Category: Power Pop Review

David Woodard and Bird Streets

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David Woodard

David Woodard “Stupid Kid”

David Woodard follows his muse (after a series of fine EPs) with some of the best music I’ve heard from him. With a mix of 80s indie rock arrangements and power pop smarts, his music nerd comes out on the catchy title track “Stupid Kid.” The jangling gem next, “Literally Probably Maybe” is similar to Fountains of Wayne mixed with a little Bill Lloyd, using his low-key vocal and poetic lyric. His duets with the Queen of Power Pop, Lisa Mychols are also standouts, “Right Through Me” is just a perfect bouncy rocker and the quieter “Turns Blue” highlights those lovely harmonies.

The guitar hooks of “More Than Happiness” (a duet with the late David Schrader) is another in a series of strong tunes here. If you get the CD version of the album, you get five additional tracks from his EPs including “Applebees,” a favorite of mine. While his vocals aren’t particularly dominant, David is a big talent and not a “Stupid Kid” because he gets better with each release. Do yourself a favor and get this highly recommended collection of gems.

Kool Kat Musik | Amazon

Bird Streets

Bird Streets “Lagoon”

Bird Streets’ debut had John Brodeur and Jellyfish alumnus Jason Falkner collaborate on a triumphant power pop romp, but Lagoon is almost on the opposite side of the emotional spectrum. Brodeur is solo here, starting with “Sleeper Agent” it packs a confessional wallop, with those orchestral strings that build in intensity with his anxiety. More akin to OK Computer-era Radiohead but even better is “Machine” with its lush “ever-lasting sigh” and then the compelling “Burnout” where even getting high isn’t helping anymore.

The melancholy throughout the album is elevated by the concise arrangements and clever lyrics. The pop craft of “Let You Down” and “SF 1993” both describing a relationship imploding is gorgeously rendered. The sitar based “Leave No Trace” goes through Brodeur’s depressive mood, while “Disappearing Act” recalls his alcoholic days. The ray of hope is the final track, “Go Free” with its relaxed vibe of acceptance in letting go. A very relatable “depression” album, and highly recommended. So good, it might find a spot near my top ten album list this year.

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Dungeon of Skeletons and Karma Gambit

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Steve Robinson & Ed Woltil

Dungeon of Skeletons “Patterns”

It’s been a long time since we’ve heard from Nashville-based musician Justin Kline. Triangle-Six Songs was a favorite of mine back in 2010, but with a new band, Dungeon of Skeletons he’s constructed a pure power pop classic. Opening with “Patterns” his theme of renewal comes with an earnest optimism, that leads into the masterful “Turn The Key” with its catchy melody and infectious sing-along harmonies. His approach reminded me of fellow Tennessean Wyatt Funderburk, but with more of an alt. rock edge.

Every single track here follows the joyous lead from the densely packed “Gonna Be Alright,” to the bouncy retro Carpenters feel of “Doom & Gloom.” Even when they break out with a different approach, like “Daggers” it’s all irresistible and loaded with hooks. Influences here are from sunshine pop to alternative to glam. On my top ten list for sure, and super highly recommended.

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Karma Gambit

Karma Gambit “When Does Rock ‘n’ Roll Start to Get Sad?”

Karma Gambit is a power pop band from Asbury Park, New Jersey. Inspired by bands such as Fountains of Wayne, Weezer, and Oasis, this quartet contrasts sharp character studies and ironic humor with big guitars, immediate hooks, and layered harmonies. Like most great power pop, the songs are about relationships, starting with the swoon over “Aphrodite.” The radio-ready single here is “Cable Knit Sweater” and its similarity to FOW is more than those punchy chords, but singer/guitarist Jack Linden showcases his sharp wit within the lyrics. 

“Kiss and Tell” is a bitter sad sack tale about a pickup artist and the garage rock of “Kick in the Teeth” recalls the Fabs’ “I’m Down.” The inventive “Adam Bomb!” is another tale of broken romance at the local mall. It veers into folk with “Hello Minnesota,” but each song makes for compelling listening. Highly Recommended.

