Powerpopaholic

Bobby Emmett "Learning Love"

2009-12-02T14:16:00.000-08:00

Bobby Emmett (The Sights) has a new solo album here, and it's got enough to make power pop fans cheer this holiday. Emmett channels Big Star, John Lennon and The Lolas in this exciting release. The entire album has a very classic 70's arena rock feel, and "Queen of Hearts" starts out with a riff straight of out of The Raspberries and a tight vocal harmony that resembles Roger Manning Jr.'s multi tracked goodness. It's the main highlight of this impressive album. The follow up "Broken Hearted" is another catchy melody, with a more modern pop feel. Every track here sounds like a winner, and "Still Wanna Be With You" is a good example. The echoing Dick Dale styled guitar solo and dense vocals add to the tracks wall of sound. Another great tune, "Moving Ahn" has distinct hooks and remind me of The Bay City Rollers or Sweet, but with an extra heavy riff break toward the back end. The songwriting is also consistently excellent, so if you are to complain here it would be that the production sheen is too thick, with Emmett's vocal being over modulated in spots. But the combination of guitars and melodies will linger long after the last track plays. "Not Gonna Take It" glams it up with rough buzz riffs, and a strutting chorus that takes no prisoners. The bombastic finale "Love Is Real" piles it on really thick with guitars and psyche-pop distortions, but the melody pokes it's way through to win you over. Overall, a strong contender for this years top ten, no doubt. For fans of the above influences, this is essential listening.

My Space | E-Music | Itunes | Amazon

George Michael “December Song (I Dreamed Of Christmas)”

2009-12-01T05:51:00.000-08:00

December Song (I Dreamed of Christmas)" is a holiday single released by George Michael on December 25th, 2008. The track originally had been written for the Spice Girls, but never made it and was then going to be given to Michael Buble, but ultimately George sang it himself. It is scheduled to be released commercially in December 13, 2009, but this delightful video is viewable now. It's a slow ballad with a gorgeous bridge in the chorus. Why can't we get more presents like this? More info at George Michael's site

Andy Lehman and Ray Mason

2009-11-30T08:58:00.000-08:00

Andy Lehman & The Night Moves "Low Country"

Andy Lehman's debut "Landline" showed a lot of promise, and his development continues here. With help from his new band, The Night Moves, he's left the harder guitar sound to a softer, glossier approach. An excellent single is the emotional "An Arrow Flew" where the strings build to an exuberant chorus. The production has a wide open sound that works well on ballads "I Smelled You On The Breeze" where it conveys brilliant pop longing, I've not heard since George Michael. Unfortunately it doesn't help on lighter pop like "Million To One" where a catchy song drowns in echo-filled instrumentation. On "Wolf's In Sheep's Clothing" Andy sounds a little like family friendly alt rockers The Fray or Train here. Songs like this and "All Along The Roads We Walked" sound too commercial to me, but they are good quality songs. For me, the gorgeous ballads like "Missing At The Docks" and "Moving With You" make up for this. Give it a try, you can get a FREE sampler on Andy's site.

MySpace | Amazon | Aimee Street | Get a FREE Song Sampler

Ray Mason "Like Bugs Chewing On Paper"

Americana rocker Ray Mason is an amalgam of The Barenaked Ladies and Tom Petty, where you can hear a song about almost anything, like an earnest tune about your "Lunch Box." Mason with his trademark Silvertone guitar has been pumping out music albums since 1996, and it's an acquired taste. The slow tempo of "Shooting Over The Head" gives way to a full upbeat rocker, with tempo shifts and strings for emphasis. All this is pretty melodic, even the title track, with goofy lyrics about aliens/bugs... "what's it about a desert in outer space, don't these creatures like any other place." Mason has a speaking/singing approach on most of the album that contrasts with his brilliant musicianship. But after albums mid point, it really takes off. My favorite here is "Tourist In Town" - like Stew (Passing Strange) or Todd Rundgren, it's a funky mix of rock and storytelling through a stream of consciousness narrative. Another highlight is the fun "Everything Worked" with Ray's best vocal performance. When you hear "Ceiling" you will wonder, Ray could probably write an ode to a lawn sprinkler and you'd love to hear it.

