Brainy indie pop is the name of the game with The Motion Sick. Lead singer, Mike Epstein weaves social commentary with big musical themes. Similar to Milton and The Devil’s Party, the combination of sweetness and bitterness is all over opening “Jean-Paul.” Then a do-wop styled indie musical number shows up in “30 lives” referring to love and video game companionship. This is really fun and catchy (see the video below) and the upbeat tempo continues with the next track “Walk on Water.” The song has an alt-country drum and bass driven, toe-tapping melody. Similar in approach to The Decemberists, The Motion Sick have lyrical stories of a life on the edge of reason. It carries this theme through several brilliant tracks like “Losing Altitude” and “The Owls Are Not What They.” My favorite track though is the thick nihilism of “Tiny Dog (Nobody Cries).”  With lyrics like “nobody listens/ nobody cares/ nobody stalks you/ or blogs your affairs,” its the perfect theme song for a burnt-out celebrity (Lindsay Lohan are you listening?) After this, the group coasts on the last two tracks, including a cover of Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart.” There is also a Dance Mix of the song “30 Lives” that some people will enjoy more than the original, see the video of that version here. Overall a really good album worth your ears.

The Motion Sick Site | My Space | Itunes | CD Baby

Listen to “30 Lives”

Stockholm, Sweden is the home of indie lo-fi artist, State of Samuel. The new album “Here come the Floods” are on first listen, an attempt to recreate the subtle beauty of the Elephant Six Collective bands. With some quirky pop fragments (some lasting under 2 minutes) you really get a sense of early Apples in Stereo or Neural Milk Hotel with a very nasal delivery. Many of the songs have snappy hook filled goodness like “Always Under the Gun” complete with 12-string strum and a nice harmony with Betty-Marie Barnes of Saturday Looks Good To Me. The vocals by Samuel Petersson, will either grow on you (“Square Roots” and “Residence of Gloom”) or annoy you (“Slow Day for UFOs”). Some gems are here, like “The Unholy Ghost” or “Suburbs on The Run” and most other tunes are too short to take hold, in fact the entire album is a only 28 minutes long. I’m conflicted here, because although many tunes are tightly arranged and catchy pop sing-a-longs, the vocals would strain that acceptability beyond a few minutes each. Pick and choose here for best results.

The State of Samuel Page | My Space | eMusic | Itunes | CD Baby

Listen to “Residence of Gloom”

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”

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