Meet La Roux: The Thinking Person’s Lady Gaga [Pop Stars]

This week, electropop duo La Roux achieved what few British artists have, recently: Their single ” Bulletproof ” broke into the U.S. Top 40 . Who are La Roux, and why did we provocatively suggest they are the Thinking Person’s Lady Gaga ? More??

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Meet La Roux: The Thinking Person’s Lady Gaga [Pop Stars]

Baby Scream and The Brigadier EP

Baby Scream “Identity Theft” EP Argentinean transplant Juan Mazzola follows up his catchy debut with is this new release that features 7 songs, including 2 covers: John Lennon’s “Mucho Mungo “and Rinaldo Rafanelli’s “Ojos Orientales.” There is much more of Lennon’s influence and sound over the entire EP. Many songs use a simple slow rhythm and have a weary resignation about them. “Dead Woman Walking” sounds like a pop funeral dirge about a woman “running out of friends, running out of life.” The song “Memories” has some nice guitar work over a simple bass drumbeat that keeps things a bit more lively, but even on “Nicole” Juan admits he’s “run out of lyrics.” Much of the heavy mood is undone by the over produced vocal echo of “Underground Blues.” Fans of both Lennon and even his son Julian may like this, but it’s missing the hooks that made John’s songs so memorable. My Space |? Amazon The Brigadier “The Edge Of Spring” EP Have have enjoyed the music of Matt Williams aka The Brigadier for quiet a while now, and after? his last album ?we find him stretching his songwriting legs with a seasonal theme. It opens quietly with “Song for a New Year” which strums along and builds to a sweet melodic chorus. “Be my Valentine” and “February” have a Ray Davies styled cynicism and dry wit to them. The four minute mostly instrumental “Last Day of Winter” has a magical quality and then “She brings the Spring” is very much in the light pop mold of The Orange Peels. I really feel that this was a concept album cut very short (only 2 seasons?), but as is it’s fine music pop fans can enjoy. I would encourage Matt to finish the cycle on his next offering. This EP is only offered digitally from Matt’s site. My Space | Brigadier’s Site power pop reviews, power pop and rock and roll opinions. Power pop and even more power pop and rock and roll.

The Telepathic Butterflies "Wow & Flutter"

Still getting to a few albums that slipped by last year. Rainbow Quartz regulars The Telepathic Butterflies returned with their fourth album. Both guitarist/vocalist Rejean Ricard and super drummer Jacques Dubois are in high gear, and the band has been consistently excellent. Whether they do straight up power pop, retro-garage or psyche-pop each tune carries those awesome chord shifts and quick tempo beats. One listen to opener “Circle Man” and you’ll be hooked. The ringing guitars of “Lilacs” and “The Dillinger Plan” showcase the superior songwriting and musicianship here. “Like Esme” is a great mid-tempo love song with ?Rejean’s vocal fitting perfectly alongside the guitar strums. In fact, every song is a winner, especially a very Teenage Fanclub-sounding gem “Elegy” with sweet hooks on every verse. It doesn’t vary too much from it’s fast pace from one song to the next, but it all goes by so fast you may not even notice. Reminiscent of The Kinks and Beatles with a touch of Sloan for good measure, it’s what I call exemplary power pop and not much else needs to be said. ?It?deservedly?made it to #11 on Dave Bash’s best of 2009 list, what else do you need? MySpace | Amazon | Not Lame | AimeStreet power pop reviews, power pop and rock and roll opinions. Power pop and even more power pop and rock and roll.

