Johnathan Pushkar and Velveteen Rabbit

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Jonathan Pushkar

Johnathan Pushkar “Straighten Up”

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Johnathan Pushkar now resides in Nashville, TN where he writes, records, and performs vintage British Invasion-styled power pop. If you enjoyed the Oneders from the movie “That Thing You Do” or the more recent The Last Bees, then Pushkar will be another “must-get” in your music collection.

Aided by producer Wyatt Funderburk and a classic Rickenbacker he starts with the obviously catchy “The Girl Next Door” which is sure to stay on my playlist all year. His clear vocals and overdubs are pleasant on the understated “We Could Be Together.” But he really resembles Fountains of Wayne on “Isabella.” So it makes perfect sense that he covers FOW’s “Hackensack” next. Most of the tunes fall under 3 minutes, and “Smile” and “I Can’t Help The Way I Feel” are highlights as sweetness reigns with these mid-tempo ballads. Pushkar isn’t afraid to rock, as “I’d Rather Be Late Than Never” has a rougher intro before it settles down. Overall a great set of songs to brighten your day. Highly Recommended.

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Velveteen Rabbit

Velveteen Rabbit “Velveteen Rabbit”

Velveteen Rabbit (ex-members of The Jeanies) have a magical debut here. Several years ago Bryan Scary was known to add glam elements to power pop with success, and Velveteen Rabbit has found a similar spark here. Opening with “Knock “em Dead” uses its combination of hushed vocals and thick riffs in a way that’s equal to pomp and swagger of Marc Bolan in his prime. And it just gets better from here.

“Guitar” is like a hopeful prayer similar to Chris Bell (Big Star) in its powerful solemnity. But the meaty tracks like “Oh, Logan” has a killer structure offset by smooth harmony, and the Ziggy Stardust-like ballad “Star In The Making” is simply epic. Next, “I’ll Be A Boy For You” has a Prince-like funk that struts across its bassline and “Better Than Ever” adds some mellow R&B. But it’s the slick pop sleaze and slinks of “I Wanna Be Your Woman” that really floated my boat. Not a single bad track here, full of brilliant crunchiness that mines the best of late 60s-early 70s guitar glam without plagiarizing a thing. This gem earns a spot on my top ten list for 2019 for sure. Super Highly Recommended.

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The Brothers Steve and The Embyos

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The Brothers Steve

The Brothers Steve “#1”

Former Members of L.A. band Tsar; Jeff Whalen, Jeff Solomon, and Steve Coulter were then joined by Os Tyler and Dylan Champion to form The Brothers Steve. The anthemic songwriting and power-pop crunchiness that characterized Jeff Whalen’s solo album earlier this year is even more pronounced here.

The opener “Angeline” makes good use of different vocalists, its shifting tempos and the deep rhythmic riffs before the chorus. The party time feel of “We Got The Hits,” and “She” are infectious, with manic energy and buzz. The band also builds a nice mid-tempo ballad with “Carolanne” and its minor chord shifts. The sixties roots (Monkees, The Grass Roots, Paul Revere) really show off on “C’mon Pappy,” a dizzying layered jam of harmonies and guitars. That neo-hippie flavor is also present on the four-minute “Sunlight.” The band hits each tune outta the park, and I couldn’t find a single weak track. Without a doubt, it belongs on my top ten list for power pop album of 2019. Super highly recommended.

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The Embyros

The Embryos “Open The Kimono”

To “open the kimono” in business is to disclose information about the inner workings of a company. This Chicago band reveals strong guitar craftsmanship and a workmanlike attitude, reminding me of The Connection in spots. “Circleville” is an understated jangling melody that builds up as the song continues along.

“Wake Up Screaming” has a catchy vibe, and “Ghost Dreams, Mainly” boasts moving lyrics and interesting chord shifts, with a sweet instrumental passage. While not everything here is as memorable, the album finale “Eleven Forty” jams along with some great guitar work and a solid catchy rhythm. Definitely, music that deserves to be heard. Check it out.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Highly Recommended EPs: Pugwash, David Woodard, Cape Cartel, Kid Bear

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Pugwash is one of the best-loved, hardest working bands and its talented team is led by Thomas Walsh, whose unique melodic stylings continue to amaze. This new EP is no exception and deserves to be added to your collection. “You Can Build A House On Love” starts the party and every track thereafter is a new classic. The band’s entire catalog is now on Bandcamp, so if you are missing anything – you now have no excuses. What else? How about a loving tribute to Walsh’s songwriting skill? It’s the gift that keeps giving.

David Woodard has a new EP ready, and he’s upped his game with “We’re Not Coming Back,” a Beatles-styled gem that sticks fast. The title track (“Everything in Between”) pours it on thick, with horns and a march-like rhythm straight out of “It’s Getting Better.” Next, “Nine Hundred Ninety Nine” recalls P.Hux with its melodic chorus. Not a bad track in the bunch. Get it on Amazon.

Quebec rockers Cape Cartel sophomore EP gets some influences from Beck on the opener “Vitamins,” and bounce to fast tempo power pop on “The Matador.” They also take some real risks musically on “Flying” and the catchy, breezy “I’m Still Your Man,” which will stay on my playlist for a while. Even the finale “Boy Bruiseless” has wonderful harmonies in the chorus that deserves to be heard. This is a band headed for greatness. Just listen. Get it on Amazon.

Chicago’s Kid Bear isn’t what I normally listen to, but its damn good roots-rock. A chance encounter with country legend Steve Earle changed everything for guitarist and songwriter, Matt Neuroth. As Matt tells it, “I was sitting in Matt Umanov Guitars in Greenwich Village and in walks Steve Earle. He picked up an acoustic guitar and just started strumming some chords.” Matt’s encounter inspired him, so comparisons with Steve Earle, Neil Young, or Lou Reed is purely coincidental. EP2 has some real gems; “A Simple Thing” and the bluesy riff “All The News” are just infectious. Check it out on Amazon.

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.