MySpace | CD Baby

Giving thanks this holiday season

2009-11-26T01:19:00.000-08:00

While you are passing out leftover turkey over the next couple of days, there are quite a bit of NEW holiday releases out there to help cure the post-Thanksgiving blues. So let loose those holiday songs!

Greg Pope "Christmas Snow"

When the king of power pop plays we listen, even if it's one song. Being from the South, Greg rarely gets any snow on Christmas, so when it comes its extra special. Based on a poem that he used to recite to his four year old, I'm glad he made it into a song we all can enjoy.
MySpace | Amazon

Jana Peri "I Hate The Holidays"

After a hearing her single on the IPO compilation, this was the next logical step. Peri is a true talent, and for those with a bit of Scrooge in your step, check out the single on My Space - soon to appear on CD Baby.
MySpace | CD Baby

Andy Goldberg "Jingle Jangle Pop" EP

It wouldn't really be the holidays without Andy Goldberg and his tune "Chanukah Guy" about a jew who loves Christmas, featuring Rich Pagano from The Fab Faux on drums. The EP also contains new songs from Andy's other pop group The Sun Kings - shine a light this season with an excellent holiday EP only at iTunes. Get any of The Goldbergs other CDs on CD Baby.
MySpace | CD Baby | Itunes

Andrew Ripp "Blue Sky Christmas" EP

Criminally underrated, Andrew Ripp has a tremendous vocal, and here it provides with a neat little holiday EP for FREE when you spread the word with Noise Trade. In all a total of three songs, it's a perfect addition to your holiday music mix.
MySpace | NoiseTrade

David Dewese "Next Christmas"

Forget some meager little holiday single or EP. David Dewese has full blown Christmas album here, listen to the entire thing streaming from his website. A mix of traditional songs ("Silent Night") and a few originals ("Still, Still, Still"). Done with catchy guitar and piano it's so far my favorite holiday album.
David's Website | MySpace | Itunes

The Muppets "Bohemian Rhapsody"

2009-11-25T11:49:00.000-08:00

How can you not enjoy this one -- I love Animal forgetting the lyrics and just yelling "Mama! Mama! Mama!" and Beaker's high notes. Freddy is giving a big thumbs up from heaven. I loved all those classic performances on the Muppet Show, now you can see it all again on DVD.

The Muppet Show - Season One (Special Edition)

The Muppet Show - Season Two

Girl in A Coma. The Power Popaholic interview.

2009-11-25T08:03:00.000-08:00

Another good month as far as interviews go, San Antonio trio Girl In A Coma is comprised of siblings Nina and Phanie Diaz, and complemented by childhood friend Jenn Alva on bass. I was lucky enough to have Nina for a few minutes, and I interviewed her for The Rock and Roll Report. If you'd like to know why they are such an exciting band, check out my review of the new album. Even more musician interviews are coming, so check back often on Power Popaholic!

Anny Celsi "Tangle-Free World"

2009-11-23T21:02:00.000-08:00

If you combine equal parts of Laurie Biagini and The Gripweeds Kristin Pinell, you may likely end up with Anny Celsi. Anny Celsi is a west coast musician with links to Brian Wilson band alum Nelson Bragg, who produced the album. The title track is a good example of the Byrdsian jangle and exquisite psyche-pop harmonies perfect for a long car ride. Anny's follow up song "Thanksgiving In Hollywood" starts slow but grows to a rich folk tapestry of guitars, and then she does a country ballad on "First Love Freezes" with a melancholy, but beautiful vocal lead. The Motown soul balladry of "Now You Can Hurt Me" is a nice change of pace here, that compares well with those classic girl groups of the 60's. A bit of Bacharach styled pop is visible on "Own Sweet Time," and it's a gorgeous tune but I expected Anny to belt this one out, and her voice just stays too gentle and sweet here. A cover of Lee Hazelwood and Nancy Sinatra's "Some Velvet Morning" (with Bragg and additional members of Brian Wilson's band) is so effective, I would be really cool with a full album of this type of material (okay guys, get to work). Another highlight here is the strong hook of "Piece of Heaven," full of jangle guitars and floating background harmonies. Anny is super talented here and the production work is superb as well. Fans of classic sixties pop influences should pick this one up right away.

