The Well Wishers and The Rallies

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The Well Wishers

The Well Wishers “The Lost Soundtrack”

Jeff Shelton (aka The Well Wishers) was assigned by a production company to create a soundtrack for an indie film, but due to complications the film was never made, and the music was shelved. Jeff now brings these tunes out of the shadows to see the light of day.

The Well Wishers sound is well established and doesn’t change here; melodies full of heavy riffs, fuzz bass, and drums. “Back Door” is a good start with a catchy chorus that sinks in immediately. “Free” recalls The Smithereens with its deep rhythmic approach, and “Layover” leads with an inspired piano rhythm. The only misfire is the out of place country ballad “Dreaming My Dreams With You.” While these songs aren’t as inspired as last years A View From Above, this soundtrack has its share of highlights including “Great Day Out” and “She Already Knows.”

Amazon | CD Baby


The Rallies

The Rallies “Upside Down”

The Rallies are returning with their sophomore album and if you love positive vibes, then this is for you. Led by Steve Davis (Acoustic Guitar, lead vocals), and backed up by Lee Brown (Drums), Karl Van Der Velden (Guitar) and Ben Heege (Bass). The bouncy tempo & jangling guitar opener “All Over Town” sets the tone and begs repeat plays. A calming acapella mantra opens the catchy “It’s Okay,” as it bathes you in reassuring vocal harmonies of “Keep Calm/Carry On.”

The acoustic “All of Us” also slowly builds into a brilliant harmonic sing along. Next, “If You Do” uses a simple riff and rhythm to hook you immediately, it reminded me a little of Lannie Flowers work. Other highlights include “Brand New,” the Tom Pettyesque twang of “Alive,” and the layered vocal gem “Up To You.” While the songs are uniform in approach, there isn’t a dud to be found here. Highly Recommended for sure.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

RIP: Ric Ocasek, Let the Good Times Roll

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I was told by some to prepare for a wave of rock and roll deaths, but it still shocks us when our rock idols (who are now 70+ or older) are gone. Add Ric Ocasek of the Cars to the list, and although he wasn’t considered a power-pop artist at the time the band was active, it makes sense to retrofit the band into the genre. The Cars topped the charts in the late 1970s and 80s, with 13 top-40 singles and thrived in an era when the synth keyboard ruled over the guitar gods of old. The band’s sound was critical in the transition to new wave rock and thankfully Ocasek was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year. He was 75 years old. In honor of his passing, you should play the Benjamin Orr sung “Drive,” penned by Ocasek, and his wife model/actress Paulina Porizkova was featured in the video below. RIP Ric, we will drive you home.

 

The Nines and Marcus Goodwin

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The Nines

The Nines “Shipwrecked (Eggers Songbook Vol 1)”

Steve Eggers (aka The Nines) continues to musically explore and follow his muse on this collection that references the mythology of 70’s California. The ear-worm simplicity of “Don’t Ever Lose Control” is a classic Nines confidence-boosting inner monologue. The Stevie Wonder styled clavinet on “Give to Get (Night Confusion)” has an easy-going groove. And you hear a definite lean towards Pretzel Logic-era Steely Dan on “Danielle (You Know it’s True)” and “Valley of No Return.”

“Making It Better” is another effortless pop gem that sticks hard and fast, and its one of the catchiest songs here.  The orchestral 70’s pop stands out, “Take The Chance” and “When You’re Ready” are also big highlights. While ballads are usually an area of Eggers strength, they fail to draw much emotion until the solemn “Old Refrain.” But there is so much good music here, and I can’t wait for Vol. 2! Highly Recommended.

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Marcus Goodwin

Marcus Goodwin “The Slow Age”

Marcus Goodwin was the guitarist for one of the greatest power pop bands in Australia, Ice Cream Hands. From the late ’90s until 2007 they were known for crisp guitar melodies and wonderous harmonies. And then the bandmates went their separate ways for the following decade. Now with the  20th anniversary of the Not Lame favorite Sweeter Than The Radio, the band got back in the studio to work on a new album. Goodwin originally released this solo LP in 2000, but it’s new to me.

We’ve covered bandmember Charles Jenkins before, but Goodwin’s solo sounds more like Ice Cream Hands. If you aren’t familiar, just think of an Aussie version of Squeeze meets Crowded House.”The Perfect Song” picks at that nostalgia scab and delivers a bittersweet gem for the ears. “Turn It Over” faces the fear of growing old, and “The Brain Wash” is a tight bass-led melody that just grooves along. The guitar roars on the too-short “She Hates Cars,” and “Old Man Parker” is another memorable gem (related to Mean Mr. Mustard, no doubt.) While not everything sticks, this is a welcome return and will appeal to fans far and wide. Check it out! Thanks, Scotty!

Pop Boomerang

Concert Review: Spyderpop Showcase ’19

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The Bowery Electric in NYC was host to Spyderpop Records on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019. An array of talented artists came together for an excellent night of amazing live music. The evening started with girl band Slyboots as they introduced a new lead singer, Tiffany Lyons. Tiffany has a powerful voice and what followed was a selection of soulful pop, rock, and even a Stevie Nicks cover! This was followed by long-time favorite Lannie Flowers as he played selections off his new upcoming LP Home looking to hit the shelves in November.

This was followed by Danny Wilkerson (Pengwins) and songs from his self-titled LP which ranked #8 from my top power pop albums of 2018. The band really stepped up here, filling the room with layers of sound, and then for the finale, we had one of the most talented power pop artists ever, Bill Lloyd take the stage. Bill played from his LP, Playing The Long Game #6 ranked in my 2018 albums list. Plenty of guest musicians were in the audience and at the end of the night all the performers took to the stage with a rousing version of Elvis Costello’s “(What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding.” Suprise guest Paul Collins joined the gang on stage at the end. See our Facebook post for a full photo gallery!

Those Pretty Wrongs and Kai Danzberg

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Those Pretty Wrongs

Those Pretty Wrongs “Zed For Zulu”

The spirit of Big Star still lives on with the pairing of the band’s drummer Jody Stephens and guitarist Luther Russell.  The opener features a simple acoustic rhythm that builds its melody from the emotional strings (courtesy of Chris Stamey) and harmonies on the wonderful “Tonight Tonight Tonight.” The jangling “Ain’t Nobody But Me” is another catchy highlight, recalling the California vibe of The Byrds or America.

Most of these songs are started with a simple guitar strum and easy-going vibe like “Time To Fly” and “The Carousel.” The contrasting acoustic and big fuzz riffs of “You & Me” evoke Big Star more than most here, but the ballads while lovely don’t generate much excitement. The lone piano song “Undertow” is a refreshing change of pace towards the end of the album. Not just for Big Star completists, Those Pretty Wrongs are pretty darn cool. Check it out.

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Kai Danzberg

Kai Danzberg “Euphoria” EP

German power-pop wunderkind Kai Danzberg has returned after a successful run early this year with Not Only Sunshine and has been very busy this year. This self-released EP is his latest musical confection, influenced by The Jellyfish, Michael Jackson, ELO, and Drake Bell. Like his early LP Pop-Up Radio, Kai likes to set up an atmosphere first. The carnival sounds of the overture lead to “Welcome To Euphoria” a tune of Sgt. Pepper grandiosity similar to Paul Steel.

The seven tracks are richly composed,  as Kai narrates like a cabaret emcee the dramatic tragedy “Finally Free.” Next, “A Fool To Me” has an uptempo beat, and marches along but the gem here is the duet with Lisa Mychols “The Day” with its layered harmonies that perfectly welcome summer, and a coda full of swirling psychedelic guitar. Highly recommended.

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