Anton Barbeau “Power Pop!!!”
It seems few artists who are tagged with a label of power pop want to question the reason why. But not Anton Barbeau. The cult pop figure has been a mainstay of the genre since 1995’s “Waterbugs & Beetles,” and now he’s built an album that both attempts to explain why, and rebel against it. On the title track he states “Puts down your guns, you culture cops, there ain’t no crime like Power Pop.” It’s a commentary that discusses the culture around power-pop (with name-drops like “Yellow Pills”.) Is it mockery? Maybe, but it also seeks answers. The new wave-styled melody starts to define it on “The Sound” with a trippy psyche-pop rhythm that leads to a distorted guitar solo. As long as you don’t take it too seriously, it’s a lot of fun.
Barbeau does vary his sound, the hyper-honky-tonk “Hillbilly Village” and The pastoral piano ballad “The Drugs” is a fun hazy memory of a stoner (narrated by Bob Dylan impersonation). Another song that catches my ear is “Never Crying Wolf Boy” with its synth-laden rhythm, and haiku-like lyrics. “Julian Cope” is about meeting your heroes stoned, and getting all “smiley” with them. There are weird fillers throughout, and the use of 80s-styled synth and percussive effects make some of the album’s second half sound like a 1980s-action movie soundtrack (“Running On The Edge of The Knife”). Overall, a very good album that rewards the listener with some catchy tunes amidst the weirdness. Ironically his last album Oh The Joys We Live For is technically more of a polished power-pop album, but this is also recommended, just don’t expect it to be easily accessible.
Scott McCarl “Play On”
A one-time member of power-pop pioneer The Raspberries, Scott McCarl has remastered his long out-of-print solo album from 1998. Scott joined the Raspberries right before their final album, Starting Over, and you get more of his considerable talent on Play On. While it was long after his time with the band, it proves that McCarl’s knack for Beatlesque power pop hadn’t dimmed in the slightest. Backing musicians include the Rubinoos, Hilly Michaels, and Lux Interior’s brother, Michael Purkhiser.
“I’ll Be On My Way” is about the end of a relationship, along with “Fallin’ In Lovin” which has a flowing melody, and timeless jangle that sticks in your head. “In Love Without A Girl” is a great Raspberries-styled track that stands the test of time. “Go Down Swinging” is a lost country-rock gem that really deserves airplay, and the lost 1970 demo “I Hope” was done prior to joining the band (it’s most likely the track that got him the gig). “Doin’ It Right” is a superior Beatles fan song, and while not everything here is perfect there is more than enough to make this a highly recommended album.
