Blog Feed: Power Pop Overdose

From one of Australia`s very best pop bands....don`t be confused as it was called "Teenage Complications" but a legal hassle changed the name. Their third time hits the mark stronger than their previous two CDs, `All You Can` and `Teeter Totter` (both available, limited copies of All You Can, tho). Both of those CD`s were consistent displays of their influences (basically, any band who ever played a Rickenbacker!!) and you`d be none the worse to own them, but if you don`t own any, then this is T [..] > read more

Pugwash - Jollity - 2005

Published on 2012-05-22 06:00:00

Released in Ireland on September 23rd 2005 Jollity was an instant hit with the press and public alike, becoming The Pugs most successful release to date. 4 and 5 star reviews abound (Irish Times, Hot Press, Evening Herald) the band set out on a promotional jaunt around their native land with a unique power-house 3 piece plus I-Pod set up. The culmination of which was a packed Monday night gig in Dublin’s famous Whelans venue.Jollity is jam-packed with jelly pop, baroque sensibilities and mello [..] > read more

Kimberley Rew - Tunnel into Summer - 2000

Published on 2012-05-21 06:00:00

If you had to predict what a Kimberley Rew solo album would sound like (and this one is his formal debut, discounting the 1982 compilation The Bible of Bop), based on his tenure in the Soft Boys and Katrina and the Waves you would figure that it would contain some good songs -- this is the man who wrote "Walking on Sunshine" and "Going Down to Liverpool" -- and have some good, chiming guitar playing. But, since Rew took a back seat to Robyn Hitchcock in the Soft Boys and to Katrina Leskanich in [..] > read more

Chris Richards and the Subtractions set to release Get Yer La La’s Out on May 29th

Published on 2012-05-20 08:48:00

Detroit power pop trio Chris Richards and the Subtractions will release their latest full-length Get Yer La La’s Out on Gangplank Records on May 29th. Produced by Gangplank-founder David Feeny at his own Tempermill Studios just outside of Detroit, the album contains 10 songs of hook-laden, melody-intensive pop confection (The vinyl version of La La’s will feature an additional track- a cover of Dogs by the Who and will be released in mid June). In addition to singer/songwriter Chris Richards [..] > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2012-05-19 06:00:00

Shhh... > read more

Greenberry Woods - Big Money Item - 1995

Published on 2012-05-17 06:29:00

The Greenberry Woods' instrumentation and yearning vocal style tend to the emotionally manipulative, heart-on-sleeve side, but lyrics often rise above the vacuous boy-girl stuff that defines the genre. "Love Songs" surveys the cliched landscape with a sly, knowing eye while working completely within the musical formula. At 18 tracks, most hovering under the three-minute mark, Big Money Item serves up a dizzying over-abundance of sugary riches. While some selections remain lightweight trifles, en [..] > read more

Peter Holsapple - Out of My Way - 1997

Published on 2012-05-15 06:00:00

One of the key figures on the North Carolina jangle pop and new wave scene, Peter Holsapple is perhaps best known to his fans as singer, guitarist, and songwriter with the dB's, but he's also worked with a wide range of other acts, been a sideman with R.E.M. and Hootie & the Blowfish, and was a member of the roots rock supergroup the Continental Drifters. -AMGMediafire > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2012-05-12 06:00:00

Shhh... > read more

Frank Lee Sprague - Merseybeat - 2004

Published on 2012-05-09 14:05:00

Frank Lee Sprague, King of the Guitar; the mastery of Frank's nimble fingers play the fretboard like a concert grand piano. If Steinway made a guitar, it would sound like Frank was playing it, for sure. The guitar is Frank's open-ended canvas, on which he can paint any musical picture. For proof, seek out one of this modern musical master's classical recordings. The 'Axe Man Who Cometh', the 'Gee-tar Guru', theaforementioned 'King of Guitar'. There is simply no one likeFrank Lee Sprague!" -Alan [..] > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2012-05-05 08:13:00

Shhh... > read more

The Flirts - 10¢ a Dance - 1982

Published on 2012-05-03 06:00:00

When the Flirts' debut album, 10 Cents a Dance, came out in 1982, the female trio found themselves being compared to the Go-Go's more than anyone. However, while the Go-Go's, who were huge at the time, were a major influence, the Flirts had an equally fun-loving personality of their own. The Go-Go's' influence is hard to miss on "We Just Wanna Dance," "Jukebox," and the wildly infectious surf ditty "On the Beach," but you won't hear them echoed on "Passion" -- a sexy Euro-disco/synth-funk gem th [..] > read more

Bonnie Hayes - Good Clean Fun - 1982

Published on 2012-05-02 06:00:00

Much more so than the contemporary New York or London scenes, California punk was very open to female singer/songwriters. From Penelope Houston of the Avengers to Exene Cervenka of X, the San Francisco and Los Angeles punk scenes were emphatically female-friendly, treating women as active, leading participants rather than novelties or pretty faces. It was no accident that the Go-Go's and the Bangles, from Los Angeles, succeeded where so many New York- and London-based female-fronted bands failed [..] > read more

Josie Cotton - Convertible Music - 1982

Published on 2012-05-01 06:00:00

Josie Cotton is a classic example of an artist whose entire career is overshadowed by one song. This album's hit, the in-dubious-taste "Johnny Are You Queer?," was such a controversial song at the time of its 1982 release that the rest of this fine album was overlooked in the brouhaha. That's a shame, because Convertible Music is a classic of the whole California girly pop scene of the early '80s, on a level with the Go Go's' Beauty and the Beat, Bonnie Hayes' Good Clean Fun, and the first Bangl [..] > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2012-04-28 08:32:00

Shhh... > read more

Myracle Brah - Super Automatic - 2002

Published on 2012-04-27 06:00:00

Lead singer Andy Bopp certainly has a good idea of what makes three-minute power pop songs shine and evolve into gems. "Isn't It a Crime," the leadoff track, is a lovable and infectious song with all of the appropriate chords struck in the ideal places. A Beatles vibe works its way throughout "Albert S. Hand," especially the Eastern influences and assorted backward or subliminal sounds. Bopp's voice resembles John Lennon in an almost uncanny fashion. "Message '78" only builds on this foundation, [..] > read more

Luna - Bewitched - 1994

Published on 2012-04-26 06:11:00

Luna's second album drops the superfluous superscript (added to the band name on their first album for contractual reasons) and adds a second guitarist, Sean Eden. New producer Victor Van Vugt, who had previously done good work with Redd Kross and Kirsty MacColl, among others, strips away the reverb-happy haze that Fred Maher had coated 1992's Lunapark with, bringing Dean Wareham's vocals to the fore while (rather unfortunately) de-emphasizing Justin Harwood's bass and Stanley Demeski's drums. T [..] > read more

Caddy - Go Slow- 2006

Published on 2012-04-24 06:00:00

Caddy is the one man-band project of Tomas Dahl. Dahl has played in powerpop bands such as The Yum Yums and Wonderfools and is now playing drums for deathpunk rockers Turbonegro. Even though he..s busy touring and playing with Turbonegro, he finds time to worship his one true love…powerpop! Caddy started out just as a project because he wanted to get in the studio all by himself and record some songs. The songs became so good he decided to do a full album. His written all the songs, played eve [..] > read more

Happiness Factor - Self-Improvement? - 2001

Published on 2012-04-23 06:00:00

Cranking out heavily caffeinated pop tunes with a super-sized chaser of smirk and attitude, the Happiness Factor sound as if they're firmly in touch with their inner punk on their debut album, Self-Improvement? Fronted by tunesmith Salim Nourallah, the Happiness Factor are hooky as all get-out on these tunes, with a melodic sense that suggests the Cavedogs or the Flashing Lights after a can or two of Red Bull, but Nourallah's often witty, sometimes caustic lyrics and Paul Averitt's crunchy guita [..] > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2012-04-21 06:00:00

Shhh... > read more

KOOL KAT CELEBRATES RECORD STORE "WEEEKEND" 2012

Published on 2012-04-20 06:33:00

Hello Everyone!This Saturday, April 21, marks the fifth annual "Record Store Day" at independent record stores throughout the US and the rest of the world. It is a day that retailers hope will draw both loyal and new customers to celebrate the independent record store and all that it has to offer.Record Store Day celebrations have become a highly anticipated event in the independent retail community, and they certainly are as well here at Kool Kat! We are once again proud to be joining our indep [..] > read more

Paul Bertolino - Where the Buildings Hit the Sky Out Now!

