Late July: Wifey, The Junipers, The Glad Machine, Joy Buzzer, The Chesterfield Kings, Cherry Fez
A lot is going on this month. The Brooklyn power pop band Wifey is one of the best-kept secret cool bands. They performed their new single “DiMaggio” at The Broadway (thanks to Steven Korn for the video). Bands that have been quiet for a while have new material, like The Junipers‘ “Annie Almond,” which sounds very much in the mold of the Euphonious Trolley EP, one of my favorite recordings from this band. Plus, after last year’s top-ten EP, The Glad Machine is back with a new single, “So High.” It’s a catchy gem that weaves guitars and harmonies together really well. Next, Joy Buzzer an up-and-coming band that was often seen at IPO last year, is back, with a rocking single “You’d Be Suprised.” And I’m not surprised — that they got signed by Wicked Cool Records. New Jersey veteran rockers The Chesterfield Kings also return with “Fly The Astral Plane,” a groovy throwback to the late 1960s. Finally, Cherry Fez is “Superexcited,” to deliver this new single, and I’m impressed with the combination of pensive vocals and frantic percussion – a great single all around. So much good music. So little time. Enjoy!
Mark Ward and Telejet
Mark Ward “Let’er Rip”
What would you say if someone asked you to describe typical American power pop? Mark Ward’s latest album, “Let’er Rip” is a good example. Everything is in its proper place, from the jangling guitars to the massive musical hooks in each chorus. “I’ve Been Around” has echoes of The Raspberries in the intro, and follows the early 80s style template, with a great chorus.
Musically, Ward’s hitting all the right notes, but while his vocals are good, they don’t stand out as much as they should. But then again, the jangling “Love Me Once Again” and “Pixie Girl” wouldn’t be out of place alongside early Nick Lowe singles. The songs get longer as we move beyond the album’s first half. He gets a little more guitar muscle on “Girl Like You” and fuzzy textures on “Paint My House,” and it’s a good stylistic progression. Mark adds a bit of Johnny Cash-style country storytelling to “Villain” and “The River.” Other highlights include the slow-building “Little Frames” and “Home Tonight.” Overall, this is a very good album that’s highly recommended.
Telejet “Spiritual Age”
Toronto musician Gene Hughes formed a band with several others known as Telejet. After a digital album in 2021 and several lineup changes, he continues to release new music. The sound is very much in the melodic mold of the poppier side of XTC or Martin Newell.
The optimistic “Beautiful World” has a beautiful, descending chord line, and a harmonious chorus. Then the relaxing “Indian Summer” is supported by subtle orchestration, with its Jellyfish-like vibes. The wistful title track, “Spiritual Age,” starts simple, but grows to a grand chorus with lots of sonic details and layered instrumentation. Other highlights include the Beatlesque “She Speaks Her Mind” and “We Had It All” which remind me of Richard X Heyman’s jangling style. While there is nothing revolutionary here, the melodies are so pleasing that they’re worth exploring through re-plays. Thanks to David Bash for discovering this highly recommended gem, even though it was officially released last year.
Redd Kross and Sparkle*jets UK
Redd Kross “Redd Kross”
Jeff and Steve McDonald have been doing their brand of power pop for over 45 years, and have transformed themselves from snot-nosed young punks to elder statesmen who can rock and roll all night (and party every day!) This new album carries on from 2019’s Beyond the Door and raises the ante. It’s a massive 18 tracks of their most intense and captivating music to date. Pulsating with vitality, crackling with intensity, and chiming with sweet harmonies, it shows a conspicuous dedication to songcraft.
On glam rockers like “Candy Coated Catastrophe” and “Stunt Queen,” the brothers strive for a heavy stadium sound that is on par with their best songs. On poppier numbers, their Beatlesque influences pop through, like “Good Times Propaganda Band” with its swirling bass line. There are simply too many highlights to list, and the band does vent about rockstar life in “What’s in it for you?,” “Way Too Happy,” and “Terrible Band,” which are both catchy and lyrically interesting. However, the band doesn’t slow down the tempo or tone much. Even power ballads like “The Main Attraction” build up quickly to loud harmonies. Still, this remains a triumph and gets a nod for inclusion in my year-end top ten list. Highly Recommended.
Sparkle*Jets UK “Box of Letters”
Sometimes the stars align with a power pop band that hasn’t been heard from in a while. After 2002’s Bamboo Lounge, it looked like the band was done. Even though the album was planned and recorded in 2006, bad luck prevented it from getting finished. But the band got back together for last year’s cover collection, Best of Friends, proving that magic was still there. The core lineup of singer-guitarist Susan West, multi-instrumentalist Michael Simmons, and bassist James Knight are joined by Joel Valder (drums) and Tisha Boonyawatana (keys, vocals). They all sound like they’re having fun here.
Opening with a cover of The Zombies’ “This Will Be Our Year,” it’s a richly layered tune with many impressive sonic details. “Goodbye X3” and “Love Burn” showcase Susan’s vocal personality perfectly, and then we get the Jellyfish-like “Princess Needy” with its bouncy chorus and the disco break midway through. More highlights include “I Can’t Wait for Summer,” a beautiful Beach Boys pastiche, and the title track “Box of Letters, ” a grower that builds on sweet nostalgia and is so catchy. Plenty of gems are sprinkled here, and other than the ‘80s lounge pop of “Where’s The Moment,” it’s all killer, no filler, and highly recommended!
Fourth of July Special: Brian Ray, The Drolls, Gentlemen Rogues, Friends of Cesar Romero, Steven Wright-Mark, Brad Marino, Muck and the Mires