Howler - America Give Up (2012)

This is rock and roll... This is Howler. Their debut album, America Give Up, is vigorous and catchy much like one of my favorite bands of 2011, The Vaccines. The Drums, Surfer Blood and The Soft Pack (plug in other surf-rock influenced band name here) also come to mind, because the surf-rock trend is so hot right now. The 11 track album comes in at just over 32 minutes, which leaves each riff-laden, power pop track to come and go at a '70s punk pace. It is truly structured as an album from a different era. I suppose we shouldn't be surprised anymore due to all the musical virtuosos currently on the prowl, but I am still amazed by the fact that Howler is made up of mere kids. They pull together an amazingly mature and musically-educated sound, while keeping the songs and song-titles playful and carefree. This album is packed with singles, so take a half-hour out of your day, especially while the sun is shining here in California, and have a listen to some youthful summer jammy-jams. 

The Biters - All Chewed Up (2011)

The Biters are back with another EP packed with power pop and classic punk. They pretty much stick with the formula that made their last two EPs must haves for fans of snotty vocals and fist pumping choruses. "Born To Cry" (mp3) mixes meaty drums and classic rock riffs with a peppering of enthusiastic whoa-oh-ohs and lyrics romanticizing the glitter in the gutter. "Hold On" stands out by injecting a punk strut with a fantastic chorus built around a tight and soaring keyboard. While obviously indebted to the past, pulling bits from the Buzzcocks, T.Rex, and even the Who, the Biters' combination of passion and hooks make the otherwise familiar sound their own. Plus, practically every song is catchy enough to be a single.

They'll be playing with label mates and fellow garage rockers The Booze at the East End on Friday April 1st. Add plenty of cheap beer and you have a perfect Friday night... and probably a pretty hazing Saturday morning.

Mikey Jukebox - Mikey Jukebox (2010)

Mikey Jukebox's self-titled debut is a pretty fun album. The clean production and electronic beats on songs like "Come Along" (mp3) and "American Noise" recall the shiny pop rock of the 80's, when New Wave and power pop went mainstream. It's easy to imagine the video for "New Radio" involving lots of dancing and smiling. Suffice to say it's feel good rock n' roll. In fact, the album feel a bit like a celebration of the topic, as it and its history is referenced throughout the album. Overall, the album is a little front loaded, but still has a good single to filler ratio.

Apparently, Mikey James played in Longwave. I don't really hear their shoegazing mope here — the tone is way more upbeat — but it is nice to know that members of a favorite band of mine are still recording.

White Wires - "Be True To Your School (Til You Get Kicked Out)"

I was a bit slow to pick up the White Wires self-titled debut, but loved it when I finally did. So I am pretty stoked to find out that I won't have to wait very long for their new album, WWII, which comes out in November on Portland's Dirtnap Records. Judging from "Be True To Your School (Til You Get Kicked Out)" (mp3) it should be full of ultra catchy power pop and buzzing garage rock. Always a winning combination.

The Biters - The Biters EP / It's Okay To Like Biters EP (2010)

While The Biters' mix of classic power pop and punk rock could easily find a place on Rhino's now out of print D.I.Y. series, their sound mainly reminds me of Portland's fabulous and doomed Exploding Hearts. Judging from their video, they look like some the guys I see down at Slabtown and the East End, where I am sure someday they'll be warmly received if they ever tour through town.

There are plenty of us-against-the-world lyrics designed to maximize the fist pumping, beer swilling, and maybe some joyful jumping around. "Hang Around" (mp3) sneers and postures, but might just be sweet song of friendship. The bouncing rally cry of "Anymore" has a great celebratory cheer in the middle of the chorus. "Melody For Lovers" (mp3) rides a classic escalating riff and hand claps. I'll definitely keep my eye out for the 3rd EP coming out later this year.