Published on 2012-04-19 14:15:00

And it is only 7 bucks! Highly recommended by PPO!Paul Bertolino is a behind-the-scenes musician's musician from Berkeley, California... a short-list Bay Area session player who has done time fronting one of San Francisco's toughest garage-soul outfits The Sleaves. - Paul Koehler• Released 17 April 2012 • Produced by Paul Bertolino and Adam Sullivan• Enigineered by Adam Sullivan at Great Magnet Recording• Arranged by Paul Bertolino and Jame [..] > read more

The dB's - Falling Off The Sky due June 12th

Published on 2012-04-17 06:22:00

Get ready! Power-pop legends the dB's will be releasing their first full length album in 25 years. It’s also the first in three decades to feature the band’s original lineup of singer/songwriter/guitarists Peter Holsapple and Chris Stamey, bassist Gene Holder and drummer Will Rigby, the same lineup that recorded the beloved early-’80s classics Stands for deciBels and Repercussion. It is due to be released June 12, 2012 on Bar/None Records > read more

The Merrymakers - No Sleep 'til Famous - 1995

Published on 2012-04-17 06:00:00

The Merrymakers is an appropriate name for this Swedish trio. There's no despair on their debut album No Sleep 'Til Famous. The record is bursting with bright melodies, crisp acoustic guitars, shiny harmonies and a sunny demeanor. The trio can pull off a number of different styles, sounding like an infectious blend of the Beatles, the Hollies and Eric Carmen, tempered with a dash of swirling psychedelia à la ELO. They may still be developing a signature style, but the variety of styles and numb [..] > read more

The Rooks - Listen Now! From the Shelves of Soundscape Studio - 2002

Published on 2012-04-16 10:31:00

The Rooks gained a cult following among power pop fans in the 1990s with a style drawing its main inspirations from the Beatles, Big Star, and the Replacements. Leader and co-founder Mike Mazzarella (vocals, rhythm guitar) formed the group in New York with drummer Patrick Yourell in 1990 after their previous outfit, a Connecticut band called the Broken Hearts, dissolved. An early incarnation of the Rooks featured Mazzarella's friend and fellow power-popper Richard X. Heyman, as well as Heyman's [..] > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2012-04-14 08:42:00

Shhh... > read more

Curty Ray needs a little help!

Published on 2012-04-10 09:10:00

I am looking for someone who is familiar with asp. > read more

Cooler - Oh Happy Day - 2001

Published on 2012-04-09 10:08:00

Lead singer Mark Ritcher's voice and singing are the icing on the band's musical cake; or, rather, the fire to their gunpowder. His voice is made for this sound. Amidst the maelstrom of lead guitarist Jeff Goebel's attack in the first song, "Girl's Night Out," they throw in some sirens as if to announce that Cooler Has Arrived. Unnecessary and excessive? No, it adds to the fun!Mediafire > read more

Radio NewYork International - Dave the Boogieman with Barry's 4th Anniversary Show

Published on 2012-04-08 06:44:00

8:00pm It's Dave's 4th Anniversary show on 11L Radio NewYork InternationalTommy Stinson of The Replacements and Guns & Roses Guest, > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2012-04-07 07:53:00

Shhh... > read more

Imperial Teen - Seasick - 1996

Published on 2012-04-04 07:35:00

Anyone expecting Faith No More's fractured art weirdness was in the wrong place with Imperial Teen, but those with an ear for attractive, quietly wry pop/rock that didn't give a care for being alternative in the '90s' marketable sense will find Seasick an enjoyable debut. If anything, "Imperial Teen" itself sets the scene at the start with its distinctly Velvet Underground-circa-third-album chug, lyrics softly sung directly into the mic, a bit of feedback fire here and there, and bemusing lyrics [..] > read more

The Apples in Stereo - Her Wallpaper Reverie - 1999

Published on 2012-04-02 06:07:00

Her Wallpaper Reverie is the Apples in Stereo's finest effort to date -- the band's most overtly psychedelic record, it's also their most experimental, achieving a near-perfect balance between candy-colored popcraft and musique concrète-influenced interludes. In a sense, the disc is a response to the grand ambitions of fellow Elephant 6-ers Olivia Tremor Control and their likeminded Black Foliage album, but the Apples' integration of Beatlesque melodies and experimental noises is much more seam [..] > read more

Trolley "I Woke Up"

Published on 2012-04-01 08:52:00

Trolley's "I Woke Up" was chosen as "coolest song in the world" by Little Steven's Underground Garage in January. Since then, he's played the song seven weeks in a row on his show! > read more

What Time Is It...?

Published on 2012-03-31 07:52:00

Shhh... > read more

Taking a little time off...

Published on 2012-03-22 13:56:00

Longtime readers of PPO will likely recall that I take a vacation every now and then. That time is now. No Secret Saturdays, no posts, no music, no nothing for a while. Sorry!Look through the archives while I am away, I bet there is something you missed. Also feel free to leave comments suggestions or what ever comes to mind. Feel free to email me but I will be slow to respond to all of your e-mail questions so please have patience.As always, thanks to everyone out there. Without all of you, [..] > read more

Bill Lloyd - Feeling the Elephant - 1987

Published on 2012-03-21 16:27:00

Bill Lloyd's first solo album was actually released in 1987, predating the Nashville native's association with Radney Foster in the mainstream country act Foster and Lloyd. However, at that time, it appeared on the tiny Boston indie Throbbing Lobster, just as that label was breathing its last. Thoughtfully, Atlanta's DB Records picked up Feeling the Elephant after Foster and Lloyd's commercial breakthrough and reissued it in a new cover with slightly improved sound. Good thing, too, because Feel [..] > read more

Review: Tommy Flake @ The Flatiron, Greensboro NC - You can't make this stuff up

Published on 2012-03-19 08:23:00

Photo by Allen MartinThey had to twist my arm. I heard about Tommy Flake (aka Randy Seals) performing at a local bar and, while I loved his latest CD, Second Skin, it was Friday night as I was tired from a rough week's work.Some friends dragged me downtown to The Flatiron, a local watering hole and dive bar. I hadn't been there in a while and soon discovered that, despite my friends' assurances, it was still pretty much the dump I had remembered.They'd made the whole thing up.Photo by Allen Mar [..] > read more

New Baby Woodrose single and video out today

Published on 2012-03-19 06:07:00

Baby Woodrose will release their new album Third Eye Surgery April 16th. Dandelion has been chosen as the second single from the album and it’s quite different from the spaced out sounds otherwise found on the album. Dandelion is a sweet psychedelic pop song and it is also a duet between Lorenzo Woodrose and the beautiful young Danish singer Emma Acs who released her debut album Champagne in 2011.Dandelion is released online via iTunes, Spotify, TDCplay, Amazon as well as all the other usual s [..] > read more

The La's - Timeless Melody from deleted vinyl

Published on 2012-03-18 09:30:00

This is the deleted version of Timeless Melody ripped straight from the vinyl test pressing acetate in 1988. It got pulled from release.Most articles, books etc. list this as being produced by Jeremy Allom but the producer is in fact Mike Hedges.A later, differently mixed version appeared in 2010's Callin' All box set.This has never seen a formal release.javascript:void(0) > read more

The Orgone Box - Orgone Box - 2001

Published on 2012-03-14 10:27:00

Sheffield based multi instrumentalist and songwriter/producer Rick Corcoran, who plays nearly every instrument here, is the only member of the Orgone Box. He reportedly used four eight-track tape machines, a 32-channel mixing desk, three guitar amps, a half-dozen effects-laden guitars, and laid down guide drums to a click-track during the initial home-recording sessions. Later, during four days of overdubbing at a mansion called "the House in the Woods," Corcoran was aided by a couple of friends [..] > read more

David Myhr - Soundshine Pre-order now at Kool Kat!!

Published on 2012-03-12 11:06:00

ACCEPTING PRE-ORDERS NOW FOR AUTOGRAPHED COPIES!! WOW!!! David Myhr took his first steps into the music business with power pop legends The Merrymakers. After too many years of silence it was time to make his debut as a solo artist. The songs on "Soundshine" are representative of everything he stands for: melodic, well crafted pop music with a heart. If a thread of timelessness runs through The Beatles, Wings, Crowded House, Jellyfish, Fountains of Wayne, and The Feeling, his music appears at se [..] > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2012-03-10 08:10:00

Shhh... Don't Tell Anyone...A treat for all Power Pop Junkies that can only be found at PPO on Secret Saturdays! It may be old, it may be new but it is excellent and it will only be here on Saturdays! If you look for the link on Sunday it will be gone...Secret Saturdays! > read more

The Hazey Janes - Hotel Radio -2006

Published on 2012-03-06 06:26:00

A Scottish band that totally lives up the the hype and will amaze many of you. This UK only import is the real deal, a rich and original fusion of traditional folk and country rock, and American power-pop reminiscent of Big Star, The Jayhawks and Velvet Crush but also the UK style of Cosmic Rough Riders, has defined the bands sound as energetic and uplifting. That is all over the place here. Listening to the bands three-part harmonies will bring smiles to Not Lame Land. This one of the best pure [..] > read more

Zero Hour Records is going digital

Published on 2012-03-05 10:13:00

Zero Hour Records has decided to make some releases available on iTunes . So right now you can get the Devin Hill "Star" album with his second album "Wayout Lane" to follow. Both will be on iTunes as they were released. Zero Hour will be releasing a new Devin Hill mini album on iTunes aswell in the coming weeks, WOW! Also available is the Bleached Black "A Wrist Slashing Restrospective" which hasn't been available since 1985/1987. All the tracks have been remastered and sound great. They have [..] > read more

Dw Dunphy - Your Saturday Sins music video

Published on 2012-03-04 15:14:00

Music video for "Your Saturday Sins" featured on the release Reliquary, coming soon from Secret Decoder Records > read more

Bill Lloyd - Boy King of Tokyo Out now!

