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.

Miles Nielsen “Miles”
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, where the son of Cheap Trick guitarist, Rick Nielsen has broken out on his own. Musically, Miles uses Beatles bounce, country twang, and clean production to create a pleasant pop/rock sound. The experience is like hearing The Wallflowers and Big Star jamming with The Jayhawks. It opens with the immediate “A Festival” and casual “Gravity Girl” and both songs are catchy and sincere with smart guitar rhythms and organ support. The folky “Lost My Mind” is a gorgeous ballad that suits Miles rough vocal well. His vocal sound remind you of his dad a bit (Julian Lennon had that issue too). But best tracks lie at the heart of the album’s middle. The excellent “1938” has that Beatlesque bounce and “Don’t You” has an energy filled melody on par with The Kinks. The laid back tracks dominate the latter part of the album, and “Good Heart Sway” has a sweet chorus that plays nicely against the melancholy theme. Miles wears the troubadour tag well in the more folk inspired songs. Fans of Josh Rouse, Tom Petty and Bob Dylan will also surely enjoy this uplifting debut.

MySpace | CD Baby | Miles site

Big Fresh “B.F.F. (Big Fresh Forever)”
Lexington, Kentucky popsters Big Fresh have been opening for The Apples in Stereo and spreading their alt. pop manifesto to the head-bopping masses. Mastered by The Apples man himself (Robert Schneider) this ambitious tapestry of danceable tracks, bubbling soundscapes, electric light harmonies and synthetic orchestrations will take you to a new planet. Run by John Ferguson (guitar) and Ben Phelan (keyboards), it slowly unfolds with the organs on “Secret Public” then goes into a faux radio signature “W.L.U.V.” The album plays like some mutant Elephant Six version of Frank Zappa, Devo and Radiohead combined. Some gems are sitting amongst the strangeness, like the pop new wave bounce of “W.T.O.” and the campfire sing-song of “Joy Bomb#1.” Like a similar band, Team Genius it gets far on sheer atmosphere and with Schneider’s help it holds your interest across 13 tracks.  Unfortunately, repeatability is a problem here – I did not feel that compelled to listen to more than a few tracks again. However, if you are an Apples in Stereo completist, this is essential.

MySpace | Gardengate Records | Itunes