Everything you ever needed to know about Mike Viola, (Singer, Songwriter, and Producer of “That Thing You Do!”). Here he talks about his career and plays some tunes.
Tim Myers "The Good Life" EP and "Revolution" EP
Tim Myer’s single “The Good Life” was featured on a previous post. Now that I have his full EP with the addition of 4 more songs, I can declare that this California native is no flash in the pan. Both his commercial singles “The Good Life” and “A Beautiful World” have been popping up on TV and more material keeps flowing out (see the video below). The remaining tracks on the EP include the Coldplay via Beatles tune “On Your Side” with a great hook and the slightly trippy Mex-pop of “Magic” with some nice horn work. The folk ballad “Remember When” includes a sweet duet with Schuyler Fisk. I wanted to hear more so I listened to some tracks from his earlier EP “Revolution” which takes on a more Lennonesque quality. On “West Virginia” the piano resonates and Tim seems to channel both Chris Martin and John Mayer here. Other ballads are nearly that good, but missing any of the optimism I heard in “The Good Life.” Both are good EPs showing the sunny/dark contrasts of Myers moods. No doubt he has the talent and material to put together a great full length album — it’s something I will be looking forward to.
Tim Myers Site | My Space | CD Baby-“Revolution” |Itunes
Black Jesus by Tim Myers Directed by Jason Myers
Lannie Flowers "Same Old Story"
Lannie Flowers groomed his pop sensibilities as front man and leader of the Dallas-Ft. Worth based band The Pengwins from the late 70’s through the 80’s. Since the bands demise, Lannie has established a strong reputation in the Dallas area as a talented songwriter and producer. Here he spreads his wings on “Same Old Story” with a massive rock medley which consists of 36 tracks, each one under two minutes (except the last track). You need to hear the entire album continuously for the full effect, you’ll hear references to great power pop- an example “Another Weekend/Tired Of Being Alone” you’ll hear echos of The Raspberries or 20/20. “Give Me A Chance” has a CheapTrick/Boston vibe. But because each song is so short the music doesn’t stay with each influence for long. I haven’t heard this good a long continuous musical concept since Jethro Tull’s unabridged “Thick as A Brick” or Pink Floyd’s “The Wall”- and that’s a really long time ago. Overall, this is a stunning album made for lovers of musical melody with ADD. The story of these songs follow a relationship from beginning to end and my only nitpick here is that some sections are so good, I would want to hear full three minute songs of them (“Turn Off The Night”) instead of 30 seconds. The musicianship is gorgeous, from the handsome guitar riffs to the many vocal styles Flowers uses to convey the story. Be the first on your block to show this album off to your friends — it’s an instant power pop singles collection!
CD Baby | Not Lame | Kool Kat Musik
Bryan Estepa "Sunday Best"
Sydney’s Bryan Estepa released the classic “All the Bells and Whistles” last year. Although his newest isn’t as chock full of high energy pop goodies, it’s a more mature and even release. Bryan moves beyond his love of AM radio pop on “Sunday Best.” On the opener “Aches and Shakes” you get a good mix of harmonious choruses and melody that fans of Crowded House will appreciate. This is light breezy pop with an adult slant on issues, and a slice of Americana flavor, the next song “Different With You” would not sound out of place on a Jayhawks album. What I like about the geek love of “Carl Wilson” is that it doesn’t try to emulate his hero’s vocal style, it just takes a catchy narrative to piano, mentioning in the lyric “your voice it makes me quiver/ I wish I could have met the younger Wilson”. The song “I’m Going” is my favorite here – it’s got the dramatic phrasing and guitar chorus that makes it a pop classic. “Myself” has that high energy that recalls his last band The Hazey Janes (move over John Faye and IKE). Then it takes it down a few notches with the ballads and mid-tempo alt country at the end of the album (“Skipping Days” and “Worry Me None”) another standout is the title track (“Sunday Best”) with a wonderful combination of guitar and banjo after the chorus. This sophomore release showcases Bryan’s songwriting as well as his melodic pop talents. The most worthy music I’ve listened to this Sunday for sure.
MySpace | CD Baby | Not Lame
Interviews with The Spongetones and Shake Some Action!
I was amazingly lucky to get these interviews with the following power pop artists. The Spongetones Jamie Hoover was very friendly and approachable and I interviewed him hot on the heels of his new album “Too Clever By Half” – to say Mr. Hoover is respected here is an understatement as you can see above, his peers all pay tribute to the band.
Not to be ignored is the irrepressible band Shake Some Action who also talked a bit about the new album, the live tour and the band’s future. I chatted with leader James Hall ( who is working on a new Jeunes album) and bandmate, Gary Miller.
Check out the links above or visit our interview section.