You still have a day left to vote for the best power pop album of 2008. Just scroll on down to the poll on the right and pick an artist. If you think I left off a really good artist, or I never reviewed your favorite — just e-mail me. I can’t add them to our poll, BUT I can review them for 2009 as a “missed favorite.” The poll results come out Thursday.
Mighty Fairly plays indie folk pop with a little edge, and some humor. They hail from the frozen northern tundra of Minneapolis, MN and have been playing together since 2004. The first album was pretty impressive with loud hooks and harmonies (listen to the terrific “Wake Up” on the website), this new album is called “Big Words and Power Chords” and I guess it’s meant to be ironic. Other than the nice opening single “Falling To Pieces,” the other songs are just missing the hooks that keep things memorable. The band does provide a good mix of electric and acoustic songs, male/female harmonies, and neat arrangements, but what is missing here is the energy and freshness that made 2006’s Perfectly Good Airplanes a lot of fun to listen to. The lyrics and themes are still great fun here as “Overachiever” is sung to someone who is arrogant and “free of mediocrity…” And songs like “Simple Minded” have that early hip REM vibe, but other songs are too busy setting up a storyline (“Shadow”) or setting up a mood (“Alaska”) to encourage repeat listens. This band certainly has talent, and although not as clever as They Might Be Giants, they are less geeky and are sure to improve.
My Space | Mightyfairly website | Not Lame
I got a opportunity to interview the members of one of the coolest power pop bands ever, Splitsville. We get into a few issues and what’s coming next for the band. As Stimpy would say “I can hardly contain myself!” — so you can read the Splitsville interview here or click on the “Artist Interviews” button on the right.
Chicago’s dynamic duo, The Handcuffs are back with a new record, building on the debut album “Model For A Revolution” the band struts it’s pop muscle here. The Handcuffs are primarily a duo of vocalist Chloe Orwell and drummer Brad Elvis (of the infamous Elvis Brothers). If you ever wondered what would Gwen Stefani sound like if she did power pop, this is your closest answer in the title track “Electroluv” which may be an ode to a sexy vacuum cleaner (not sure here). Brad Elvis knows his way around a pop tune and the group delivers powerful, melody-driven songs that are both accessible and commercial. Some of the lyrically simple ideas here work well (“Half A Mind”) and others not so much (“Gotta Problem With Me?”). But there are enough highlights here to shake your mojo to, including the very Debbie Harry sounding “I Just Wanna Be Free, Man” with Chloe’s sultry purr of the chorus. And the ballads are another pleasant surprise, as “Turn it Up” and “Wonderful Life” are very sweet and memorable. Another standout for me is the guitar riff heavy “Resurrection” and the piano pop hooks of “Fake Friends” which for me is the best written of the bunch. Fans of Joan Jett, INXS and Blondie will eat this one up.
My Space | CD baby
The Lund Bros. ( Chris and Sean Lund and bassist Gwon Chang.) specialize in smart songwriting, colorful, catchy hooks, full-tilting melodies and plenty of repeat-worthy pop hooks at every turn. I had no idea these guys were so prolific, releasing 4 albums already. This is a two disc set, and plenty of gems are here. Opening with the song “Mars Will Understand” it starts soft and expands to Cheap Trick-Matthew Sweet proportions. And this first disc follows the style on most of it’s tracks. For example, “Find The Sun” is a sweet guitar ballad that would make Robin Zander do a double take. One of the best songs on this disc is “Magnifying Glass” full of irresistible melodies and harmony. The instrumental “Johnny’s Jump” is pure guitar magic and shows off the Lunds‘ impressive guitar prowess. “Losin” is a gem that would fit well on “Dream Police” and “Mr. McCain” is a poignant power ballad about the losing presidential candidate, asking “would you do it again?” This first disc was so impressive, I thought I couldn’t take more riches here. Well the second disc opens with “Listen” a sure fire hit single, full of fast beats and awesome hooks. The mood takes a turn on “Love is Leaving” and reminds me a bit of Big Star here (“Olive Branch” has the same feel). The remaining songs continue to impress and are more conventional, following closer to Van Halen styled guitar rock. Fans of both Cheap Trick and Van Halen will flip for these guys, but I would highly recommend this set to anyone who loves modern melodic rock. I now want to get the older albums on CD Baby to see what I’ve been missing.
My Space | CD Baby