Lovebreakers, Ryan Hamilton, The Armoires

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Lovebreakers “Primary Colours”

The debut album of Lovebreakers is a rare positive social commentary on 2021, and its opener “Eye Roller” is a brilliant slice of Brit-pop. Like a more power-pop version of Oasis, this Birmingham, UK group has a lot going for it. Lead singer/guitarist Jack Perry wrote “Family Man” written about one of his best friends who just started his own family. Overall a lot of fun, danceable rock like “I Will Love Life” and the title track are perfect examples of this optimistic vibe. While it could’ve had more stylistic variety, this is an above-average debut. Highly Recommended.

Apple Music


Ryan Hamilton

Ryan Hamilton “1221”

I was a bit subdued when I heard the first song here was a cover of The Spin Doctors “How Could You Want Him (When You Know You Could Have Me)?”  Fortunately, Ryan goes back to the power-pop approach of his debut, with lots of fine originals like “Deja Vu I Love You” and “Satellite.” The catchy verses of “Shots Fired” and “Big Man” will stick in your head, and his bittersweet look at the younger generation with “Babies” is just as memorable. Nearly every song hits the mark and the LP will get consideration for the top ten list for sure. Super Highly Recommended.

Amazon


The Armoires

The Armoires “Incognito”

The Armoires are a collective of musicians anchored by the duo of Christina Bulbenko and Rex Broome. And this album was the most challenging album I’ve had the pleasure to listen to all year. It started as a “secret project” where the band released a series of singles under fictitious band names but culminated as an 18 track juggernaut. The diverse direction of styles and covers made this an unexpected joy to dig into.

The compelling cover of John Cale’s “Paris 1919,”  sounds like a combination of The Move and ABBA. The quirky nature of “I Say We Take Off And Nuke The Site From Orbit” is a prog melody with nice violin touches, and then it becomes a country hoedown on “Bagfoot Run,” before the epic folk ballad “Homebound” describes the need to move. A huge standout is 20/20’s cover “The Night I Heard a Scream” with killer harmonies akin to Fleetwood Mac. But after the covers, the originals are just as compelling. “Ohma, Bring Your Light Into This Place,” “Magenta Moon,” and “Great Distances” are the real gems here. Normally several covers would disqualify an album from reaching my top ten, but there are always exceptions. This is one of them. Super Highly Recommended.

Amazon

Power Pop Christmas Party continues: The Poppermost, Dan Markell, The Easy Button, Jack Rugan

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There is nothing better than relaxing by the fireplace with some Christmas tunes… and it looks like The Poppermost left us a big FREEBIE gift under the tree! Dan Markell keeps the spirit festive, reminds me of Andrew Gold a bit. The Easy Button is a new discovery (full LP review next week) but here is the Christmas EP. Finally, as the holiday fades, I love to listen to original instrumentals by Jack Rugan. Merry Christmas everyone.





Christmas Eve Power Pop Party: Willie Wisely, Futureman Records, Kai Danzberg, Beebe Gallini, The Slingsby Hornets, The Fabulous Playground Family

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Willie Wisely sings about those yummy cookies found in those circular holiday tins. But packed under the tree is an assortment of goodies from Futureman Records, Kai Danzberg, Beebe Gallini, and The Fabulous Playground Family (Lisa Mychols, Tom Richards & family). In what’s become a holiday tradition, a rare annual appearance by The Slingsby Hornets feels more like a leftover from Halloween. I’ve got so many new holiday songs that the party will continue into Christmas Day! Stay tuned.



Quick Takes: Silvertwin, Life on Mars, Well Wishers, Novelty Island

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Silvertwin “Silvertwin”

The work of UK musician Isaac Shalam, who uses 1970s pop-rock as an influence and touchpoint. Fans of Supertramp, Andy Pratt, and ELO will really enjoy this but rarely do the songs go above and beyond their influences. “Ploy” and “Doubted” are early highlights, and Isaac’s technique is perfect. Keep your eye on this band for next year. Highly Recommended. Get it on Amazon

Life On Mars “At Stars End”

Earl Kayoss, Denny Seiwell, and Fernando Perdomo deliver a subtle rock gem. Kayoss sounds a bit like Cat Stevens and Perdomo is able to let his inner Steve Howe (Yes) fly free, or is that his inner David Gilmour (Pink Floyd)? Denny Seiwell (Wings) keeps each song anchored, and provides needed structure. What a treat. Highlights include; “She’s Already Gone,” “Rock People” and “What Have I Done” Get it on Bandcamp

The Well Wishers “Spare Parts”

Jeff Shelton gathers his outtakes and turns it into a pretty good album. “Growing Old” is a terrific rocker that follows The Well Wisher formula, and the other songs are just as interesting. Highlights include “Let’s Drive (All Better Now)” and a cool take on Love and Rockets “It’s All In My Mind.” Jeff even emulates Gary Numan in “Love and Science.” Check it out. Get it on Amazon


Novelty Island “How Are You Coping With THis Century?”

Liverpool-based songwriter/producer, Tom McConnell made this charming bedroom pop project. Mostly acoustic with memorable melodies like the opener “This Bird.” The quirky “Cowboy On A Bicycle” boasts a creative video along with Tom’s twee vocalizations. Fans of early McCartney and Emitt Rhodes will fall for these effective hooks. Not a single dud here, and the earworms are plentiful. Highly Recommended. Get it on Amazon

Más Power Pop español: Octubre, Coke Belda, Javier Miramontes, The Starkwells, George Harrison

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Since my last Spanish power pop post, a few notable new releases still needed to be highlighted. Octubre from Madrid, Spain has been a local favorite, and a few called it the best pop album of the year, and the opening track “Todo se lo lleva el viento” (translates to “Everything is carried away by the wind”) compares well to Teenage Fanclub. The grand jangle of “No sé qué hacer” is another standout track with plenty more. The sound is just mesmerizing! Get on Amazon

Coke Belda (a long-time fave here) is back with a tribute album to the legendary Beatlesque band Los Brincos. The four-piece Spanish rock band from the 1960s was often compared with The Fab Four, and Belda takes the classic sound and updates it with modern studio polish. Fans of the classic power pop style will simply love it. Don’t miss it! Get on Amazon

Javier Miramontes (aka Howdy) and his previous band, The Starkwells pay tribute to Big Star here with an original and a cover.

Not Spanish, but in case you missed it… a Celeb-filled “My Sweet Lord” video in celebration of the 50th anniversary of George Harrison‘s classic solo album, All Things Must Pass.