Published on 2012-03-04 06:31:00

Bill Lloyd has a new album available now on ITunes and through his websitebilllloydmusic.net. Just got mine yesterday and I can tell this will be in my rotation for a long time!From Bill LLoyd: "Hello friends, fans and followers of my musical endeavors..As you can see from the video above, Radney Foster and I have reunited to make the first album we've done in twenty years. Here, we are doing the title cut called, "It's Already Tomorrow" and it sure feels that way. Doing another project toge [..] > read more

Nerk Twins - Either Way - 1997

Published on 2012-03-01 06:31:00

This obscure jangle-pop duo has made a fine album that is, unfortunately, almost impossible to find, but well worth the effort. Out of thirteen songs, nine are gems. The disc opens with the sublime "What Does It Take?," and an ode to unrequited love that grabs you gently by the scruff of the neck and runs off with your heart. "Either Way" is an ode to actual requited love with a chord progression that Lennon and McCartney would have been proud to write. "2 Women" is a twisted country song about [..] > read more

HotSocky - HotSocky - 2003

Published on 2012-02-29 06:56:00

Formed in 2001 on Manhattan's Lower East Side, HotSocky's mission is to make rock'n roll fun again. By combining infectious melodies, raw guitar-drive and over-the-top stage presence, HotSocky stand out as the premier act in today's New York City rock scene. The band's stripped down power-pop incorporates crunching staccato guitars which give way to big, hooky choruses that inevitably stick in your head for weeks.Singer/guitarist Lattimer (formerly of Thin Lizard Dawn) creates the group's loud a [..] > read more

Mark Kleiner Power Trio - - 2002

Published on 2012-02-27 06:28:00

A power pop trio of the highest order, this group is intent on thriving on bubblegum pop riffs and cavity-inducing harmonies, particularly on "Beautiful Slide" and "Tivoli Park." Although this is Mark Kleiner's album in the fact he wrote most of the lyrics, the supporting cast of drummer Kurt Dahle and bassist Pete Mills is just as important in carrying the album's message of good times and fun. Some of the numbers work much better than others, notably "Love Tonight," which throws a slight curve [..] > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2012-02-25 06:00:00

Ultimate Fakebook - Open up and Say Awesome - 2002

Published on 2012-02-23 07:01:00

While This Will Be Laughing Week relied on three-chord riffs, Ultimate Fakebook's Open up and Say Awesome switches up the magnitude for a fresh punk-pop approach. The band is tight, far more than they've ever been, and the energy is infectious. Frontman Bill McShane is quick-mouthed, and songs like "Before You Leave" and the twangy cool of "Inside Me, Inside You" mosh around the likes and losses of love. "Wrestling Leap Year" is oddly similar to the riveting guitar rock of Killing Joke while sho [..] > read more

Baby Woodrose - New single online today

Published on 2012-02-20 08:11:00

Baby Woodrose have just finished recording their 6th studio album entitled Third Eye Surgery and release is set for April 16th. All Baby Woodrose albums have a different vibe and with Third Eye Surgery they have made their space rock album. For the first time Lorenzo Woodrose integrate the heavy psych of his side projects Dragontears and Spids Nøgenhat with the fine song writing of Baby Woodrose. No matter how much the fuzz guitar is wailing or the echo machine is tripping, there’s always a g [..] > read more

No Secret Saturday this week, but it will return next week

Published on 2012-02-18 06:00:00

> read more

The Andersons - Separated at Birth - 1998

Published on 2012-02-16 06:00:00

The Andersons are somewhat of a late-'90s power pop supergroup; featuring Derrick Anderson of Chewy Marble and Bob Anderson of Martin Luther Lennon, the band gained a substantial cult following with its colorful 1998 debut Separated at Birth. The gag here is that the three bandmembers, or three "Andersons" -- Bill, Bob, and Derrick -- are all brothers despite looking nothing alike. (Bob is pudgy and long-haired, Bill looks like your basic "indie kid," and Derrick, who is the only black member of [..] > read more

The Explorers Club are Checking into "The Grand Hotel"

Published on 2012-02-14 06:32:00

Imagine if Marc Eric recorded a second album.... Well this is it. The Explorers Club, after a long dry spell, have just released their follow up to Freedom Wind and it is stellar. Rich melodies with intense, dense harmonies and incredible lyrics, The Grand Hotel is a true "Wall of Sound". You have to hear this one for yourself! The production is clean and the arrangements inventive and lush. For anyone wondering where all the great vocal groups have gone, look no further than The Explorers Clu [..] > read more

The Merrymakers - Andrew's Store - 1997

Published on 2012-02-13 06:00:00

Andrew's Store assembles the Merrymakers' long-out-of-print early singles, dating back to 1992 and 1993; although the group's Swedish retro-pop is still in its formative stages, there's no denying the promising catchiness of songs like "Magic Circles," "Nobody There" and "I Won't Let You Down." -AMGMediafire > read more

New track from The Brigadier

Published on 2012-02-12 08:20:00

Here's a track from The Brigadier's forthcoming 5th album, 'Do you want me too?' It is pretty sweet. Looking forward to hearing the rest of the album.Brigadier official siteFacebookSoundcloud Reverbnation Do you want me too by the brigadier > read more

Joey Molland - This Way Up - 2001

Published on 2012-02-10 07:17:00

Joey Molland's group Badfinger was one of the great power pop bands of all time. Before the Raspberries, the Dwight Twilley Band, and other tunesmiths found the magic of energetic car radio melodies, Molland and crew led the way. This Way Up continues that work and is one of the best solo discs that ex-members of the Beatles never made. It bears repeating -- This Way Up contains the essence of what was great about those early solo Beatles albums, not surprising because Molland played on some of [..] > read more

Roger Joseph Manning Jr. - The Land Of Pure Imagination - 2006

Published on 2012-02-08 06:00:00

Sounding like the "lost" Jellyfish album, the record is produced by Manning and features the artist playing all the instruments on this tour-de-force. Solid State Warrior is a dazzler, a stylish, and intricately orchestrated slab of transcendent Pop, imbued by Manning`s keen artistic vision, sublime songwriting chops and blazing instrumental virtuosity. Opening with the hazy psychedelia of "The Land Of Pure Imagination" (a ringer for inclusion on the Charlie & The Chocolate Factory soundt [..] > read more

Seven Long Years - Chained to your love is now available on Bandcamp!

Published on 2012-02-06 13:26:00

The opening moments of "Don’t Break My Heart In Ink" make it very clear that 7 Long Years, the first solo project of Eric Knoxx (The Ratboys, Thee Martian Boyfriends) , is a Psychedelic/Dream Pop explosion . Layers of sound are stacked one by one until the songs are so full they have nowhere to go but outward in all directions, and holds true for most of Chained To Your Love. It's percussive, but pleasingly melodic cover to cover. It's not "all-sound-all-the-time", though. Song writer Eric [..] > read more

Superpop Paste(swe) - Superpop - 2001

Published on 2012-02-03 06:00:00

Thomas Johansson and Mikael Frithiof met for the first time in 1995 at a local music store in Halmstad. After becoming better acquainted, they discovered that they both lived on the same street, just a few doors away from each other.Thomas needed a guitar solo on one of his songs. That particular song turned out to be the first one Thomas and Mikael worked on together, and Paste(swe) was formed.Mikael and Thomas share many influences, from The Beatles to Depeche Mode. In the early days, their so [..] > read more

The Bottles - The Bottles - 2006

Published on 2012-02-02 06:00:00

Born in a basement in the woods of New Hampshire, The Bottles are about having fun making music. Yeah, some of the themes are heavy at times, but then, so are the times. The important thing is that it was FUN being heavy on occasion while writing these songs. We are Beatles fans all (hence the name The Bottles). The main ingredients to our misguided musical sense are humor (dark or otherwise), harmony, melody, and energy. The kind that only comes when four people who really enjoy making n [..] > read more

Taking a little time off

Published on 2011-06-28 06:00:00

Longtime readers of PPO will likely recall that I take a vacation every summer. That time is now. No Secret Saturdays, no posts, no music, no nothing for a while. Feel free to email me but I will be slow to respond to all of your e-mail questio > read more

THE LAUREATES, SPELLS, OUT TOMORROW, JUNE 28TH 2011:

Published on 2011-06-27 13:36:00

“Lo-fi, brash and loud as hell, the Chicago band's latest record proves that they can still write slick and sinister rock.”- AOL/ Spinner“The Laureates stick to their strengths – rough-and-tumble garage rock with a power pop sheen. The song > read more

The Caulfields - Fraud - 2000

Published on 2011-06-27 06:00:00

The Caulfields unreleased songs could have been A-side material for countless other bands! Nine tracks including the band's cover of Captain & Tennille's "Love Will Keep Us Together" and a 1993 recording of the Alvin & The Chipmunks Christmas > read more