Green River Ordinance and The Fore

Green River Ordinance “Out Of My Hands” Out of all the pablum that the music industry throws out to the public, sometimes quality musicians can emerge.?Ft. Worth, TX rockers Green River Ordinance are being increasingly recognized as headed to stardom with their debut album “Out Of My Hands.” With a big push by label EMI/Virgin Records, the band has been making the rounds and getting good reviews. If you are into today’s modern rock sound (The Fray, Matchbox 20, or Third Eye Blind) then listen to the single “Come On,” driven by a powerful melody and slick production values. The songwriting is consistent and the group’s performance isn’t extraordinary, but they are still better than most modern rock bands trying to make it out there. Brothers Geoff and Jamey Ice, Josh Jenkins, Joshua Wilkerson and Denton Hunker have been playing since high school and have finally graduated here to the big time, touring with David Cook and getting airplay on MTV and other TV shows. Highlights include “Out Of My Hands” and the power pop tune “Goodbye L.A.” with soaring background harmonies and the power ballad “Last October.” On “Sleep It Off” lead singer Josh Jenkins croons “The best is yet to come…” The band is definitely pointed in the right direction. My Space ?|? Amazon The Fore “Run and Hide” When we last left The Fore , I found it to be the very best Merseybeat revival band I’ve heard since the early Spongetones. After all, very few artists are willing to tackle the genre mastered by The Beatles themselves. As expected, the band does not disappoint on it’s sophomore album as we are treated to fifteen bouncing, rocking melodies. Simple guitar based songs with those fab hooks all over the place, you’ll swear this was a lost classic collection. For fans of all those old Liverpool bands of the British Invasion (Gerry & The Pacemakers, The Searchers, The Cryin’ Shames) this is a no-brainer – just go and get it now. With so many songs, some tunes stuck out as exceptional here: “We Were Meant To Be,” “Have Me Back Again,”It’s You Girl” and “Leave Me Alone” – but there are no duds here either, it’s all just pure rock and roll excitement especially when the band starts screaming on “Tell Your Friend”. ?It would’ve been nice if the band tried a few variations from the formula, as the album has a homogeneous quality that may put off some listeners. But other than the new album from Alan Bernhoft , you’re not going to find a better tribute to the era. My Space | CD Baby power pop reviews, power pop and rock and roll opinions. Power pop and even more power pop and rock and roll.

Paul Rosevear "Broken Nosed Poetry" FREE download

In case you were wondering, Paul is the lead singer for the band Readymade Breakup. This is his new solo EP, a mellow collection of acoustic guitar songs. So spread the word and get this EP for free. power pop reviews, power pop and rock and roll opinions. Power pop and even more power pop and rock and roll.

Bright Giant and Kevin Lee & The Kings

Bright Giant “s/t” EP The Des Moines, Iowa based Josh Davis Band decided to evolve into a more refined and organic style this past January and have reformed as Bright Giant. The new band has a raw energy that mixes rock, country, alternative with a chewy melodic center.?It sounds a little like The Mother Hips with less psychedelic influence and more Foo Fighters injected in the mix. Opening with the distortion driven “Women” it finds it’s voice with a foot stomping rhythm and harmonic chorus.”Songbird” is another gem that starts out with heavy rock riff, but the chorus and vocal phrasing is rooted in country-pop. It’s a unique style that is sure to win over roots rockers, metal heads and a few adventurous country fans. “Jesus, The Devil & Me” is another prime example that mixes Charlie Daniels Band narrative with Nirvana styled guitar feedback. My Space | CD Baby Kevin Lee & The Kings “Dusk Till Dawn” EP Chicago music veteran Kevin Lee has shared the stage with Pearl Jam, Matthew Sweet, Cheap Trick and a tour with REO Speedwagon. With the addition of Todd Jones (Guitar), Dann Morr (Bass), Erik Strommer (Drums) and Peter Spero (Keyboards) the music is very slick and production is clean on the opener “Next Big Thing” and the arena sound is big on “The Other Side” but the band pulls out the stops on “Slip Away” where the guitars churn out chunky riffs galore. Lee’s vocals at times seem overwhelmed, but they shine on the power ballad “Invisible.” This was my favorite on the EP with a great hook and inspirational melody. My Space | CD Baby power pop reviews, power pop and rock and roll opinions. Power pop and even more power pop and rock and roll.

The history of Power Pop featured

The blog Burn and Shine is making February power pop month and posting up some playlists for you all. It’s an excellent primer if you’ve never heard of the genre and want to know what all the fuss is about. The first post is about the birth of Power Pop in the 1970′s. Go visit! power pop reviews, power pop and rock and roll opinions. Power pop and even more power pop and rock and roll.