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Beatlesque Bundles: The Analogues Sideshow and The White Paper

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The Beatles have always been a major influence on power pop (some consider them the first power pop band ever, for others it was Buddy Holly). For many years, Beatle cover bands continue to remain popular with all ages. After a while, some cover bands decide to branch out with their own original music in the Fab style. Many bands have done this, none more successfully than The Weeklings. But each year I hear of a new band or two — and here they are:

The Analogues Sideshow

The Analogues Sideshow “Introducing The Analogues Sideshow”

The Analogues have been playing Beatles shows for years, so when they released original music they didn’t want to cling too tightly to the same melodies and rhythms. Like the Weeklings, they keep the music as original as possible while still keeping their influence recognizable. “Patience” is a good start with strong slide guitar, and string interludes. “Say That You Will” is a piano ballad that mines the McCartney/Elton John template perfectly. The plucky optimism of “Nothing Can Hurt Me Today” and “Goodfoot” are winning tracks that are irresistibly catchy.

While not every song hits that high, the sincerity of feeling in “Damned If You Do” and “Through Thick and Thin” carry the songs across the finish line. The heavier “Yeah Yeah Yeah” actually resemble Tom Petty more than the Beatles. However, you still have 13 tracks that are better than most other bands out there. Highly Recommended.

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The White Paper

The White Paper “EP Tracks 2012-2013”

Two lost EPs of original songs by Claudio Cambedda’s Beatles tribute band The White Paper, originally released to sell at their live shows in 2012-14. The band played mostly in Italy.

The band is a very good sound alike, and they mainly stick to the early mop-top phase of the Beatles. The first four tracks are heaven, “One Day,” “Sissy Cheek,” “Say You’re Mine” and “Take My Hand” are amalgams that will please the most demanding Beatlephile. The blues rock “I Feel Down/Honey Monkey” is a little off-brand, but still fits – as if Paul tried to write “Helter Skelter” in 1964. The remaining songs go back to the fab style more, but “Who Needs Love?” sounds more like Ronnie D’Addario or Gilbert O’Sullivan. “To The Sky” is more of a Lennon solo track, but overall a very good simulacrum of the Fab Four. Fans of Beatlesque pop will love it.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

November EPs: The Vice Rags, The Morning Line, Christopher Peifer, Orbis Max, and Peter Hall

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As we prepare to stuff our faces for the holidays, let us not forget our ears. These EPs are all perfect for that lull before dinner is prepared. The Vice Rags are back, with Paul Rosevear (Readymade Breakup) mixing bluesy rock and roll with attitude. Check out “Midnight Ride” and “Voodoo Hoodoo,” and ask why RumBar Records hasn’t signed them! San Francisco band The Morning Line also returns with a collection of crafted rock, check out the excellent “Lookin’ Right At You.” Criminally underrated Christopher Peifer has a solid sound and tells musical tales akin to Paul Westerberg and Alex Chilton. Check out “Wide Receiver,” Twisted” and “Left The Map.” Orbis Max has collected quite a few singles over the past few months, it’s compiled on This Just In. This post ends with an odd, but a beautiful single by Peter Hall. “In Plain Sight” speaks to me personally this season. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.






Ward White “Mezcal Moth” premiere and some pre-Thanksgiving freebies

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Ward White is a unique character who is a master of evoking dark moods and anxieties. This time the art-rock crooner turns the pop notch up a bit more on his new album Ice Cream Chords with his first single “Mezcal Moth.” The album is due after 12/2.

Ward White

 

Pre-Thanksgiving Freebies

With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up, I wanted to share some recommended freebies. These collections are all name-your-price, so you have no excuses. The first collection Grandma Got Run Over By A Tour Van, is a collection of goodies from punk, pop, and rock artists doing Christmas music. I like the newer original songs as opposed to the re-warmed-over covers of traditional holiday tunes, like The Sewing Club’s “Hard Candy Christmas” and Obey The Trooper’s “Tennessee Christmas.”


Too early to hear Christmas music? Some odds and ends of summer music covers, but what got me was the emo-punk version of The Beach Boys “Kokomo” by Ghost Town Remedy.

Shame on me, I never really reviewed Nat Freeberg. He’s an amazing guitarist and has a kick-ass rock and roll sound. This compilation is a perfect sampling of his work. Highlights here include “Call Me If You Want Me” and “Back of The Line.” A product of RumBar Records, and definitely an artist that deserves to be heard. The definition of a “why-have-I-never-heard-him-before-?” artist.