Category: Top Ten of 2012 Candidate

Its comforting to know that bands like Portland’s Throwback Suburbia “get it.” This third album builds on the band’s consistent sound and musical development. The opener “Give and Take” is an emotional hook-filled gem with a thrilling bridge and jangle filled rhythm. The signature sneering vocals of Jimi Evans and mastery of composition come forward on “Setting Sun.” On “Here Again” the band notes “history’s overrated” through its slow building power ballad.

No filler to be found as each track makes a strong melodic statement. On “Sinking Feeling” the gruff riffs recall Butch Walker and the 50’s styled piano ballad “Side Effects” provide a much needed break from the relentless guitar bounce. The slower groove of “Best Intentions” is another gem that offers some nice slide guitar with Evans best vocal performance. Even the last track “Neither Here Nor There” steps up with some nice group harmonies. It also pushs this album into my top ten for 2012; listen for yourself and see if you don’t agree.

The internet has enabled like minded artists to collaborate like never before. 8X8 is the transatlantic collaboration between Lane Steinberg and Ukrainian musician Alex Khodchenko. Like The Britannicas, they both live on different continents, and have never met in person, but through e-mail they’ve managed to create an amazing work of musical art. This is the best prog/psychedelic pop I’ve heard in a long time.

Bringing forth influences from Todd Rundgren, The Zombies, The Beach Boys and Procol Harum, it requires multiple listens – but it really sticks. Opening with “Fantastic Sun” it’s the most immediate and catchy track with a rich layered musical palette. The vocal harmonies are transcendental here and continue on “Layabout” and “Time And Tender Love.” Even Colin Blunstone would be impressed by the swirling “Live in Dreamland.” This isn’t simply music you listen to – you let it wash over you like lush warm breeze. Good headphones are a must for this material. Many other highlights include the epic melodies of “Snowflake In The Rain” and “Sweetness In Your Life.” Credit also must go to Gregory White on a variety of keys (Hammond organ, mellotron, etc.), Rebecca Ona (backing vocals) and Rick R. (drums). Easily makes my top ten list for 2012, and will remain on my ipod for a long, long time.

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Secret Powers have been a favorite of this site from the beginning, and each year Ryan “Schmedly” Manes has released one great LP after another. Last year’s What Every Rose Grower Should Know cracked by top 25, but frankly it was a small step back as earlier releases made my top ten. Well almost as a response – the band is back with a set of sticky tunes that puts it back into top ten contention for 2012.

“Dragon Slide” starts us off, and what is noticeable here is the ELO styled flourishes and techniques are toned down compared to previous albums. In fact the growling chords are closer to Bad Company than anything else, as Shmedly recalls his childhood thrills with a great Queen-styled break in the solo. John Brownell continues the pace with “Impossible Girl” and the hooks are plentiful on his best composition “Post War.” The band spreads out the songwriting/singing duties a lot more, and Shmedly’s vocals are clearer too. Other gems here include “Drip Drop Drip,” “Not That Girl” and in his best Randy Newman mode, Shmedly gives us a tribute to the struggling musician in “Hard To Be Someone.” Every track here is great, although “Caroline” feels like it belongs on a different album. Anyway, add this to your “must-get” list.

I reviewed The Breakups a few years ago when they had an EP, so now these guys have a new album and are definitely ready for the major leagues. Opening with “I’m Thinking of a Number,” it’s a slow grower with smart harmonies in the chorus, it builds its strummy melody similar to The Honeydogs. And it gets better from there, “Run From Rock n’ Roll” is a brilliant gem with a synth hook that would make Ken Stringfellow proud. Then “Better Off Alone” increases the tempo, synth rhythms and the handclaps are infectious.

The ballad “I Don’t Want To Know” is a weary but beautiful song about “ignorance is bliss… I’ll try to savor it while it lasts” accentuated by horns. The horns continue to emphasis the Beatlesque “Shelf life of Butterflies,” and its another winner. Each tune is highly melodic and although it takes a darker turn toward the albums end with more conventional alt. pop compositions (“Amelia”) it manages to hold your attention throughout. Officially releases on Feb.14 (Valentine’s Day) a perfect occasion for The Breakups.

With his sixth release Jeff Shelton has fallen into a great groove that makes him so prolific, I would call him the power pop version of Robert Pollard (GBV). Driven by tight, punchy rhythms from drummer Nick Laquintano (Spinning Jennies) the Well Wishers hit the ground running on “Escape The Light” with its mix of REM jangle and Posies styled vocal phrasing. “Allison” has a great fuzzy riff similar to Bob Mould’s Sugar and the piano led “Nothing Ever Changes” is another standout with a great hooks.

The impressive thing here is that Shelton’s sound has more variety than any previous release, and as always no filler to be found. He gets positively inspirational on “Free? No,” the heavy reverb on “Have Some More Tea” keeps things moving, and he gets downright punk on “All I Got.” A great start to the new year and our first nominee for the Top Ten of 2012!