FOW Tribute and Singles: Ken Sharp, Vegas With Randolph, Hank Idory, François Premiers

powerpopaholic

Can’t Shake That Tune: A Tribute to Fountains of Wayne

It’s still hard for me to believe that Adam Schlesinger is gone. As expected, numerous artists have done tributes, including the remaining members of Fountains of Wayne. Now we have a great new collection of covers from Radiant Radish Records. Some artists play the songs faithfully, like American Wood’s “Denise” while others vary the style, like Jonathan Pushkar’s acoustic version of  “Stacy’s Mom.” It’s FREE to download – don’t miss it.


SINGLES

Ken Sharp does a modern power-pop arrangement to The Who classic “The Kids Are Alright.” It’s pretty cool, and if you like that version you should visit the Poprock Record blog to hear a large section artists’ playing this song.

Do you enjoy a friend with benefits? Vegas With Randolph delivers a kick-ass single about living N.S.A. (No Strings Attached) – the band really packs this song with sonic details and it’s a catchy theme!
From Valencia, Spain the talented Hank Idory returns with this bright and sunny single in Spanish which means “For The First Time.” In any language melodic power pop is easy to recognize. Bueno música!

From Le Havre, France we have this melodic rock band with heavy leanings. François Premiers are a little power pop with a touch of prog rock. Plus a cool cover of “Don’t Put Me On” by The Flamin’ Groovies.

Coke Belda and Andrew Gold

powerpopaholic
Coke Belda

Coke Belda “4”

Coke Belda certainly wears his love of McCartney on his sleeve. Opening with an unapologetic fanboy love note on “Thank you, Paul,” you can have a fun time counting how many Macca songs are mentioned by name. But this doesn’t take away from the fact that Coke writes catchy melodies that just stick. “Another Day” is a gem that adds a little ELO to the mix with its deep chords about avoiding internet trolls. The short “Believe” is a bouncy acoustic ballad, and the rich production and vocal harmonies take center stage on the mid-tempo standout “6×8 Basement.”

Belda varies his style enough on the impressive Hollies-like “Just A Dream,” and the hippie folk tune “1968.” So far this album is really good, but on “Harlan, Kentucky” Belda takes it up a notch. The catchy verses build on each other, the riffs are infectious and by the middle eight it’s transcendent. At another time, this would be a huge hit song. He also indulges with a syrupy six-minute love song on “Watching You,” which eventually builds to a flowing guitar solo. Simply no filler here, and it makes my top 10 list this year for sure. Super highly recommended.

Kool Kat Musik

Andrew Gold

Andrew Gold “Something New: Unreleased Gold”

Andrew Gold was best known for hits “Lonely Boy,” and Golden Girls theme song “Thank You For Being A Friend.” He was a great songwriter and helped rocket Linda Ronstadt to fame. His genius was often overlooked, and he passed away in 2011. But his widow Leslie Kogan discovered a collection of demos Gold recorded in 1973. These songs would ultimately land him a deal with Asylum Records who would release his first album in the fall of 1975. Thanks to Omnivore Recordings, it’s seeing the light of day.

The potential hit here “Something New” was eventually given to Playboy model Barbi Benton in 1976, but Andrew’s version is fresher with less studio gloss. Additional “finished” songs include the country-pop of “Prisoner” and “Resting in Your Love.” These are not typical Gold, but very enjoyable. The remain tracks are all solo demos and not everything here sticks. Highlights include the fine melodies of “Come Down To Me,”  “The World Tomorrow Brings,” and “Don’t Bring Me Down.” Despite the fact that these songs are underdeveloped, they all hold potential. This collection will mainly appeal to Gold fans. Others should start with Essential Gold.

