Powerpopholic

The Crowd Scene "With Complete Glossary For Squares"

January 7, 2009July 6, 2024 powerpopaholic

This Virginia band agrees that music aint what it used to be. Guitarist/vocalist Grahame Davies takes a trip through inner space here with a very English style, if you can imagine The Brigadier or Neil Finn with a female vocal backup.The album is full of folky melancholy tunes, the only sign of upbeat life here is the brilliant “Edward Learjet” with an interlocking harmonic chorus and biting lyrics that recall last years’ Milton and the Devils Party. In fact, “I Wouldn’t Say I’m Sorry” shuffles along it’s exquisite pop moping and it leads to my favorite song here “Trick Photography” with references to The Crazy World of Arthur Brown. This is one of those albums that grows on you like moss. The jangle of “Craked Leather Seat” recalls John Lennon vividly and most of the songs here are highly appealing guitar ballads. Anne Rogers gets to shine as lead on “Which Way” – a Elvis Costello styled mid tempo song. I couldn’t find a bad track here, despite the somber tone much of the album takes – even the Big Star-like “Finish Line” – the more you hear it, the better it gets. An impressive sophomore release that deserves a late night listen.

My Space | CD Baby

Michael Carpenter & The Cuban Heels "New Dog Old Tricks"

January 6, 2009July 17, 2017 powerpopaholic 1 Comment

Last month I mentioned Michael Carpenter and his new band, The Cuban Heels EP, “Give The Dog A Bone” and to add to the confusion, this is another EP with a bit more country sound called New Dog Old Tricks. Like a bit of Dylan or The Flying Burrito Brothers with Steel Pedal on the opener “The Ballad of Ambivalence” and “Some Days are Worse Than Others.” These are well written country songs with excellent musicianship all around. “Workin’ For A Livin” is a awesome country rocker, with sharp piano and guitar work. My favorite here is the Wilco-like “If You Ask Me” with a soaring vocal bridge. The tracks here are pure gold in a laid back manner and it includes between song banter with his studio mates. If this is the “new” direction Carpenter is taking, I will put on my ten-gallon hat and cheer him on. The hard copies are already sold out on Not Lame, so you’ll need to download instead for this.

My Space | Amie Street

Listen to “Oh No, Not You Again “

The Weightlifters "O My Stars" EP

January 6, 2009July 6, 2024 powerpopaholic

This new EP by ex-Idle Wilds guitarist Adam McLaughlin’s (under the name, The Weightlifters) is another ambitious self released effort that delivers all the goods. Fans of both Big Star and Teenage Fanclub will enjoy these melodic masterworks by a powerful tune smith in the zone. From the opening chords of “Perfect” it puts the listener at ease with smooth atmospheric guitar. The following song “Bygones” is a bit like Elliot Smith and the wonderful “Belle of the Wrecking Ball” is like a lost Fanclub track with a guitar chorus, hand claps and multi-layered harmonies all around. The acoustic strains of “To Be A Killer” is a compelling personal confession of someone wrestling with murderous demons. “O My Stars” is a much quieter album than the first EP Last of the Sunday Drivers which was closer to the New Pornographers styled sound. Between the two, you’ve got a damn fine album. Highly Recommended for sure.

My Space | CD Baby

Hospital Ships "Oh, Ramona"

January 6, 2009July 6, 2024 powerpopaholic

Cynical pop fans take note: Jordan Geiger is a one man band under the name of Hospital Ships. It takes a lead from The Flaming Lips (The group was named after a Lips song) and Arcade Fire or Broken Social Secene. The album opener, “Bitter Radio Single”, is a brief but captivating song with it’s forceful “Screw this fucking city” lyric sung by an angelic chorus. The follow up, “Baby For J” is like a lo-fi indie John Lennon with Geiger’s subtle vocals and piano melody. Fourth track on the album, “The Shots I Drank,” is another warm fuzzy sounding, fully orchestrated confesssional. Throughout the album, the layers of nasally vocals supported by piles of keyboards and organs on top of less dense guitars. Some standouts here are “Sink Your Teeth Into Me” and “Oh, No.” These ballads may be suited to our screwed up times – “Tired Of Growing Old” could be the new theme for a stock broker today “You dwell on all you wanted… it’s all gone, over and done.” Other tracks are just bleak sounding filler here. It’s not for everyone and will turn off those looking for happy bouncy pop music. Listen along with Mike Mazzerella’s folk album for a sobering experience.

My Space | e-music

Listen to the “Bitter Radio”

Big Kid "III"

January 3, 2009July 6, 2024 powerpopaholic

I always liked Big Kid. The first two albums are collections of can’t-miss hooks and feel-good riffs that put the pop squarely back into power pop. The band has always followed the influences of Andy Sturmer and Roger Manning, Jr. to a perfect “T” so many were looking forward to this new release in 2007. The San Diego-based quartet has made one change though, and the new lead singer, Justin Avery has the lead vocal duties. Avery sounds even more like Roger Manning, Jr. than the last vocalist, and Steve Clark’s songwriting is still pretty sharp here. Opening with the uplifting “Gold” it has that energy that makes it easy to enjoy. “Get Up” continues the ride, with organ, guitars and irresistible hooks. Things get into a lower key ballad with “Love’s a Slow Song” with probably the best chorus of the album. The song describes a girl “who listens to old Beatles and Jazz” and the anxious suitor who wants to know more. The next track “Monsters” has a sharp rhythmic bass lead that gives off a Michael Jackson meets Glen Tilbrook vibe. The remaining ballads here seem to take center stage, as the lovely chorus of “Perfect Sunrise” will echo in your head for days. Avery’s vocal dominates on the last few tracks and it’s so sweet and romantic, you could dance your wedding to both “Madly” and “Hollywood Star.” Jellyfish fans and romantics alike shouldn’t let this album pass you by.

My Space | CD Baby