My Space | CD Baby

Sarakula and The Spongetones present Jamie & Steve

2009-11-22T19:36:00.001-08:00

Sarakula "City Heart"

Aussie singer songwriter Joel Sarakula is similar to fan favorite Jeff Litman, in that they both started as classically trained musicians and then set forth a mission to pursue pop perfection. The second album (check out the debut Souvenirs) is an excellent radio friendly treat. "Turn It Up" has just a touch of that 70's Billy Joel vibe mixed with Neil Finn - and it's irresistible. With it's strong piano melodies and pretty sweet lyrics, "Matchstick Girl" is another treat that sticks in your head as well. The production is clean, but not overly slick, even though the dramatics are turned up for "Driving With The Devil." The album sags a little in the middle with "Breathing Again," and then it goes all Steely Dan with "Better Late Than Never." If you also enjoy McCartney styled pop, it's hard not to enjoy this disc. "Caught In The Middle" is another bouncy piano gem, that will make your feet tap and your head bop. And "Marlene" is a fast-paced direct descendant of Billy Joel's "Laura." Sarakula is currently on tour with fellow Australian Bob Evans, and what a cool double bill. This is simply another great pop artist that would normally fall under the radar.

MySpace | CD Baby | Itunes | Not Lame

The Spongetones present Jamie and Steve "English Afterthoughts"

I'm not sure why Jamie Hoover and Steve Stoeckel needed to release this under their own names, but it's a typical awesome Spongetones album. The Beatle-isms continue here, with great melodies and Jamies' amazing guitar grooves. Quickly it starts off the ground with "Emily's Ghost" and "Fly Girl" which highlight the duos angelic harmonies. "Let's Don't Count This One" is a Tom Petty styled pop guitar jangle and the Gerry & The Pacemaker styled Merseybeat ballads like "English Afternoon" and "Let Me Back In" are both short and sweet. The standout track here is "Between The Lines" with a daring dual melodic leads and a pile of hooks. The only small misstep might be "Do Be Cruel" as the song seems a bit strained, despite the wonderful background vocals. "Feeling You Are Watching Me" is another stroke of melodic brilliance and when you listen to it all, it's consistently excellent - so once again no filler anywhere. I hope Jamie and Steve keep pumping out music. I can't get enough of these guys, so it's an easy recommendation.

MySpace | emusic | Amazon

Family of The Year "Songbook"

2009-11-20T07:06:00.000-08:00

Channeling Fleetwood Mac’s musical stylings with a hint of late-era Beatles, Family of the Year braid catchy melodies, stellar male/female vocals and personal folk tales to create some of the happiest and saddest music you’ve ever heard. Opening up with "Feel Good Track Of Rosemead" it's a delicate harmony and rock guitar combo, very much like The New Pornographers, or The Polyphonic Spree. Actually, it's singers Joe Keefe (formerly of The Billionaires) and Vanessa Long who harmonize and get lots of milage out of their pop chemistry and aural dynamics. Fans of The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds who hear the gems "Let's Be Honest" and "Summer Girl" will find a connection there for sure. The folky guitar balladry of "Putting Money and Stuff" recall classic Mamas & The Papas, both "What a Suprise" and "No Good At Nothing" excel at telling a story musically. Hey, nobody else I've heard can toss off a great song about your favorite pair of blown-out blue jeans in “Intervention (Staple Jeans). "Castoff" and "Psyche Or Like Scope" moves into a synth heavy, new wave styled pop, with Vanessa leading the dance grooves, along the lines of Sinead O'Connor. The band was handpicked by Ben Folds to open for him and The Boston Pops at Symphony Hall. SPIN.com has selected the band as one 25 Must-Hear Artists from the 2009 CMJ Festival. I happen to agree - this is one of those "must get" pop albums. Another bonus: this album is available on a "pay-what-you-want" basis on the band's website. Note: Coming soon, a full interview with lead singer Vanessa Long.