The Boulevard Beat - "8-Track Breakdown

Published on 2011-06-26 06:48:00

The Boulevard Beat is a 4 piece Power pop band from L.A and O.C California. Kevin Lead Guitar/Vocals, Drew Guitar/Vocals, Johnny Bass/Vocals and Travis Drums. Formed in mid 2009 as The Boulevard Beat despite having played in several previous bands to > read more

Triggers - 18 FPS

Published on 2011-06-26 06:23:00

Buy the single on iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/18-fps-single/id442034493 > read more

Virginia Sisters - Last Pathetic Fool - 2005

Published on 2011-06-24 06:00:00

Virginia Sisters have a ragged but appealing Southern pop/rock charm about them, with the punchy "Dazzling Blue" setting things off on the right course à la Dan Baird or Georgia Satellites. The trio makes this a guitar rock track that seems perfect > read more

True Love - I Was Accident - 2003

Published on 2011-06-23 06:00:00

True Love's sophomore release and debut for No Lame Records, I Was Accident, features more of the band's sparkling power pop that plays like a split 7" between Elvis Costello and Cheap Trick. For fans of those bands this should be a good thing, even > read more

The Flaming Sideburns - Hallelujah Rock 'N' Rollah - 2001

Published on 2011-06-22 06:00:00

Released in 2001, Hallelujah Rock 'N' Rollah is the second full-length release by the Flaming Sideburns for Denmark's Bad Afro imprint. As the turn of the millennium revival of garage rock was brewing in Sweden, Finland's Flaming Sideburns were creat > read more

Size 14 - Size 14 - 1997

Published on 2011-06-21 06:00:00

With punk- inspired guitar- poppin' antics, Hollywood based SIZE 14 put out their debut CD in 1997. Named after the singer's shoe size, SIZE 14 - Linus (lead vocals, guitar), Kevin Danczak (guitar), Robt Ptak (bass, background vocals), Dave Armstrong > read more

Daryll-Ann - Renko - 1992

Published on 2011-06-20 06:00:00

Album debut by a promising band who had already introduced themselves to the Dutch independent music scene in 1991 via a small-scale EP release. Apparently they had a weak spot for the early-'80s police-story meets soap-opera Hill Street Blues, for t > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2011-06-18 06:44:00

Terry Anderson - I'll Drink to That - 2001

Published on 2011-06-17 06:00:00

The third album from multi-instrumentalist Anderson (drums, guitar, farfisa), a Nashville ex-patriot frustrated with the music city's commercial songwriting, is a loose and spirited affair, inspired by a memory of a Dave Edmunds concert that knocked > read more

The Pantookas - Salad - 1997

Published on 2011-06-16 07:35:00

The Pantookas is a band lead by sometime Phenomenal Cat Chris Richards. This 10 song CD is tight and radiant parade of sunshiny, front-mixed guitars and ooh-ahh harmonies in the Matthew Sweet (Girlfriend era), The Rembrandts-inspired school of deftly > read more

The Supahip - Seize The World - 2005

Published on 2011-06-15 06:00:00

The Supahip is the side project of noted Australian producer/songwriter Michael Carpenter and fellow tunesmith Mark Moldre. Intrigued by the idea of spontaneously creating music in this day and age of over thought, over wrought, and over produced mus > read more

Pulp - His 'N' Hers - 1994

Published on 2011-06-14 06:00:00

Pulp had been kicking around since 1981, but for all intents and purposes, their 1994 major-label debut, His 'n' Hers is their de facto debut: the album that established their musical and lyrical obsessions and, in turn, the album where the world at > read more

Cool Stuff from John Wicks For FREE!

Published on 2011-06-13 08:03:00

John Wicks, lead singer of The Records and co-writer of the hit songs Starry Eyes and Hearts In Her Eyes, has an idea he'd like to share.For the entire summer, John will be posting a free, rare demo or outtake every week on the band's Facebook fan pa > read more

Travoltas - Travoltas' Party - 2003

Published on 2011-06-13 06:00:00

Dutch power pop band the Travoltas have long had an admiration for the Beach Boys, and it comes to fruition on this clever homage to the Beach Boys Party! album, right down to the facsimile graphics, which mimic the look of the original. The music he > read more

The Red Button - As Far As Yesterday Goes + bonus disc

Published on 2011-06-12 08:30:00

YES!!!!! Seth Swirsky and Mike Ruekberg, are back with the eagerly anticipated, jangle-filled, top-notch song filled, second installment of The Red Button! In 2007, Shindig! Magazine hailed Seth and Mike as the new Power Pop Princes. We're happy t > read more

Timothy Nelson & The Infidels - Debut Album "I Know This Now"

Published on 2011-06-12 06:00:00

Timothy Nelson and the Infidels are proud to announce the release of their debut album ‘I Know This Now’. Earning themselves a reputation as “one of Perth’s must-see live acts” (Xpress Magazine), the last eighteen months has seen Nelson and > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2011-06-11 06:00:00

Looking For a Life - David Myhr from the forthcoming album Soundshine

Published on 2011-06-10 06:00:00

On June 1 the single "Looking for a Life" from David Myhr's album Soundshine was released on iTunes. Facebook fans get the single for free!Since the break-up of The Merrymakers, David has written songs by himself. However, on this particular song he > read more

The Untouchables - Wild Child - 1985

Published on 2011-06-09 06:00:00

In the mid-'80s in Southern California, the Untouchables almost single-handedly spearheaded the ska revival movement. Taking their cue from English bands like the English Beat and the Specials, the eight-piece Untouchables also brought in strains of > read more

The Grifters - Crappin' You Negative - 1994

Published on 2011-06-08 06:00:00

Among the best albums to come out of the '90s lo-fi D.I.Y. scene, Crappin' You Negative ebbs and flows on oceans of spliced and diced vocal melodies and noisy guitar effects. The band's songs are confessional and psychedelic in equal measure, though > read more

Roy Loney & the Phantom Movers - The Scientific Bombs Away!!! - 1988

Published on 2011-06-07 06:00:00

Interestingly, this record was released in Australia a few months before it was released in America, which gives you an indication of the peculiarities surrounding Loney's career. Nevertheless, this is a fine and funky record, drenched in echo and wi > read more

Gathering Field - Reliance - 1999

Published on 2011-06-06 06:00:00

Roots-rockers the Gathering Field formed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1994. Led by singer/guitarist Bill Deasy, the band, which also included guitarist Dave Brown, bassist Eric Riebling and drummer Ray DeFade, released its debut LP Lost in America > read more

King Louie's Missing Monuments - Painted White available 6/28

Published on 2011-06-05 05:57:00

King Louie first made a name for himself in the mid-90s with the seminal lo-fi garage band, the Persuaders. The Reatards, featuring a 17 year old Jay Reatard, opened for the Persuaders on the very first Reatards tour, King Louie even played drums w > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2011-06-04 06:00:00

The Paybacks - Harder and Harder - 2004

Published on 2011-06-03 06:00:00

Harder and Harder, the second album from Detroit's Paybacks, is a blistering collection of dirty, metallic garage rock songs. Fronted by the androgynous, whiskey-voiced Wendy Case -- who is easily the toughest chick in rock since the days when Joan J > read more

The Reigning Sound - Break Up Break Down - 2001

Published on 2011-06-02 06:00:00

Former Oblivians and Compulsive Gamblers frontman Greg Cartwright cools his boiling garage leanings to a simmer on the Memphis musician's debut with the Reigning Sound. It's all about the material on Break Up Break Down, and there are only scattered > read more

The Forty Fives - High Life High Volume - 2004

Published on 2011-06-01 06:00:00

High Life High Volume is an early vote-getter for Best Album Title of the Year. But it's also the Forty-Fives' strongest statement yet. Like that old Mono Men stuff, or any of the trashy garage types associated with Memphis' Shangri-La Records, the F > read more

The Spinanes - Strand - 1996

Published on 2011-05-31 06:00:00

Although Gates and Plouf still play almost everything on their second outing, they make things more interesting by fooling around with a greater variety of instruments (adding more keyboards particularly) and getting outside guest vocalists to harmon > read more

Lucky Bishops - Lucky Bishops - 2000

Published on 2011-05-30 06:00:00

Boasting a big, highly melodic psychedelic sound, the Lucky Bishops' debut shows a very ambitious and talented group of artists. Almost sounding like a British equivalent of an Elephant 6 band, the Lucky Bishops' craft texturally dense compositions t > read more

Stag - Paper Crown [EP] - 2011

Published on 2011-05-29 06:07:00

Stag is the kind of band that formed for exactly the right reason: because the five members found joy in making music together. If that seems simple, and old fashioned in a way, there was once a time when that was the only reason music was ever craft > read more

Fellow Power Popper Needs Help

Published on 2011-05-29 05:00:00

Can any one help with the name and artist of this song? > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2011-05-28 05:51:00

The Clarks - Let It Go - 2000

Published on 2011-05-27 06:00:00

Critics normally prefer an album to contain both good songs and bad songs -- it makes the album easier to review, since you can compare and contrast. So the Clarks' latest effort is kind of irritating. How can all 12 songs be such perfectly formed sl > read more

