Laurie Biagini "A Far-Out Place"

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If you are ready for a retro-summer 60’s style, then Laurie Biagini’s latest girl-group, surf pop album, is the far out place you want to be! Laurie continues the Honeys meets Bangles style that made her first album “Ridin’ The Wave” so much fun. You can’t go wrong with Lauire’s “oo-wah, oo-wah” chorus in the Beach Boys-styled “Another Old Lazy Lyin’ On The Beach Afternoon.” And it’s not all sand and surf, as “A Beautiful Dream” weaves complex harmonies and psychedelic rhythms into a package that could’ve come off The Mamas and The Papas first album. The instrumentation is also improved here as she tackles other subjects from “Crazy People On The Internet” and spiteful naysayers on “Not What It Seems.” When the beat remains uptempo it works best like on the Beatlesque “Happiness Looks Good On You” and punchy hooks on “Gonna Do It My Way.” On some slower tunes (“Sweet Dream Symphony”) Laurie’s voice tends to blend a bit too much, but the production is so stellar you may not notice. It closes out on the wonderful “I’ll Be Back Again” with a composition reminiscent of Gary Zekley’s Yellow Balloon. This will take you back to that simpler time when the California sun was king and golden harmonies ruled the AM airwaves. Sit back and let it wash over you.

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The Well Wishers "Post Modern Romantic"

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With a total of 10 albums under his belt Jeff Shelton of The Well Wishers continues his stellar output. Our last encounter was on the brilliant Jigsaw Days. Fans of The Posies and Cheap Trick style of power pop will be on board with the opener “Run Away.” A quick strong melody in the chorus and driving guitar riff is all Shelton needs. Vocally he even sounds just like Ken Stringfellow in places. Assisted by drummer Nick Laquintano (Spinning Jennies) the punchy rhythms continue on “Hanging On” and “All For Nothing.” The entire album follows through on the typical power pop formula with the precision of a surgeon. Another standout is the descending scales and harmonies on “Someone Else” about the end of a relationship. The band turns it up to 11 on the punk-pop “Grammareater” and again on a cover of The Nils “Fountains.” The band dials it down slightly for the albums mid-tempo reflections, the shimmering “Consequences Of Love” and “As You Are.” On the whole the album it feels more like collection of singles, and takes a few listens to absorb. Not a single note or hook is wasted here – and fans of Nada Surf, Bob Mould, Redd Kross will also love this. Another top ten contender for 2010.

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Bourgeois Heroes and The Bulletproof Vests

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Bourgeois Heroes “Musical Postcards” EP

The duo, which is split between Massachusetts and Texas, sings ’60s-inspired pop in the vein of The Beach Boys, The Monkees and Harpers Bizarre but with a twee sensibility like modern bands Belle & Sebastian or The Ladybug Transistor. The orchestral pop and wide ranging influences are a treat for the pop fan looking for clever melodies with whimsical character. The easy going strum of “The Boy At The Record Store” could be a theme of my childhood (sigh). The elaborate baroque “I Wanna Be Nice To You” is a period gem that fans of sunshine pop and The Kinks will be thrilled with. Overall an excellent EP that will brighten your day, so when is that full length comin’?

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<a href="http://bourgeoisheroes.bandcamp.com/album/musical-postcards">The Boy At The Record Store by Bourgeois Heroes</a>

The Bulletproof Vests “Attack!”
Memphis Brothers Jake and Toby Vest put together a solid roots rock album full of riffs that the late Alex Chiton would approve of. And with the help of Argent studios engineer Adam Hill, they mix together power pop, rock, R&B with a southern attitude. Opening with the strong “Magic Wand” it’s lead by a mean slide guitar riff and solid pop rhythm, that recalls Duane Allman at his poppiest. “Darlin’ Wait” is a perfect example of catchy backbeat and sing along chorus that makes for excellent repeat listens. Every song here is good, from the glam-style rock of  “Queenie in Trouble” to the slow blues ballad “Don’t Cry.” “To The Moon” has a big T-Rex vibe and the band takes it to the next level with the anthemic “Hitchhiking To Hell” complete with a blistering guitar solo. A perfect impulse music buy that gets better with each listen.

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<a href="http://thebulletproofvests.bandcamp.com/track/darlin-wait">Darlin Wait by The Bulletproof Vests</a>

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The Power Popaholic Interview: Seth Swirsky

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With one of the best albums this year, Watercolor Day – I got a chance to interview Seth Swirsky and ask him questions about the album, baseball and more. What is pretty cool if you haven’t seen it before on Seth’s site is an 11-minute trailer for a documentary called “A Year In The Life.” It’s essentially stories about The Beatles by Beatle fans and celebrities and it’s fascinating. Check out my interview with Seth on Virgin.com

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Farrah "s/t"

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It’s not easy being a band that can consistently deliver great music, but Farrah makes it look easy.  Their fourth album, conveniently self-titled opens with a grand slam in the McCartneyesque “Swings & Roundabouts” that begs for repeat plays. Fans of XTC and Squeeze will love the follow-up “Stereotypes,” another gem with tinkling keys and strong riffed chorus has a lot to say about how “as individuals we’re invisible.” The sweet “Scarborough” recalls a little of Fountains of Wayne in this colorful story song. Vocalist and principal songwriter Jez Ashurst has a clear appealing vocal and Andrew Campell’s keys provide a rich depth to the entire album. Michelle Margherita takes vocal duties on the alt. pop of “Got The Best Of Me” and the track “If You Were Mine” is an automatic classic with a twisting bittersweet melody pop fans long for. The gorgeous melodies have a dark under current, especially on the album’s second half with “Just Driving” and the heartbreaking piano ballad “Abby’s Going Out.” Echoes of classic records from the likes of Tom Petty and ELO to Ben Folds also resonate throughout the album. This one makes my top ten easily – so don’t miss it.

My Space | Farrah Direct | emusic | Kool Kat Musik

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