One of the most common comments about all great power pop artists I’ve heard in interviews, is “if you’re such a musical genius, how come you’re not famous?” The point being that great musicians don’t do it for the fame or the money, but the compulsion to do what they love to do. This trailer for the documentary “Why Isn’t Chris von Sneidern Famous?” explores this subject in detail. Long time power pop fans have loved Chris’ work for years now, so to us powerpopaholics he has already “arrived” and I hope the film is more of a scathing indictment of the current entertainment press. I personally can’t wait to see this movie.
More details at Academy Avenue Films
David Dewese "Make The Best Of It"
After time with The Luxury Liners and The Foxymorons, Singer/songwriter David Dewese had the urge to put out a solo album. I’m glad he did, because it’s got great melodic songs and a laid back Nashville aura surrounding the music. “Dear Self” is a smooth acoustic/piano pop theme with a catchy hook. “This Too Shall Pass” is a great stomping mid tempo number supported by strings, piano, and timpani. It flirts with the country sound much like The Honeydogs, even though it’s got a pop structure. Many of the songs are simple guitar tunes, done with intimacy and emotion here, like “Without You” or “Lake Tawakoni.” But it doesn’t wallow in self reflection too long and “Moment Too Late” starts pretty standard and then chord change leads to a snappy chorus that is instantly hummable. The best thing about Dewese is he makes these songs very easy to relate to lyrically and musically. This is a solid album, and some tracks are available here through noisetrade, so spread the wealth!
My Space | CD Baby | Kool Kat Musik
Captain Wilberforce "Everyone Loves A Villian"
With the end of the year fast approaching, I will try to increase my review output till our end of year poll on the best power pop album of 2008.
I heard a lot of buzz on other sites about Captain Wilberforce. My first impression was a singer/songwriter with great melodic skills along the lines of The Brigadier or Glen Tilbrook. This is intelligent Brit-rock with a delicate strum and occasional angular buzzing riff here and there. Simon Bristoll aka Captain Wilberforce applies his wit and skill to these songs in a precise manner, similar to Colin Moulding of XTC. This really evident in the title track, where all the nice XTC-Bryan Scary like detailed flourishes come together perfectly. This is followed by the Squeeze-like “Confetti Champagne And Roses.” A stunner here is “The Girl Who Broke Her Own Heart” which of could be called the classic Brit-pop ballad. Tim Finn is another point of comparison on “Get A Grip My Dear” and “Don’t Get Me Started” is another rich tune with a great melody that is both well constructed and played. However, Bristoll’s vocals don’t have a very wide range and strength, even so his arrangements compensate for this. Also, some of the latter tracks fail to excite even though they are prepared for the listener in a pretty package, the exception here is the wonderfully Jellyfish-like “Born Again Brand New Man”. If you like the bands mentioned above, this will satisfy your pop itch. I expect great things in the future from the Captain.
CD Baby
Paul Collins’ Beat "Ribbon Of Gold"
Last year, Paul Collins gave us his “Flying High” album. This year the former Nerves front man does a follow up that hits all the right notes. Opening with “Hey DJ” it has a classic power pop beat, and goes into a nostalgic chorus with ringing guitars. The hit to miss ratio is very low overall, and the smooth “Ribbon of Gold” has a magical yet grizzled feel, almost Paul Westerberg-like with Tom Petty overtones. “I Still Want You” has lots of energy and a great hook that Cheap Trick would envy. Paul even laments the “Big Pop Song” with one of his own making, “The one song that never lets you down/ The one that’s always been around.” After a few songs, you realize this is a really, really good album, so by “Falling in Love With Her” the air guitar comes out for me. Big hooks, big guitar licks and like Paul mentions “it feels so good.” There is still that early 80s pop punk vibe tucked away on songs like “She doesn’t Want To Hang Around With You” that will bring back a smile and some memories. The album ends with three ballads, and though they can’t compete with the high energy stuff, the best of the bunch “Flown Away” is a good soulful commentary on the state of Paul’s state of mind. Right now you can buy it directly from his site.
Marykate O’Neil "Underground"
I got an advance copy of Marykate’s new album “Underground” which is the follow up to the MK Ultra EP. In addition to one of the better tracks from the earlier EP like “Green Street” – we find Marykate leaning away from power pop a little into a full use of her singer/songwriter talents. “Easy To Believe at First” you hear a gentle Carole King vibe until the chorus explodes with melodic optimism and cool harmonies. “Saved” is another great song with some excellent lyrics about being proselytized. This formula also shows up on the dynamic and poignant “Mr. Friedman.” Then Marykate embraces her inner Joni Mitchell on the folkie ballads “Me, The Bee, The Miner” and the title track “Underground.” The latter track really shines and uses Marykate’s expressive vocal range. Lest we forget, we want some cool pop too, so we get a stellar cover of Joe Jackson’s “Different for Girls” and the bouncy fun of “One Thousand Times A Day.” The coda is the fitting “So Long” with a smooth melody and some nice slide guitar work. Overall a more mature direction that benefits the fans of Marykate for the better. Unfortunately, you will need to wait until February for this one. And yes it’s worth the wait, I will update the links at that time.