My Space | Family Of The Year Site

Tim Butler "That's The Way You Want Me To Be"

2009-11-19T09:23:00.000-08:00

Tim Butler has a gentle pop sensibility, not far from his friend Cliff Hillis who plays guitar on "That's The Way You Want Me To Be." There is a personal honesty reflected in the lyrics as well, and the catchy, "Special Plan" is like Black Crowes lite, with a perfect blend of guitar and vocal melody. Tim’s vocal often carries the tune with a minimum of flash, just a simple clean production. The wonderful "Christine" is another mid-tempo pop gem that features an ascending bass line. Some nice vocal textures are brought out on "Tryin" with a Hillis guitar solo in the middle of the song. "Building Me Up" has more good musicianship but the hooks here are lacking til we get to the heavier guitar sound on "Every Little Thing." As a light pop record, it succeeds but the addition of three acoustic guitar songs here makes the whole thing even lighter and less memorable. These songs are even more confessional, to the point where on "One More Try" I'm thinking... Okay Tim, I get it. You are a sensitive soul spilling it for your significant other. While it makes for an intimate live performance -- you lose some of that feeling on CD. With repeated listens it does compare well with the guitar pop of The Rembrandts, and if you like that style go for it.

My Space | CD Baby

OK GO new album due out January.

2009-11-18T09:14:00.000-08:00

OK Go | MySpace Music Videos

The band's new album, "Of The Blue Colour of the Sky," will be out in stores on Capitol early next year. This is the long-awaited follow-up to their acclaimed "Oh No" which spawned the 2007 Grammy-award-winning video hit "Here It Goes Again" (Yes that's the song with all those treadmills). Here is the first single "WTF?"

The Beat Rats and The Sunny Boys

2009-11-17T19:48:00.000-08:00

The Beat Rats "A Cellar Full Of Rats"

They made quite an impression at IPO, making Kenny's sound like The Star Club in Hamburg, Germany. This is Mersey inspired garage rock in all it's glory. Opening with the instrumental "Beat Rats Theme" is as catchy as The Surfari's "Wipeout." This is not so much a Fab Four tribute, as a scruffy, raw re-creation of the British sixties combo, so fans of The Swinging Blue Jeans, The Big Three and The Dave Clark Five would love this as well. The guitar riff and snarl works wonders on "Mine All Mine" and "I Can't Wait." The poppy straight "No Good At Love" is another gem that follows closer to the early Beatles style. The vocals could use a bit more polish on the slower numbers like "Only 16," but it's the Duane Eddy/Link Wray instrumental genius of "Rat Fink" that will give surf guitar enthusiasts the goosebumps. The band also has loads of energy to go around, and the songs are short and sweet. What else do you need? Only for sale at Kool Kat Musik, it comes with a bonus 5 track live performance EP.

MySpace | Kool Kat Musik

The Sunny Boys "Beach Sounds"

In the cold of winter, it's best to listen to music that's warm and reminds me of those summer nights. And that's exactly what this Italian Beach Boys tribute band is. They started their surfin’ safari at the end of 2003 when the long time hardcore fan Gianluca Leone (aka Brian The Captain) finally got the opportunity to form the band. All the dedication pays off, as even Jeffrey Foskett (Brian Wilson's band) gave high praise for the song "Mahalo". Beach Sounds aren't straight covers but original songs with it's own style, and includes pitch perfect harmonies and huge hooks. The arrangements are notable on the ballad "She's My Summer Dream" where it weaves the vocals together seamlessly. It's so gorgeous it goes above and beyond the typical tribute band. If you're not listening carefully for the accents you'd swear this was a lost Beach Boys album circa 1964. It's essential listening for fans of this style of pop. Eccellente!

