Category: Power Pop Review

From the opening track “Tomorrow’s Maybe” Simon Morel wastes no time with a great power pop guitar track. The Australian based Simon Morel has produced a real gem of an album. “As time goes by” is excellent song, and my favorite here – sounds like a a great lost Glen Tilbrook track. No filler is found here – and with a bit of backing from power pop fave Michael Carpenter, this is sure to be a repeat listener. However a few of the ballads, like “No comin’ round” and “Saving Grace” although well made – don’t have the hook power of the more energetic tracks like “Sadness is a small town” which have a bit of a Smithereens echo. The exception here is the pleasant country-sounding song “Place for us” which recalls the best of Toad The Wet Sprocket and The Jayhawks. I really would’ve liked Record#2 to have a tiny bit more grittiness, but this still a excellent album worthy of purchase.

MySpace | CDBaby | Simon Morel Homepage

The name conjures up nothing more than a 70’s sitcom dad with bright polyester leisure suits. But Mr. Brady sounds like a mix of Godley & Creme and UK power pop band Modesty Blaise. Rather than taking care of of six growing kids, Mr. Brady is an Aussie trying to get his name out here in the states. His songs aren’t quick little pop numbers, but ambitious songs that expand on some nice chord progressions. His EP “She’s Relatively Sexy” has 5 songs that display his quirky pop talents. The vocals could be a bit stronger but, you definitely see a major talent developing here. And for those power popaholics who liked the latest Cloud Eleven, you’ll enjoy this. His CD is self produced (he’s looking for a label here, folks) and available only through his site. A full length album is in the works so stay tuned! He may even do a version of “The Brady Bunch” theme song (just kidding)! To get the CD visit Mr. Brady’s site and to hear some samples and a video or two.

Listen to “Prime Time Princess”

Visit Mr. Brady’s Myspace Page for more samples.

Pete jamed with Fratellis at Austin’s SXSW festival, playing a version of The Who’s “The Seeker” — it is a rare moment of power pop past being carried by power pop’s future. Pete is clearly just enjoying himself. Unfortunately this is only a preview video, Click here for the full version. Fratellis new album “Costello Music” is out and about, and a review is coming up very soon!

The Satellite Program is a power pop-alt country styled group with real DIY spirit and feel to the music. Some really great guitar noodling and melodies that sound like a marriage of The Old 97’s and The Greatful Dead meets Kenny Howes. More than a few tunes are shining through here, notable are “Coin-Op Proxy” and “Inside Man.” Singer/songwriter Mark Malone does a good job of adding some feeling to his lyrics and it complements the guitar work nicely. My favorite here is “Wipeout by Decree” an energy filled song with hot licks that Enuff Znuff would envy. However I found many of the ballads a bit unrefined and not really doing it for me other than the song “Rollaway.” The song “Polychrome” starts out okay and evolves into a real mess as well. But there are still plenty of worthy tracks here like “Bed of Roses in the Snow” and if you like you can listen to the album streaming and judge for yourself.

CD Baby | Not Lame