronic sound, and you’ll hear a bit of early Talking Heads meets Marc Bolan. The layered synths and simple guitar rhythm are accented by strings and still catchy. “Where to Start” has a bit more swagger, as he sings “change is a monster.”
Not everything works, but there are clear standouts like the psychedelic reverb of “Brush Your Hair,” and the dramatic seduction of “Creature” and “Great Man.” Jon’s persona on these dramatic moments also reminds me of Gaz Coombes (Supergrass) but many other tunes didn’t have that much of a hook. Despite this, Jon definitely sets himself apart from his former band stylistically and has a unique perspective on things. Check out this album that deserves to be heard.
The Half Cubes “Pop Treasures”
Is there a perfect covers album? By design, cover albums have a strike against them by not being originals. But Power Pop Hall-Of-Famers and Syracuse natives The Flashcubes may have found a loophole. Similar in approach to Big Stir Records label-mates Sparkle*Jets UK, they picked their favorite power pop records and recorded them with an eye on a new audience re-discovering these great songs. But what ‘Cubes vocalist-bassist Gary Frenay and drummer Tommy Allen have done is a labor of love that includes many of the original artists on these classics. They also enlisted Randy Klawon (The Choir) to get the correct guitar sound.
Great cover versions of classic songs by artists such as The Hollies, The Searchers, The Pursuit of Happiness, Cheap Trick, The Pernice Brothers, The Hudson Brothers, and more are available here. My faves include Eric Carmen’s “My Girl,” Phil Seymour’s “Precious To Me” and The Hudson Brothers “Spinning Wheel.” Hard to argue that this doesn’t belong on my 2024 top ten list. Super Highly Recommended!
Caddy and The Toms
Caddy “Caddy”
Tomas Dahl, (The Stanleys, Yum Yums) who performs as Caddy, is back for his sixth studio album, and this self-titled LP is his hardest rocking one to date. It’s back to the late 90’s era Posies, Stone Temple Pilots, or Velvet Revolver with intense heavy riffs. In 2023, Tomas lost both parents and two close friends all within the span of five months. So those raw emotions are in each note here, but even with the emotion, he managed to keep the melodies up front.
“In A Heartbeat” has a solid catchy chorus and its soaring harmonies make it a great start. “The Darkest Corners” and “25 Ways” give detailed descriptions of the pain of loss, all with those handclaps and dense buzzing riffs. The hooks aren’t always present, and the lack of a stylistic variety tend to weigh down the album as whole. And as much as I love a great riff, sometimes less is more. For example “Smalltown Operator” has a good song buried in there, but the heavy loud rhythms drown it out. There are some worthy songs here; check out “Everblue,” “Why Worry,” and “Someone Like You.” In fact, there are enough good ones to make this highly recommended, but don’t expect any ballads.
The Toms “Rock Paper Scissors”
Tom Marolda has continued to make great music since his breakout debut from 1979 (a must-own for any respectable fan of power pop). His style has varied over the years, always experimenting, and trying new approaches. What hasn’t changed is the amazing creative approach Tom takes toward song composition and arranging.
“The Zebra” is the theme of cool slinky temptress, enticing men like predators to deceptive “prey.” The sound here is closer to his classic sound, and the wild bass line and key changes are all over the catchy “Stationary Bike.” From there it gets a little more experimental with the next few songs. I always find elements of a song I enjoy, but it might veer off into demo mode like the title track “Rock Paper Scissors” with its start-and-stop verses. Some songs require a lot of listens to stick.
There is always a power pop classic found on a Toms album, for me it was “It’s Personal” an earnest look back to a harmful relationship set to great hook. Other goodies include the excellent pop of “Desperate Measures,” with an ethereal break of Sheyla Sherif’s ghostly verses, and “Black & White” with its angular melody line and psyche-pop touches. For Toms fans this is definitely recommended, but others will definitely want to start with his debut. Definitely music that deserves to be heard.
Sept singles and EPs: Al Jardine, Graham Gouldman, The Well Wishers, The Popravinas, John Wlaysewski, The Cheap Cassettes, Squire
Some music veterans from the golden age are still producing, Beach Boy Al Jardine gives us a poignant “Wish” and legend Graham Gouldman (10cc) reminds us to seize the day with “We’re Alive.” Technically, Gouldman has a new album ‘I Have Notes’ and it deserves to be heard! The Well Wishers continue to deliver great music too with “Missing Person,” as The Popravinas give a us a new album including “The Girl Who Didn’t Want To Hear Any Tunes.” Sounds like someone I don’t wanna date. John Wlaysewski (Late Cambrian) continues his journey across the pop landscape with a new EP with the help of Brendan Brown (Wheatus) and Dave Hill (Valley Lodge). It’s worth the trip, so check it out. The Cheap Cassettes give us meat-and-potatoes rock and roll, and Squire releases focused soundscape in mono with a brilliant mix of the Big Star classic.
The Junipers and Polite Company
The Junipers “Imaginary Friends”
The Junipers, a band from Leicester, combine psychedelic pop, mid-1960s bubblegum music, and a touch of folk on their most recent album, Imaginary Friends. Starting with “The Swarthy Smith,” a piano-driven melody that veers into bouncy wordless guitar chorus full of “oohs” and “ahhs,” as the sweet “You’re My Sugar and Spice” echoes the Toytown era of pop. “She Looked Up At The Stars” is another gem led by the ever-present mellotron.
The short “Annie Almond” is beautiful example of psych-pop, similar to the singles on Euphonious Trolley EP and “Mary in the Rain” has a McCartney-styled bass line that will stick in your head. The folk-inspired mellow feel of “Red Song” sets it apart, while the groovy, carnival whimsy of “Monkey On My Back” has organ sounds recalling “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!” While not as immediate as I expected, after repeat plays you notice those subtle sonic details that are hidden just below the surface. Highly Recommended.
Polite Company “Please Go Wild”
Alan Gregg (The Mutton Birds, Marshmallow) is trying to make easy listening cool again. And he mostly succeeds on Please Go Wild. A bit like a cross between Cliff Hillis and Andrew Gold, the songs are from Gregg’s POV as he combines pop jangle and with witty lyrics. It starts with “Circulation,” a catchy song about emerging from a self-imposed isolation. Next the piano driven gem “No Time Like Tomorrow” is the perfect theme for taking time to enjoy more life, and less busy work.
“Barefoot Billionaire” feels like a TV sitcom theme to a show I’d gladly watch, and “Buzz Me In” is another song with a chorus that will stick in your head for sure. Not all of it works, but most of it does. For quirky charm you can’t beat “Second Chance Charity Store,” a familiar suburban fixture with multiple meanings. There are more than enough great tunes here to make this one highly recommended.
>