If liked the punk pop of Brody Dalle's Spinerette, you'll love this Norwich, UK 5-piece The Brownies. It's a female fronted band with plenty of ballsy, loud guitars and it's not afraid to hurt your feelings. Lead vocalist Sophie Little gets your attention right away with the opener "Dance Romance." The song kinda trends toward Elastica with punchy riffs and excellent bass work provided by Natha...
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The Brownies "Ourknife Yourback"
The Leftovers "Eager To Please"
Hailing from Portland, Maine, The Leftovers deliver the combination of sun soaked melodies and raw, driving rhythms - power pop in the truest sense of the words. Produced by power pop fave Linus of Hollywood, we get tight arrangements at a dizzying speed. Sounding like the bastard child of Paul Collins Beat and The Ramones on "Telephone Operator" the band goes the extra mile to keep the music ...
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The Popfest Podcast returns
With Charlotte Pop Fest getting bigger and better, James Deem has started doing the podcasts again between now and September 24, 2009. Each episode will feature music and interviews with artists performing at Charlotte Pop Fest. Episode 26 features James Deem and Ed James highlight the music of The Knack, The Posies, Jellyfish, and The Spongetones.It's FREE - so listen in and you can also downl...
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Wild Bores "Wild Bores"
The Wild Bores are neither wild, nor are they boring. Singer/songwriter John Whildin put together a band rooted in traditional Chicago pop with some Nashville influences. It features studio performances and collaborations with Brian Chard (always dependable bassist and guitarist), Glenn Kotche (Wilco) and Dan Leali (Poi Dog Pondering). The laid back opening "Whatever makes you happy" is like a ...
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The Seldon Plan "Lost and Found and Lost"
The Seldon Plan are a Baltimore group that specialize in lush indie pop with full arrangements, fans of Death Cab for Cutie, Belle and Sebastian, and Saint Etienne will enjoy this. Lyrically Lost and Found and Lost plays with images of childhood nostalgia to embrace the economic and political pendulum. From the opening chords of "Caldecott" the music relies on sonic textures as much as melody. ...
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The Seeds "Pushin' Too Hard"
The Seeds were a band that exemplified "Garage Rock" of the nuggets era. Lead singer and bass guitarist Sky Saxon was heavily influenced by Mick Jagger, and the group promoted the fact that blues great Muddy Waters once called them "America's own Rolling Stones." The big hit from 1966 was "Pushin' Too Hard." Saxon passed away Thursday, June 25 - he was 63 years old. This news tends to be overl...
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Bleu "A Watched Pot"
Over the years Bleu McAuley has become a touchstone for several high profile collaborations with pop's brightest stars. He's also been a songwriter and producer for tons of pop artists (Rooney, Ryan Adams and John Mayer). As a driving force behind L.E.O. and The Major Labels, it's about time we heard a solo - after all Redhead was released in 2003 and due to label problems, only now we get to A...
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Wave Goodbye to the King of Pop
I'm pretty sure his album sales total for "Thriller" will never be topped by anyone... ever. And his influence and style is imitated everywhere. Move over Elvis, make some room in Rock and Roll heaven for Michael. This is a pretty decent tribute video for y'all.power pop reviews, power pop and rock and roll opinions. Power pop and even more power pop and rock and roll.
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Good Old War "Only Way to Be Alone"
Some bands can boast a good lead vocal that can carry even the most mundane songs into memory. And then there is Good Old War. Keith Goodwin, Tim Arnold (Days Away) and Dan Schwartz carry a three part harmony better than the Pernice Brothers ever did. The vocal harmonies here are stunning. This came out last year, but it's one of those albums that will hook you immediately. It skirts the edges ...
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Gladshot "Burn Up & Shine"
Gladshot is a New York City band lead by Debbie Andrews and Mike Blaxill, two musicians who've gotten together to prove that literate, finely-wrought pop can spring from the combination of two quite distinct musical minds. The opening tune "Fabulous Friends" is packed with charming harmonies in the chorus. Blaxhill's roots-rock vocal and understated rhythms on "Early Light" leave room for his w...
