OK Go and The Bablers

powerpopaholic
“OK

OK Go “And the Adjacent Possible”

OK Go has always been at that rare intersection of indie rock musical innovation and commercial success. The new album while it adds more electronica and other modern tropes, can still claim to be at its heart a well made pop album. “Impulse Purchase” oozes cold cool with its deep buzzing bass beat, and Damian Kulash’s unique vocal.

On the lovely melody for “A Stone Only Rolls Downhill,” he laments “it’ll all be all right” and “it’ll all be just fine,” but fails to convince us. Much better is “A Good Good Day At Last” which has plenty of Prince-like funk, and on the bouncy “Take Me With You” he embraces his inner Bowie. The album’s center piece is “Love,” a swirling gem with strong harmonies, angular guitar riffs and an unmistakable arrangement. The soulful “Going Home” and wistful closer “Don’t Give Up Now” offers a mellowness that contrasts with most of the album, and the finale feels like an acceptance of present tragic events and a warm hug.  Definitely highly recommended. 

Amazon


The Bablers

The Bablers “Like The First Time”

If you want to make a name in power pop, go big or go home.  Finland’s The Bablers were promoting singles in the US since their Beatlesque debut ‘What’s All About’ in 1980 (a long sought after gem,) but most of the release action took place in Finland, until 2022’s highly recommended ‘Psychadilly Circus’ came out. The group is led by Arto Tamminen (guitars, vocals) with Janne Haavisto (drums), Pekka Gröhn (bass, keys) and Hannu Pikkarainen (guitars). The band has continued to tease with it’s singles, but now the proper follow up to their debut (previously only available in Finland or Japan) has arrived. And it’s big, as it was remastered and new tracks added as well.

The opener “You are The One for Me” has all the hallmarks of excellent power pop, as the music is both catchy and timeless. Those Beatlesque guitar chords are also back with “One of Those Dreams” and “Thinking of You,” and these gems could give the Spongetones a run for its money. But the band doesn’t hold back on romantic themes like “Holding Me Tonight,” and the ELO-ish “Sometimes.” The melodies are easy going and the sentiment is genuine, as opposed to sappy. (although “Together Forever” comes close). The second half is almost as good as the first, but with longer pop epics, for example “Like The First Time” and “In This World.” Additional highlights include the jangling “Here I Come,” and the finely orchestrated strings and woodwinds on the baroque “Where the Wind Blows Free.” Overall, a great album that’s long overdue here. Highly Recommended and a contender for top ten album of 2025.

Amazon | Big Stir Records

April Showers: Richard Turgeon, The Caper Clowns, The New Pornographers, Caleb Nichols, Moonspin, The Red Birds

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A burst of spring creativity for artists this week. Richard Turgeon, who I dubbed king of “dad rock” has a theme for all you struggling musicians who don’t want to be a “Small Fry.” We are also glad to see those Danish power pop masters The Caper Clowns are coming up with a new album, so check out the advance track. Another welcome return are The New Pornographers with a “Ballad of the Last Payphone,” with an amazing catchy rhythm here with added wistful NYC nostalgia. Speaking of catchy, Caleb Nichols shows us his hypnotic harmonies with “Hag Stone,” and lastly a pair of great freebies for you to download. Moonspin is the Swiss duo of Fabian Ellenberger and Pascal Stocker, with a both traditional rock and a jangling pop sound, and I really like the strong melody of “I Can’t Wait.” And from Angers, France, The Red Birds do the familiar power pop we all know and love. Merci!






Peter Baldrachi and Ricky Byrd

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“Peter

Peter Baldrachi “Nothing’s Promised” EP

Peter Baldrachi is back after over a year with a new EP that collects recent singles and a few new tracks as well. Opening with “Hard To Believe,” it’s got a strong riff leading the way, some nice harmonies and a sweet solo break with a touch of blues pop. The honky tonk country beat of “Busted, Sad, Lonely, and Blue” is another winner, with juicy slide guitar accents. The energetic and catchy tunes contrast with the sad lyric. Most of the music here follows a weary confessional heartbreak, songs like “Go It Alone” and “Wearing My Heart Around” are perfect examples.

But power pop does poke it’s head out with “Sometimes I Gotta Get Away,” a really catchy song akin to Tommy Keene, and the jangling pop finale “Tomorrow” with a little optimism, and a layered guitar rhythm, with all the bells and whistles reminding me of Lindsey Buckingham in places. The production is clean and crisp, and this is definitely highly recommended. 

Bandcamp


“Ricky

Ricky Byrd “NYC Made”

Ricky Byrd is a rock and roll Hall of Fame Inductee with Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, and self described recovery troubadour. Byrd has performed, recorded or toured with countless rock legends, and released five solo albums. So finally discovering him will be a revelation to many. Fans of  The Sorrows Arthur Alexander or Willie Nile will find a lot of common biographical and geographical themes with Ricky’s latest ‘NYC Made.’ Byrd started his life in a power pop band Susan in 1979, so his skill and experience with power riffs are unmatched.

The songs are fantastic, opening with “(Ya Get) 1 Life.” It’s a catchy YOLO theme and it gets better from there. “Glamdemic Blues” has echos of the past but some great harmonies, and a solid narrative. “Rhapsody In Blues” is a tribute to the late Jeff Beck, and is a showcase for Byrd’s skills. Like listening to a personal history of growing up in NYC with “Sweet Byrd of Youte,”  “Then Along Comes You,” and “Transistor Radio Childhood” it’s more than a nostalgic look back. It’s damn great melodies and a celebration of a life well lived. And let’s not forget the riffs that are stickier than bubble gum, like on “Louanne.” It may be “geezer” rock, but it’s one of the best albums I’ve heard this year. Super highly recommended.

Amazon

April singles, EPs and more: Cristóvam, Falling Stars, Autogramm, Small Yards, Tiny Tiny, Swagger

powerpopaholic

No fools joke here. Check out this new single from Cristóvam. “Fever” walks the fine line between struggle and redemption, exploring the delicate balance between “chaos and hope”. For this song, Cristóvam teamed up with Australian indie-folk band Boy & Bear, resulting in a unique and atmospheric sound. Chicago-based four-piece Falling Stars have quietly released the 3-song Garden Variety EP and its great, so take a listen. New wave popsters Autogramm are back with “Randy” loaded with guitars and synths. Next, Small Yards give a punchy performance with “Shake Me Loose.” For indie pop with personality, try Tiny Tiny, a project of Boone Williams and some friends. Some cool listening on “Ultra City” and “Born Yesterday.” As a freebie, you’ve got a brand new Rum Bar Records sampler, Swagger. Loaded with 28 tracks.Enjoy.