Summer Singles and EPs: D.A. Stern, Kerosene Stars, Everet Almond, The Amplifier Heads, Gentle Hen, B.U.D., The Maladaptive Solution, Cult Stars from Mars, You Filthy Dog, Daryl Bean

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And the flood of summer music just washes over you… This is the biggest haul in a long time, as bands are releasing all that music created during lockdown last year. Let’s start with a new EP from Los Angeles-based, New Jersey-raised D.A. Stern. Stern is one of those young artists that can legit be called upon to carry the torch of power pop into the future. The first single “I Look A Every Face (Cindy)” has that brilliant harmony-drenched approach. The video was directed by Dom Costabile and Andrew Narvaez. Pre-order here.

Many bands are back from self-imposed exile: Chicago rockers Kerosene Stars has a new single that asks “Where Have You Been?” a good question considering the chorus rocks! Then we get Everet Almond with a bouncy piano gem that sticks to you pretty nicely. The Amplifier Heads are “Summer Dazed” with its Beach Boys “Do It Again” vibe. Love those “mm-bop-did-its.” Gentle Hen did a summery re-mix of its memorable “She’s Got It Bad,” and it’s really good, so check out the LP it came from originally. Want some power? Get B.U.D.‘s single “What’s the Point of This (If I’m Not Into It)” it’s a bit Weezer-ish with a crashing chorus. It’s been a long time since I heard The Maladaptive Solution (how did I miss this single?) but info is sparse on them, so enjoy “Consort (Queen of Everything)” an epic mid-tempo rocker, and Jim Bacchi’s Cult Stars from Mars shows his “Funny Face” and its pure power pop greatness (I want an LP, Jim!) UK band You Filthy Dog is another EP that collects music from the past year, and “Face The Wave” and “Loved” remind me a bit of Carl Newman’s old band Zumpano. Similarly, with a ’90s vibe Mr. Strangelove (aka Daryl Bean) sings love songs for “Phoebe Waller-Bridge” and it’s all good.









Radio Days, Watts and David Myhr

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Radio Days

Radio Days “Rave On!”

Italian power pop band Radio Rays returns with a new LP, and like comfort food, it warms the soul with a catchy sound that combines the energy of The Beatles, The Knack, and Paul Collins Beat wrapped into three-minute jangling gems. “I Got Love” is a classic power-pop single with a signature riff repeating throughout. The party continues with “Lose Control” and its dense guitar attack similar to The Ramones. Even better is the catchy “Walk Alone” which layers its guitar line perfectly, and builds into a harmonic chorus. It’s likely the best tune here, but there’s plenty more to enjoy.

The angular guitars on “Til The End Of The Night” boasts a gentle quiet verse, followed by a loud chorus about love. “What is Life?” is a fun tune full of guest stars ( Paul Collins, Kurt Baker, The Yum Yums, and The Psychotic Youth). Nearly every track hits the mark, and it sets itself up as a contender for top power pop LP for 2021. Highly recommended, of course.

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Watts

Watts “Shady Rock and Rollers”

Boston’s local guitar heroes Watts are back with an album that turns it up to “11”. The first track says it all “Loud & Fast,” as lead vocalist Dan Kopko’s grizzled shout describe “that’s how I want my rock and roll!” In the early days of Watts history, the band’s template was The Rolling Stones, and they still have an R&B core sound on a few tunes, like “The Night The Lights Went Down.” But when I heard “Queens,” it was definitely a call out to the band KISS, even the lyric mentions “queens of the nighttime world.” Additional influences like Guns N’ Roses and Cheap Trick are heard as well.

Lots of highlights here, including “Heavy Metal Kids,”  “Seventeen,” and “All Done With Rock and Roll.” The music doesn’t falter and is consistently great. There are more than enough gems here to make this a highly recommended pick.

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David Myhr

David Myhr “And Now This” EP

David Myhr is a treasured power-pop artist from Sweden, whose band The Merrymakers was one of the best examples of the genre in the late 90s. David has continued to produce high-quality music over the years, and this EP is no exception. The opener “We Wanted To Shine” is a look back to his time in the band and its too short career. The soothing “You Spin My World Around” is a classic mid-tempo love song with bells and harmonies, and my favorite is the electric sitar gem “Egyptian Blue.” With only 4 songs, it’s a short and sweet EP. It only makes me want more Myhr music, and it’s also a top EP for 2021.

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Videos, EPs, and singles, oh my! Willie Nile, Hanson, The Sun Sawed in Half, Zig Zag Hearts, Vegas With Randolph, The Dowling Poole, David Woodard, The Vidprinter, Stoeckel & Pena

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Willie Nile is at it again! Willie Nile’s “Blood On Your Hands” featuring Steve Earle. The new album The Day The Earth Stood Still coming out on August 13, 2021.

