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.

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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 “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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