Eytan Mirsky - Get Ready for Eytan! - 1999

Why a major label didn't jump at the chance to release an album as fantastic as "Get Ready For Eytan" is beyond me. When the charts (and used bins) are filled with second-rate artists playing third-rate music and acts like Mirksy cant get arrested, you know that something smells fishy in Hitsville. From the opener, "Out Of Sight", it's obvious that Mirsky enjoys the hell out of what he's doing, and it's easy to fall for his care-free, spirited music. Part Nick Lowe and part Jonathan Richman, Mirsky takes his craft seriously while having a whole lot of fun with it. With a quiver in his voice, Mirsky sounds as confident as he does innocent and wide-eyed. Though he doesn't rip off the past as liberally as Lowe once did, he does sprinkle his songs with just enough musical references to keep you guessing. "What Do I Do?" mixes an early Beatles guitar hook with an upbeat alt-country groove. "Allergic To Fun" sounds like a cool surf band covering a Violent Femmes song for a 'Beach Blanket' movie. "Found" is a heartfelt country ballad that is far too intelligent for the country market. "Record Collection", inspired by the book 'High Fidelity', speaks to all of us nerdy music types (though I take offence at Mirsky's continual put-down of ELO). All in all, a fabulous collection of pop songs without one bad apple in the bunch. -AMG




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The Tattle Tales - Hearts In Tune - 2006

Pop punk: Its a faux pas in some punk circles, where most minds are closed tighter than the eyes of someone suffering chronic conjunctivitis. But for those who can look past the pejorative connotations, pop music needn't feel like a guilty indulgence. This is the philosophy of The Tattle Tales. While some are happy to discount the great pop bands that have littered the musical landscape over the last 50 odd years, The Tattle Tales embrace bands like the Beach Boys, the Zombies, Elvis Costello, Green Day and Weezer with their collective arms and pause with them in a heart-warming group hug thats a little bit cloy, but never uncomfortable for anyone. The Tattle Tales have already released two albums, 'Sometimes Magic Sounds A Lot Like Tape', and their sophomore effort 'Get Snappy.' Now with their feet firmly planted on common ground, they're ready to release their third long player, Hearts In Tune, upon the world. The Tattle Tales are destined for stardom and many hit songs, but as long as they're writing tunes and playing shows, that's all they really need. Over the course of their existence, The Tattle Tales have embarked on a series of self-financed tours and shared the stage with a slew of big important bands. We could crap on about that here, but that would give the impression they're overly-idealistic, self-involved and sycophantic. But they're not wankers, so we wont.



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Gentleman Jesse & His Men - Live on The Cherry Blossom Clinic

Paul Collins joined forces with Gentleman Jesse to go out on the road for 10 shows in the South/Mid West/East Coast starting January 24th at The Earl in Atlanta Georgia! Paul met Jesse when they performed together this past summer in Atlanta at The Earl and also at the Wildweekend Power Pop Festival in Austin Texas. The two become fast friends and started their own mutual admiration society. This led to Jesse offering to not only organize a tour but also assemble the backing band for Paul,(recently relocated to NYC) using members from his own group Gentleman Jesse. Once the ball got rolling Get Hip, Paul's US label, has come on board to lend a hand in securing dates and promotion at press and radio. Gentleman Jesse opened the concerts performing songs from his releases on Douchemaster Records and Rob's House, two Atlanta based labels and then Paul Collins took the stage to perform songs from his entire recorded output in support of his latest release Ribbon of Gold (Get Hip) and also the stunning new release "One Way Ticket" of his first band The Nerves (Alive Records). The tour culminated with this live broadcast on WFMU on The Cherry Blossom Clinic with Terre T, February 7th!.

Mediafire

Highland Crawler / Blackhole / If I Can See You / Butterfingers / All I Need Tonight (Is You) / Word Gets Around / I Don't Wanna Know Where You've Been Tonight / Put Your Hands Together

Head over to the great Power Pop Criminal$ site to get the other half of the broadcast featuring The Paul Collins Beat!

