Jim Basnight and Trip Wire

powerpopaholic
Jim Basnight

Jim Basnight “Not Changing”

Veteran musician Jim Basnight made waves in with The Moberlys early in his career and he continues to put out great material to this day. Not Changing is his first new album in seven years and it offers listeners a variety of moods and memories. The album starts with the easy-going “Code to Live By,” a testament to his longevity with a terrific solo guitar break. The title track is a wistful look back on his career, confident that he’s made the right choices as he states “with this guitar, you can dig for gold, but can you dig a soul from a grave?” He returns to the theme of death with the somber “Suicide Evening,” and “Kurt Cobain.”

While there are several quieter tracks, Jim shines when he reaches into that classic blues-rocker style similar to The Rolling Stones on “Big Bang” and “Best Lover In The World.” The rollicking “Making Love for a Living” is a catchy tune sure to get you moving and “Never Get Lost” is another power pop gem. More highlights include “Second Street,” “You Never Cease To Amaze Me” and the radio-friendly finale “Living The Way I Want.” This is a celebration of a man comfortable doing what he loves. So, why change such a good thing? Highly Recommended.

Bandcamp | Amazon

Trip Wire

Trip Wire “Once & Always”

San Francisco stalwarts Trip Wire continue to rock on their fourth LP with Marty Schneider, Bill Hunt, Stu Shader, and Jeff Shelton (The Well Wishers).  The gruff “Had Enough” evokes Bob Mould, and Shelton shines here as the vocalist on “Down” with lots of great energy. “Light Of The Moon” has some interesting composition and sounds like a cross between Lou Reed and REM. The subtle “Golden Gloves” with its strings and the seamless follow-up “Clear,” showcases a simple acoustic melody that builds into a majestic solo jam. It almost sounds like a completely different band. 

But the album is far from over, as they get back on to power pop with “Bottle Rocket.” After this, we get the folk-like jangling pop of “Act Fast” and country twang of “Carolina.”  The band seems most comfortable with roots-inflected rock, and while the other genres aren’t bad, they don’t stick in your head for long. Overall a refreshingly honest rock ‘n’ roll album that deserves to be heard.

Big Stir Records

Brad Marino and Sunshine Boys

powerpopaholic
Brad Marino

Brad Marino “Extra Credit”

The solo LP from Brad Marino (The Connection, The New Trocaderos) is out and he continues the tradition of thick guitar riffs leading each tune. It’s all Brad, playing all the instruments with only co-producer Kris Rodgers adding keyboards and some additional vocals. Fans of The Ramones, Chuck Berry or Dave Edmunds will not be disappointed.

“Broken Clocks” starts us off with a Ramones meets Beach Boys verse/chorus setup.  The sound is a little cleaner and better structured than his previous bands, but it sticks to a very similar formula (Hey, if it ain’t broke…) Several tracks were previewed on earlier EPs last year like “C’mon, C’mon, C’mon.” Highlights include “No One Else Tried It,” ”From The Start,” and “Bye Bye Johnny,” a sequel to Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode.” “What Comes Naturally” adds a country slide guitar to the mix, and the Stones-y influences of his new label (Rum Bar Records) comes out on “Don’t Do The Crime.” Check it out!

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik


Sunshine Boys

Sunshine Boys “Blue Music”

Something about Chicago’s Sunshine Boys that brings to mind classic rock traditions but spins the music in a fresh way. Featuring veteran musicians Freda Love Smith (Blake Babies, Antenna, Mysteries of Life), Jacqueline Schimmel (Justin Roberts, Big Hello), and Dag Juhlin (Poi Dog Pondering, The Slugs), Sunshine Boys offer a propulsive, modern take on 90’s alternative rock. The music feels like a labor of love and it is densely produced.

“Questions” glides along with a galloping rhythm about a long distance relationship. Dag’s deep vocals recall both John Mayer and Peter Gabriel, on both the anthemic “Tripping Through Time” and the potential hit single “Billy Boy.” The introspective themes on “Schoolyard Bully” and “Only A Million Miles” showcases our weary anxiety about the world today. I found the catchiest gem here “Glider Pilot” with its grand chorus. Both wonderful and a little out of time, and that’s what makes it music that deserves to be heard.

Amazon

The Decibels and Faux Co.

powerpopaholic
The Decibels

The Decibels “Scene, Not Herd”

Sacramento, CA-based The Decibels were active from 1993–2001 and cut a trio of fine garage-styled power pop albums that were criminally overlooked. The sound combined 60’s Mod influences with 80’s angular guitar leads. Fans of The Plimsouls, Buzzcocks and Paul Collins Beat will enjoy the frantic tempos and sing-along lyrics. The band re-grouped in 2017 and continued from where they left off.

