Power Pop Documentaries: Van Duren, Big Star, XTC, Chris Von Sneidern, Badfinger, Fountains of Wayne

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What better way to spend a slow holiday week than with a power pop documentary?

Power pop documentaries are all over YouTube, so here is a short list of my favorites. The last two are more TV/internet specials and not full-on documentaries, but worth a watch if you don’t know these band’s histories. Of course, we are still waiting for a real power pop documentary. In the meantime, enjoy these links below:

Watch the movie:

Waiting: The Van Duren Story.

Watch the movie:

Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me

Watch the movie:

XTC: This is Pop

Watch the movie:

Why Isn’t Chris Von Sneidern Famous?

Watch the movie:

Badfinger: They Sold A Million

Watch the movie:

Fountains of Wayne and the Many Imaginary Hits of Adam Schlesinger

The Power Popaholic Top 25 albums of 2023 + More

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Because of its infectious melodies, catchy hooks, and guitar-driven rhythms, power pop has always had a special place in the hearts of music fans. This year saw a significant shift, with performers openly embracing a diverse range of inspirations, changing the genre’s sonic terrain. From indie rock to jangle, electronic elements to noise pop, the once-narrowly defined genre has broadened its horizons and welcomed new sound aspects. There is still a contingent of retro or Beatlesque rockers on this list, but they are not the majority here. Only one album here has not been officially reviewed in this list (you get a “no-prize” if you can spot it!) The EP list will be coming later this week! I look forward to a busy 2024.

  1. The Summertimes “The Summertimes”
  2. The Anderson Council “The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon”
  3. Kurt Baker “Rock ‘N’ Roll Club”
  4. The Small Square “Ours & Others”
  5. Erik Voeks “It Means Nothing Now”
  6. Cupid’s Carnival “Rainbow Child”
  7. Tamar Berk “Tiny Injuries”
  8. Mike Viola “Paul McCarthy”
  9. Uni Boys “Buy This Now!”
  10. Ryan Allen and His Extra Arms “The Last Rock Band”
  11. Rinehearts “Full Bloom”
  12. The Tearaways “And For Our Next Trick”
  13. Ryan Hamilton “Haunted By The Holy Ghost” 
  14. Ransom and Subset “Perfect Crimes”
  15. Hurry “Don’t Look Back”
  16. The Midnight Callers “Rattled Humming Heart”
  17. Lemon Twigs “Everything Harmony”
  18. Nick Frater “Bivouac”
  19. The Pink Spiders “Freakazoid”
  20. Dave Kuchler “Love & Glory”
  21. Thomas Walsh “The Rest is History”
  22. Meyerman “Happy To See You”
  23. Justin Levinson “Collamer Circle” 
  24. Mothboxer “Breathe”
  25. Onesie “Liminal Hiss”
  26. Duncan Reid “And It’s Goodbye From Him”
  27. The Rallies “It Must Be Love”
  28. Lunar Laugh “In The Black”
  29. Eyelids “A Colossal Waste Of Light”
  30. Brad Marino “Grin & Bear It”
  31. Somerdale “Let’s Get Started”
  32. The Flashcubes “Pop Masters”
  33. Salim Nourallah “A Nuclear Winter”
  34. The Blood Rush Hour “Sanity Fare”
  35. Diners “Domino”
  36. Parthenon Huxley “As Good As Advertised”
  37. Semisonic “Little Bit of Sun”
  38. Arthur Alexander “…Steppin’ Out!”
  39. Vanity Mirror “PUFF”
  40. Miss Chain & The Broken Heels “Storm”
  41. Dave Cope and the Sass “Killer Mods From Inner Space”
  42. Steve Stoeckel “The Power of And”
  43. Ed Ryan “A Big Life”
  44. Dropkick “The Wireless Revolution”
  45. Lane Steinberg “Headspace”
  46. Star Collector “Attack, Sustain, Decay​.​.​. Repeat”
  47. The Radio Field “Don’ts and Dos”
  48. Chris Church “Radio Transient”
  49. Paul McCann “Alter Ego”
  50. Super Cassette “Continue?”

Quick Takes: Reno Bo, Perilous, Semisonic, Shplang

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This is the last of my 2023 reviews. No doubt (as in previous years), I will continue to review the albums I missed in January.

Reno Bo “Never Night Time On The Sun”

With this album, Reno owes more to singer-songwriters of the mid-70s. Influences here include Eric Clapton, Grand Funk Railroad, and Supertramp. Reno recreates the era’s sound perfectly, “Magic Key” is a memorable highlight, and “See You In The Morning” is like vintage Hollies. “That’s Just The Way It Goes” has a nice little hook, and “Easy On Me” moves it up a decade or so, a la Blue Oyster Cult. Bo’s originals feel so familiar; it’s like putting on a comfortable old slipper. Highly Recommended. Buy it on Amazon.