Gavin Guss "Mercury Mine"

Seattle’s Gavin Guss is pop veteran who’s played with Nada Surf, Jon Auer, Harvey Danger, Fountains of Wayne and his own band The Tycoons. Important to note, Gavin was also lead singer/songwriter with the short lived group Tubetop who produced a pure pop masterpiece in Three Minute Hercules . Given these facts you know what to expect and he really delivers with his solo album Mercury Mine . Starting with the gentle acoustic hook in “X” it leads to a glorious McCartney-like chorus, that builds to sticky goodness in the multi-track harmonic ending with ascending basslines. The title track “Mecury Mine” has echoes of Harry Nilsson and Squeeze with it’s tinkling piano lead. There are too many gems here to count, so I’ll just indulge in my favorites, “Oasis” rings with the piano melody that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Michael Carpenter album. “Lifeboat” is another musical metaphor of the creative process at “…the bottom of The Puget Sound.” The album’s middle slows down a bit, but it has wonderful ballads that resonate, like the poignant “Marie” and the weary “Jetlagged.” Fans of Teenage Fanclub will love the guitar melody “Bud” and although the album doesn’t approach the highs it starts with, nothing here is filler, as most tunes fit in under three minutes and it’s sure to be repeated on your ipod playlist. Pure ear candy that is not to be missed. Gavin Guss Site ?|? Amazon power pop reviews, power pop and rock and roll opinions. Power pop and even more power pop and rock and roll.

The Power Popaholic Interview: Plasticsoul and The Dudes

Meet the man behind the swagger. I had a great conversation with Steven Eric Wilson, the driving force behind Plasticsoul. We talk about how his groundbreaking album Peacock Swagger got started, his experiences in India, and his favorite ?guitar. Listen to the interview with Steven Eric Wilson here . Can a band be cursed? Some seem to think the Canadian band The Dudes are! After the album Blood, Guts, Bruises, Cuts was released, lead singer Dan Vacon and drummer Scott Ross suffered numerous physical injuries . But these scrappy dudes keep on rocking. Read my interview with The Dude’s Dan Vacon here . If you want to talk about a real cursed band I can think of none worse than the story of Badfinger, the saddest tale in rock and roll . power pop reviews, power pop and rock and roll opinions. Power pop and even more power pop and rock and roll.

Lil Wayne, Kanye and Drake Bring Hip-Hop Presence to ‘We Are the World’ Remake

According to early reports, rappers Lil Wayne, Kanye West, LL Cool J and Snoop Dogg have been picked to contribute to the remake of the 1985 world peace anthem, ‘We Are the World.’ On Monday, more than eighty of today’s biggest star’s gathered at the Jim Henson Studio and Soundstage in Hollywood, the site of the original ‘We Are the World’ recording. The remake, ‘We Are the World – 25 for Haiti’ brings a new rap presence to the original track, which was largely made up of classic rock stars like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Paul Simon. Smokey Robinson, part of the song’s first supergroup, revealed that none of the track’s original performers will sing on the new version. Drake, Busta Rhymes, Nipsey Hussle, T-Pain, Bizzy Bone, Kid Cudi, and Swizz Beatz round out the rappers, announced thus far, in the song’s 21st century choir. Originally penned by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, the remake marks the 25th anniversary of the taping to benefit hunger in Africa. According to Richie, Janet Jackson will be singing Michael Jackson’s part from the original version, which she is recording today, and more artists are expected to join the diverse mix. The end result will premier during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies on Feb. 12, with all proceeds going towards Haitian earthquake relief efforts. … Young pop stars mark another interesting addition to the track. Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber are sharing the stage alongside pop legends Barbra Streisand , the Beach Boys ‘ Brian Wilson and Carlos Santana . While country acts like Best New Artist Grammy-winner Zac Brown and Sugarland sing alongside R&B artists Brandy , Melanie Fiona, Mya , Musiq Soulchild , Trey Songz and Faith Evans . Natalie Cole , the members of Heart , Harry Connick Jr. , Earth, Wind & Fire ; Tony Bennett ; ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ film score composer A.R. Rahman; ‘American Idol’ judge Randy Jackson , Celine Dion and Gladys Knight also made the cut, as did others. RedOne , best known for producing for Lady Gaga, crafted the beat for the song, and discussed the experience with Rolling Stone. “I’m so delighted and so happy to get a dream call from Quincy Jones and Randy Phillips and Lionel Richie,” he said. “I know that Lionel Richie has been asked like 150-something times to redo ‘We Are the World’ and he said no to everything until this Haiti thing happened. The moment he saw that it happened he was like, OK, ‘We Are the World.’ And to be one of the people they called to have fresh input to the song, to help produce the song — I have no words.” Other on the production team include Wyclef Jean and producer-musical director Ricky Minor. “With music you want to help people feel something in a certain way, and this is something devastating that just happened and I am and we are the world,” continued RedOne. “We’re going to be helping people that we don’t know. I have Haitian friends and stuff like that, but we’re going to be helping people that need help right now.”

