This was an album that I’ve been meaning to listen to since the summer, and Steve recently played in NYC, so I was finally able to get a hold of “Hurricane Season.” Steve Caraway has a very eclectic approach to pop. His vocals are a great strength and this evidenced on the opener “Before You Run Away” which has a Spongetones meets Michael Carpenter vibe. The sound runs from 70s arena rocker to contemporary soul pop, if you can visualize Dave Bickler’s (Survivor) range with Frank Sinatra training – that’s about right. “When I Change Your Mind” is another great song with lots of jangle and a good hook-filled chorus. The title track, “Hurricane Season” brings to mind Adam Marsland’s style of aggressive pop. Then he shifts into soulful balladeer on “Something New” and “No Looking Back” – this is where his really vocal chops shine and carry the song. That’s not to say the jangle pop songs aren’t damn catchy though, “Rabbit” has a sticky chorus with sweet chord changes. “Gone, Gone, Gone” gets his Beatles mojo in overdrive with sitar leading the way on the song. My favorite song here though is “Sausage Factory” about the cynical and destructive music industry (“Golden handshakes/Smiles so phony”). “Scented Letter” makes good use of overdubbing and recalls The Smithereens best. The stylistic changes on some songs may be jarring at first, but you’ll be humming these song over and over. It’s most welcome on my ipod in repeat mode.
Kelly Jones "SheBANG!"
I must state: This is a banner year for female power pop vocalists. Between great albums by Marykate O’Neil and Vibeke, you get a brilliant release from Kelly Jones too. So how is she different? Well, if The Bangles, Susanna Hoffs and Marshall Crenshaw had a love child it would sound just like Kelly Jones. The album is a practically flawless 28 minutes of power pop. It helps that she’s supported by Mike Viola and Ducky Carlisle (fresh from The Major Labels) and even Adam Schlesinger (Fountains Of Wayne) co-wrote a song with Kelly for the album. Kelly’s vocals are both fresh and forceful, as she glides through these songs effortlessly. It starts with the bouncy pop of “There Goes My Baby” which reminds me of The Pretenders “Don’t Get Me Wrong” a little, but it’s got all the little things right with great harmony, hand claps and Mike Viola doing the backing vocals. Possibly the best romantic pop tune about my love of power pop is “Same Song” with great lyrics to match the music (“In all the major keys, which reminds me of you when you’re not around”). Kelly has toured with Mike this past summer, and the closest comparison I can make here is Sam Phillips at her peak, with Viola playing the part of T-Bone Burnett. Every song here is a winner. Even the unusual Schlesinger penned “Crazy Talk” makes good use of the contrast in Kelly’s vocal with the low octave guitar bursts. The ballad “I Can’t Help You” is another wonderful standout, with Viola’s music and Kelly’s angelic vocal. No need to scrutinize further — just pick this one up! We are a few short weeks from the year end Top Ten of 2008 poll. This one slides in to make it an even 32 albums to choose from.
My Space | CD Baby | Not Lame
Listen to a sample of “There Goes My Baby”
Matthew Sweet Interview by Jeff Shelton
Power pop legend Matthew Sweet has been interviewed by Jeff Shelton from the Power Pop Show on KSCU 103.3fm – Santa Clara, CA, you can get more info at www.myspace.com/powerpopshow
Just listen to the Matthew Sweet Interview
Cool stuff. They even talk “guitar geek” during the interview and about Sweet’s newest “Sunshine Lies” which is a pretty damn good major label release.
John Laprade and The Unremarkables EP
A few more EPs I found this weekend:
John Laprade “Blind”
John Laprade is a new voice on the scene, he scored some exposure on A&E with “Knock You Down” featuring Richard Lloyd and here is his debut EP. This song goes on sarcastically about stardom and it’s trappings, with Lloyd’s amazing guitar and Laprede’s soaring harmony. The title track, “Blind” is a terrific single, with hummable chorus and reminds me a little of Glen Tilbrook, Tommy Keene and Wilco. “Tennessee” is a little laid back country pop tune, with a bit of piano, harmonica and some nice drum work by Rich Pagano (Fab Faux). This is a prelude to John’s new LP coming soon, and it’s a good starting point.
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The Unremarkables “21st Century Ghost”
I wasn’t too keen on this Norwich, UK group’s debut last year, but these guys keep forging onward and I am seeing improvement in both the songwriting and musical competence on this EP. The title track “21st Century Ghost” is a catchy crowd pleaser with plenty of layered guitar parts and resembles a cross between Tears for Fears, Aztec Camera and U2. “Heartache Cologne” is another highlight here with handclaps and strong guitar themes that showcase the improvements the band has made. This band deserves some attention, so guitar loving rock fans should listen up.
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Vibeke and The Blue Sky Secret EPs
I hope the turkey and football have satisfied all this holiday. Here are some new EP releases making waves recently:
Vibeke “From All of Me”
After a great debut from Vibeke it’s a nice follow up that arrives right on time for the holidays. “…From All Of Me” has everything you need in Christmas music, sleigh bells, choruses and melodic rock and roll, of course. “I Must Have Been So Good” is a great rockin‘ holiday theme, with a Pretenders-like guitar and vocals. “Mistletoe Kissing” is a high energy Christmas skiffle punk with rip roaring guitars and drum beat. Another highlight here is “A Christmas Carol (For The Losers In Love)” with a catchy melody and toe tapping beat. The song “Jingle Jangle Christmas” is a celebration of many Christmas themes, yet every song here is totally original. This stands along side all the great rock Christmas records, from The Kinks “Father Christmas” to Hall and Oats’ “Jingle Bell Rock” – Just like the liner notes say… “This is a proper Christmas Record!”
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The Blue Sky Secret “What We Are”
Out of Nashville, TN comes both Ricky Free and Devin Burrell. It’s no secret here that these guys are a truest breathe of fresh air since Rick Altizer or Swirl 360. That both Ricky and Devin grew up in the heart of the contemporary Christian music scene just explains how these guys have such a gifted mastery of melodic rock. The opener “In Your Eyes” has a lot of great slickly produced melody and an angelic choral break. the follow up “11 Years,” has a simple guitar melody and a total radio play about romance. The highlight of the EP for me is “Six Feet Small” with it’s catchy chorus and layered guitars. Very much like a Jellyfish song, with Queen multi-layered guitars, it’s a real blast of greatness. Then “What Went Wrong” starts almost identical to McCartney’s “Let’em In” and then goes into another melodic gem of smooth pop with horn accents. The music isn’t overly preachy and a textbook example of how to do power pop right. It’s highly recommended here, so whens the full length LP, guys?
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