Rich Creamy Paint - Rich Creamy Paint - 1999

Rich Creamy Paint is the brainchild of the multi-talented Rich Painter, who plays all of the instruments himself on his eponymous first record. Tracks like "You Make Me Laugh" and "High School" are pleasant pop ditties in the style of Matthew Sweet or the Blake Babies. Although much of the album is very similar, making it hard to differentiate one song from another at times, the effort is surprisingly solid for a first time effort. The bright studio sheen, courtesy of John Mark Painter, makes these tracks go down quite nicely. This is optimistic, happy music for teenagers, a genre that has not been explored by a rock band in some time. But unlike Hanson, these songs don't need goofy lyrics to speak to teenagers on their own level. Fans of good pop music, as well as younger listeners looking for an optimistic soundtrack to their teen years, should find this album. They will not be disappointed. -AMG



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Overwhelming Colorfast - Two Words - 1994

One of the more notable of the many early- to mid-'90s indie rock bands that made a career of mining the Husker Dü/Bob Mould/Sugar melodic hardcore vein, Overwhelming Colorfast was at its best on 1994's Two Words. Led by the full-throated vocals of singer/guitarist Bob Reed, Overwhelming Colorfast does little to expand on the basic formula but delivers a potent slice of emotionally powerful guitar rock nonetheless. Unlike some later emocore bands that concentrated on the more progressive, alternative rock-leaning elements of the style, Overwhelming Colorfast is a bit truer to the simpler, straight-ahead punk sound of early, Metal Circus and New Day Rising-era Husker Dü. Like most other Hüsker-influenced bands, though, Reed and company focus almost entirely on the Bob Mould side, and have little of the power pop and '60s AM radio sensibility that made Grant Hart so interesting. The musicanship on Two Words is appropriately ragged and energetic, with drummer Dan Reed's powerful, Dave Grohl-esque skin bashing giving the band's sound a weighty authority. Overall, the album suffers from somewhat unfocused, repetitive songwriting, but remains enjoyable due to undeniably passionate delivery and a hefty dose of monster riffs. -AMG



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Ed James - PopRocket - 2003

"Meet Ed James!," the title of his first record screamed. "The debut CD by America's Phenomenal Pop Sensation!" And it was -- a debut, anyway. As a pop purist working alone, Ed James pumped the album full of every idea that had ever burbled from the bottom of his sticky bubblegum brain. In other words, he could have used an editor. While he returns as producer, performer, and general main brain behind Poprocket, James' energy is more focused, and his songwriting is stronger. It's more of a unified power pop record, as opposed to a hodgepodge of influences. And besides, there are some just plain spectacular songs here. "Rocketship" wraps a "Dream Police" synth hook around the nose of the peppy title vehicle and buries the Fun-O-Meter needle thoroughly in the red -- it could be the theme music for a groovy space-based cartoon not yet invented. James' joy is pretty darn addicting; he sounds like Superchunk's Mac McCaughan trying to sing Sweet songs on a sugar high. He has no time for ballads, either. "C'mon C'mon," "Selling Out," and the cool garage-pop pound of "Trippin' on Your Love" fill up the album's middle with giddy and gritty guitar lines, boisterous choruses, and more Monkees references than the city zoo. There is a hollow, home-computer quality to Poprocket's production, and this can detract a bit from what James is trying to do. But in a way it's also a boon, since it gives the album an air of instant gratification. It doesn't have any roots, so you need to enjoy it right now, and not think too much while you are. -AMG



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Spoon - Telephono - 1996

Amped-up acoustic guitars, jumpy song structures, and punk attitude combine in Telephono, the debut album from Austin's Spoon. Their girl-boy harmonies, spiky guitars, and soft-loud dynamic shifts recall the Pixies, and barring Kim Deal and Frank Black's reconciliation, Telephono is the next best thing to a reunion by that group. Short, energetic bursts like "Don't Buy the Realistic" and "Claws Tracking" have a raw, angry attitude missing in most alternative and indie music today, and the group's quieter moments like "Cvantez" and "Towner" have a directness that suits them well. Highlights include "Theme to Wendell Stivers," a fun, space-surf instrumental, and "Plastic Mylar," an entertaining, shiny pop song. While they're not the most original band, Spoon have created an enjoyably raw, punky album that only borrows from the best. -AMG



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Monday Feature - V/A Who Are Those Guys? vol. 2

Here is the second installment of Who Are Those Guys? PPO has searched all corners of the Earth to find and share with you music from unknown and lesser known bands. Most people have never heard of these groups, but now you have the opportunity to enjoy and savor every note, beat and rhythm. Now Get out and support these hard working artists.