Amazon

 

Nick Kizirnis and Brandi Ediss

powerpopaholic
Nick Kizirnis

Nick Kizirnis “The Distance”

Sometimes I’m just in the mood for something atmospheric and moody, and guitarist Nick Kizirnis (Tobin Sprout) does it right. This is classic Americana mid-tempo balladry, with the ethereal vocals of Kate Wakefield (Lung) delivering perfectly on “Way To Me.” The slow, deliberate beauty of “The Distance” showcases the combo of Kate’s emotional blues, and Nick’s guitar flourishes.

Additional highlights include “Slipping Away,” and “I am Too Blue” which recalls Roy Orbison’s style and “Trail of Tears,” a slow rockabilly burner, gives off such a cool vibe it will chill your drink while you listen. While it lacks anything uptempo, the finely tuned songwriting and musicianship make this one a keeper. Not power pop, but damn fine music that is highly recommended.

Amazon


Brandi Ediss

Brandi Ediss “Bees and Bees and Bees”

Massachusetts based Brandi Ediss (rhymes with lettuce) is an indie singer/songwriter with a hypnotic quality. This is atmospheric bedroom pop with simple musical accompaniment and the short title track and “Count To Three” set the stage; a young woman looking for answers to life’s problems with a pep talk (“it’s gonna be great”). “Chicago” is a descriptive story of adjusting to a move in a wintery city, and the story continues on “I Didn’t Try.” As the tempo picks up and those magical harmonies start, Brandi really engages you with her energy and self-deprecating humor.

Other tunes push you away, as “Little Tiny” and “Happy Days” goes on about insecurities and self-pity. Thankfully we quickly get another big highlight, “Stupid Boyfriend” a catchy gem that’s just adorable with its “Ma-Ma-Ma” backing vocal. Hey, even Chris Collingwood (Fountains of Wayne) called this album “lush, lovely, smart and compelling start to finish.” Who am I to argue?

Amazon

Bebopalula and Cupid’s Carnival

powerpopaholic
Bebopalula

Bebopalula “Bebopalula”

Amazing talent has a way of finding like-minded company. Chris Price and Emeen Zarookian (Spirit Kid) combine forces to create this power-pop supergroup. They have added support from a varied cast; Alex Jules, Ben Lecourt, Corey Perez, and occasionally Probyn Gregory on brass. The songs achieve a balance between candy-colored pop and richly constructed art.

The opener “Coloring Book” starts like Chris Price’s solo work until it gets to the rocking chorus and baroque coda of Bebopalula-land. “Rotten Apple” is an easy-listening pop gem bursting with sweetness and Alex Jules “Gone For So Long” attains a Pet Sounds level of reverence. You also hear influences from The Free Design and Nick Drake in songs like “We Remain” and “So Much To See.” While there doesn’t seem to be a stand-out single here, the sonic details in each song are addictive and it will take a few listens to absorb, like “I Think You Know It.” The album finishes with the loose guitar party of “Rock Two Step.” Similar to Apples In Stereo in approach, its got a freshness and energy that keeps things from merely sounding like slick retro pop. Highly Recommended.

Amazon


Cupid's Carnival

Cupid’s Carnival “Color-Blind”

We’ve had a very strong year for Beatlesque power-pop so far (The Weeklings, The Overtures) and Cupid’s Carnival is back to prove you can never have too much of a good thing. Opening with “Working All Day” its everything a Fab fan could want in a catchy mid-period Beatles tune. You’ll also hear hints of other 60’s UK bands (The Bee Gees, Kinks) across several tunes like the very British “Yesterday’s Gone” about “an English girl, from a bygone time, in another world.”

“Happiness” is another standout with some great guitar work that’s almost buried by the echoing percussion, and the grand harpsichord love song “Baby Blue” boasts descending perfect harmonies in the chorus. My favorite here is “I Got It Wrong,” as it’s got Rickenbacker guitar muscle and great slide accents. A bonus here is that the best songs from 2018’s Clapham Junction EP are included (“She Don’t Care” and “Looking For Rainbows.”) While the production mixing isn’t as dynamic as I would like, most of the songs here are excellent. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik