Josh Fix "Free At Last"

powerpopaholic 4 Comments

This was one of those discs from last year that passed under the radar, but no more. San Francisco native Josh Fix is a true phenomenon with his debut album “Free At Last.” If you combine a host of 70’s rock icons like Queen, Billy Joel and Elton John and the majestic sweeping pop they are known for, you’ve got a good idea of Josh’s sound. The rousing opener “Don’t Call Me In The Morning” uses all these influences to perfect effect. The densely produced, rocking, accessible Elton-esque mid-tempo ballad “Jethro” uses amazing piano, unconventional chord changes and that multi-track chorus to great effect. And Josh does this all almost single-handed (except for Andy Korn’s drums). Like Jackdaw 4 last year, fans will appreciate the familiar sounds gift wrapped in new melodies.”Whiskey & Speed” and “Rock and Roll Slut” would feel at home on Queen’s “Day At The Races.” Some of the other songs lean more towards the piano based, “Burn it Down” and “Bad With Superbad” remind some listeners of Ben Folds for sure. The multi-choral, multi-instrumental flourishes of “The Water on My Brain” echo the sound of 10cc. The piano in “I Thought About it First” is a classic mid-tempo end of the album finale with some guitar thrown in. Some may dismiss the derivative nature of the sound but a good line emerges from the albums end, “Well, if everyone’s heard this before, what’s the point?” The point is it’s great power pop and like comfort food, it is mouth watering and a pleasure to consume.

Josh Fix Website | My Space | Emusic | itunes | Not Lame

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The Gronks "Cats and Dogs"

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Yeah, I know the question. What the hell is a Gronk? Well the short answer is this band named after an obscure comic book villain. The long answer is there is a bunch of other references to the word “Gronk” across the wiki-verse. But for our purposes, it’s an Aussie band that clings to the geeky, quirky and melodic. Opening with “Dirt” that resemble a Devo meets Ween guitar antics and a simple beat. There are bits of Pink Floyd and Midnight Oil you’ll hear on “Tribeca” and it’s pretty catchy too. The album’s songs all have the harmonies and hooks that power pop fans will cling too. “Touch the Sun” is a cleaner Guided By Voices-like track that hums along in an 80’s like fashion. And “Pot O Gold” has a shimmering dreamy quality that evokes great 60’s psyche pop like The Move and The Nazz. My favorite song here is “Robot” which references The Ramones, GBV and has a solid hook full of great effects. The very XTC like “Suicide and Fine Wine” is a welcome surprise here. In addition, a sweet Beatlesque “la-la” chorus finds it’s way on “Birds Buzzin.” Another band to use for comparison here is The Lucky Bishops with less guitar fuzziness and more “Gronkiness.” Most songs here shine (other than the snoozer “Language”) and worthy of your ipod playlist. Get it and may the Gronk be with you.

My Space | Foghorn Records | Not Lame

Listen to “”Dirt and Worms”

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Black Bunny "Black Bunny"

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A side project from Brandon Wilde and Chris Foley, this is a superb album full of great mid-tempo indie pop and alt country styled ballads. The opener “Hero” is a dead-on classic that Radiohead should have put on “Ok Computer” (Brandon even sounds like Thom Yorke on this track). Keeping the dark, but easy going mood “Survival” is a nice follow up, that has a catchy lament about a solider in Iraq (and those he leaves behind) with great storytelling. By the time we get to “Hello” it gets brighter and more Beatlesque. The very nice Wilco-meets-The Shins styled “Love Unknown” is another standout that’s impressive. Foley’s vocal on “inside” resembles a mellower version of Eddie Vedder, with a hint of John Mayer. The song has nice touches, including horns and overdubs that make compelling listening. Acoustic ballads like “Daydream” are woven around mid-tempo political nihilism and commentary from “This is Nowhere” (which recall The Kinks, Ray Davies). The catchy political theme continues with “Digital Bystander” as a call to arms to the Internet masses. At points near the end of the album it combines the above influences into something wonderful and unique (“Butterfly”). After a few listens you’ll be hooked by this Bunny.

My Space | CD Baby

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The Pop Project "Stars of Stage and Screen"

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Detailed and handcrafted pop hooks dominate this Michigan-based foursome, produced by Andy Thompson. The opening track “Secondary Players” typifies the groups sound which combines dense 70’s styled pop of Supertramp and the harmonies of The Carpenters, with a bit of Queen’s guitar theatrics sprinkled in for good measure. But lead singer Zach Curd doesn’t sit still here. Each song offers up a slightly different style with bandmates Dave Lawson (guitar), Adam Kempa (drums), and Will Yates (bass).  This is a fine pop pastiche that continues with the very 80’s pop sounding “Coerce” reminding me of Toy Matinee and Squeeze. The song ends with toy piano and sweet harmonic choruses – it’s an excellent track. The following song “Never Got The Breaks” is a full biography set to music a la Ben Folds or even Adam Marsland, and it’s another stunner. This approach works again with “Someone Who Would Understand.” The entire album shares a quirkyness with Tally Hall in that every song is swoon-worthy and has undeniable energy. Except this is the work of experienced musicians, and thus much better. The lyrics are clever and the instrumentation goes everywhere (so it never gets stale and invites multiple listenings). Each song is so dense with ideas, it may appear overwhelming to the unprepared (as with a Bryan Scary album). As a final treat the last track “You’ve Won The Lottery” is a smooth sonic coda that would fit nicely on 10cc’s “How Dare You” album, with a circus organ ending that fades into the synth keyboard beat. Showcasing the talents of three songwriters, the album is carefully buffed to an overly theatrical shine. Add this one to your top 10 list.

My Space | Pop Project Site | Not Lame| Suburban Sprawl

Listen to “House of Books”

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Jeff Larson "Left of a Dream"

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Jeff Larson is a singer/songwriter who’s earlier albums flirted with Beach Boys gentle vocal harmonies and folk rock. As his albums continued to progress beyond the sound of California pop, Jeff has moved comfortably in the adult folk pop venue since 2002. His supporting players are the reliable, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell (of America) and Jeffrey Foskett (of Brian Wilson’s band) and they all supply subtle backing vocals. If you’ve enjoyed Jeff’s recent albums, this is more reflective than the usual sun and strumming, but like a cool ocean breeze it’s just as refreshing. “Anywhere She Goes” is closer to America or an Eagles ballad than anything Wilsonesque. Shimmering guitars are all over this release, as evidenced by the beautiful “Ghosts of San Miguel” and the banjo pops up on the soothing “Red To Rust.” This is a mellow affair no doubt, and “Threat of Rain” resembles a Dan Fogelberg ballad. “California Rail” is another western styled tune (with harmonica on top of banjo) that makes for great road music and my favorite here. No real clunkers here, and some subjects get pretty deep here (“Child’s Play” about going through lies and drug addiction). Excellent folk pop, that inspires and amazes.

My Space | CD Baby | Not Lame

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