The Britannicas - Talkin' 'Bout Summer - The 3 sided single

Published on 2011-05-26 11:52:00

The Britannicas are very much 21st century men… fully embracing technology and a DIY attitude to make classic pop music. They’ve dispensed with the idea of being a traditional band allowing them to completely by-pass the music scene in their resp > read more

The Finkers - Double Back & Go - 2000

Published on 2011-05-26 06:00:00

The Finkers were a powerpop four piece from Sydney, Australia. Formed in 1998 around the nucleus of powerpop drummer/collector Mickster and pop producer Michael Carpenter. Their debut live show (July '99) was also the album launch for their debut alb > read more

Urge Overkill - Saturation - 1993

Published on 2011-05-25 06:00:00

When they hit the major labels, Urge Overkill followed through on their promise with the blistering Saturation. It's stadium rock by clever post-punkers who are smart enough to not let their carefully crafted image interfere with the music. Every one > read more

The Meows - At The Top Of The Bottom - 2005

Published on 2011-05-24 06:00:00

Third album from The Meows (Spain). Rock and roll with a heavy blues touch, a twist of punk spirit and atmosphere like recorded in 60's or 70's. Songs are presented very fresh and loose but still are made with eye for detail. Lot's of rocking guit > read more

The Badge - ...Digital Retro... - 1998

Published on 2011-05-23 06:00:00

Formed in 1997 by Jeff Slate, The Badge was immediately recognized amongst the throng of mod-leaning bands as the one to keep an eye on. Slate recruited three musicians he’d played with over the years and with whom he shared a musical and aesthetic > read more

The Connection - Stop Talking "EP"

Published on 2011-05-22 06:00:00

The Connection are a band Portsmouth, NH/Boston MA. Four Rock N Roll veterans (of The Guts/The Queers/Rydells/Red Invasion/Jonee Earthquake Band) have combined to form your new favorite band!They play stripped down '60s influenced Rock N Roll!.&l > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2011-05-21 06:00:00

Marc Teamaker - Lust For Wanda - 1998

Published on 2011-05-20 06:00:00

Marc Teamaker's gentle vocals and consummate guitar playing often draw comparisons to Todd Rundgren, Matthew Sweet and James Taylor. Although a relatively unknown artist outside of the East Coast, fans of melodic pop would do well to seek out the rec > read more

Asteroid No. 4 - King Richard's Collectibles - 2001

Published on 2011-05-19 06:00:00

Introducing... may have represented Asteroid No. 4's trip into druggy space rock, but its sophomore release is the band's ode to '60s garage. The "Psychedelphia" quintet's rock is stripped down from its effects-laden guitars, drawing from the likes o > read more

Squat the Condos - We Should Be Together

Published on 2011-05-18 07:33:00

A fun EP from Chicago's Squat the Condos. Give it a listen!Curty RayWe Should Be Together by Squat the Condos > read more

Ed James - Big Time - 2004

Published on 2011-05-18 06:00:00

Let's get one thing straight right off the bat...Ed James is the total package; a singer/ songwriter, and performer that grows leaps and bounds with each new release! His latest,"BIG TIME" leads off with the killer track "You And Whose Army",that is > read more

Tommy 16 - Rockin' Big Budda - 1997

Published on 2011-05-17 06:00:00

Born under the original moniker Hardy Nilsson, Tommy 16 brought on their influences of Teenage Fanclub and Big Star to their home country of Sweden. Consisting of Urban Holmberg (vocals/ guitar), Lars Hall (guitar /vocals), Jan Pettersson (guitar), N > read more

The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Origin, Vol. 1 - 2005

Published on 2011-05-16 06:00:00

Sweden's the Soundtrack of Our Lives have been swinging for the rock fences for a decade. Origin, Vol. 1, the band's second stateside-issued full-length, offers close, up-front proof of the inspiration for perseverance. These tracks are drenched with > read more

CHICAGO FAVORITES, THE LAUREATES ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF THEIR 2ND FULL-LENGTH ALBUM, SPELLS, DUE OUT JUNE 28TH, 2011

Published on 2011-05-15 08:51:00

Chicago rockers, THE LAUREATES announced that their second full-length album, Spells, will hit the streets June 28, 2011 on 12” vinyl on the band's own imprint, Funambulist Recording Company. In 2010, while the band recorded and released a cover > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2011-05-14 06:00:00

Sorry! Wrong links!

Published on 2011-05-14 05:54:00

I posted the wrong links for The Wake Ups. The links have been corrected . I apologize for any inconvenience.Curty Ray > read more

The Wake Ups - Wanna Meet the Wake Ups - 2002

Published on 2011-05-12 06:00:00

With feel-good power pop and snappy songwriting, the Wake Ups follow in the footsteps of acts like Big Star and Cheap Trick, but never make the mistake that many of their contemporaries fall prey to -- pop/punk. Nope, the Wake Ups maintain a crunchy, > read more

The Housemartins - London 0 Hull 4 - 1986

Published on 2011-05-11 06:00:00

Like a box of chocolate truffles with BBs hidden in them, a Housemartins album offers deceivingly simple and tuneful pop songs that are designed to cause you some discomfort once you start chewing on them. Singer and songwriter Paul Heaton sings with > read more

The Dentists - Behind the Door I Keep the Universe - 1994

Published on 2011-05-10 06:00:00

The Dentists on a major label? An American major label at that? Something not to be imagined, and yet such was the case when Behind the Door surfaced on EastWest in 1994. In some ways it's not so surprising -- after all, the Dentists' core strength w > read more

The Lemonheads - The Lemonheads - 2006

Published on 2011-05-09 06:00:00

Many bands break up at the right time, or at least a little past it, but the Lemonheads' disbandment seemed premature, particularly because it didn't seem like they officially broke up; they just faded away. For Lemonheads leader Evan Dando, it was a > read more

Fountains of Wayne sign to Yep Roc. New album SKY FULL OF HOLES available 8/2.

Published on 2011-05-08 06:35:00

Fountains of Wayne sign to Yep Roc, plan to release new album in August.Fountains Of Wayne's long-awaited new album, Sky Full Of Holes, will be released in the US on August 2 via Yep Roc Records. This is the acclaimed band's first new release since 2 > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2011-05-07 06:00:00

The Brandos - Honor Among Thieves - 1987

Published on 2011-05-06 06:00:00

A must for indie-rock fans! The Brandos play with great verve on this strong set of compositions. "Gettysburg," an anti-war song that spans three generations of loss has both passion and purpose. Further on, they cover John Fogerty's "Walk On The Wat > read more

The Crayons - What Color Are You? - 2002

Published on 2011-05-05 06:00:00

The Crayons first appeared as a boston based group around 1998. There was some recording and playing but the project was shortlived. Singer/ songwriter Keith Caruana took flight from Boston and after a short stay on the West Coast returned to his New > read more

Action Figures - Big Wonderful - 1992

Published on 2011-05-04 06:00:00

The Action Figures' debut posits the group as worthy inheritors of the power-pop tradition -- their sound is darker and more spare than most bands in the genre, resulting in a more immediately distinctive identity than usual, and while not all of the > read more

Teen Machine - After School Special - 2000

Published on 2011-05-03 06:00:00

The name of the band and the title of the album pretty much say all you need to know about this groovy Hollywood side project. For those who were born and grew up in the 1970s, watched Saturday morning cartoons religiously, sported feathered and blow > read more

Blue Cartoon - Blue Cartoon - 1998

Published on 2011-05-02 06:00:00

For fans of AM Pop of the 60's and 70's, listening to Blue Cartoon will be like a visit from an old friend. Their self-titled debut release favors timelessness over trend in a 14-song calling card deftly produced by 20/20's Ron Flynt. Press reviews d > read more

Sassy!!! Diggin' Deep on CD

Published on 2011-05-01 06:00:00

The hottest 2 piece female sensation out there featuring Lynda Mandolyn on guitar and vocals and Christa DiBiase on drums and vocals - Their amazing harmonies are mind blowing and can only be beat by their insane outfits!! Check it at http://press.ba > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2011-04-30 06:00:00

The Bristols - Introducing... - 1999

Published on 2011-04-29 06:00:00

Fabienne Delsol & Liam Watson’s garage supergroup featuring amongst it’s ranks Bruce Brand (Milkshakes/Headcoats) Owen Thomas (Graham Coxon Band/Cee Bee Beaumont) Parsley (The Adventures of Parsley / Dutronc / Dee Rangers) and the glorious vo > read more

Telstar Sound Drone 7" now out on Bad Afro

Published on 2011-04-28 09:50:00

Danish act Telstar Sound Drone have released "Mirror pieces" b/w "Golden needles" on Bad Afro on May 30Telstar Sound Drone formed in 2007 when Hans Beck convinced Mads Saaby to join him in a project called Les Aprés L’amour Sonnes, an artist col > read more

Billy Childish - In Blood - 1999

Published on 2011-04-28 06:00:00

An excellent addition to the catalog of British garage-punk, icon Billy Childish teams up here with chanteuse Holly Golightly of thee Headcoatees. Her group is the female companion to his legendary Headcoats, and the duo share a passion for the monot > read more

Phoenix - Untied - 2000

Published on 2011-04-27 06:00:00

The 2000 debut from the French band Phoenix gleefully combines the electronic- laced melodicism of their fellow countrymen Air with the sensibilities of 1980s UK pop (in the mode of China Crisis and Prefab Sprout) and imbues the results with a dance- > read more

New Kurt Baker Single "Why You Gotta Lie" OUT NOW!

Published on 2011-04-26 14:10:00

Hey all you crazy wild and cool funky people!Exciting news today! I've just released another brand new track called "Why You Gotta Lie". As it was with the last single I released, "Don't Steal My Heart Away", this tune was recorded by the awesome Jon > read more

Baby Woodrose, Mindblowing Seeds and Disconnected Flowers available now

Published on 2011-04-26 10:12:00

In 2011 it’s 10 years ago that Lorenzo Woodrose started his own label Pan Records and released the Baby Woodrose debut album Blows Your Mind. The album is still a favourite among many Baby Woodrose fans and along the years the album has sold almost > read more

The Jessica Fletchers - Less Sophistication - 2005

Published on 2011-04-25 06:00:00

The Jessica Fletchers' free-spirited, effervescent approach to indie pop, steeped in the influence of psychedelic and bubblegum pop groups of the 1960s (the Monkees, the Association), nods to the Bicycles, Tullycraft, and the Apples in Stereo. Origin > read more

FIRST ANNUAL POWER POP-A-LICIOUS! MUSIC FEST KICKS-OFF IN ASBURY PARK, NJ ON APRIL 30TH AND MAY 1ST

Published on 2011-04-24 06:00:00

CURATED BY POWER POP LEGEND PAUL COLLINS (THE NERVES, THE BREAKAWAYS, THE BEAT) POWER POP-A-LICIOUS! FEST TO FEATURE 19 RENOWNED AND UP & COMING POWER POP, GARAGE ROCK & PUNK-POP ACTS The first Power Pop-A-Licious music festival will ta > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2011-04-23 06:00:00

The Makes Nice - Candy Wrapper & Twelve Other Songs - 2007

Published on 2011-04-22 06:00:00

Don't let the frantic bash-and-crash opening of "California Sun," the first cut on the Makes Nice's debut album fool you -- for all their outward scruffiness, these guys are popmeisters of the first order, and by the time the third track, "Enough Is > read more

Flash and the Pan - Flash and the Pan - 1979

Published on 2011-04-21 06:52:00

Not exactly your mother's Easybeats, this debut from the Vanda/ Young side project found some seriously deranged songwriting, with quirky but attention-grabbing music peppered with pointy, strange lyrics. A soundtrack for the dark side of the moon th > read more

The Candyskins - Fun? - 1993

Published on 2011-04-20 06:00:00

Fun? is the second album from the Oxford- based quintet featuring brothers Nick and Mark Cope on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, respectfully. Released in 1993, Fun? is written entirely by the Cope brothers, along with lead guitarist Nick Burton, and > read more

PPO turns 3!

Published on 2011-04-19 06:08:00

I just realized that Power Pop Overdose has turned 3! I am amazed. Thanks to everyone for helping keep PPO going.Curty Ray > read more

Freddy - Things You Never Thought I'd Say - 2003

Published on 2011-04-19 06:00:00

Freddy's influences are under the surface, a mix of old and new. From the Beatles to Elton John to Marvin Gaye to Oasis, the result is fresh and captivating. Country music influences from childhood battle with Britpop influences from Freddy's years o > read more

The Chevelles - Girl God - 2002

Published on 2011-04-18 10:57:00

Sharing the writing duties, lead singers Adrian Allen and Duane Smith come across as the Fastball from down under. Sweet guitar hooks steering a tight rhythm section kick off "Every Moment," and from there on, every moment on this album brims with po > read more

The Routes - Alligator out now on Dirty Water Records

Published on 2011-04-17 07:53:00

There’s a huge number of great bands in Japan right now and one of the best is right here, right now on Dirty Water Records. With a sound that’s tough, breakneck yet soulful, there’s also real proper tunes coming from this trio. Yeah, this is f > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2011-04-16 06:41:00

Record Store Day at Kool Kat

Published on 2011-04-15 09:24:00

Saturday, April 16, marks the fourth annual "Record Store Day" at independent record stores throughout the US and the rest of the world. It is a day that retailers hope will draw both loyal and new customers to celebrate the indie record store and > read more

The Waterboys - Fisherman's Blues - 1988

Published on 2011-04-14 06:16:00

Mike Scott had been pursuing his grandiose "big music" since he founded the Waterboys, so it came as a shock when he scaled back the group's sound for the Irish and English folk of Fisherman's Blues. Although the arena-rock influences have been toned > read more

Taking off for a while

Published on 2011-03-25 07:38:00

Well work is getting in the way again and I will be gone for a week or so. If you have any problems, requests or concerns, you can contact me at powerpopoverdose@gmail.com.LaterCurty Ray > read more

The Lolas - Something You Oughta Know - 2004

Published on 2011-03-24 06:00:00

Something You Oughta Know doesn't stray far from the immaculate bubblegum/jangle pop assault of the Lolas' previous releases. The Alabama combo are high-scoring students of the genre, and each heady blend of tight Byrds-like harmonies and Cheap Trick > read more

Kurt Baker NEW SINGLE "Don't Steal My Heart Away" Promo Vid

Published on 2011-03-23 09:51:00

Which is OUT NOW and available for .99 cents on the following sites! “Don’t Steal My Heart Away” AVAILABLE NOW on iTunes“Don’t Steal My Heart Away” AVAILABLE NOW on AMAZON.com“Don’t Steal My Heart Away” AVAILABLE NOW on BANDCAMP.com > read more

The Kooks - Konk - 2008

Published on 2011-03-22 06:00:00

The Kooks' debut album, Inside In/Inside Out, was a sleeper success story, going on to sell a whopping two million copies. It was a fabulous set, but their follow-up, Konk, wipes the floor with it. The title takes its name from Ray Davies' studio, wh > read more

The Bad Detectives - Get Hip - Let Rip - 2006

Published on 2011-03-21 07:04:00

The Bad Detectives are a bunch of unlikely musical heroes from the West Country in Great Britain. They write and perform their own material with diverse influences ranging from 60's Brit-pop and kitch 50's novelty tunes. The result is an eclectic col > read more

New single "Daybreak" from City Reign released

Published on 2011-03-20 06:47:00

The song writing pair Chris Bull (Vocals/Guitar) and Michael Grice (Guitar) met four years ago at a Ryan Adams concert, having both recently moved north from London. Having spent years writing and playing in bands going nowhere, the two met Michael G > read more

Frosting relaeases new single Katrina Wells

Published on 2011-03-20 06:23:00

A refreshing take on rock music in todays oversaturated world of cookie cutter bands, fledgling indie projects and one trick ponies, FROSTING delivers a mesmerizing blend of styles, rooted in the rock genre. From hook-laden pop songs to moody, intros > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2011-03-19 07:30:00

The Freddy Jones Band - Waiting for the Night - 1993

Published on 2011-03-18 06:00:00

The Freddy Jones Band's debut album, Waiting for the Night, infuses a bluesy, jam-band sound with Southern rock tendencies. "Take the Time" opens the record with a rolling acoustic guitar lick suitable for a summer drive with the top down. "The Puppe > read more

NEW! "Don't Steal My Heart Away" Single OUT NOW!

Published on 2011-03-17 06:13:00

Kurt Baker's new track is called "Don't Steal My Heart Away" and it picks up just were the Leftovers left off! Recorded by the amazing Jon Wyman , the track features some amazing performances by Geoff Useless, Craig Sala, Josh Malia, Kris "Fingers" R > read more

Buster - Buster - 1977

Published on 2011-03-16 06:50:00

.. In May 1976, Buster released their debut single "Sunday" in England. The band were marketed as the new 'teeny bop' sensations and the record was an immediate success with their young fans although, as rock musicians, the boys felt uncomfortable wi > read more

David Mead - Mine and Yours - 2001

Published on 2011-03-14 06:00:00

With his sophomore release, the Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne) produced Mine and Yours, David Mead proves that his stellar 1999 debut, The Luxury of Time, was no fluke. And while there's nothing here as immediately irresistible as, for instanc > read more

the commander / When I Lay My Burden Down album release

Published on 2011-03-13 06:59:00

the commander is the new musical guise of Peder Claesson from Sweden.Discerning music lovers will remember Claesson as the drummer and chief songwriting force behind The Motorhomes, architects of two of the finest albums to usher in the 21st century, > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2011-03-12 06:00:00

Carus Thompson upcoming CD release and tour

Published on 2011-03-11 06:19:00

The CARAVAN ALBUM Launch Tour hits the UK this week. Carus & his band will be in London this FRI 11th at THE HALF MOON in Putney. Tix from www.halfmoon.co.uk. They’ll also play in Pymouth (Thur), Macclesfield (Sat) and at THE JAZZ BAR in EDINBU > read more

Will Kimbrough - This - 2000

Published on 2011-03-10 06:00:00

This opens with the majestic, Matthew Sweet-circa-100% Fun "Closer to the Ground." But the album's tone changes throughout, making for a varied, eclectic ride. The airy "Chimayo" comes with shadings of Burt Bacharach, breezy harmonies, and muted trum > read more

Electric & Eclectic Rarities: Volume 1 (free with any order over $30)

Published on 2011-03-09 07:33:00

Popboomerang Records are proud of our present you with this album “Electric & Eclectic rarities", a collection of hard to find or previously unavailable tunes from our roster of Popboomerang bands. Melodic guitar pop is a medium rarely well > read more

Tommy Womack - Circus Town - 2002

Published on 2011-03-09 06:00:00

In an era where the Regular Guy has either been ferreted out of rock & roll or turned so earnest as to be practically unrecognizable, it's good to have someone like Tommy Womack around. Womack (who previously worked with the bands Government Chee > read more

The Insomniacs - Out Of It! - 1997

Published on 2011-03-08 06:50:00

New Jersey's mod power pop trio the Insomniacs formed in English- town in 1989 when their previous incarnation, the Tea Club, fizzled out after a year of rehearsals and infrequent gigs. By 1991, the group, made up of brothers David Wojciechowski (bas > read more

Michael Carpenter - Kings Road - 2003

Published on 2011-03-07 07:06:00

After four albums in which he tackled either most or all of the instruments himself, Australian pop prodigy Michael Carpenter has finally jumped into the deep end and formed a band, and miraculously he's actually been able to improve his work in the > read more

Published on 2011-03-06 06:00:00

Got this this weekBaby Woodrose is now on Bandcamp Here you can listen to songs from all the Baby Woodrose albums as well as Lorenzo Woodrose sideprojects like Dragontears and Spids Nøgenhat. Also, the three very rare Pandemonica albums and the 12 > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2011-03-05 06:00:00

The Semantics - Powerbill - 1993

Published on 2011-03-04 06:00:00

Cult albums are often a bit of a double-pronged fork: they're often "cult" because of elitist music fans or because the music is just so good that even if it's unreleased -- or only released in, say, Japan -- it manages to strike a chord with just th > read more

Los Immediatos - Second Chance - 2008

Published on 2011-03-03 06:00:00

Toledo (Spain) based 4-piece is back with their 2nd lomgplayer, now on another italian label, Teen Sound (the 1st one was on For Monsters)!! 11 tracks in best Sixties style, super authentic & well played. Imagine a mix of spanish beat, US Nuggets > read more

David Myhr “Got you where he wanted” out now!

Published on 2011-03-02 06:44:00

David Myhr (formerly of The Merrymakers) gives us his new single "Got You Where He Wanted" from his new album Soundshine due out later this year. How cool is that?More information can be found on David's official website - http://davidmyhr.com > read more

Tommy Tutone - National Emotion - 1983

Published on 2011-03-02 06:00:00

Tommy Tutone were an early-'80s power pop band led by vocalist Tommy Heath and guitarist Jim Keller. The group's first single, 1980's "Angel Say No," scraped the bottom of the American Top 40, yet it was 1981's "867-5309/Jenny" that sent the group to > read more

The Giant Robots - Too Young To Know Better. Too Hard To Care! - 2006

Published on 2011-03-01 06:00:00

The Giant Robots are a Rock’n’Roll band and are ready to conquer the World. Born in February 1996 (or was it in 1966 ?), the Giant Robots have already done many gigs in their hometown Lausanne, all around Switzerland, Italy and Germany and they > read more

Paul Melancon - Camera Obscura - 2002

Published on 2011-02-28 06:00:00

Paul Melancon has managed to pull off something rather extraordinary with the aptly titled Camera Obscura. Indeed, he offers listeners a series of pop music snapshots, each having a unique allusion to something that is not at all obvious to the naked > read more

Taking a little time off

Published on 2011-02-22 13:34:00

I'm taking a few days off , see ya in a few.CR > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2011-02-19 06:34:00

The Giljoteens - Get A Head - 2004

Published on 2011-02-18 06:00:07

Swedish garage punk bands are known worldwide to be on top. Since the mid eighties garage invasion we've heard some of the best acts from their cool north lands: StomachMouths, Crimson Shadows, Wylde Mammoths, Backdoor Men,(early) Creeps etc..This is > read more

Ambershades - Clap Clap Clap - 2003

Published on 2011-02-16 07:30:32

If it weren't writ large in black and white you'd have trouble believing this gem to be a debut single. For a start, Ambershades Clap Clap Clap presents the talents of vocalist Davey La, who instantly reminds of Julian Casablancas.And the Americana m > read more

Ian Gomm - Summer Holiday - 1978

Published on 2011-02-15 06:00:00

The British version of the U.S. Gomm With the Wind album, Summer Holiday boasts one of the best sleeves on the era, a collection of happy snapshots presumably taken on the Gomm family's last summer vacation, and alive with all the thrills and spills > read more

The French Kicks - One Time Bells - 2002

Published on 2011-02-14 07:09:00

On their debut full-length One Time Bells, the French Kicks polish and expand on the endearingly messy post-punk of their previous work, opting for sculpted hooks and eclectic arrangements instead of garage rock bluster. Like their labelmates the Wal > read more

Sorry - PPO is currently experiencing technical difficulties

Published on 2011-02-12 08:14:00

Sorry, no Secret Saturday today! PPO is currently experiencing technical difficulties, we are working quickly to get things back to normal. > read more

Thee Jenerators - The Kids Are Not Alright - 2007

Published on 2011-02-11 06:00:00

Thee Jenerators are a high octane rock n roll band very exciting live with sharp melodic songs drawing on influences from the 50’s 60’s and 70’s which include freakbeat and soul sounds to power pop and rockabilly. this is their new set of songs > read more

The Immediates - Tailor Made Cut - 2006

Published on 2011-02-10 06:00:00

WOW! Sounding like they could've been on Andrew Oldham's great Immediate label back in the late 60's, this is top notch guitar and Hammond fueled Mod/garage pop rock outta France! The band formed in 1995 out of the gathering of musicians coming from > read more

The Hell Yeahs - The Hell Yeahs - 2004

Published on 2011-02-09 06:00:00

There's something about a band that has swagger and attitude, but when the music to back it up, there's something special there. The Hell Yeahs do a better job at bringing low down dirty rawk 'n' roll to the masses than The Murder City Devils. The He > read more

Jet City - Tempus Fugit - 2002

Published on 2011-02-08 06:00:00

Very impressive 80's Brit-inspired (riffy, crunchy) garage pop vibe going on here (also early Smithereens -like at times) that's chock full of catchy songs, lots of tasty guitars and spirited delivery! Features "Radio" - the best song the Lemon Piper > read more

Chixdiggit - Chixdiggit - 1996

Published on 2011-02-07 06:00:00

This completely sticks out in comparison to the entire back catalog of SubPop. Instead of experimental indie rock or moody grunge, what we have here is obnoxiously happy pop-punk. With songs like "Henry Rollins Is No Fun" and "I Wanna Hump You," it's > read more

Sleeping Dervish - Water Scared

Published on 2011-02-06 08:11:00

Got this in my emai! EnjoyCurty Ray "Sleeping Dervish is a rock/pop-constellation with three members located in three different cities. Vocalist and guitarist Gustaf Classon lives in Linköping, the drummer Vanja Hadzic in Aneby (more like a vi > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2011-02-05 06:00:00

Cool Jerks - Cleaned a Lot of Plates in Memphis - 2002

Published on 2011-02-03 06:00:00

With a lineup that features former members of such seminal noisemakers as the Oblivians and the Neckbones, it should come as little surprise that Cool Jerks flat-out rock. No ham-fisted critical pigeonholing, carefully chosen faux-vintage clothing, o > read more

Cornershop - When I Was Born for the 7th Time - 1997

Published on 2011-02-02 06:00:00

When I Was Born for the 7th Time is a remarkable leap forward for Cornershop, the place where the group blends all of their diverse influences into a seamless whole. Cornershop uses Indian music as a foundation, finding its droning repetition similar > read more

Awesome Color - Awesome Color - 2006

Published on 2011-02-01 06:00:00

Awesome Color is a power trio from Brooklyn but their original and spiritual home is in the Midwest; the Midwest where drums sound like they're pounded with tree limbs, where angry, ugly guitars and snarled, over-amped vocals rule the day, and the St > read more

Age Of Jets - Go Go Gadget Pop - 2004

Published on 2011-01-31 06:00:00

The debut album from Hull, England five-piece electro-hardcore pop band Age Of Jets. Formed while drunk during a power outage at the Adelphi Club in Hull, the band brings it popping, rhythmic, and fun. Have been favorably compared to Clinic, Human Le > read more

