Yesterday I rolled out a widget (on the right) to sell some CDs from my old collection. None of them are promos — and all are gently used from my personal collection. I will post more eventually — including rare and out-of-print CDs that you will not find anywhere else (or at least not easily available). Just know these are power pop classics for the most part. Prices include shipping – so get them while they’re here – each album is limited to one copy for sale.
Soft Gong "Pretend You Need Me"
From Boise, Idaho comes a band that sparks excitment – Soft Gong. If Bon Jovi ever decided to start a Jellyfish inspired bar band, then it would sound like this. This band began as a team building whim for a marketing agency. The agency had some musically talented creative people and started this band together. Many songs were written by Bill Coffey and some here standout, an example being “Cover Band” with catchy choruses and consistent beats. A real winner here is also “Ninety-nine Percent” – a perfect power pop tune with great guitar riffs and a great melodic hook. “The Mirror is Lonely” is a cool 70’s styled rock tribute (more cowbell fellas!) that is easy on the ears. The band is definitely inspired by Cheap Trick as well, if you listen to “Break Me.” Unfortunately, it’s not without some weakness here. In the latter song and in a few others the backing vocals are just badly done. In some cases, the material isn’t better than your average cover band (“Night School Sweetheart”) trying a bit too hard to rock. Coffey has a great voice that can redeem most of the tracks though. It definitely is better than any other “creative group” turned rock band and worth a listen or two. They would easily blow away the competition here.
My Space | CD Baby | Itunes
Mitch Easter interviewed on Powerpopaholic
It wasn’t easy to come up with questions to ask power pop legend Mitch Easter, as he has given lots of interviews recently. I wanted to avoid any REM questions, since it’s been a long time since he’s worked with them, and concentrate on the new album, Dynamico. Click on our interviews section or the direct link here to the Mitch Easter Interview.
Charlotte Pop Fest
Charlotte Pop Fest is a 2-day “power pop” music festival that will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina on Friday, July 4th and Saturday, July 5th, 2008. It will mainly feature local and regional power pop artists/bands. The band line up is impressive and if you missed IPO, this will do just fine. Featured will be:
The Saving Graces (Winston-Salem, NC) – Frank Royster (Charleston, SC) – Ed James (Harrisburg, NC) – James Deem (Charlotte, NC) – The Vinyl Strangers (Athens, GA) – Tim Anthony (Syracuse, NJ) – Cool King Chris (Charlotte, NC) – Leisure McCorkle (Charlotte, NC) – Crisis (Charlotte, NC) – Mitch Easter (Kernersville, NC) – Shalini (Kernersville, NC) – Bryan Shumate (Charlotte, NC) – The Fire Apes (Charleston, SC) – Analog Daze (Charlotte, NC) – Steve Caraway (Gloucester, MA) – The Dukes of Stratford (Winston-Salem, NC) – Barry Holdship (Los Angeles, CA) – Carl Rosen (Charlotte, NC) – Jerry Chapman (Mt. Airy, NC) – The Stellas (Charlotte, NC) – Lindy Dobbins & The Red Velvet Manx (Charlotte, NC) – The Smith Bros. (Columbus, OH)
Between now and July 4, 2008 James Deem and Ed James will be hosting a “popcast.” Each episode will feature a different artist/band that will be performing at Charlotte Pop Fest. You can subscribe via iTunes
Mark your calendars, Powerpopaholics!
More info on MySpace.com
Wisely "Wisely"
Minneapolis native Willie Wisely has been a fixture on the power pop scene since the mid ninties and every release has been met with critical acclaim. This new self-titled album has an introspective tone and feel, as now a father Wisely looks at life with new eyes. Each song has a seriousness that soak through each of the melodies. “On My Way” opens with a smooth adult California-styled strumming nicely brought along by Wisely’s crisp vocals. The next track, “Cracked World View” is similar to an Elliot Smith pop tune without all the moping. But my favorite track here is “California” with amazing hooks and uplifting tone that has found a near-permanent home on the ole’ ipod. The track has energy and exuberance to spare. “Ella” is a good follow up, as a Paul Simon-like message to his wife on the joys of parenthood as he tells his wife “..the things that made us sad seem far away”. The feel good vibe continues with “Vanilla” (yes a song about the simple pleasures of ice cream) and this is a song that Ringo wishes he could record.”Through Any Window” is a joy of multi-tracked vocals and guitars, that remind you Paul McCartney has permeated the brain here. It impressed actress Jenna Fischer (The Office) so much she appears in the video. Every song is a light gem, and fans of Andrew Gold, Paul Simon or Sondre Lerche would love this album. I’m proud to list it as the best new release of 2008, so far.
Wisley site | MySpace | Itunes | Not Lame | Emusic
Listen to “Through Any Window”