Sunny Boys Site | MySpace | CD Baby

fun. "Aim and Ignite"

2009-11-15T22:49:00.000-08:00

Nate Ruess (The Format) has decided to push some musical buttons here, much like Bryan Scary and The Shedding Tears by layering dense instrumentation, gospel choirs, electronic pulses and the kitchen sink. That kitchen sink includes pop god Roger Manning Jr. and producer Steven McDonald (Redd Kross). Opening with "Be Calm" it's deceptively sweet ballad opening ironically turns into loud theatrical melodic chaos. Along with with ex-Anatholla member Andrew Dost and Steel Train frontman Jack Antonoff, the band is relentlessly accurate in it's name. But I would add a capital "F" for fantastic. "Benson Hedges" continues the multi-instrumental grandiose pop chorus, a mix of Queen's vocal harmonies and Tally Hall's quirky soundscape. "All The Pretty Girls" is a killer single, and steals Mika's old thunder this year. It's catchy as hell as they tell you "the eighties is old" and with that violin following the melody. The over the top approach works beautifully in spots, like "Light A Roman Candle" which Jellyfish fans will just flip for. After hearing "Walking The Dog" I am reminded of the goofiness that Sugar Ray used to get away with when people took them seriously. The melodies shift so many times, on a few songs ("At Least I'm Not As Sad") the hooks can get lost in the shuffle. But Nate's vocals are so strong here, it's hard to find fault with many songs, although the faux gospel can overwhelm listeners on "Barlights" and the Billy Joel-esque "The Gambler" is a welcome respite. The quite moments here are also bit too infrequent, but you'll get carried away by this musical circus too quickly to notice. Epic pop this lush should not be overlooked.

My Space | Itunes | Amazon

New Interviews: Curtains For You and Golden Bloom

2009-11-13T09:51:00.000-08:00

I was so taken with the new album from Seattle band, Curtains For You - I got to interview both Matthew Gervias and Peter Fedofsky for Power Popaholic. You can click on the Artists Interview button or go to this link: Curtains For You interview. If you didn't catch the album review you can find it here.

In my busy travels before IPO I got the chance to pose some questions to Shawn Fogel, aka Golden Bloom. He's got some pretty interesting things on his mind and a great link to a funny concert mishap. Here is the direct link: Golden Bloom interview. Check out the album review here. I also updated a few interview pages from earlier this year, so you can now listen/read the interview with Ken Stringfellow (Posies).

Russell Crawford "Floating Aimlessly"

2009-11-12T10:30:00.000-08:00

If you like Michael Carpenter, then chances are you'll enjoy Russell Crawford. A member of Carpenter's band, Russell broke out with his brilliant solo debut in 2006. Now Crawford has slowly pulled away from Carpenters orbit here. It's a straight pop album minus any gimmicks or needless bells and whistles. His music fits in the "timeless" category being rooted in piano, bass, guitar, drums approach. Many tracks are highlights but "Bad Luck" is a true standout here, with an inventive build out to a multi-tracked chorus. Russell is a blend of both Ben Fold's "attitude" and Neil Finn's "sensitivity" in equal parts, from the snarky "Overachiever" to the aching "If You Ask Me." Another highlight is the overly dramatic "Nigel" which seems an anthem to the dangers of naming your kid "Nigel." Russell starts to loosen up midway through the album on "My Love" and "Shake it." Every song here offers something and is easy on the ears, along the lines of Adrian Whitehead and Mr. Carpenter himself. It ends with a rousing cover of Andrew Gold's "Thank You Being A Friend." On repeated listens it rewards you, so don't miss this gem from Australia's Popboomerang records.

