Another good month as far as interviews go, San Antonio trio Girl In A Coma is comprised of siblings Nina and Phanie Diaz, and complemented by childhood friend Jenn Alva on bass. I was lucky enough to have Nina for a few minutes, and I interviewed her for The Rock and Roll Report. If you’d like to know why they are such an exciting band, check out my review of the new album. Even more musician interviews are coming, so check back often on Power Popaholic!
Anny Celsi "Tangle-Free World"
If you combine equal parts of Laurie Biagini and The Gripweeds Kristin Pinell, you may likely end up with Anny Celsi. Anny Celsi is a west coast musician with links to Brian Wilson band alum Nelson Bragg, who produced the album. The title track is a good example of the Byrdsian jangle and exquisite psyche-pop harmonies perfect for a long car ride. Anny’s follow up song “Thanksgiving In Hollywood” starts slow but grows to a rich folk tapestry of guitars, and then she does a country ballad on “First Love Freezes” with a melancholy, but beautiful vocal lead. The Motown soul balladry of “Now You Can Hurt Me” is a nice change of pace here, that compares well with those classic girl groups of the 60’s. A bit of Bacharach styled pop is visible on “Own Sweet Time,” and it’s a gorgeous tune but I expected Anny to belt this one out, and her voice just stays too gentle and sweet here. A cover of Lee Hazelwood and Nancy Sinatra’s “Some Velvet Morning” (with Bragg and additional members of Brian Wilson’s band) is so effective, I would be really cool with a full album of this type of material (okay guys, get to work). Another highlight here is the strong hook of “Piece of Heaven,” full of jangle guitars and floating background harmonies. Anny is super talented here and the production work is superb as well. Fans of classic sixties pop influences should pick this one up right away.
My Space | CD Baby
Sarakula and The Spongetones present Jamie & Steve
Sarakula “City Heart”
Aussie singer songwriter Joel Sarakula is similar to fan favorite Jeff Litman, in that they both started as classically trained musicians and then set forth a mission to pursue pop perfection. The second album (check out the debut Souvenirs) is an excellent radio friendly treat. “Turn It Up” has just a touch of that 70’s Billy Joel vibe mixed with Neil Finn – and it’s irresistible. With it’s strong piano melodies and pretty sweet lyrics, “Matchstick Girl” is another treat that sticks in your head as well. The production is clean, but not overly slick, even though the dramatics are turned up for “Driving With The Devil.” The album sags a little in the middle with “Breathing Again,” and then it goes all Steely Dan with “Better Late Than Never.” If you also enjoy McCartney styled pop, it’s hard not to enjoy this disc. “Caught In The Middle” is another bouncy piano gem, that will make your feet tap and your head bop. And “Marlene” is a fast-paced direct descendant of Billy Joel’s “Laura.” Sarakula is currently on tour with fellow Australian Bob Evans, and what a cool double bill. This is simply another great pop artist that would normally fall under the radar.
MySpace | CD Baby | Itunes | Not Lame
The Spongetones present Jamie and Steve “English Afterthoughts”
I’m not sure why Jamie Hoover and Steve Stoeckel needed to release this under their own names, but it’s a typical awesome Spongetones album. The Beatle-isms continue here, with great melodies and Jamies’ amazing guitar grooves. Quickly it starts off the ground with “Emily’s Ghost” and “Fly Girl” which highlight the duos angelic harmonies. “Let’s Don’t Count This One” is a Tom Petty styled pop guitar jangle and the Gerry & The Pacemaker styled Merseybeat ballads like “English Afternoon” and “Let Me Back In” are both short and sweet. The standout track here is “Between The Lines” with a daring dual melodic leads and a pile of hooks. The only small misstep might be “Do Be Cruel” as the song seems a bit strained, despite the wonderful background vocals. “Feeling You Are Watching Me” is another stroke of melodic brilliance and when you listen to it all, it’s consistently excellent – so once again no filler anywhere. I hope Jamie and Steve keep pumping out music. I can’t get enough of these guys, so it’s an easy recommendation.
Family of The Year "Songbook"
Channeling Fleetwood Mac’s musical stylings with a hint of late-era Beatles, Family of the Year braid catchy melodies, stellar male/female vocals and personal folk tales to create some of the happiest and saddest music you’ve ever heard. Opening up with “Feel Good Track Of Rosemead” it’s a delicate harmony and rock guitar combo, very much like The New Pornographers, or The Polyphonic Spree. Actually, it’s singers Joe Keefe (formerly of The Billionaires) and Vanessa Long who harmonize and get lots of milage out of their pop chemistry and aural dynamics. Fans of The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds who hear the gems “Let’s Be Honest” and “Summer Girl” will find a connection there for sure. The folky guitar balladry of “Putting Money and Stuff” recall classic Mamas & The Papas, both “What a Suprise” and “No Good At Nothing” excel at telling a story musically. Hey, nobody else I’ve heard can toss off a great song about your favorite pair of blown-out blue jeans in “Intervention (Staple Jeans). “Castoff” and “Psyche Or Like Scope” moves into a synth heavy, new wave styled pop, with Vanessa leading the dance grooves, along the lines of Sinead O’Connor. The band was handpicked by Ben Folds to open for him and The Boston Pops at Symphony Hall. SPIN.com has selected the band as one 25 Must-Hear Artists from the 2009 CMJ Festival. I happen to agree – this is one of those “must get” pop albums. Another bonus: this album is available on a “pay-what-you-want” basis on the band’s website. Note: Coming soon, a full interview with lead singer Vanessa Long.
My Space | Family Of The Year Site
Tim Butler "That’s The Way You Want Me To Be"
Tim Butler has a gentle pop sensibility, not far from his friend Cliff Hillis who plays guitar on “That’s The Way You Want Me To Be.” There is a personal honesty reflected in the lyrics as well, and the catchy, “Special Plan” is like Black Crowes lite, with a perfect blend of guitar and vocal melody. Tim’s vocal often carries the tune with a minimum of flash, just a simple clean production. The wonderful “Christine” is another mid-tempo pop gem that features an ascending bass line. Some nice vocal textures are brought out on “Tryin” with a Hillis guitar solo in the middle of the song. “Building Me Up” has more good musicianship but the hooks here are lacking til we get to the heavier guitar sound on “Every Little Thing.” As a light pop record, it succeeds but the addition of three acoustic guitar songs here makes the whole thing even lighter and less memorable. These songs are even more confessional, to the point where on “One More Try” I’m thinking… Okay Tim, I get it. You are a sensitive soul spilling it for your significant other. While it makes for an intimate live performance — you lose some of that feeling on CD. With repeated listens it does compare well with the guitar pop of The Rembrandts, and if you like that style go for it.
My Space | CD Baby