RICHARD X HEYMAN’S TIERS/AND OTHER STORIES,

Published on 2011-01-30 07:21:00

RICHARD X HEYMAN’S TIERS/AND OTHER STORIES, TWO SEPARATE ALBUMS PACKAGED TOGETHER, CONTINUE INDIE ARTIST’S WORLD-CLASS POP SONG CRAFT April 19 releases are next step in the evolution of what RollingStone.com called “hooks galore and ebul > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2011-01-29 07:23:00

Van Duren - Idiot Optimism - 1999

Published on 2011-01-28 06:00:00

Van Duren was part of the early Memphis power pop scene that spawned the legendary Big Star, and made several underexposed, small-label records during the late '70s. Duren began playing in bands at the age of 13 in 1966 and attended high school with > read more

New Duncan Imperials - In-A-Gadda-Da-Vegas - 1997

Published on 2011-01-27 06:00:00

Chicago trash-rockers the New Duncan Imperials comprised guitarist Pigtail Dick, bassist Skipper Zwakinov and drummer Mr. Goodtime Dammit finally return to the studio and churn out 14 new blockbuster gems, including "Potato Chicks," Pathetica," "Sex > read more

The Goldstars - Purple Girlfriend - 2006

Published on 2011-01-26 06:00:00

Having honed their act through tireless performances and ample roadwork, “Purple Girlfriend” finds The Goldstars at the top of their musical game. Bassist and vocalist Sal is at his primal, swaggering best on revved-up cuts like ‘DMV’ and ‘ > read more

Paul Collins Kicks Off MIdwest Tour Feb 18th!

Published on 2011-01-25 13:31:00

PAUL'S MIDWEST TOUR WILL ALSO FEATURE SPECIAL GUESTS THE HALF RATSPAUL COLLINS (one of the originators of the high-energy sound known as Power Pop and co-founder of THE NERVES, THE BREAKAWAYS and THE BEAT) will be kicking off a Midwest tour on Feb > read more

The Gris Gris - The Gris Gris -2004

Published on 2011-01-25 06:00:00

The Gris Gris' striking self-titled debut album is made all the more captivating by the fact that the band's music isn't easy to categorize: There's enough snarling, stomping rock on it that the band could be very loosely tied in with the waning gara > read more

Hi-Fives - The Hi-Fives and a Whole Lotta You - 1997

Published on 2011-01-24 06:00:00

Green Day introduced a new generation of punk rockers to the raucous joys of the early '60s Kinks, updating the groovy beats, massive choruses, and solid hooks of the British Invasion bands with a welcomed dose of adrenaline and a bit of '90s snar > read more

Readymade Breakup - Available now!

Published on 2011-01-23 06:41:00

This is some damn fine Rock & Roll! Described as Replacements meets Wings (Jezz Harkin, BreakThru Radio) and NJ's Kings of Power Pop (Jim Testa, Jersey Beat), Readymade Breakup is a good fit for PPO. The album was released December 20th. ww > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2011-01-22 06:00:00

The Cuts - From Here on Out - 2006

Published on 2011-01-21 06:00:00

These days, the world is full of misguided youngsters who love the 1970s for all the wrong reasons (regrettable clothing, bad television shows, cut-rate animated cartoons), but the Cuts are one band of twenty-somethings who clearly understand what wa > read more

Head Automatica - Popaganda - 2006

Published on 2011-01-20 06:00:00

If the stylish realms of Decadence were perfect for late nights full of dancing and questionable other activities, Popaganda is Head Automatica's appropriately titled answer to those subsequent afternoons spent hanging out in the warm sun. Head Autom > read more

The Dead 60's - The Dead 60's - 2005

Published on 2011-01-19 06:00:00

The 1960s may be dead for this Liverpool quartet, but the 1980s are alive and well. The opening track sets the scene: For the first few seconds, you'd swear it was Gang of Four--by way of Franz Ferdinand--with that angular, yet bouncy guitar attack, > read more

The Fizzies - Contest Popularity - 2007

Published on 2011-01-18 06:00:00

To put it simply, the Fizzies are pretty much awesome. To expand upon that, the Fizzies- an LA-based band proud to represent East Hollywood- have one-upped the resurgence of jellies, tights, and legwarmers by channeling some 80’s icons like the Car > read more

Jude Cole - A View from 3rd Street - 1990

Published on 2011-01-17 06:40:00

Adding a little tougher sound, A View From 3rd Street finds Jude Cole cranking out the tunes that should've been on the radio, but with the exception of the hit "Baby It's Tonight," very few of them were. Great pop well done is what lies here with su > read more

Published on 2011-01-16 06:00:00

Midnight Callers are a fine example of young kids playing true to the power pop genre. Songs filled with harmonies, stories of love and loss, and upbeat fun pop music! With energetic live shows for all ages, the Midnight Callers are guaranteed to put > read more

City Reign - New ingle "Out In The Cold" to be released Jan. 31st

Published on 2011-01-16 06:00:00

Having been tipped by Steve Lamacq for great things at 2010’s In The City Festival,CITY REIGN kick off the year with a dose self assured guitar rock with second single ‘Out InThe Cold’ through the band’s indie label ‘Car Boot Records’ on > read more

Heartjet - Goodbye Stan [EP] - 2010

Published on 2011-01-16 06:00:00

Heartjet’s digital only EP Goodbye, Stan introduces a new finnish power pop band/duo. There certainly aren’t too many of those around nowadays and therefore I’m obviously excited about the fact that there’s a new power pop band in the country > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2011-01-15 06:00:00

Yura Yura Teikoku - Sweet Spot - 2005

Published on 2011-01-14 06:00:00

Yura Yura Teikoku have experienced about as much success as an underground rock group can in their native Japan. Their following has grown steadily in the almost 20 years since they began as a four-piece, psychedelic garage band, despite enduring cou > read more

The Neatbeats - Far and Near - 2000

Published on 2011-01-13 06:00:00

The Neatbeats are Japan's number one beat band, and with this debut opus, it's easy to see why. Quite simply, this is one great little band with a whole lotta heart and some great originals from lead singer/lead guitarist Takashi "Mr. Pan" Manabe. Th > read more

The Squeaks - The Squeaks - 2005

Published on 2011-01-12 06:00:00

Obscure Punk/ Poppers, The Squeaks self titled debut delivers tight and hard and groovy power pop, punk and rock and roll songs that are sure to please everyone! Formed in 2001 in Kobe Japan, these guys are fun and not to be missed. Mediafi > read more

The Playmates - Listen - 2003

Published on 2011-01-11 06:00:00

This Japanese pop band has released an excellent CD featuring razor sharp, hit `em fast `n hard buzz pop songs that hit and run their way to your heart.... the inspirational source for about half the songs is a Ramones meets Permanent Green Light and > read more

The Oranges - Bomb! - 2006

Published on 2011-01-10 07:02:00

The Oranges, from Tokyo, Japan, formed in 1997. A few years earlier, lead vocalist /guitarist Jeff Orange had decided to name his next band after the Anthony Burgess novel Clockwork Orange (and the motion picture directed by Stanley Kubrick). The iro > read more

The Original Cowards - Are You There?

Published on 2011-01-09 07:36:00

Like The Replacements, The Original Cowards play tuneful rock with a loose, bar-band feel. Crand hopes that bits of their many influences shine through in their own material. "We love bands like Guided By Voices, Television, The Kinks, the Sonics, Th > read more

Secret Saturday!!

Published on 2011-01-08 07:54:00

Befour Three O'Clock - Happen Happened - 1992

Published on 2011-01-05 06:00:00

In March 1981, South Bay, CA, teenager Michael Quercio formed the Salvation Army, a punky, psych-influenced garage band that took most of its stylistic and musical cues from Lenny Kaye's Nuggets anthology. Before the year was out, the Salvation Army > read more

Another Top 10 -- This one is in video format

Published on 2011-01-04 09:41:00

Aaron Kupferberg from Powerpopaholic sent this one! Thanks Aaron for this and all your hard work through out the year. > read more

Rich Rossi gives PPO his Top 10

Published on 2011-01-03 10:40:00

Years ago while attending art school Rich spent many hours listening to XTC, The Records, The Heats, Plimsouls and other powerpop bands of that time. Many childrens books, greeting cards and website designs later he finds himself (quite by accident) > read more

The 2010 Top 10 à la Eric Knox

Published on 2011-01-02 10:11:00

Once again great friend of PPO and "The Man With The White Jaguar", Axe-Man Eric Knox, is sharing his 2010 Top Ten again! I wait for his list from the minute January begins and it is always fun and interesting to see his choices from the music of 201 > read more

Happy New Year from PPO

Published on 2011-01-01 06:00:00

Happy New Year to all of our readers, and to your friends and family members.On behalf of PPO, we wish you all a Happy New Year and hope that 2011 brings you much success and happiness with everything you do. Curty RayPower Pop OverdoseNew Year Surp > read more

Mick's Picks 2010 - Poptimized

Published on 2010-12-31 06:00:00

Music journalist and psychedelic poster artist Mick Dillingham has once again honored PPO with his top picks for 2010. You can read more from Mick at his brilliant site "Art Into Dust". Filled with music, interviews and great insight, it is worth > read more

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