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Looking for tickets at a concert?
Some of the best music is notoriously difficult to get good seats for. In some cases a ticket broker can help you find what you're looking for. One example is the Coldplay show on July 25 in Alpine Valley Music Theatre in Wisconsin. You will have a hard time unless you try a broker with Alpine Valley Music Theater Tickets. Sometimes you can plan ahead, like at the Cape Cod Melody Tent, in Hyann...
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Bob Evans "Goodnight, Bull Creek!"
Bob Evans is one of those rare imported artists that is worth searching for and treasuring. The Australian singer/songwriter Kevin Mitchell, frontman for the Aussie band Jebediah took on the name "Bob Evans" for his solo material. His last album, Suburban Kid was a year end favorite a few years ago, produced by Brad Jones (The Shazam, Marshall Crenshaw). The album was recoreded in Nashville, Te...
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Vegas With Randolph "Vegas With Randolph"
A new Washington DC band where no one is actually named Randolph. Lead by John Ratts (Vocals/Guitars) and Eric Kern (Keyboards/Vocals) they approach the music with a smart enthusiasm reminiscent of Fountains of Wayne and early Joe Jackson. The opening track "Be The One" starts the party atmosphere going (you can easily imagine this live) with strong lead guitars, keys and a beat that recalls Th...
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R.I.P. Jeff Winfield of The Left Banke
Here is a vid (with SIMS) of my favorite Left Banke song "She May Call You Up Tonight" in honor of Jeff.Left Banke guitarist Jeff Winfield died of pneumonia on June 11th. Winfield joined the group soon after its formation and after some adjustments in the lineup. He was brought on board to take over when guitarist George Cameron switched instruments and became the band's drummer. While Winfield...
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Chariots of Tuna "Fondness Makes the Heart Grow Distant" EP
From Brooklyn, the creatively named Chariots of Tuna play a lovely baroque alternative pop. The light falsetto vocal harmonies and matching jangle guitars on "War Hero" are just a delight. The Shins flavored "Save Me Maryann" and Beach Boys styled composition "Air" are a nice teaser to this three song EP (so far) which is still in the working stages. The driving force here is Ben Morss (Cake, W...
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Boatclub "boatclub"
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Artist:
Steve Eggers is still hard at work.
Another demo from Steve Eggers of The Nines. It takes a real pro to concentrate on a song while getting poked in the head. Keep up the good work Steve! The earlier demos are here and here.power pop reviews, power pop and rock and roll opinions. Power pop and even more power pop and rock and roll.
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Insanity Wave "Late Night Shift"
From Madrid, Spain comes Insanity Wave. They've been an indie fixture since 1991 across the pond, but now are making more of an attempt to reach fans here in the USA. Produced by Mitch Easter, the band plays muscular guitar rock that's similar to Wilco with a touch of Teenage Fanclub pop mixed in. They have also appeared at International Pop Overthrow at Liverpool at 2006. Late Night Shift open...
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Big Star Box Set and Book
Big Star inspired a fevered allegiance among fans of power pop, giving rise to a cult of believers who spent decades spreading the gospel. Their enthusiasm turned this obscure Memphis pop band-one that got little airplay, sold few records, and only played a handful of times- into a remarkable rock and roll resurrection story. Big Star's trek from obscure Memphis band to standard bearers for an ...
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Roger Klug "More Help For Your Nerves"
The new, and greatest release from Roger Klug--- ten years in the making, is everything power pop fans have been waiting for. Fans of Roger Manning, Steve Eggers, Bleu, Mike Viola, will find everything to love about this album. Full of variety and complex melodies, it will take many listens to really appreciate everything here. Opening with the ringing guitars of "Tinnitus" it establishes Klug'...
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