Category: Power Pop Review

Former Tonic frontman Emerson Hart has released his new solo album “Cigarettes and Gasoline” – a very personal album that touches on Hart’s personal struggles with the unsolved murder of his father as a child. Hart’s reminders of his childhood past include the sights, sounds and smells – and that’s where the album title comes from. The lyrics and songwriting are heartfelt and revealing here. “If You’re Gonna Leave.” is a melodic soaring ballad that paints a perfect picture of reget for “what might have been.” “I Wish the Best For You,” is another soaring alt-rock ballad and touches on the memories of a friend’s divorce. These songs are tailor made as a great Father’s Day gift for your dad’s new ipod. “I Know” hits more power pop territory along the lines of Fastball. Hart has a gift for writing these great pop hooks, like in “Vanity” – a mellow mid-tempo brooding song that shows Emerson is near the cream of the alt-rock heap. That being said some songs are a bit non descript (like “Flyin”) and too similar to other Tonic ballads. As a personal statement, Hart has done an very good job when it comes to his theme. As a power pop album it’s also good and slick enough to appeal to mature audiences who are looking for more than a happy pop recording. Hart spent several years in Nashville, soaking up the scene and it shows on tracks like “Green Hills Race For California” with it’s delightful acoustic strum. Athough it sounds like a major label release, Hart has opted for the small Manhattan Records label to release “Cigarettes and Gasoline.” For me, it beats the new Bon Jovi album hands down. Listen to the album samples to see what I mean.

Emerson Hart Website | Album Samples | Itunes | My Space | Amazon

An overview of Emerson Hart’s “Cigarettes and Gasoline”

Going through the backlog of CDs, several Kool Kat artists were released recently. If you like your power pop in a vintage 80’s mode, you couldn’t do better than John Wicks new album “Rotate.” Wicks picks up with the classic Records sound and starts right away with the catchy “Oh Yeah!” a sure-fire classic single. Another standout is “That Girl is Emily” – a great rock and roll song with a bit of Cheap Trick styled guitar theatrics. “Rotate” is another mid-tempo guitar jangle-fest with a highly enjoyable melodic chorus that reminds me of a classic REM song. Wicks vocals have barely aged and sounds as good as he did twenty years ago. “Rising Stars” and “Desert Sky” both have some great moments, but wander on a bit too long. Another great song is “The Lost Years” an autobiographical account of The Records troubled past. “Come on Round” is another catchy riff filled piece of jangly goodness with a touch of alt. country. Also a great cover of the Beatles’ “We Can Work it Out” rounds out this excellent release. For Records fans, this is a must-have CD and for other pop fans it is highly enjoyable listening. My fellow blogger, Kid Charlemagne has a detailed history of The Records and this release here.

John Wicks and The Records Website | Kool Kat | My Space – the Records | John Wicks solo | Not Lame | CD Baby

Video: “Starry Eyes” – The Records big hit from 1980.

These guys are a great power pop band and now they have a full live album coming out on June 26th. Recorded live at Seattle’s legendary Crocodile Cafe on December 23, 2006 – just their third show – this live performance shows why Shake Some Action! has been steadily building a loyal fan base throughout 2007. Catchy pop songs with gorgeous harmonies and instantly hummable melodies, all performed with tremendous energy and enthusiasm. As a special preview, the band is making the tracks available streaming from their site.

Streaming Live Tracks! | Shake Some Action Review

Here is a real “Hollywood-styled” success story. Josh (piano and vocals) and Dan (guitar) Ballard played music together growing up in Arizona before taking a leap of faith and moving to California. They both agreed that if they didn’t “make it big” in the music business by June 2006, they would move back home. Working at Starbucks, Josh met producer Brian Garcia and the rest is music history.

Inspired and lush, this album is a tapestry of falsetto and piano. The album is essential listening for any one who likes melodic “heartbreak” themed songs. Josh and Dan Ballard really put joy and pain into each song, not unlike Coldplay or Keane. “Unnoticed” is a good Ben Folds-type of tune. “All I Have” is a good mid-tempo song that borrows a bit from U2 and “What I’ve done” has a sweeping majestic chorus. Unfortunately, because the mood of each song is downbeat, it tends to weigh the album down. You almost forget this is a Christian pop band until “You Do” at the end of the album. Geared toward moody young people, it should do very well. The website is also beautifully done with streaming songs to listen to. Enjoy!

The Until June Website | My Space | Amazon

The Grey Race, a new power pop group from Brooklyn does a great job of setting up a cool soundscape. The songs are best described as “sweet and sour” and reminds me a bit of 10cc and late-era Badfinger with multiple listens. “On the Chin” and “Bottom” are emotionally dark and amazingly cool. The one sunny spot on the CD is a cover of The Zombies “Care of Cell 44” – this is very nicely done, although it isn’t going to make me forget about Susanna Hoffs’ version last year. I feel The Grey Race does have some greatness potential in the brilliant song “Screamings not an Option” and vocalist Jon Darling’s scathing comment on a break up that is an effective mix of Pink Floyd’s desparation and The Beatles melodicism, and my favorite track here. I look forward to a full length release in September.

The Grey Race Website | My Space

Also new on e-music is a worthy download. This is a classic of the genre: Any Trouble “Where are all the nice girls?” This 1980 gem mines the Elvis Costello/Joe Jackson era sound perfectly. Essential listening.