If you remember the movie “DIG” (2004) – it chronicled the rise and fall of The Brian Jonestown Massacre. In the group, there was a dude with the muttonchops who used to do nothing but play tambourine and make the rest of the band look hip. His name was Joel Gion. Well, he’s got his own band now called The Dilettantes, often referred to as a “California psyche-pop ‘n’ roll” band. After a few listens I have to give props to the great riffs by guitarist Jefferson Parker and he makes Joel look great. Like the BJM, “101 Tamborines” have a distinct sound that merges the best Byrdian, Stonesian sixties ethos with today’s neo-psyche indie vibrations. Every song here has a memorable guitar riff, like “Brightly Lit New Dark Ages” and the energetic opener “Ready To Go.” It took me a while to get used to Joel’s vocals which bring to mind the bastard child of Lou Reed and Bob Dylan. Some songs it works great, like “Don’t You Ever Fall” but on other songs like “Everlasting Low” it’s downright grating. Sometimes songs fall into a very trippy groove, like “Marzipan” but are missing the hooks. Other tracks, like “Kiss and Run” are positively smokin’. Overall the album is refreshingly upbeat and better than more recent BJM efforts. It’s worth checking out.

My Space | Amazon | Itunes

Listen to “Ready to Go”

Ian Axel is a singer/songwriter in the classic Ben Folds tradition. He has a great voice and a EP full of melodic songs that reflect his outlook on life’s experiences. Other reviewers have mentioned that Ian’s voice is “so clean and unaffected that it adds to his authentic feel, striking straight at the heart.” Ian Axel’s song “We Are” has placed in the top 12 of the NY Songwriters Circle songwriting competition. He has an introduction video on YouTube that pretty much says it all. Check it out. Get his tracks on itunes – he is a star in the making.

Ian Axel Website | MySpace | Itunes

Shawn Fogel is a versatile one-man band who, like Donnie and Marie, is a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. His latest EP is “One Day in the Desert” and it plays like a version of The Jayhawks with a little Beach Boys thrown in. In fact, his DIY approach reminds me of Milkshake Jones a little bit. Go to the My Space site and listen to “ADD” which is a sure fire power pop hit. I can’t wait for the full length album.

Shawn Fogel Website | My Space

Steven LeBeau is an unsigned musician from from Palo Alto, California. He is currently working on his demo album and has a real Todd Rundgren influenced sound. Since he is still interning at a recording studio and learning Pro Tools, I expect he is doing everything from the singing, playing, mixing, etc. (Just like Todd!) Listen to his single “Rebound Girl” – and encourage young talent!

My Space

[Editors Note: I’m proud to have the help of “Mike Z” as a guest reviewer for Powerpopaholic. Here is his first review.] Good news! This album is a great example of power pop: three chords and nice hooks are the rule for this Massachusetts trio. Bad news! If it is true that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then this act is going to be waiting a long time for its thank you notes from Juliana Hatfield, No Doubt, Liz Phair, and Veruca Salt, et al. Still, itʼs a decent effort. This might be a band to keep your eye on. In the meantime, you won’t regret it if you throw this CD in your car stereo on the highway with a friend.

– Mike Z

[For the most part I think Mike is right, but some standouts tracks are here too. “City Is Closed” has a pretty decent hook that will keep your attention. “The Offering” has some good buzz guitar along with it’s harmonies and is another highlight. “Between Us” is a a lost Liz Phair track if ever there was one. If you enjoy any of the female lead bands above, this will tide you over until those artists actually put out something new.]

Static of the Gods Home | My Space | Mind Heaven

Full of heavy rock bluster and power ballads, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals are an impressive outfit. Potter’s gritty strong vocals are the natural successor to Ann Wilson of Heart. Like the best female performers, she’s honed her craft on the road, touring upstate New York jams and clubs. A great breakout performance with a lot of passion and energy make this debut worth the spin. The opening “Ah Mary” provides a rousing start, with buzzing guitars and strong keyboard chorus, all topped by Graces’ vocal. Followed by “Stop the Bus” it provides an impressive guitar solo. When we get to the ballad “Apologies” – a classic break-up song, the feel is closer to recent Sheryl Crow. “Lose Some Time” has a slight jazzy taste, and the lyrics are pretty strong here too. Toward the second half of the album, the group slows to a rock country tempo, shown in the song “Here’s To The Meantime.” Overall this is a great CD that could spell stardom for Grace Potter. It appeals to a wide audience, and given some airplay – Grace will increase her fan base in no time.

GracePotter.com | My Space | Amazon | Itunes

Listen to “Ain’t no Time”