Since we’re on a 80’s synth-pop theme (see last review) here is a video from both Jason Falkner and Roger Manning Jr.’s last project, TV Eyes – a shiny synth-pop extravaganza. But really this is to let you know that Manning’s newsest CD is almost ready, it’s called “Catnip Dynamite” and is due out in Japan by 3/19. So when is it coming to the USA? I’m sure hopefully it won’t take too long. Visit his my space page to sample a song or two. It sounds like the synth influences are more prominent here.
Geoff Westen "Vidiots – Tune In!!"
Okay time for a side trip. How about a flashback to the era of “Weird Science” and weirder hairdos? As a follow up to “The Pigs” Geoff Westen is not content in staying with one type of musical style and with his latest “Vidiots – Tune In” we get a flashback to 1982 via new wave pop. Like a bizarre mix of The Talking Heads and The Cars with Roxy Music as your backing band, Westen has the period down perfectly. I am sure at some point, this music will be fashionable again (after all it happened to Disco). As good and slick as the production is the songs themselves don’t really make an impression on me until “Angry Young Man” which would fit nicely into the dance pop category along with Pseudo Echo. “Action Man” is a well written pop tune about “goin’ to a party”. Then some experimental synthpop entered the scene with “Some of you Girls” and he loses me again. If you are patient, you’ll get a good pop tune like “Searching For Love” with a very David Byrne-like vocal. The funky “Friend or Lover” heads into Devo territory and does a excellent job although it seems to drag on over six minutes. If your musical taste runs into this nostalgia trip of day-glo colors, Westen will be happy to start your “party out-of-bounds.”
Disturbing Music | My Space | CD Baby
Goodwin "2"
Goodwin is melodic rock at it’s best, and reminds me why I still listen to old Nuno Bettencourt and Extreme CDs. Opening with “Revelation Of Revolution” it’s balls to the wall rock and roll with melodic choruses and massive guitar riffs. And in the break is a lovely “ooh and ahh” harmonic before the axe solo. “Write for You” has a really nice Foo Fighters feel with a great lyrical turn on a weekly love letter campaign. “Grace” starts out as a pretty standard rocker, but ends in a great dramatic epic fashion with an array of chord changes. “Apparently” is a strong uplifting anthemic song that demands to be played loud. It’s my favorite on this album. The constant ringing guitars are ever present here and work well with the Goodwin’s muscular vocals. Another standout is “Two Again” with rush of lead guitar chords and strong drumming that will have you noding your head in time to the beat. An effective effort is also on the song “Red” – the only song that can be called toned-down at all, and we get a great instumental break with a wailing guitar solo that recalls Eddie Van Halen a bit. “Trading Up” is the sole ballad and it showcases the lead vocal prowess and ends the album. No real duds here, as their sound is consistent over the entire album and overall hard rock fans who like melody in the mix (Foo Fighters, Extreme) will really love this.
The Goodwin Webpage | My Space | CD Baby | KoolKat Musik | Not Lame
P.Hux interviewed on Powerpopaholic
I was very glad to have Parthenon Huxley grant me an interview about his music and and his time in the ELO-incarnation simply known as The Orchestra. Check out the ever growing interview section of the site or this P.Hux Interview link. The album “No Rewind” which was long out of print is now available at P.Hux’s site. ELO fans should not miss this one.
Also, a friend of the Powerpopaholic, Dan Weir has interviewed Chris Collingwood from Fountains of Wayne on his MySpace page. It’s a pretty good interview. Thanks, Dan.
Handclaps And Harmonies "s/t"
Here is a band that is encapsulates everything great and typical of classic Bubblegum power pop. Handclaps and Harmonies are part and parcel of what we love about this music. H & H’s self titled debut is well crafted version of pop rock, reminiscent of your favorite golden oldies of AM radio in the mid sixties. Fans of The Archies, The Cowsills and the more recent, Florapop will really flip over this. The sunshine glow of The Cowsills and Beach Boys really come through on “The Game.” The presentation is very impressive as well, from the white pant and suspender outfits to the neat CD designed to look just like a record. An awesome love note to Beach Boy Brian is presented in “Mr. Wilson” and if this was given to him back in 1969, he may have come out of that sandbox. The technique is flawless on certain songs like “My Winter Girl”, “Outta Sight” and “Wantin’ You.” The vocal harmonies are have a soft sweet approach, similar to Weezer or Moxy Fruvous ballads, and is extra impressive on “Goodnight” and “Wantin’ You.” Props also go to the nice understated percussion and the songs dovetail nicely into each other. The one caveat is that two tunes get too sickly sweet (“Sad Penguin”, “Kissing”) and these make even The Wiggles look like a Death Metal band. But if you wash down all that sugar with milk, you’ll love this exceptional album.
The H&H Website | My Space | CD Baby | KoolKat Musik | Not Lame