Category: Top Ten of 2010 Candidate

As a music junkie, you gotta love stumbling across a great unsigned band that deserves attention, and here is one for sure. Oranjuly is the creative brainchild of singer/songwriter Brian E. King who worked over three years on these tracks. Orangjuly is also the combination of Brian’s birth-month and his favorite color. He added a few friends like Jordan Weaver (guitar), Greg Souza (keys), Chris Erickson (bass) and Lou Paniccia (drums) to round things out.

The album recalls plenty of classic pop influences without leaning too heavily on them and making hook filled magic. Starting with “Her Camera” its perfect blend of Wilson-esque harmonies, melodies and Weezer-like guitar riffs. The bouncy piano lead of “Mrs. G” is a Ben Folds styled compact symphony with a dense chorus and wicked guitar outro. The romantic “I Could Break Your Heart” compares well with Lamar Holley, full of hand claps and clever shifts in key. Like a box of chocolates, each track is a new sweet flavor, from the indie-guitar pop of “The Coldest Summer” to the delicate harpsichord and horn arrangement on “Hiroshige’s Japan.” The retro chords of “207 Days” is another joy that combines a Rundgren-like mid-tempo sound with a chorus of “ooh la las” that is just amazing. What else here can I rave about? Every track just shines with no filler to be found makes it a slam dunk to be the best power pop debut of the year. Currently the band is on tour with The Luxury and Spirit Kid — see them now before the crowds get too big.

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With a total of 10 albums under his belt Jeff Shelton of The Well Wishers continues his stellar output. Our last encounter was on the brilliant Jigsaw Days. Fans of The Posies and Cheap Trick style of power pop will be on board with the opener “Run Away.” A quick strong melody in the chorus and driving guitar riff is all Shelton needs. Vocally he even sounds just like Ken Stringfellow in places. Assisted by drummer Nick Laquintano (Spinning Jennies) the punchy rhythms continue on “Hanging On” and “All For Nothing.” The entire album follows through on the typical power pop formula with the precision of a surgeon. Another standout is the descending scales and harmonies on “Someone Else” about the end of a relationship. The band turns it up to 11 on the punk-pop “Grammareater” and again on a cover of The Nils “Fountains.” The band dials it down slightly for the albums mid-tempo reflections, the shimmering “Consequences Of Love” and “As You Are.” On the whole the album it feels more like collection of singles, and takes a few listens to absorb. Not a single note or hook is wasted here – and fans of Nada Surf, Bob Mould, Redd Kross will also love this. Another top ten contender for 2010.

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It’s not easy being a band that can consistently deliver great music, but Farrah makes it look easy.  Their fourth album, conveniently self-titled opens with a grand slam in the McCartneyesque “Swings & Roundabouts” that begs for repeat plays. Fans of XTC and Squeeze will love the follow-up “Stereotypes,” another gem with tinkling keys and strong riffed chorus has a lot to say about how “as individuals we’re invisible.” The sweet “Scarborough” recalls a little of Fountains of Wayne in this colorful story song. Vocalist and principal songwriter Jez Ashurst has a clear appealing vocal and Andrew Campell’s keys provide a rich depth to the entire album. Michelle Margherita takes vocal duties on the alt. pop of “Got The Best Of Me” and the track “If You Were Mine” is an automatic classic with a twisting bittersweet melody pop fans long for. The gorgeous melodies have a dark under current, especially on the album’s second half with “Just Driving” and the heartbreaking piano ballad “Abby’s Going Out.” Echoes of classic records from the likes of Tom Petty and ELO to Ben Folds also resonate throughout the album. This one makes my top ten easily – so don’t miss it.

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The Reserves “Life”
This Washington, DC based AOR group lead by singer /guitarist Dave Greksouk comes right out and makes a statement with the opener “Ghost Writer.” The galloping rhythm and slick multi-tracked harmonies are similar to U2 with a Roger Waters styled hushed vocal. “Red Eye” is supported by a thick piano melody and Dave’s narrative. Much of the album is laid back pop with a rich production sheen and is ultimately very pleasing adult pop to hear. But it can also get a little boring, until we mix it up with the bouncy “Write Me A Letter” and the inspiring melody of “Life” which has recently appeared on the letter segment of CNN’s John King USA. “Butterfly” was another memorable song and my favorite here. If you can get past Greksouk’s vocal style you’ll be richly rewarded. While this isn’t power pop, it’s got a few good melodies to recommend. Fans of Counting Crows, The Fray or David Gray will also enjoy this album.

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The Contrast “God of Malfunction”
Based in the UK The Contrast are a tight power pop band that has stood the test of time. After a label change to Wicked Cool Records, they return with a bright shining gem of an album. Starting with the solid “Underground Ghosts” it’s melodic jangle and tight arrangements make use of classic pop influences without sounding too retro. Producer Little Steven Van Zandt dubbed the single “Coming Back To Life” only “the coolest song in the world.” It’s hard to argue, as it’s a solid slice of catchy guitar pop, lead by Glasgow native David Reid’s strong vocal performance. “Take Me Apart” once again continues the hit parade, and these three energy filled hits are a tough act to follow. But it still hits with the stick-in-your-head melodic masterwork “Gone Forever” which reminds a bit of The Spongetones and The Minus Five. After the albums mid point the songs are merely very good instead of great, but they still manage to keep your attention. The band scratches a Bob Mould itch on “Thought You Were Strong” and “Better Than They Seem” channels XTC a bit. Overall, it’s the variety here that makes it a serious contender for my top ten list of 2010. Easily this is the band at it’s most accessible and energetic.

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If there is anyone with classic pop running through his veins it’s Seth Swirsky (The Red Button). With his sophomore release “Watercolor Day,” it’s a soothing journey into baroque pop stylings that recalls Brian Wilson, Burt Bacharach and Paul McCartney’s solo period. The title track oozes laid back sunshine with a touch of Beatley horns. Assisting Seth is another pop genius, Rick Gallego (Cloud Eleven) whose influence is unmistakable in tracks like “Fading Again” and “Four O’Clock Sun” where the slow flowing Beach Boy harmonies take over. A ton of highlights are on this fantastic album, from the Pet Sounds influenced “Summer In Her Hair” and “She’s Doing Fine” to the 10cc multi-themed magic of “Matchbook Cover.” Some songs are mere acoustic sketches (“Song For Heather”) or XTC-like nursery ryhmes (“Sand Dollar”) but each style fits the album’s overall tone. The rare misfire here is the aptly name “Big Mistake” which sounds too close to Monty Python’s “Lumberjack Song” to take seriously. The Bacharach styled songs “Stay” and the introspective “Twenty Minutes to Myself” both have a simple but satisfying theme. This is also the second disc I listened to this month with a Nilsson love letter track.  The piano and lyric describes the childhood worship of this “musical Van Gogh” in “(I Never Knew You) Harry.” The orchestral touches are subtle and the melodies are superb throughout the album. Any way you look at it this disc is pure summer sweetness distilled and I am proud to list it in my year end top ten.

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