“Hey Emily” is a rousing opener that contrasts with the sad lyrics of middle-aged loneliness. The strong chords of “It’s Not Me” is one of the big standouts here, as the band is “trying to prove a point that went dull long ago.” The band’s Merseybeat tendencies come out on “Misery” with some nice chord shifts and three-part harmonies. Most of the songs are under the three-minute mark and push the energy limit, so it would’ve been nice to hear ballad amongst the dozen tunes here. However, most of the music is very good, and you can explore some of the earlier LPs on Bandcamp.  Check it out!

Kool Kat Musik | Amazon

Faux Co.

Faux Co. “Radio Silence”

Chicago’s Faux Co. adds a perfect amount of fuzzy psychedelic grit and melodic hook in the opener “Prozac Spaceman.”  The band consists of Ben Mackey, Chris Lee, Christian Whiting, and Jayson Homyak. Their music blends melodic pop with garage rock elements (and horns) for “Set The Record Straight.” These two strong tunes give this short album (only 8 songs) a solid forward momentum.

The catchy fuzz rhythm of “The Sun Will Come Back”  leads to the Lennonesque ballad “Oh Mother Night.” The gorgeous harmonies are a highlight of “It’s Nothing Really” and it approaches epic dreamlike territory on the Oasis-like “Get A Say.” The music is consistently excellent as it concentrates on deep themes of apathy, creativity, love, and loss. Not a speck of filler here. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

Eric Barao and I Know Leopard

powerpopaholic
Eric Barao

Eric Barao “Obsolete” EP

The follow-up album to Eric Barao’s self-titled debut album is finally here and he’s pulled out the big guns in the studio. Mike Viola (Candy Butchers) and Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (Jellyfish) are supporting Eric and all the recording, mixing and production techniques were done in the late 60’s style similar to The Beatles White Album. Jellyfish feels like a big influence throughout, with lots of instrumental flourishes, Queen-like guitar solos, and soft vocal harmonies.

“Nothing to See” slowly builds up from its orchestral prelude to its easygoing chorus that worms its way into your head effortlessly. The title track is an instantly accessible gem, with the pounding piano bed that jauntily gets to our chorus sung by Viola perfectly as he pleads “I’m not obsolete!” Both these tracks have wonderful guitar breaks that compliment the songs. “Unhappy Ending” starts with a Big Star-like riff before heading to Barao-land, layered full with synth effects and mellotron. “Bad For You” stands out because its dramatic and dark, almost like a Broadway villain theme. Next, “My Pussy-Puss” is an overly baroque tune, you almost expect a double entendre here with Roger J Manning Jr.’s multi-tracked vocals. Overall a fantastic EP that stands as one of the best of the year so far.

Amazon

I Know Leopard

I Know Leopard “Love Is A Landmine”

Sydney indie quartet, I Know Leopard is a rare breed of retro pop. They look like a cosplay version of Abba but their sound is an amalgam of ELO, Split Enz, 10cc, and Erasure. The title track is mesmerizing with the perfect amount of synth, piano, guitar, and heartbreak. “Heather” is another neon-drenched love song that sounds like a lost ’80s hit. The synths dominate the remaining tracks and bring with it a lounge-like club atmosphere.

Lead singer Luke O’Loughlin’s soft and pained vocals take center stage and brilliantly envelopes you on “All That She Cared About,” “Blame It On Me” and “Seventy Lies.” With Bassist Rosie Fitzgerald adding the anchor to each song, the harmonies and grooves are wonderful. Some songs feel like filler (“Mums and Dads of Satanists”) but once this band adds more hooks to its repertoire, watch out. Definitely, a band to keep your eye on. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

Freebies and Singles: The Top Boost, Geoff Palmer, Tommy Lorente, Vista Blue, Ken Sharp, Preoccupied Pipers, The Turnback

powerpopaholic


The Top Boost earns major kudos for this excellent 3 song EP. On the title track, they’re joined by Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (Jellyfish, Imperial Drag). The result is a swirling blend of bubble gum pop sweetness with a wistful lyrical undertone. A+


Geoff Palmer (The Connection) has released a few singles in advance of his next solo LP Pulling Out All The Stops. This one is more than hot, it’s a FREE download. BTW, his former bandmate Brad Marino has LP out too, reviews for both coming soon!

My favorite French power pop musician Tommy Lorente gives us a FREE download, it’s so catchy even if you don’t speak French just sing along with the “Na Na Na Na.”

The reliable punk-pop of Vista Blue continues his sports-themed Ramones influenced rock. Another FREE download!

Ken Sharp spent some time at Fernando Perdomo‘s new Reseda Ranch Studios 2.0 and recorded this little gem about the 1964 World’s Fair. Only a buck, and worth the trip through his imaginary time machine.

A goodie from KC Bowman and friends (aka The Preoccupied Pipers) about another band and its audience? Hey! It’s still a FREE download.
The Turnback is back with a new single “Unloading An Empty Gun”. If you buy it, maybe Todd, Kenny & Barry will reload and give us another album (please!)