Funny Dunny - it's the same old story: a small town cheap culture but so many dump basements outskirts; A close big town and its bad influences: Italian posse, Mediterranean sound, popular tradition; love for Beatles and Rolling Sones and soon after American underground discovery; spasmodic pursuit of 80’s vinyl reissues; the paisley underground, (new) psychedelic sounds, garage rock and fuckin’ first love: punk! Here they are!!! Get their new LP Things Have Changed today!

Holidays Of Seventeen - Labeled as the Japenese "Weezer" these friends share a common love for music and commenced with a simple goal to play catchy , melodic music for the cool kids who dig good music. (Kinda like us!!)
Their debut album "YEAH" was released by the reknowned FABTONE RECORDS in September 2008. Next time you are in Fukuoka, 福岡県 Japan, check these guys out.

The Glums -The spirit of the Beatles and the Kinks is prevalent throughout their entire release, Good Morning People. If the word "glum" means melancholy, their music is just the opposite. Songs like "You feel so nice" or "Chapeloon" make you want to shake your arms and hair in all directions to the swirling intoxicating sounds . Catchy and upbeat this a damn fine disc and you don't miss it!

Couple - Named by Rolling Stone as one of the 25 best bands on MySpace, Couple's sugary sweet brand of Power Pop is catching on. Mastered by indie rock guru, John Golden,their new CD, Teenage Disc Fantastic! is a listening pleasure reminiscent of early Power Poppers, "Buster" and "The Quick". Listen and see what we mean. This group from Malaysia have the talent and personality to go all the way.

Peter Parker - This ain't the guy from Spiderman. His Voice. His Rockin' Guitar. His Stompin. No one else can tear up the stage the way he does. He rips it up! Giving everything. Never holds back and asking for nothing in return. Parker will perform at IPO Liverpool this March at The Cavern Club. Those who are lucky enough to be there will see the performance of a lifetime! His music is avialable from Poison Tree Records.

Nushu - From Long Beach California, Nushu are Lisa Mychols and Hillary Burton. Catchy melodies, great harmonies and vocals, and impressive guitar work are the highlight of this duo. Included on thr IPO Vol. 10 compilation, thier music is pure and honest Power Pop. Thier debut album Nevermind Lulluby is one that needs to be added to your collection. They are currently back in the studio recording their follow-up release.

Beathotel - Named after the Ffamed hotel in the Latin Quarter of Paris, Fredrik, Norbert, Peter & Stefan from hail from Munich! Their music, self produced and released on their own "Dr Evil Records" label, demonstrates their love for classic songwriting, three part harmonies and the unmistakable jangle of Rickenbacker guitars. Their current disc Move On , exhibits The Beathotel at their best! Look for them to preform at the famed Cavern Club this spring.


Reaction - From Chicago, there's a lot of history between the foursome known as Reaction. Stemming from more than 20 years of close calls, missed opportunities, a misguided name change and all the while trying to secure a place in the music industry, The Reaction is still unsinged! The band's self titled disc is filled with jangling guitars and sharp vocals that are evocative of REM and the Hoodoo Gurus.


The Mayflowers - Featuring rich glossy guitar intertwined with classic melodies, The Mayflowers are an excursion in pure Power Pop that you won't want to miss. From Japan, they write great songs about love with energy, passion and cleverness. Are You Green? leaves you feeling happy and begging for more! Astonishing Power Pop is what you will get from these guys.


The Lullabies - These Madrid artists showcase vocalist The Moni, a mixture of innocence and sin. Crunchy guitars and powerful vocals dominate their new EP Good Vibrations. The music is a classic mixture of Power Pop and late 90's indie. Don't miss this excellent release.

