John Shaughnessy "Re-occuring Dream"

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You can’t peg John Shaughnessy’s acoustic-based power pop to one specific style, but you can listen in rapt attention to the great quality of the songwriting and melodies here. Assisted by Smash Palace’s Stephen Butler and IKE’s Brett Talley, John creates a wonderful organic sound that is naturally rhythmic and hopeful, influenced by classic 70’s artists and the Beatles. The opening title track is a fun folk-pop guitar tune with a double tracked vocal, and the follow up “Feeling’ Good Again” is a classic power pop tune with a jangley upbeat tempo. “In The Morning” brought back visions of Gordon Lightfoot to mind for me. Shaughnessy’s multi-faceted approach may be jarring at times, going from slow folk themes (“Don’t Let Go”) to early 80’s styled pop rock (“Dorothy Reminds Me”). The countrified Beatles meets Harry Chapin of “Chasing The Wind” is a delightful spiritual gem and my favorite here. These are all good songs here, each one is anchored by John’s steady vocal and professional musicianship. I look forward to more from Shaughnessy.

My Space | CD Baby | Not Lame | AmieStreet

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Moldy Oldies: Eric Matthews "Fanfare"

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When someone tells you “He arrived with great fanfare…” that pretty much describes how Eric Matthews arrived on the scene in 1995 with It’s Heavy In Here. For a while he was considered the king of chamber pop, and then went on to explore other musical directions (jazz, glam, prog). It’s been very tough for him to live up to this first album, but he does an amazing job covering Brian Wilson’s The Lonely Sea. The big news here is he has a NEW album coming out – preview the whole thing on MySpace.

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International Pop Overthrow 2009 in NYC begins!

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International Pop Overthrow (or IPO, as it has affectionately become known) is a pop music festival which has been held for the past eleven years in Los Angeles. We have also held IPO for various years in Chicago, New York, Boston, San Francisco, Vancouver, and Toronto, as well as in Liverpool, England (at the world famous Cavern Club)! This is where you can hear the power pop stars of today and the up and coming rookies from those important indie labels. Tonight Jeff Litman is expected to take the stage at International Pop Overthrow in New York at Kenny’s Castaways. Other notable musicians to appear during IPO are: Maple Mars, The Beat Rats, George Usher, Wendy Ip, Dreaming In Stereo, The Grip Weeds, Lane Steinberg, The Brixton Riot, Buddy Love and Eytan Mirsky to name just a few.

They are all playing there from Tuesday (11/03) to Sunday (11/08) – see the full IPO NY schedule for details and showtimes.

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Android Angel and Jupiter One

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Android Angel “Glow Worm”

Paul Colto (aka Android Angel) set forth to create this album and right away his musical equipment was stolen. Continuing undaunted, the album has contributions from musicians along Paul’s journey. This is not a standard indie pop album, as the opening track “Music of Android Angel” combines synth, guitar, drums, and radio sound bytes overlapping into a harmonious pattern. But this odd electronica styled opener is just an appetizer. The wonderful “In Communique” has a very Dylanesque quality that utilizes an orchestral sweep and a female backup chorus. This continues on “Unfinished Business” where Paul’s vocal resembles Donald Fagen, and his speedy guitar riff recall Pete Townshend. It delves into a deliciously creepy Progressive rock riff on “My Virus Crown,” but stumbles badly on the bland punk pop of the crime themed “Wheels.” It’s the emotional tug of “Love With No Reason” and “Glow Worm” which resonates here. Adventurous pop fans will not be disappointed here with nihilistic songs like “The Beginning Of The End.” Fans of Roger Waters, Radiohead, Mercury Rev and Townshend-like ballads will also enjoy these tracks and many more.

Jupiter One “Sunflower”

Jupiter One is a modern New York pop band that creates ear friendly melodies and safe dance floor grooves. Mixing past pop influences with bits of pop art and the absurd, the video for “Volcano” offers a snapshot of the band’s sound. Wild and out-there while maintaining elements of post-modern nostalgia, the video takes you on a ride through striking visual landscapes that mirror the explosive content of the song. The opening track, “Volcano” wanders into Maroon 5 pop territory and the heavy guitar and strained vocals of “Lights Go Out” recall the recent Adam Marsland. The band seems to have a sound for whatever your mood. It switches gears again on “Flaming Arrow” which is a sweet alt-pop tune with a catchy multi-tracked chorus designed to soothe. Singer K Ishibashi is a musical chameleon who changes with each twist and turn in this vibrant album. “Anna” accesses a Queen-like falsetto chorus and is both familiar and completely new. The gentle ballad “Find Me A Place” is has K’s restless vocal resemble Morrissey doing Sting. It also is a “grower” meaning the album’s melodies get stickier with each listen. No duds or filler on this album either so if you like a little variety with your power pop, this will do just fine.

Jupiter One Site | MySpace | Itunes | Amazon

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