The new single “Crying Town” is a totally new direction for Buddy Love, away from the DIY Power Pop (that brought them their notoriety in the 80’s) to “ahem” mature adult contemporary rock artists with songs that can stand the test of time and be listened to again and again. Their new album also called “Crying Town” will be released later this summer.
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The Reserves “Life”
This Washington, DC based AOR group lead by singer /guitarist Dave Greksouk comes right out and makes a statement with the opener “Ghost Writer.” The galloping rhythm and slick multi-tracked harmonies are similar to U2 with a Roger Waters styled hushed vocal. “Red Eye” is supported by a thick piano melody and Dave’s narrative. Much of the album is laid back pop with a rich production sheen and is ultimately very pleasing adult pop to hear. But it can also get a little boring, until we mix it up with the bouncy “Write Me A Letter” and the inspiring melody of “Life” which has recently appeared on the letter segment of CNN’s John King USA. “Butterfly” was another memorable song and my favorite here. If you can get past Greksouk’s vocal style you’ll be richly rewarded. While this isn’t power pop, it’s got a few good melodies to recommend. Fans of Counting Crows, The Fray or David Gray will also enjoy this album.
The Contrast “God of Malfunction”
Based in the UK The Contrast are a tight power pop band that has stood the test of time. After a label change to Wicked Cool Records, they return with a bright shining gem of an album. Starting with the solid “Underground Ghosts” it’s melodic jangle and tight arrangements make use of classic pop influences without sounding too retro. Producer Little Steven Van Zandt dubbed the single “Coming Back To Life” only “the coolest song in the world.” It’s hard to argue, as it’s a solid slice of catchy guitar pop, lead by Glasgow native David Reid’s strong vocal performance. “Take Me Apart” once again continues the hit parade, and these three energy filled hits are a tough act to follow. But it still hits with the stick-in-your-head melodic masterwork “Gone Forever” which reminds a bit of The Spongetones and The Minus Five. After the albums mid point the songs are merely very good instead of great, but they still manage to keep your attention. The band scratches a Bob Mould itch on “Thought You Were Strong” and “Better Than They Seem” channels XTC a bit. Overall, it’s the variety here that makes it a serious contender for my top ten list of 2010. Easily this is the band at it’s most accessible and energetic.
Everyone knows what power pop sounds like now, but in the mid to late 70’s the genre wasn’t easily identified. The Raspberries and Badfinger had faded in the public’s memory and disco was king. During the birth of the punk revolution New Yorkers Bob Waxman, Arthur Alexander, Paddy Lorenzo, and Donny Jackrel created a sound that mimicked the Beatles Merseybeat period perfectly. Like many Merseybeat bands of the past (The Knickerbockers, Merseybeats) only The Poppees brought the sound to a new generation of kids. Lasting only a few months, the band split up with Alexander leaving to form The Sorrows, while Waxman and Lorenzo went on to form The Boyfriends. Each band added the influences to current new wave trends to create the now familiar skinny tie power pop sound. The 18-track “Pop Goes The Anthology” also features never before released recordings, including demos, early live recordings, and culminating with a rip-roaring live performance at CBGB. It is complete with liner notes and unpublished photos. Thanks also goes to BOMP records Greg Shaw for this collection. Beatles fans should not miss this one, it’s essential.
Listen to “Jelousy”
New York’s own Mark Bacino is no stranger to power pop greatness. With past efforts like Pop Job…The Long Player! and The Million Dollar Milkshake on my all time great albums list, it was with great anticipation I waited for the next album. Now it’s here and proves that Mark has added maturity and gravitas to his songwriting and he hasn’t lost his pop mojo in the process. After the idyllic intro we get to the the title track, a love letter to his favorite borough. It’s a rockin’ jam full of guitars, keys and jubilant pop spirit. Then the album switches gears into a more restrained celebration of domestic bliss starting with the Randy Newmanesque “Happy.” Following that is the album’s highlight – “Muffin In The Oven” with wonderful horn accents, and a killer guitar solo during the break. “Camp Elmo” and “Bridge & Tunnel” are Harry Nilsson inspired tunes about suburban fatherhood. “Middle Town” and “Ballad of M & LJ” continues the sunny laid back atmosphere of his neighborhood in the folky tradition of John Sebastian. A bit out of place is the ballad “Blue Suit,” so somber it threatens the overall positive vibe, but the whimiscal perspective of a local old-timer on “Who Are Yous?” redeem things. Fans of Mark’s earlier work may be disappointed by the lack of “power” in this pop album, but it stands on its own as an intimate and moving self-portrait. Fans of Paul Simon’s NYC centered songs will find much to cherish here. Listen to the album streaming at markbacino.com
One of my favorite Tulsa rockers with a classic. And yes Twilley is quite active, thank you. He’s covered in The Beatles, Rarities Volume One and Out Of The Box. All are quite good.