The Blast - You I've Seen - 2000

A well recorded Pop Rock album, with lots of hooks and catchy lyrics. Recorded by four confused foreigners in the land of the Rising Sun, Japan. Influenced by The Replacements, Green Day, Eve6, The Knack, Foo Fighters and a bottle or two of sake. -CD Baby



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The Krinkles - 3 The Mordorlorff Collection - 2007

The Krinkle sound relies heavily on the songwriting team of Henry Krinkle (rhythm guitar, vocals) and Dan “The Fox” (lead guitar, vocals), along with the snap-crackle-rock rhythm section of Jerry O (bass) and Matty (drums, vocals). 2007 finally saw the release of their “lost” third CD “3: The Mordorlorff Collection”. Finally, they were able to capture the raw explosive power that The Krinkles legendary live shows were known for.
From the in-your-face excitement of the opening track “Dirty Girl”, the radio-friendly “Stay With Me”, “Gimme Gimme” & “Sweet On You”, to the heart-felt “Blinded By Love” & “Best Friend”. They’ll also get a glimpse into the bands bi-polar side with the uplifting “I Want You”, “Today Is The Day” & “Sweet On You” to the bleak “Listen To The Future” & “R.I.P.”. On top of that “3: The Mordorlorff Collection” is packed with extras which includes a rowdy rollicking rendition of Rick Springfield’s “Love Is Alright Tonite”.
With influences ranging from Cheap Trick, Material Issue, Badfinger, Raspberries and all rock in-between, The Krinkles have a sound harkening to the glory days of rock ‘n’ roll with crisp vocal harmonies and delicate melody. Matty Krinkle

Thanks to great friend of PPO Matty Krinkle for generously allowing us to post this excellent Power Pop classic! Thanks Matty!! Check out Matty's new band, The Bama Lamas and their new disc 20 Minute Dance Party at CD Baby. Let Matty know what you think and leave comments!

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Jonny Polonsky - The Power of Sound - 2004

Jonny Polonsky's The Power of Sound is his first full-length album since 1996's Hi My Name Is Jonny. It is a welcome return. He sounds older, tougher, and less quirky. There is more power in his power pop, both because of the beefier guitars and heavier drums but also due to the sense of lost time and opportunities that often pops up in the lyrics and the more emotional and assured vocals, too. Most importantly, the hooks are sharper and more memorable this time around. "Let Me Out" is a perfect opener, blasting out of the speakers like a call to arms; "Much Love" is a bitterly sad song with sugar-coated chorus and some a classic Harrison-esque guitar soloing; "Calling All Babies" makes stunning use of the old quiet verse/loud chorus dynamic and matches "Let Me Out" in the anthem stakes; "Live for the Light" is a snaky, heartfelt rocker that explodes into some classic AOR guitar riffing. Throughout, Polonsky sounds committed and in total control of his craft. Even the less exciting songs like "Shitstorm" and the acoustic "All This Freezing" put 98 percent of power pop-inspired revivalists to shame. Not that he is a revivalist...well, not so much of a power pop revivalist anyway. In many ways the record sounds like it could have been released before Hi My Name Is Jonny, say, in 1994 or so. The post-Pixies/Nirvana dynamics, the shiny and full production, the bitter and defeated tone of many of the lyrics, the at-times howling vocals, the AOR-friendly guitar riffs, and the overall feel of the record bring to mind the days immediately following the grunge explosion when bands like the Posies, Jellyfish, the Gigolo Aunts, and Matthew Sweet were combining the sonic assault of grunge with the classic pop songcraft of '60s groups like the Hollies and their '70s offspring like the Raspberries. It is an unexpected approach, and it seems too early for records to be harking back to that time, but Polonsky pulls it off for the most part. You may find yourself wishing for a more organic sound or a less aggressive approach like he exhibited on his debut, but that was a long time ago. Jonny has moved on and so can you. There are enough great songs and performances here to sweep away all your doubts. This is one of the best rock albums of 2004. Don't let it pass you by. -AMG

The Churchills - Big Ideas - 2002

Most people know The Churchills as "that band that was on 'Spin City' and whose name appears on Meadow Soprano's chest in the HBO hit show 'The Sopranos'." Aside from those high profile gigs, The Churchills have built their reputation on powerful songs and a strong work ethic. Their full length studio album "Big Ideas" is their third and strongest to date. From the first song "Lights Are On (But No One's Home)," which was recently featured on Lifetime Television's 'The Division,' it becomes clear that this is a band intent on drawing the listener in for the entire 15 songs. Band members Ron Haney-vocals and guitars, Bart Schoudel-vocals and bass and Alex Smolinski-drums offer up this computer enhanced gem which they produced with help from Mark Hart (Crowded House) and Paul Logus (Fuzzbubble, Puff Daddy). -CD Baby



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