CD Baby | Amazon

The Nick Vernier Band “Sessions”
Nick Vernier is an alias for musician-producer Eric Van Den Brink, and he’s put together an eclectic treat by teaming up with several well known artists on each track. Starting with Paul Jones “I’m Your Kingpin” it has a funky sax and harmonica that recall classic Steely Dan. Next comes the album highlight, “I Send Up My Prayer” done with Probyn Gregory (Wondermints) full of rich melodic texture and hints of the old Mints are easy to hear. Next a collaboration with Emitt Rhodes on a sitar version of “Time Will Show the Wiser” with Iain Matthews (Fairport Convention) will mellow you for sure. The strangest song here is a reworking of The Monkees “Zilch” with musical accompaniment and the actual song samples – it kind of works as “Mister Bob.” Another notable track is “Now Sue” a Gerry Beckley (America) original mid-tempo charmer, with beautiful backing harmonies from Jeffrey Foskett (Brian Wilson’s band). Other tracks experiment with jazz, world music, and blues – but the pop tracks standout nicely and are welcome on my ipod.

MySpace | itunes

Once again, David Bash’s labor of love comes together on IPO Vol.13 featuring a mind numbing 66 songs dedicated to the newest and best power pop from around the globe. This being a 3 disc affair, I’ll try to highlight my favorites off of each disc. But overall this year’s crop is a considerable improvement from last year, where Mr. Bash has decidedly pushed the boundaries of what power pop sounds like. Including a solid representation by female power poppers.

Disc 1 features a pile of notable tracks, The Royalites “Bring It On” is a great riff-driven song and the Beatlesque track “Rain Parade” by Mayflower will have you humming along.  Deadbeat Poets contribute a stellar Kinks like track “People These Days” and The James Clark Institute contributes a jangle-filled “Splinter In The Soul.”

Disc 2 gets a bit heavier with a classic rock styled “What are We Gonna Do?” By the Stanleys and Rob Bonfiglio’s excellent “How To Mend A Heart.” A pair of energetic tracks are Popgun’s “All Messed Up” and “All Systems Go”by Smash Fashion. Tiny Volcano contributes a catchy piano melody with “Emily” and we are treated to Buddy Love’s greatest and newest single “Crying Town.”

Disc 3 starts with Zoe Scott’s “Hard Habit,” a radio worthy hit single that arguably deserves major media attention. Unconventional sounding rockers in “Gilded Frankenstein” by Hijinx and  “Please Operator” by Pounders are interesting, but a gorgeous mid-tempo “I Want It Anyway” by The Afternoons recalls Gerry and The Pacemakers. The driving tempo and guitars of The Wags “Just Keep Movin’ On” will encourage repeat listens. A few novelty tracks here and there (like Cosmo Topper’s “Hippy Christmas”) keep the mood playful between the “serious” tracks. Every year Mr. Bash discovers power pop gold nuggets throughout the IPO festivals and this year is no exception. Keep mining Dave, and we’ll keep our ears glued to the headphones.