As with the supergroup The Major Labels last year, this new group is made up of some power pop favorites like Taylor Hanson (Hanson), James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins), Adam Schlesinger (Fountains Of Wayne), and Bun E. Carlos(Cheap Trick). This was defintely the brainchild of Hanson and Schlesinger as they both have a love of 80s styled rock — debut is March 20, 2009
The Dipsomaniacs "Social Crutch"
Longtime power pop favorites, the Dipsomaniacs have released their 6th album, and like your favorite comfort food, it’ll bring you warm feelings inside. Chief Dipsomaniac Mick Chorba leads the band through a nice pop set, with less garage elements, but the DIY spirit in the music lives on. The opener “Together We Can Rule the World” is sure fire hit single, with a hook filled chorus and those ever present guitar riffs, that Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne) would be proud of. “Drop Your Guitar” carries on with a workman-like effort along the lines of The Who and Cheap Trick. “Blame it On The Gin” sets up a quirky rhythm, much like Camper Van Beethoven. “Not Waiting Around” is another highlight, sounding a little like Tommy Keene, with a polished rock sound and a superb arrangement. These songs are mostly short and sweet, and thus a lot of fun to listen to. “Wake Up Sue” is a punchy guitar tune with a foolproof riff and “Kids On Base” shows how well the band can put together an interesting story about bored army brats. Every song shines here, and no filler is to be found, even the quirky country mid tempo “Loretta After All” about a band saw wielding psycho girlfriend has a certain funny charm you can’t ignore. The sweet melodies continue with “Wait and See” and the excellent finale of “Halo Around You.” I have listened to this band grow over the years, and Chorba seems to get better and better, and I see him emerge from the shadow of those Paul Westerberg comparisons on earlier albums. A perfect entry point if you’ve never heard them before – without a doubt, recommended for power pop lovers.
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The Doll Test, I Love Myselfs and Jonathan Rundman
The Doll Test “Mosque Alarm Clock”
Seattle’s Doll Test were reviewed this past summer on many other blogs and the top ten for 2008 hype is well deserved. It reunites several members of The Model Rockets and takes it’s lead from The Who, Sloan and Cheap Trick. Evidenced by the opener “I’d Rather Be Asleep” with it’s smooth as silk melodic guitar. The great hooks and Beatlesque touches are all over some tracks. The jangle and Lennonesque “Ballad of Your Blue-Eyed Boy” is another wonderful song, but my favorite here is a damning assault against hippies from a psycho point of view in “Shoot The Tamborine Man” it’s both lyrically and harmonically perfect. It also pokes a finger at America post 9/11 with “The Decider” and “The Last Rung.” This deserves a spot on your ipod without a doubt.
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The I Love Myselfs “Show Stopper”
Riffbroker guitarist Eric Olson and Young Sportsmen guitarist Ryan Maxwell have combined together for this blistering mix of AC/DC meets Nirvana rock. The heavy riffs come out on “Born To Lose Nothin'” and “I’m Not Dead” and then you hear the benefits of two lead guitars. Olsen’s warble is closer to The Hoodoo Gurus or The Black Crowes than Ozzy, so this makes for excellent road music. “We Love Ourselves” is a great mix of Joe Walsh riffs and Rolling Stones cockiness, it makes that perfect theme for this band. Every opening riff begs you to turn up the volume and start your air guitar right away. Fans of Jet will also appreciate “Golden Child” and multi-tracked guitars on “How’s Yer Sister.” Overall nothing remotely boring here, as this album is full of high energy gems that should not be missed.
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Jonathan Rundman “Insomniaccomplishments”
Jonathan Rudndman tells his story with simple arrangements and an acoustic guitar for the most part. As the title suggests, these tunes were born in his basement studio in the wee small hours. The songs range from forceful folk of “If you have a question” to the Neil Young-ish pop of “New Eyes.” Some songs have a more traditional instrumental angle (“Kuortane”) and others have progressive rock feel (“Nothing Downtown”) so stylistically it has something for everyone. Duet partner Beki Hemingway add her harmonies to “I Thought You Were Mine” to make it the best track on the album for me. Some of the indie pop tones recall a mix of Nick Lowe and Marshall Crenshaw. And that’s fine with me. Jonathan also has a “Best-of” collection that will give you insight into the man’s previous works.
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Dept. of Energy "Faster"
Robb Benson continues the musical journey started by “Held By Waits” in 2007. Produced by Johnny Sangster (Tripwires, Mudhoney, The Posies) who plays on several tracks, it is more DIY indie pop than the last one. Starting with “The Nice Sleep” it brings guitar melodies and supporting keyboards to the front, and recalls The New Pornographers or Zumpano. Benson’s vocals are consistent throughout the album, but he seems to get angrier as the album progresses . “Tuning Out” feels like a bit of Coldplay and Decemberists influence has leaked through. The lyrics are in it’s own way, abstract and looking at things from a different perspective, as our pace of life seems to move faster each day. But then I felt the music loses its way, with “Houses with Holes” concentrating on rhythms instead of melody – although the song’s message is dead on. There are bright spots like the bouncy “Josephine” dripping with anger about a clingy girlfriend where “personal space should not be breached.” This excellent song brings to mind Jet and Dashboard Confessional, with buzzing guitars and organ solos in the break. The title track is another good instrumental jam, but melodic tendencies get buried on the rant “Mind over Matter” where a frustrated Robb screams “…what if Matter wins?” I had to listen to this album several times and although the instrumentation was excellent, the hooks are lacking here. To be fair, I’m sure some fans will like this better than I did.
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Listen to “Faster”
R.I.P. Kelly Groucutt
Kelly Groucutt, former bass player of ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) has passed away at the age of 63. He died in England of a heart attack. Groucutt performed with the band from 1974 and 1983. What a sad loss to his family and the legion of ELO fans out there. It’s a real shame I never heard much of his solo work, which in many ways stands alongside Jeff Lynne as a true pop master. This video is of his hit song “Oh, Little Darling.”
If anyone knows where I can get a copy of his solo LP on CD “Kelly” please give me a shout out (It seems impossible to find).