The good times are rolling for Michael Behm four months after releasing “Saving America,” The third single off his forthcoming album “If I could Learn To Fly” is enjoying top chart positions in Canada, Australia and finding solid ground in the US. “Saving America” is a big pop album full of accessible optimism and cheer, that could even turn your average American Idol fan into a power pop fan. The production work and mixing assisted by Pat Steward (The New Odds, Bryan Adams) and Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Elvis Costello, Metallica) give the album a crisp full sound. “If I Could Learn To Fly” is a huge highlight, with ELO-like echo effects and smart time signature changes. Next is the hook-laden “The Art of Letting Go” which has a great leading bass line and Michael’s winning vocals. Other highlights include “Ticket to Heaven” and the danceable “Honesty” resemble a Jellyfish single with a high falsetto driving the chorus. Even the ballads are done right with “Lincoln” pulls all the right heartstrings. Also of note “Underground Epic” features some amazing guitar work in the intro similar to Sloan or Cheap Trick. Behm has an extensive back catalog, and I look forward to exploring it now. This is an excellent example of modern power pop that shouldn’t be missed.

CD Baby | Michael’s website | Itunes

When it comes to the newest direction in pop music, The Alligators take the best practices of the past and push them to the future. Piggy & Cups is one of the best modern pop albums to be released so far this year. Recorded at Jason McGerr’s (Death Cab For Cutie) Two Sticks Audio in Seattle, the group take influence from many of the greats and hints of Radiohead, The Beach Boys, and The Zombies can be heard in their songs. To me, comparisons with Death Cab, Belle and Sebastian and The Shins are appropriate as well. All the members, hailing from the greater Bremerton area of Washington state, are experienced from a variety of other talented bands. With the apathetic and bland music that plagues radio stations and music venues today, it’s only a matter of time before Alligators’ start to make their presence felt. “Where Does it Hide” has a beautiful melody and clever arrangements and  the theatrical “Original Fear” reminds me of Brian Scary a little. It gets a little less dynamic after the albums mid-point, but no less compelling. Each element of the band is interesting; from the tight pulses that the bass and drums provide, to the guitar-synthesizer relationship during the always-stylish vocal harmonies.Learn even more about the band via this short documentary.

The Humbugs make it easy to champion the power pop genre, as this Minneapolis quintet is already on it’s fourth album. At the root is sweet natured melodies and sing along harmonies, with a tight rhythm section. The band hits the ground running with the very Posies-like “One More Day” full of top quality guitar riffs and inspiring lyrics. The brilliant hooks and chords changes on “Lies Behind The Glass” take it up another notch and recalls the best of 70s power pop sound buffed with a modern pop sheen. “As Long As I Matter” recall Cheap Trick and vocalist Kristin Marshall does an inspiring job here. Both Kristen and Adam Marshall split the vocal duties and sometimes share the lead. Another musical nugget full of great chord changes in that vein follows with “Employee Of The Month.” Little Beatle-y touches make “Walking Home To You” an unexpected treat and the pensive ballad “Crash On Your Couch” paints a vivid scene, and the combined vocal lead compares well to Fleetwood Mac. It ends strong on “Mic Stand” with a driving guitar and drum leading the way. Every track has a smart hook and the album has no filler at all. Just place it on the ole’ ipod — you will enjoy repeat listens of On The Up Side often.