Perilous “Yeah!!!”

With “Rock & Roll Kiss,” this female-fronted band from Buffalo follows in the footsteps of Bebe Buell, Joan Jett, and The Runaways (although there are a few guys in the group as well).  The retro narrative “Name in the Paper” is another standout, and Perilous gives us the requisite shout-out to their NYC heroes in “Last of the Dying Breed,” like Joey Ramone. This is meat-and-potatoes rock and roll, so if you’re in that mood, check it out. Buy it on Amazon

Semisonic “Little Bit of Sun”

An interesting thing happens to a band after 22 years (the last time Semisonic had a full studio release) Lead singer/songwriter Dan Wilson got a job with some major pop stars (Adele, Taylor Swift), and the band has matured. Semisonic can still effortlessly blend elements of rock, indie pop, and country. “The Rope” is a great example. Although the band is mellower (what do you expect?) they still have great chemistry and do a fine job with “So Amazed,” “Grow Your Own,” “Don’t Fade Away,” and “Little Bit of Sun.” Then bassist John Munson wrote and performed “If You Say So,” a melancholy reflection on their brief moment in the spotlight.  It’s good to hear these guys again, even if it’s “under the radar.” Highly Recommended.  Buy it on Amazon

Shplang “Thank You, Valued Customer”

With an emphasis on innovative arrangements and a mischievous spirit, Shplang performs alternative pop music that fuses psychedelia, pop, and folk. The band may have started as a standard power pop band, but they’ve evolved into their skin (much like label mates, Spygenius) over the years. Shplang incorporates a lot more psychedelic and eclectic sounds but keeps the pop melodies. “Understood” is an early bouncy standout (love the horns!) and the mellow encouragement of “Everyone Can Change” is heartfelt. There is lots of experimental stuff, but “Little Mushroom Men from Mars” stuck with me most. Adventurous listeners will be rewarded. Buy it on Amazon

Quick Takes: Ex-Norwegian, Armchair Oracles, Buddie, Dogpile on the Rabbit

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The amount of music that I have to listen to causes me to miss out on a lot of wonderful material, and every year I feel like I’m going to be crushed around this time. That being said, rather than apologize, here are four mini-reviews. Another one will be out before the new year!

Ex-Norwegian “Sooo Extra”

The band leans more into its psyche-pop roots, and Roger Houdaille knows how to jam. The cool “Photograph” and “Send Nudes” are Kinks-meets-Pink Floyd hybrids, but the big single here is the catchy “Real Bad Bunny.” You’ll see visions of rabbits playing guitars. Great music for chillin’ out. Buy it on Amazon


Armchair Oracles “Nothingeveris”

It’s been over ten years, but this Norwegian band can still bring the goods: Cheap Trick-ish guitars on the powerful “Addicted to the Ride” and relax to the dreamlike ambient mood of “Across the Divide.” The band doesn’t stick to one format and maintains compelling songwriting throughout. I love the comparisons and similarities between the two pop icons on “Nilsson Wilson.” Highly Recommended. Buy it on Amazon

Buddie “Agitator”

Vancouver rockers surprised me with their strong guitar-based melodies, starting with “Break of The Sun.” Fans of Posies will enjoy this album. With the excellent “Class Warfare,” heavy fuzz rules, and almost Nirvana grunge on “We’ll Never Break” and “Ugly in The End,” Guaranteed the best $1 you’ll spend this year. Highly Recommended. Get it on Bandcamp

Dogpile on the Rabbit “Way Back Now”

This New Jersey band reminds me of The Successful Failures from years ago. The main influences are The Replacements and The Clash. The opener, “Gettin’ So Old,” grows on you despite the simple lyrics. Songs about drinking and hanging out are here: “Back of the Bar” and “Help Me Stand.” Next, “Running Partner” has a little Springsteen in its DNA. “Good Old Dead and Gone” is pure Lou Reed. There is a good mix of rock styles here. Great music for chillin’ out. Buy it on Amazon

Denny Laine is in my ears and in my eyes

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We lost quite a few music legends this year (Tina Turner, Jimmy Buffet, David Crosby, etc.), but what hits me the most out of these famous musicians is Denny Laine, who was in poor health with lung disease for quite some time. He was 79 and passed away earlier this month.

Laine was a hitmaker early in his career with the Moody Blues “Go Now” and even more impressive with Wings (he co-wrote “Mull of Kintyre” and “No Words” with Paul McCartney). But Laine never suffered from “fame” and was a regular at annual Beatlefests in years past that I attended. A very approachable chap and a dedicated musician, he left an indelible mark on the world of rock music.

The Popdudes have an EP of Laine’s songs that you should check out!

And, it helps when Paul gives up the spotlight once in a while.