Power Popaholic Interview: Nick Piunti
Nick Piunti
I interviewed with Nick last in 2020 when he just started his new band The Complicated Men, and once again he’s got a well balanced album full of great power pop song . As an update, I chat with Nick Piunti, this time about his new album “Up and Out of It” and we get into the history of the band, as well as, specifics for this album. Read the album review here. | Buy the album here: Amazon | Kool Kat MusikListen here:
2nd Grade and Andrew Weiss
2nd Grade “Scheduled Explosions”
Philadelphia musician Peter Gill (aka 2nd Grade) just has a knack for effortless melody and alt. rock fuzz that makes ‘Scheduled Explosions’ his most accessible collection of ADD power pop. With 23 songs it’s always been hit or miss, but very much like Robert Pollard (Guided By Voices) Gill has a high batting average here.
“Live from Missile Command” is a great catchy start that ends just as we’re taking off. The fanboy dreams of “Uncontrollably Cool” and bounce of “Fashion Disease” are a great pair of tunes. Other favorites include the distorted love notes of “Joan on Ice,” hand-clapped “Instant Nostalgia” and mellow rockers “Made Up My Own Mind” and “Evil Things.” In between the songs are experiments with studio tape defects like “Crybaby Semiconductor,” or the muffled beautiful mess of “All About You.” Similar in technique to Mo Troper, it feels like he has a really great song at first and then goes out of his way to bury it in harsh lo-fi production. Despite this, the melodies shine through, making it repeatable and highly recommended.
Andrew Weiss and Friends “the world’s smallest violin.”
Andrew Weiss, a singer-songwriter, feels a kinship to the West coast rock sound from the ‘70s as he revels in confessional moments and emotional storytelling. “Summer of ’68” is a great example of speaking about the past while comparing it to today, “Why does it feel like nothing’s changing?” he asks. Some real gems make the cut here like “He Must Be High On Something,” with its great slide guitar flourishes. He also channels a little early Paul Simon on “We’re Trying To Have a Society Here!”
The biographical “Rockin’ it Since ’83” and “Emergency Contact” are neat little scenarios, but many songs have a tendency to blend into each other without much variety. While it might feel a bit self indulgent, Andrew gets some good vibes going and you may like it. Check it out.
Halloween, here and gone! Otonoke, Shake Some Action, Barbara, 20/20, Black Flamingos
On a serious note, Shake Some Action! leans harder into it’s recent retro sound on the new EP Chase The Light. Solid rock and roll that’s just timeless, so check it out. Brothers John and Henry Tydeman are known as Barbara and they’ve got the grand pop harmonies down pat on Happy Days! EP, and melodies as sweet as candy corn! Another treat is the return of power pop legends 20/20; original members Steve Allen (vocals, guitar) and Ron Flynt (bass, vocals) return older and wiser on “Back to California.” Finally we actually has some real Halloween music, courtesy of Black Flamingos. What’s the Cryptkeeper’s favorite type of comedy? Deadpan humor! Have a fun night, boys and ghouls!
More Treats for you: Jette Planes, Bye Bye Blackbirds, Corner Laughers, Bill Swan, Pop 4, KC Bowman, Vista Blue, Dazy, Randy Klawon, Rich Restaino
Yes, more Halloween music is here. But first the Philly band Jette Planes! These guys have both spirit and energy! Get the single on Bandcamp, and enjoy the rooftop concert video. Next a compilation of Halloween freebies, and I’m lovin’ the Bye Bye Blackbirds, Corner Laughers, Bill Swan, Pop 4, KC Bowman, and more. Each song is quality, its the best holiday EP I’ve heard so far this year! If you’d like a more punk pop in the Ramones style, check out Vista Blue especially “Let’s Scare Jessica to Death” named after a classic 70’s horror flick. Dazy returns with its uniquely gritty power pop sound on “It’s Only A Secret.” And fresh off his excellent Half Cubes record, Randy Klawon does a great DIY Raspberries styled gem “Tonight.” Finally Rich Restaino gives us a spooky sounding “Ear Worm!” as part of his Mixtape. Enjoy the power pop and don’t fill up on too many sweets!