Orba Squara (or Mitch Davis) is a one man band whose song, “Perfect Timing (this morning)”, was on the iPhone commercial. I made a jolly reference to it here. His debut album”Sunshyness” isn’t power pop, but full of ambient organic sounds and gentle guitar. After a few listens, the sweet guitar sounds of “So Comfortable” and toy instruments of “Sunshine” are lots of fun. A good single here is “My Favorite Song” which goes perfectly as a B side to “Perfect Timing (this morning).” The vocals are understated and slightly warbley, kind of like a Tiny Tim for the 21st century. This is good easy going music and deserves a second listen.
My Space | Orba Squara.com | Itunes
A Faulty Chromosome is quirky enough to get you to pay attention to. They like to list New Order and My Bloody Valentine as influences, but I hear a distinct link to The Beta Band and Guided By Voices. This is not for everybody, but if you want to take a detour from your normal stuff, this is a rabbit hole you could fall into. Listen to the entire album streaming over here. Listen to “Anomie’s the enemy” and “Eyes Foreign eyes” – the rest of the it is for the fearless only.
My Space
Tessa Rae Newman “Spellbound” is something I don’t usually listen to, as it is contemporary pop. But Tessa has a great message, about all the pop star superficiality on “Barbie Doll Syndrome” and a pleasant voice. The studio craft is high here, and a highlights are “Spellbound” and “Don’t Rain On My Parade” with a good hook and the multi-tracking chorus fits just right. Sometimes it gets a bit too overproduced, but I’m not expecting the next LeAnn Rimes here. This is a good start for Tessa and if you’re looking for an alternative to Hilary Duff, give it a go.
Tessa’s Site | CD Baby
The Crayons are wondering “What’s Wrong With You?” – after all, you have here a really good power pop album with a gorgeous model on the cover, and you haven’t bought it yet? This second album from the Albany, NY group is produced by the Churchills, so the pedigree is in place and the music is tight pop rock tunes with an alternative edge. Opening with “God Hates Me” has a bit of Tonic meets Posies, a nice hook and ringing guitars to feed your ears. I have to say the the band’s website is of exceptional design and offers streaming tracks too. Mike Bolduc and Ron Haney blend the tight harmonies, dark lyrics and great musical craftsmanship together with ease. If you miss the Churchills or The Tories, The Crayons will fill your needs immediately. “Every Moment” flows along with handclaps and guitar bass beat that can’t be ignored. Even the ballads, like “Here and There” have that expansive rich quality that makes lyrics like “I’m alone/ but that doesn’t mean I don’t love you” feel sincere. The ballads like “By The Way” and “Maybe” reminds me a bit of the poppiest parts of Toad The Wet Sprocket’s hit singles. “Sliding” is also a highlight here, with perfect chorus and driving beat. No duds here. Just get this one if you missed it.