My Space | Not Lame | CD Baby | Kool Kat Musik

The Recital FREE album download

2009-11-11T09:56:00.000-08:00

Musician, label owner, and producer Zach Curd has been a member of many bands, notably The Pop Project and has donated music to the masses before. Well this group from his Suburban Sprawl called it quits - The Recital from Detroit. Adam Kempa (Pop Project's drummer) is the Recital's bassist. A decent indie pop band with some quirky minimalist songs, they took all their leftover songs and created The Succulent Leftovers EP for fans.

Listen to "Kid You're Wrong" right here:

My Space | DOWNLOAD FREE EP

Grace Basement "Gunmetal Gray"

2009-11-10T10:40:00.000-08:00

St. Louis' Grace Basement is led by multi-instrumentalist Kevin Buckley who has quite a knack for writing concise pop gems. It’s pretty evident from the opening track "There He Goes" that the harmonies and chord minor changes are very infectious, and the addition of fiddle backing is an added bonus. The dance hall influenced melody of "Tilly Lingers" is another catchy gem along the lines of Harry Nilsson and XTC. Unlike the solo approach of the debut album New Sense, Buckley is assisted by guitarist Ben Phillips, bassist Mike Zapf and drummer Sean Price - it gives the entire album fuller sound. The smart pop sound avoids being too quirky — like Jon Brion or Ben Kweller without the over indulgent dramatics. The urbane arrangements at the albums mid point (like "Why Would I Wait For Another?" and "Warships") come closer to the latter-era Camper Van Beethoven or Whiskeytown. The mature acoustic guitar on "Highway" is meticulously constructed and "Golden Bell" has a wonderful melody and weary vocal that brings to mind Scott McCaughey (Minus Five) or Ryan Adams. The album ends with the orchestral flourishes of “Land of Endless Change,” a fitting finale of Beach Boys styled vocal harmony, guitar and strings. This LP is a high watermark in the bands development and it's most definitely worth adding to your pop collection.

My Space | Amazon

The Saltshakers "Lights Out"

2009-11-09T21:47:00.000-08:00

Chad Curtis of The Saltshakers has created a more garage-styled follow up to the Up All Night LP. With the addition of guitarist Nick Woods (Box Social) and bassist Jamie Owart the band still has that high energy sugar shot that pop fans expect and admire. Similar to Weezer or The Buzzcocks in tone and relentless pace, it blasts through the catchy opener "Please Don't Walk Away" so well it sounds effortless. The songs are deceptively simple but full of great hooks, and a great example is "This World Can Wear Us Down" with a killer rhythm guitar riff. And it channels a bit of The Replacements manic spirit on "West Coast." Some songs don't quite hit the same high points ("Bedhead") but are performed with an uninhibited charm. Chad remarked that this is "Pop music with more guts," and it's hard to argue against songs that make instant 3-minute concert themes like "Take You With Me." However, it would have helped to have a ballad or another mid-tempo number like "Too Early To Tell" to give listeners some space to appreciate the fast pop-rock tunes, which can wear you down after a while. On the other hand, this is an album you can roll down the windows to and turn it up loud as the wind blows through your hair.

MySpace | CD Baby | Itunes

International Pop Overthrow "Vol. 12"

2009-11-08T13:27:00.000-08:00

As the last note ends in IPO New York, I wanted to listen to the latest compilation, David Bash's International Pop Overthrow Vol.12. This year the bands are more varied and less constricted by genre orthodoxy and this makes for a better and more representative group of power pop bands. There are 3CDs full of 70 bands and 70 songs, so I'll pick out some of my favorite tracks here.

