Some of my selected reviews will now be published on The Rock and Roll Report. That’s a good thing – spreading the word of a powerpopaholic! My review of Justin Kline – Six Songs is in the latest buzz section.
The Junipers "Cut Your Key"
The Junipers are songwriter Joe Wiltshire and vocalist Marc Johnston who, together with a group of friends in Leicester, make upbeat, chiming pitch perfect baroque and psychedelic pop with echoes of early Bee Gees, The Curiosity Shop and The Zombies. If you are looking for big loud electric guitar riffs, they are not here, but everything else is. Especially that McCartney baseline driven song structure. “Gordie Can’t Swim” opens with a Beatles meets Elephant Six collective retro sound, full of hooks that stick and harmonies that float along the melody. This sets the tone for the album, and despite a few slow instrumental breaks – it’s brilliant in every way. “Fly The Yellow Kite” is a shimmering pop confection that resembles a Wondermints composition. “Already Home” uses a Monkees-like country vibe with those impressive basslines and harmonies to great effect here and it’s a awesome pop song. Using a collection of instruments from of sitars, mellatrons, organs, kazoos, piano, strings, fuzz guitar will have fans of sunshine dappled psyche pop doing backflips. “Out of My Pocket” is adds a dash of prog organ to an acoustic guitar melody and, and “Sheena” is a very Wackers-like folk pop gem. Another standout is the Genesis-Klaatu beauty called “Song That Fades Away” with a sweet harpsichord solo in the middle. Other straight pop songs here “Mortimer” and “Sunnydown Avenue” resemble The Hudson Brothers in sound and spirit. The albums quieter moments concentrates on piano and gentle folk guitar similar to Elliot Smith. If you don’t enjoy the retro-psyche pop genre then you should pass on this, however fans of Andrew Sandoval, The Pillbugs, and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” will gobble this one up. There are so many layers of impressive instrumentation and arrangements here I’m letting this one into the top ten of 2008. Again, no filler on this impressive debut, and I’ve added two tracks to the Lala player on the right for you to hear.
The Junipers Website | My Space | Kool Kat Musik | Lala
Devlin Murphy new album preview FREE DOWNLOAD
Devlin Murphy who had a smashing debut album last year is working on a follow up. As a bonus with Powerpopaholic, I am authorized to have my blog readers download three FREE songs from his new album.
Not sure if it’s worth the effort?
Just listen to “Back To You”
That’s just one song, included in this download are “Ask Again” and “Breathe”
DOWNLOAD THE SONGS HERE
Out of Left Field: An article that reveals how the songs Todd Rundgren produced helped open up his third ear and made him a better musician. So let’s see it!
Hey Now, Morris Fader "Ride The Fader"
Hey Now, Morris Fader is the combined talents of a Boston duo, Alex Sacco and Brooks Milgate. Much has already been written about comparisons to classic Ben Folds, and the pounding piano and drums that dominate the sound will reinforce that perception. But rather than be derivative, Sacco and Milgate draw from other influences that makes the sound their own. Opening with “Vanishing” brings to mind the piano melodies of Michael Brown (Left Banke, The Stories). Then the wonderful “Airport Song” is vintage “Yellow Brick Road”-era Elton John with a modern nod to Frank Ciampi as well. The cascading piano chords of “Etc., Etc.” and “Running In Place” recall those early Billy Joel finger acrobatics. The best combining of all these influences is the single “Down In Front” and it stands out as a more modern pop approach. The most Folds-like song is “Hypochondriac” with the constant crash of cymbal and even the lyrics self conscious, angst ridden delivery will fool those not paying attention. Another standout ballad with Pet Sounds aspirations is “Talking To Myself” and the highlight for me is the unexpected time signature changes and a yet another great Milgate piano solo. If you enjoy any type of piano pop, this is a must. Every song here is very good and most have those dynamic, upbeat sing-along choruses and smooth harmonies. Get it while it’s hot.
Class Three Overbite "Horses For Courses"
Mike Elgert and Brad Jendza have added a big dose of funk to the power pop genre, that I haven’t heard since Roger Manning Jr.’s Imperial Drag. This is pure power pop, no doubt with all the right touch points (Beatles, Beach Boys, Big Star, etc.). Everywhere I look on the internet, “Horses for Courses” is getting raves and kudos, and for good reason. Big thick guitar hooks on “Storm’s Comin'” kicks out the jams, with glam organ and Hendrix-styled rhythm. “Chasing The Rabbit” takes the McCartney melodic chorus and adds a 10cc/Queen styled guitar attack that is pure bliss. “Sunshine” is mostly a smooth Queen-like ballad with sweet harmonies on top of orchestral strings and guitar solo breaks. Every single song here cranks up the goosebumps meter, even the ballad “Show The World” with it’s “Mother Nature’s Son” strum, shines with brilliance. The theatrical “Reptiles” with it’s snarling guitar and elegant piano, drumbeat rhythm is on par with Bryan Scary and the Sheddding Tears. More 70’s funk is found on “Porn Addict” and “Lex Luther” with a wah-wah sound that requires bellbottoms to dance to. The more muscular “She Can’t Make A Decision” is a rocker along the lines of Kiss meets Stone Temple Pilots with the lead guitar swaggering along. With all this abundance of great music on one disc, Class Three Overbite easily makes my top ten of 2008 list this year. It should be on your list as well.
My Space | CD Baby | Not Lame | Kool Kat Musik