Film Review: 1974 On The Road With The Beach Boys

Musician Billy Hinsche has a long storied history, but in 1974 he played front and center in The Beach Boys during the “Holland-era” tour. Billy playing guitar and harmonizing with the Wilson brothers is all documented in this new film. Not so much a concert film, but a selection of never before seen “home movies” of the band onstage and off. Lots of footage of the late Dennis and Carl Wilson are shown, intercut with current interview clips of other players in the band and some archival photos. It also really lets you learn about various background players, like?sound engineer?Steven Moffitt and musician Ricky Fataar and how important they were to the stage show.?Highlights include Al Jardine playing bits of “Heroes and Villians,” Carl getting silly at breakfast, Dennis coming off very cool and some concert footage. You really feel like you are hanging out with the band in spots and traveling with them on tour in spots, boarding the band’s private Fairchild F-27 plane in Kansas City, landing in Chicago and then checking in the hotel with Brian Wilson upon landing. Hinsche filmed plenty of private moments with the band, like Dennis and Al discussing transcendental meditation or a rowdy game of backgammon. Most of the movie was shot on Portapak black and white video, so it’s not exactly high definition. But fo r Beach Boys fans this is must-see TV , in addition is the Hinsche penned theme “Under A Beach Boy Moon” performed by John Hunter Phillips. Don’t miss the extra features: “Director’s Comments” and “Where are they now?” with an update on what became of the players. Order the exclusive DVD here! power pop reviews, power pop and rock and roll opinions. Power pop and even more power pop and rock and roll.

FREE Gamilons "Blue Whispers" EP from Kool Kat Musik

The Gamilons “Blue Whispers” EP is a project of Cliff Hillis (IKE, Starbelly). From what I’ve heard it’s a great hook-filled 3 song classic and I’ve been told a full length album is in the works. Best of all you can get it ?for?FREE (with any purchase from Kool Kat Musik ) while supplies last.

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FREE Gamilons "Blue Whispers" EP from Kool Kat Musik

The Brambles "Lost Recordings"

The Brambles were a well established power pop trio from 1987 to 1993, consisting of Tim Anthony (vox/guitar), Tom Aureli (drum kit) and Lou Anthony (vox/bass). The band had a string of excellent light pop albums, notably Next Big Thing . Well a pile of old dusty 8-track tapes were recently found from that era.

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The Brambles "Lost Recordings"

Patrick & Eugene "Don’t Stop"

If you enjoy the whimsy of Anglo-pop (Yes, I’m talking to you fans of Pugwash and The Duckworth Lewis Method ) Patrick and Eugene are a a wonderfully quirky duo with a vaudevillian approach. Lots of fun here – album review coming soon. power pop reviews, power pop and rock and roll opinions

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Patrick & Eugene "Don’t Stop"

Anton Barbeau "Plastic Guitar"

Anton Barbeau is a cult-hero’s cult hero.

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Anton Barbeau "Plastic Guitar"

Anton Barbeau "Plastic Guitar"

Anton Barbeau is a cult-hero’s cult hero. He is known for combining surreal lyrics with pop melodies, and is often described as being in the songwriting tradition of Robyn Hitchcock, Syd Barrett, and Julian Cope.

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Anton Barbeau "Plastic Guitar"

Ok Go "Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky"

The general reaction to the new Ok Go album has been mixed, but there is plenty here that is interesting to listen to. Band leader Damian Kulash goes out of his way here to explore sounds that are nothing like the last two high energy albums. In fact,? bassist Tim Nordwind told me the band doesn’t think about the “power pop” label that much at all.

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Ok Go "Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky"

The Honest Mistakes "Break Up"

A very straight forward concept album here from the duo of Chris Ehrich and Joylene Dahlia (joined by bassist Adam Kivisaari and drummer Frank Corl). The bright bouncy opening of the title track contrasts with ironic lyrics from the ex-lover’s POV.?In fact given the depressing theme, there is not a single slow heart wrenching ballad to be found.?The guitars and beat are well done and Joylene’s vocals have a little Liz Phair meets Carole King quality. This comes through on the excellent mid-tempo “Roses” which is really an angry song played like a up-beat folkie freedom anthem.

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The Honest Mistakes "Break Up"

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