Disc#1: Starting with a bang is expected and it delivers with The Syrups' "Miss I Don't Understand." The band picks up the mantle of the melodic Chris Breetveld (Breetles) with catchy exuberance. Another winner is the fast rhythms of The Humbugs "One More Day." What would a pop compilation be without some hero worship in a novelty song? The Help Desk become total sycophants with "The Jellyfish Song" in that category. While we're on that subject, The Tearaways "Under The Bus" grabs George Harrison's "The Word" and makes good use of it's Beatlesque riffs. A gentler combination of Beatles and Byrds are on The Starfire Band's "Thank You Much." Disc#2: Very strong "Rubber Sole" by The Mayflowers are just perfect here, and the rich contrasts of mid-tempo melody and "Mean Mr. Mustard" piano in "Pictures of A Masquerade" by Ralph Covert & The Bad Examples make it a keeper too. Great female pop is represented by both Lisa Mycols ("Heart Beats In Stereo") and Soundserif ("Happy Since I Resigned"). The Leftovers' "Telephone Operator" channels classic Elvis Costello pretty well and Clockwise's "Boomtown" gets into a Joe Jackson meets The Jam groove. And if you want a Smithereens/Who approach then Steven Deal's "Valentine" fits the bill. Disc#3: Two legends of power pop (KC Bowman & Andrea Perry) join together to make an awesome tune in "Sorting Out The Rules" that would make XTC proud. The superior vocals of Philip Vandermost make "Again and Again" work beyond the average pop song here. And once again Laurie Biagini fills our Beach Boys needs with "Another Old Lazy Lyin' On The Beach Afternoon." This last disc also concentrates on progressive power pop from Steven Lawrenson ("Ordinary") and the 80's influences of The Mayberry, The Romeo Flynns and Buddy Love take up a big chunk of time here.

Bottom line: Take a chance on this set and I'm sure you'll "discover" a new favorite band or two as most of the tracks here are really very good. Getting this compilation is also a quick way to becoming an expert in this genre (aka a power popaholic). Only a limited supply is pressed, so it's a collectible item as well.

MySpace | Not Lame | Kool Kat Musik | Amazon

Paul McCartney Shows in December. Tickets are available.

2009-11-06T07:18:00.000-08:00

I will be reviewing IPO in New York tonight, but what else is there left to say about Paul McCartney? Former Beatle and knight of realm, the likely lad from Liverpool remains the iconic star of his generation. Possessing one of the great voices in rock ‘n roll, a magnetic stage presence and boundless energy, Sir Paul is a master showman and there are few greater thrills in live music than being at a Paul McCartney show. Paul McCartney tickets are always in high demand as the ex-Beatle takes his hit filled set-list on the road again for a series of sure to be sell-out dates. Paul had finished his American concert tour this past summer, but that doesn't mean he's finished. Early December you can get concert tickets to shows through 5 different European countries.

So if you're living in or visiting Germany, Holland, France, Ireland or England next month, why not get your hands on some Paul McCartney Tickets?

John Shaughnessy "Re-occuring Dream"

2009-11-04T01:18:00.000-08:00

You can't peg John Shaughnessy's acoustic-based power pop to one specific style, but you can listen in rapt attention to the great quality of the songwriting and melodies here. Assisted by Smash Palace's Stephen Butler and IKE's Brett Talley, John creates a wonderful organic sound that is naturally rhythmic and hopeful, influenced by classic 70's artists and the Beatles. The opening title track is a fun folk-pop guitar tune with a double tracked vocal, and the follow up "Feeling' Good Again" is a classic power pop tune with a jangley upbeat tempo. "In The Morning" brought back visions of Gordon Lightfoot to mind for me. Shaughnessy's multi-faceted approach may be jarring at times, going from slow folk themes ("Don't Let Go") to early 80's styled pop rock ("Dorothy Reminds Me"). The countrified Beatles meets Harry Chapin of "Chasing The Wind" is a delightful spiritual gem and my favorite here. These are all good songs here, each one is anchored by John's steady vocal and professional musicianship. I look forward to more from Shaughnessy.

