A good current article on the history and flourishing state of power pop music by Mike Baron is posted here and Powerpopaholic gets a brief mention (cool!). It’s my opinion that as more people “discover” power pop, you get a reaction like, “That’s pretty good. How come I’ve never heard of them before?” and a new convert is born. And as word of mouth spreads, bands that never got a second look during their commercial heyday will cultivate a growing fan base long after the band has dissolved. This is exactly what happened to Big Star — and it’s being repeated with several 90’s bands recently (i.e. Jellyfish, Posies). The “mainstream” music media has pretty much ignored this phenomena, and that’s what the blogosphere is all about. So continue to spread the good word and the good music.
My Raining Stars "From St. Saviour To Quickwell"
Here is some French Brit-pop created by Thierry Haliniak of the band My Raining Stars. If you enjoyed 90’s bands, like Echo & the Bunnymen and Swedish pop like Eggstone –then you are in the right place. Here is a welcoming album that is full of wonderful little tunes like “All This Time” that have smart melodies and chiming lush choruses that are both danceable and catchy. The tracks started as simple demos from the band’s earlier incarnation (Nothing To Be Done) on a four track and Thierry added layers of vocals, synths and guitars to the mix. The gentle “Express and Share” and “Head Over Heels” are highlights in this sophisticated indie pop album. The guitars on “Most Of Her Days” have lots of echo and sharp rhythms, similar to The Ocean Blue. My only caveat is that the albums tone lacks variety and by the latter part of the album (“Shadows”) could grow a bit tiresome. But for fans of lush indie Brit-pop, this is truly seductive music that will not grow old on you.
Listen to “Gone For Ever More”
The Galaxies "Here We Go!"
If you’re looking for a good example of the traditional power pop sound, you couldn’t ask for a better example than the L.A. based Galaxies. The songs are catchy and light-hearted with a focus on that lead riff, like in the opener “Here We Go Again” with it’s clean production and well conceived arrangements. Lead singer Bobby Cox sounds great and resembles Kevin Cronin’s (REO Speedwagon) crisp vocal style. This is pop that won’t scare away your non-power pop fans and it’s got enough hard rock muscle, so the music is never esoteric. The jangle of “You Promised” has a nice 80s pop style with some sweet harmonies. “Lost & Lonely” has a gentle Seals and Crofts feel to it. Although much of the tracks are about romance, there is not a sappy song in the bunch. This is a highly recommended album for that “feel good” weekend.
My Space | CD Baby
The Ravines "Manifesto Of A Broken Heart"
Great albums always slip through the cracks on release, only to be championed by impassioned fans years later. The Ravines first CD Manifesto of a Broken Heart was actually released back in 2005, and if you like the sound of Crowded House, Squeeze and The Gin Blossoms, then this album needs to be heard. The title track is an excellent pop track, with vocalist Chris Corney commanding a catchy guitar lead to a chorus full of lush harmonies. The album then gets slightly heavier after that, with “Higher and higher” and “Supersize,” with hand claps and low riffs that recall the softer pop side of The Goo Goo Dolls. This template continues throughout the album, which is consistently good, and the lyrics are often introspective, but the guitar leads the story along. It’s hard to believe these guys fell under the radar for so long. The stories Coreny pens recall Danny Wilde of The Rembrandts, usually a wry commentary on emotional touch points. Highlights include the jangly warning “Best Friends,” “Queen Of England” and the fast paced “Rescue Me.” Even the final track “The Getway” is a real toe tapper. No filler either, as Corney sings “How you gonna get away?” you can’t wait to hit the repeat setting. This “lost classic” album grows well on you too.
My Space | CD Baby | Lala
Introducing "Today’s Modern Pop"
I get plenty of interesting music that doesn’t really fit into the power pop category — but if I put too much of it in this blog, it would dilute the Powerpopaholic’s main purpose. So I started another site, just for any type of new music. If you’d like to hear new modern music – this is the place. No album reviews, just new artist, new album introductions. Visit Today’s Modern Pop to see what it’s all about.