Luke Sneyd "All of Us Cities"

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Luke Sneyd is a Toronto singer-songwriter. His debut solo album “All of Us Cities” is full of high energy modern power pop. His big single “The Prisoner” sounds a little like Jason Falkner, complete with muscular guitar melodies and a killer hook. The lyrics are pretty good too, and they take a slightly obtuse approach in “Unknown” for example: “Your love is like a scorpion … when it stings the poison is like heaven.” Luke takes a political shots at Bush with “I’m The Decider.” The production and musicianship is crisp like Brian Ray or Criag Bartock’s albums last year. Sometimes the songs take as turn into U2 territory for example in “Timeless” it’s rythym and driving drum line remind me of Bono’s earlier efforts. “Galileo” also stands out with extra heavy guitar with references to science vs. religion. It sounds like a mix between Rush and The Breetles! It’s not exactly politically correct stuff – it’s just plain cool stuff. Also no real duds here either. A good album and a definite e-music pick-up!

Luke Sneyd’s site | My Space | eMusic | Itunes

Listen to “The Prisoner”

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FREE Adam Miner and Dave Stephens albums!

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Maybe Radiohead has started a trend here? As mentioned first on Absolute Power Pop these albums are being offered to power pop fans absolutely free, so spread the word and enjoy the music this holiday season!

Adam Miner’s desire is to offer these recordings to those who love his music. It’s a great love note to The Beatles and it comes with liner notes and a cool Sgt. Pepper-styled cover.  If you like this album, I would encourage you to get “Dangerous Eyes” from him as well.

Adam Miner’s Playing House


Not to be outdone here, Dave Stephens is releasing two albums for download! Both “Stories for Copper” and “Here We Go…” are available. I reviewed “Stories for Copper” a while ago and it’s perfect stocking stuffer. Spread the word and who knows, there may be a few who never thought they would be considered “power pop fans” until exposed to this music!

Dave Stephens Downloads 

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The Critters "Mr. Dieingly Sad"

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Here is a lost classic for sure. Years ago, I discovered that the super sweet baroque pop of The Critters on Rhino’s “Nuggets” compilation. The song, “Mr. Dieingly Sad” was written by group member Don Ciccone and featured a beautiful melody and some great harmony vocals and unlike most of the garage sounding items from other Nugget bands, this basically makes The Association sound like MC5. The Critters hailed from Westwood, New Jersey, and in 1966 they had their first hit (for the Kapp label) with a cover of the Lovin’ Spoonful’s ‘Younger Girl’. They hit again with ‘Mr. Dieingly Sad’ the next year, and following the departure of vocalist/songwriter Don Ciccone, they recorded a final album and vanished. Ciccone went on to perform with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, playing a key role (on guitar and vocals) in their 1970’s comeback.

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The Attorneys "Stereocracy"

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Hailing from Brooklyn, The Attorneys are a talented trio poised for stardom with their energetic and engaging debut. In fact the My Space page indicates that they will change their name (good move). The band’s sound owes alot to The Strokes and Queen, with meaty guitar leads and singer William Ryan George’s very Freddie Mercury styled vocals. The album “Stereocracy” opens with the frenetic energy of “On a Whim” complete with bouncy piano and high powered guitar riffs. This is followed by “Open Up” – a great bass line that leads to a Scissor Sisters meets Maroon Five mix. Followed by the excellent “Poppies” – with it’s trippy falsettos. Another standout is “The Way I Want” which is a Cars-styled New Wave Do Wop tune with fast paced guitar breaks. The best song here is “Stay” with one tight sounding melodic hook after another that should propel them to the top. Fans of Weezer also take note, these guys really deserve to be on your playlist as well because it’s great modern power pop. Lyrically, the band channels Wings-era Paul McCartney on ocassion. “Anytime” is a breathy ballad that really brings the Freddie comparisons front and center. Get this CD and you will not be dissapointed.

The Attorneys | My Space | CD Baby | Itunes

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Elmer Fudd "Fool on The Hill"

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I wanted to do something a little wacky today. So I’m adding this novelty song for you to listen to. Enjoy it! Originally done by “Little Roger and The Goosebumps” it made me chuckle.

Listen to “Fool on The Hill”

I also wanted to also take time to thank the artists who have contacted me about reviews and who continue to struggle in this business. The bands here all work hard and deserve your $$ if you enjoy the music. As the original Gonzo journalist, Hunter S. Thompson said “The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs.”

power pop reviews, power pop and rock and roll opinions. Power pop and even more power pop and rock and roll.