This Boston quartet may call themselves a “bummer pop band,” but Self Help really packs an emo-punch. The album was created over ten days with producer Andy Park (Death Can For Cutie). The concept is wrapped around the emotional journeys one takes through therapy. The lyrics are strong, the melodies are loaded with power, and Amy Hoffman’s strong vocals on the opener “Doorknob Confessional” recalls Alanis Morissette. Daniel Radin’s vocals in “Good Reason” are equally impressive, noting that “everything that happens is for some goddamn good reason.”
“Smile With Your Teeth” is another tune that deserves attention, and “BYOB” muses on the emotional spiral of alcoholism. The stories are neatly matched instrumentally, but the approach loses some stream in the second half. On “Team Sports” Amy confesses “Lately I could use a hand, but I’m not sure how to ask for it.” This album is a definite helping hand to anyone dealing with intense feelings. Highly Recommended.
The young Madison, Wisconsin band is desperately trying to grow after their brilliant debut, Collector in 2020. They throw in a lot of ideas here, some work and others don’t. The massive variety of styles and shifting instrumental changes make for unpredictable and exciting listening.
The light harmonies of “Prize Contest Life” in the song’s middle are contrasted with its screaming noise-pop bookends. Next, “Cujo Kiddies” shuffles along its catchy verses with just enough synth & beat to make it very danceable. They still can play loud and fuzzy with “This Time” and “The Hardest Part,” as it brings to mind the band’s debut. Then “If Only” adds a friendly little Wilco-styled alt. Americana to the mix, while “Tightrope” is like a long-lost Weezer song. The most impressive tune here “(With Respect To) Loyal Serfs” is a slowly building gem that settles in with its heavy riffs and hooks. Overall, a good album that has plenty of fun music. Definitely, music that deserves to be heard.
Greg Pope’s rich guitar sound is distinctive, and he journeys down a more traditional rock sound on this latest LP. “As You Love” reminds me of Matthew Sweet with its chugging guitar rhythm. Pope crafts rock opera-styled drama in under 3 minutes with “Words No One Can Say.”It’s as if Queen and Blue Oyster Cult are combined on “Smile, Nod and Slowly Back Away,” The songs are musically consistent with just enough hook to draw you in. “Savior of The Local Rock Scene” is another love letter to the golden age of Rock, with glammy riffs and energy.
While the immediacy isn’t as pronounced as in past works, Pope knows how to tell a good story. “Sorry I Wrote This Song” is about having your partner realize your songwriting cuts a little too close. “Traditions” bounces along, and is also very inviting. All the songs are good, but the standout to me is “Holding On To A Sunny Day,” a classic hook-filled melody shining with optimism. Overall very highly recommended.
Veteran musician Edward O’Connell returns with a new album 8 years after Vanishing Act. With a full studio band, and guest backing from vocalists Parthenon Huxley (The Orchestra), Thomas Walsh (Pugwash), and more, this proves to be a solid effort. “Golden Light” echos Tom Petty in style, and its solid hook carries you through the song effortlessly. The title track “Feel Some Love” and “Buddy Crocker” recalls mid-tempo Elvis Costello with their wry humor and bittersweet lyrics.
The album’s second half is more reflective, “As No One Once Said” is a compelling ballad, and another effective standout is the soulful pop “Who’s Watching Your Baby,” which shows parental worry with a bluesy guitar break. While the songs here are not as catchy, they keep the same “Costello meets Petty” style, and that’s better than most music out there. Definitely, music that deserves to be heard.
Why compilations? There is no better way to get an “instant” power pop collection in your head than with these 2 terrific collections from trusted curators with years of experience. If you are looking to keep up with all the new music that’s out there and don’t have the time and money to know “who’s good?” then these power pop compilations are essential shorthand for the rest of us.
These guys are still at it?… This Is Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio” hosts Dana & Carl’s newest compilation (Volume 5) does not disappoint. From the sunny surf harmonies of Laurie Biagni’s “Hey Mr. DJ” to the alternative rock buzz of Jeff Shelton’s Deadlights, this collection has a big range of styles and sounds. Some traditional power pop stalwarts, like Chris Von Sneidern’s “Goodnight Sailor,” are a welcome treat, along with newer bands like In Deed with “Peace & Quiet.” A solid 27 tracks and a few station IDs make this one a keeper.
Every year David Bash takes great care to introduce new musical talent with his IPO festival and companion soundtrack. With Volume 23 (!) you get a 3-CD set with 68 tracks. Start with disc one and the 60s sunshine pop of The Tambourine People, it’s a sugary pop gem, akin to The Peppermint Rainbow. The Vinylos uses horns to deliver “The Rain Comes” very similar to the recent Ken Sharp, and Black Mail House has a similar horn-led tune “There’s Only One Way Out Of This.” Other standouts here include Golden Richard’s “Shake Your Hair” and Blake’s “Vinyl Junkie” which is a fitting bio of a music geek.
On disc 2, there is more of an alternating structure between seasoned pros like David Brookings (“One of Us Is Crazy”) and newcomers like Elphonic (“Rapid Transit”), and it’s literally hit or miss with the newer bands. Luckily, the batting average is high. Standouts for me were Lisa Marie Claire’s folky “Paper Letter” and Andrew Stonehome’s “Heartbreaker.”
Disc 3 is the most diverse of artistic styles, starting with the Beach Boys-like “Summer Camp” by Fredrick Julius, and the Beatlesque Sunbourne Rd’s “Dear Jo” and Parlophonic’s lovely “Feel The Light.” The most out-there track this year is the rap (!) by Morty Shallman “Party All Night At Sunset,” and I think LMAFO better watch out! Standouts include Glowbox’s “Test of Time” and Barmudas “Dry January.” Overall, there will be faves for everyone on each disc. Enjoy!