My Space | CD Baby | Not Lame | AmieStreet

Moldy Oldies: Eric Matthews "Fanfare"

2009-11-03T08:34:00.000-08:00

When someone tells you "He arrived with great fanfare..." that pretty much describes how Eric Matthews arrived on the scene in 1995 with It's Heavy In Here. For a while he was considered the king of chamber pop, and then went on to explore other musical directions (jazz, glam, prog). It's been very tough for him to live up to this first album, but he does an amazing job covering Brian Wilson's The Lonely Sea. The big news here is he has a NEW album coming out - preview the whole thing on MySpace.

International Pop Overthrow 2009 in NYC begins!

2009-11-03T01:39:00.000-08:00

International Pop Overthrow (or IPO, as it has affectionately become known) is a pop music festival which has been held for the past eleven years in Los Angeles. We have also held IPO for various years in Chicago, New York, Boston, San Francisco, Vancouver, and Toronto, as well as in Liverpool, England (at the world famous Cavern Club)! This is where you can hear the power pop stars of today and the up and coming rookies from those important indie labels. Tonight Jeff Litman is expected to take the stage at International Pop Overthrow in New York at Kenny's Castaways. Other notable musicians to appear during IPO are: Maple Mars, The Beat Rats, George Usher, Wendy Ip, Dreaming In Stereo, The Grip Weeds, Lane Steinberg, The Brixton Riot, Buddy Love and Eytan Mirsky to name just a few.

They are all playing there from Tuesday (11/03) to Sunday (11/08) - see the full IPO NY schedule for details and showtimes.

Android Angel and Jupiter One

2009-11-02T03:56:00.000-08:00

Android Angel "Glow Worm"

Paul Colto (aka Android Angel) set forth to create this album and right away his musical equipment was stolen. Continuing undaunted, the album has contributions from musicians along Paul's journey. This is not a standard indie pop album, as the opening track "Music of Android Angel" combines synth, guitar, drums, and radio sound bytes overlapping into a harmonious pattern. But this odd electronica styled opener is just an appetizer. The wonderful "In Communique" has a very Dylanesque quality that utilizes an orchestral sweep and a female backup chorus. This continues on "Unfinished Business" where Paul's vocal resembles Donald Fagen, and his speedy guitar riff recall Pete Townshend. It delves into a deliciously creepy Progressive rock riff on "My Virus Crown," but stumbles badly on the bland punk pop of the crime themed "Wheels." It's the emotional tug of "Love With No Reason" and "Glow Worm" which resonates here. Adventurous pop fans will not be disappointed here with nihilistic songs like "The Beginning Of The End." Fans of Roger Waters, Radiohead, Mercury Rev and Townshend-like ballads will also enjoy these tracks and many more.

MySpace | Amazon| Itunes (Nov. 30)

Jupiter One "Sunflower"

Jupiter One is a modern New York pop band that creates ear friendly melodies and safe dance floor grooves. Mixing past pop influences with bits of pop art and the absurd, the video for “Volcano” offers a snapshot of the band’s sound. Wild and out-there while maintaining elements of post-modern nostalgia, the video takes you on a ride through striking visual landscapes that mirror the explosive content of the song. The opening track, "Volcano" wanders into Maroon 5 pop territory and the heavy guitar and strained vocals of "Lights Go Out" recall the recent Adam Marsland. The band seems to have a sound for whatever your mood. It switches gears again on "Flaming Arrow" which is a sweet alt-pop tune with a catchy multi-tracked chorus designed to soothe. Singer K Ishibashi is a musical chameleon who changes with each twist and turn in this vibrant album. "Anna" accesses a Queen-like falsetto chorus and is both familiar and completely new. The gentle ballad "Find Me A Place" is has K's restless vocal resemble Morrissey doing Sting. It also is a "grower" meaning the album's melodies get stickier with each listen. No duds or filler on this album either so if you like a little variety with your power pop, this will do just fine.

Jupiter One Site | MySpace | Itunes | Amazon

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T10:38:00.000-07:00