HANSON (Remember “MmmBop?”) is all grown-up. But the public doesn’t want them to change. So “Don’t Ever Change” is the new Official Music Video, and the Cheap Trick references are everywhere. Screams “I Love Power Pop!”


After a very long wait, The Sun Sawed in Half returns! A glorious EP with swirling guitar riffs all over the opener “Dried Cherry Blossoms,” the neo-psychedelic effects on “Good King of Summer” are almost operatic in scope. A trip that Jellyfish and XTC fans will really love. Don’t miss this one. Get it on Amazon

The Zigzag Hearts are a new band from Oakland lead by Greg Schneider who knows his way around a riff or two. Frantic layered hooks from top to bottom on “It Aint Easy” and “Cold Heart” meant to be played LOUD. Fan of The Beat, The Real Kids, and Buzzcocks will find a lot to cling to. Greg’s vocal gets lost in the mix a little, but it still rocks! Get it on Amazon


Vegas With Randolph is back (sounding a bit like Bowling For Soup here) as we welcome a return to summer fun.

The Dowling Poole is a band for people who love the sounds of XTC and 10cc. We’ve reviewed all the band’s albums over the years but here is a great opportunity to sample four great tunes for a mere British pound. Almost FREE! Get it and immerse yourself for only a quid!


David Woodard is back with a sharply written gem of an EP! Guitarist/Songwriter has a knack for song stories with great melodies.  “About New York” is a terrific single that sticks in your head immediately. Enjoy the poptastic “Ghosts” and the slowly building “The Last Word.” With each EP Woodard gets better – no filler, all killer. Get this one on Amazon

The Vidiprinter is a Scottish artist with a knack for pop bounce and “Glued To My TV Set” is a ton of fun!

A new duet by Steve Stoeckel (The Spongetones) and Big Stir Record’s artist Irene Peña.  It’s a jangling gem with a nod to The Everly Brothers in harmonies and arrangement. More, please?

Del Amitri and Caper Clowns

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Del Amitri

Del Amitri “Fatal Mistakes”

If you only know band Del Amitri from their big hit single “Roll to Me,” then you should recognize they are a more talented band than their one-hit-wonder status would suggest. And considering it’s been 19 years since the last album, they sound damn good. Lead singer Justin Currie’s vocal hasn’t lost its power and the songwriting is sharp and insightful.

The opening track “You Can’t Go Back” is a reminder that they’ve still got some magic left. “Losing the Will to Die” is another highlight that clicks wells, and proves that the band’s melodies still resonate. But it’s the sobering mature topics; the bitterness in “Musicians and Beer” and the wry sadness of “Otherwise” that dominates the album. There are a few bouncy moments with “It’s Feelings,” but most songs lack the hooks needed to make it essential. Fans will still enjoy this album, but newbies will want to pick up Hatful of Rain first.

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Caper Clowns

Caper Clowns “Abdicate the Throne”

Denmark’s Caper Clowns has been a consistently great band over the years. Often characterized as a cross between The Merrymakers and Crowded House, the band continues to expand its sound on its third album. Opening with the wistful rocker “Pineapple Songs” it does a fine job, and the bouncy “CAPS LOCK ON” is a story about the anxiety of life online. The lovely “Bonsai Tree” moves from conventional to great with a swaying chorus chock full of sweet chord changes.

But these Clowns expand their sound, loving the piano-led gem “Be There (The Ever-Changing Tone)” as each vocalist (all four of them) brilliantly harmonizes. And the hooks are all over “April Fool,” another great single. And these dudes rock out on “In Your Kaleidoscope” or can get dramatic and spacey for “Under Your Command.” Each track offers something interesting, like the ELO-like ballad “Valley of the Queens.” Overall, there is more than enough variety here to please the most discriminating pop fan. Highly Recommended.

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The Power Popaholic Interview: Chris Stamey and Mitch Easter

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Chris Stamey and Mitch Easter

Founder of Sneakers and the dB’s, Chris Stamey stands alongside Alex Chilton as the progenitor of the Southern jangle-pop sound. I get the chance to talk with him and famed producer-musician Mitch Easter (REM, Sneakers, Let’s Active) about Yesterday’s Tomorrow: Celebrating the Winston-Salem Sound, a live concert recording. Bonus news about upcoming dB’s material!

“Condition Red,” from Sneakers’ first record, was originally recorded during the bicentennial celebrations of 1976, which perhaps partially explains its insistent, fatalistic jingoism. In this live performance from 2018, we see Mitch Easter (guitar, SR), Will Rigby (drums), Chris Stamey (guitar & singing), and Robert Keely (bass). Musicologists, take note: Its lyric includes a “lift” from the inner groove message of another American group, Memphis’s Big Star: “The more you learn, the less you know.” From the new album, Yesterday’s Tomorrow. Get it on Amazon