Seeing what the people of Ukraine are going through every day in 2022 is heartbreaking! Thus the need to do something, anything, to provide any amount of financial aid to this war-torn country! This project was inspired by a recent conversation with Thrift Store Halo’s Frank Gradishar and Ray Gianchetti at Kool Kat Musik, who will also be involved. The idea is to have bands from around the world offer up previously unreleased tracks to make this collection really special.
100% of the profits from the release will go to a legitimate charity (i.e. Amnesty International) to ensure that the monies go to the proper people. So, if you are a band seeing this and would like to contribute a track, please contact Ray here. As of today, no deadlines have been set for submissions but if you want to participate, please commit as soon as possible.
“GREAT MUSIC FOR A GREAT CAUSE!” More details to come.
It seems few artists who are tagged with a label of power pop want to question the reason why. But not Anton Barbeau. The cult pop figure has been a mainstay of the genre since 1995’s “Waterbugs & Beetles,” and now he’s built an album that both attempts to explain why, and rebel against it. On the title track he states “Puts down your guns, you culture cops, there ain’t no crime like Power Pop.” It’s a commentary that discusses the culture around power-pop (with name-drops like “Yellow Pills”.) Is it mockery? Maybe, but it also seeks answers. The new wave-styled melody starts to define it on “The Sound” with a trippy psyche-pop rhythm that leads to a distorted guitar solo. As long as you don’t take it too seriously, it’s a lot of fun.
Barbeau does vary his sound, the hyper-honky-tonk “Hillbilly Village” and The pastoral piano ballad “The Drugs” is a fun hazy memory of a stoner (narrated by Bob Dylan impersonation). Another song that catches my ear is “Never Crying Wolf Boy” with its synth-laden rhythm, and haiku-like lyrics. “Julian Cope” is about meeting your heroes stoned, and getting all “smiley” with them. There are weird fillers throughout, and the use of 80s-styled synth and percussive effects make some of the album’s second half sound like a 1980s-action movie soundtrack (“Running On The Edge of The Knife”). Overall, a very good album that rewards the listener with some catchy tunes amidst the weirdness. Ironically his last album Oh The Joys We Live For is technically more of a polished power-pop album, but this is also recommended, just don’t expect it to be easily accessible.
A one-time member of power-pop pioneer The Raspberries, Scott McCarl has remastered his long out-of-print solo album from 1998. Scott joined the Raspberries right before their final album, Starting Over, and you get more of his considerable talent on Play On. While it was long after his time with the band, it proves that McCarl’s knack for Beatlesque power pop hadn’t dimmed in the slightest. Backing musicians include the Rubinoos, Hilly Michaels, and Lux Interior’s brother, Michael Purkhiser.
“I’ll Be On My Way” is about the end of a relationship, along with “Fallin’ In Lovin” which has a flowing melody, and timeless jangle that sticks in your head. “In Love Without A Girl” is a great Raspberries-styled track that stands the test of time. “Go Down Swinging” is a lost country-rock gem that really deserves airplay, and the lost 1970 demo “I Hope” was done prior to joining the band (it’s most likely the track that got him the gig). “Doin’ It Right” is a superior Beatles fan song, and while not everything here is perfect there is more than enough to make this a highly recommended album.
During the recording of Lannie’s masterful Home album, he would drop a free single each month through the Sypderpop website through 2019. These finely produced demos were designed to lead us straight to Home and were much more power pop in style. Lannie had the entire COVID year to remix these songs to perfection. The hooks here are massive and make it the “missing” piece between Circles and Home.
Every song hits its mark, and the quality of songwriting isn’t a surprise either.”Don’t Make Me Wait” is a great opener, Lannie’s emotional ache comes through in the verses, and the harmony drenched chorus. The brazen psychedelic Beatle-isms are all over the Peppery “Lost In A Daydream” and “Good.” Next, “Summer Blue” has a smooth tempo suitable for the beach, and it’s an easy radio-friendly single. “Where Did All The Fun Go” is a sweet tune about getting back to living for today, and the title track is just as infectious. Another standout is “Anything But Love,” which channels Lannie’s soulful vocal. Since each song was carefully curated as a single, there is no filler here. A quick and easy pick for 2022’s top ten. Very highly recommended.
Power pop band Cheap Star boldly ups its game with its latest release. Lead singer Remi Vaissiere and drummer Brian Young (The Posies/Fountains Of Wayne) are joined by Jon Auer (The Posies) and a collection of superstar guests; Brendan Benson (The Raconteurs), Gary Louris (The Jayhawks), Matthew Caws (Nada Surf), Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (Jellyfish) and Mitch Easter. The sound overall is very much in the vein of The Posies, with potency and crisp production style.
The production starts with the understated “Lifetime,” but quickly impresses with its dynamic indie-pop style on “Flower Girl.” Next, a transcendent “You Don’t Want To Change” is a nod to Louris and his style, while “Wish I Could See” is a catchy as hell rocker with fabulous harmonies thanks to Benson. Other highlights include “Holding On,” “Under The Synapse,” and the cool sadness of “What It’s Like.” Vaissiere and Auer’s vocals match well, and the collective musicianship is worth multiple listens. Highly Recommended.
I waited long enough to restart all my singles reviews, so now it’s time to separate the wheat from the chaff. Nashville’s The Nobility has been leaking singles for nearly a year, so we have the newest share with “No Doubts” bringing to mind a western-themed 10cc, and London’s Whelligan and their single “In Our Name” is full of orchestral majesty and it also merits further study. Brad Marino fresh off his great 2021 LP, is back to banging out great power pop with “Girl, I Want You.” More appropriate to this bleak winter landscape is Rigbi’s emotional “I’m a Mess In Winter” as the sparse beginning opens up to a rich arrangement. Bloody Norah has a great reverb rock sound with harmonies on its single “Shooting Star,” so keep your eyes out for more, like the single “Joy.” Bloody damn good too.
As for EPs, the reliable Ryan Allen moves to a retro power-pop sound for I’m Not Mean, full of echoing vocals, and layered guitars; check out “Count With Me,” and the excellent “Cut Your Teeth.” Jay Byham is a Pennsylvania-based singer-songwriter with a bouncy acoustic “Tick Tock,” classic rocker “Just A Matter of Time,” and the gentle ballad “The Only One,” it’s a solid debut that deserves many repeats on your player. As for Freebies; Cleveland, Ohio’s You’re Among Friends take a very laid back approach on this new release, “Here in the Middle of the Pack” is like a stoner Spin Doctors tune and the melodic funk of “You Know What You Want” will appeal to NRBQ fans. Rum Bar Records has a loaded sampler as a Freebie too, get a ton of bang for your buck and you’ll discover a rocker or two.