Friday Night Beer Pairing: Stella Artois & Ida Maria

Two things immediately come to mind when I hear the name Stella: Marlon Brando’s anguish-filled hollering in “A Streetcar Named Desire;" and, the rough, annoying scrape of paper against your lips when you first put a bottle of Stella Artois up to your mouth. Now, both can be fundamentally abrasive (both literally and metaphorically), but behind the rough edges of each is pure brilliance. I love me some classic Brando, and even though I don't consider myself the biggest Stella fan, I am nonetheless a fan of its inherent qualities. Henceforth, a third thing will come to mind upon the mention of Stella, and that is a Scandinavian power-pop artist named Ida Maria.  Although Ida Maria’s song “Stella” is about a 43-year old hooker and wanting to “give her the world” if she’d just stay with you tonight, I think there are many elements of her sound, style and song themes that fit in with this particular pairing. Her song "Stella" isn’t just about screaming the name of a beer at the top of your lungs, or having a beer oriented theme song to put on at your favorite digital juke joint, but about finding a fitting embodiment of a beer in a song or artist, or vice versa, I'm not quite sure. Ida Maria, like Stella, is of Northern Europe, and although of different ages, they both didn’t break into the "pop" scene until recently. They share that same, distinct rough edges, Stella's being featured in the pointless paper, and Ida Maria's in her raspy, strained, seductive vocals. This is really about grabbing something cold, and putting on something awesome, and the combination of the two successfully makes for a great night... I know because I'm living this recommendation as I write this. If what you are reading sounds enticing, check out Ida Maria's tracks "Oh My God," "I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked" and, of course "Stella."

 

Lover! - No Dreams Please EP (2009)

I'm kind of bummed that this is the first I've heard of Lover! At least I rectified that mistake before the Scion Garage Fest. Now I just have to figure how to work them into my schedule.

Although frontman Rich Crook was in the Reatards and Lost Sounds, Lover's music is more akin to 60's nuggets and power pop than the blistering punk and keyboard-driven new wave of those two bands. "Let's Play A Game" is snotty, "Goodbye" layers distortion over Plimsoul-style hooks, and "Fell In Love" snarls over crunchy riffs. The flute blowing over big muff fuzz on "Downstairs To Hell" sounds like a rare psychedelic pop classic. The EP whips by fast, but all seven songs are great. Looks like I'll have to catch the Mojomatics next time.

And if I miss them on the 17th, they'll be back in November at the East End.

International Pop Overthrow

Flipping through the Portland Mercury today I came across a listing for the International Pop Overthrow power pop festival at East End. Although I've never heard of any of the bands playing this weekend, but I bet they all play hook filled indie pop, like the kind on the IPO compilations that I've been collecting off and on for years. They always feature a couple standout heavily influenced by the Beatles, Big Star or the Romantics. I can't believe I almost missed it. Not sure which set I'll be able to catch, but either way it will be a good opportunity to pick up the new compilation.

Has anyone heard of any of these bands?

Friday, August 14
8:00 The Welfare State
8:30 Phamous Phaces
9:00 Beyond Veronica
9:30 The Quags
10:00 The Imprints
10:30 A.M. Interstate
11:00 Big Daddy Stereo
11:30 Mission 5

Saturday, August 15
8:00 Graystar
8:30 One Silver Astronaut
9:00 Blue Skies For Black Hearts
9:30 The Irises
10:00 Hawkeye
10:30 UHF
11:00 Throwback Suburbia
11:30 Black Mercies

Sunday, August 16
7:30 Someday Tricycle
8:00 The Orchid Highway
8:30 The Neat
9:00 Pale Blue Sky
9:30 Sean Wagner
10:00 Orange Collection
10:30 The Strange Effects

Stellastarr* - Civilized (2009)

She says: Years back, Stellarstarr*’s first self-titled album quickly became a music staple in my DC apartment. I remember singing loudly in the shower and prancing wildly before going out. However, their second album was overall a huge disappointment for me and I lost interest fast. Maybe I was expecting too much and none of the songs got stuck in my head except for "Lost in Time" (what a fantastic song). To my delight, Civilized echos the Stellastarr* with it's dramatic vocals and it's catchy tracks! Definitely worth a listen or about 50. Right now, I am diggin' “Grafitti Eyes,” “Freak Out,” "Prom Zombie," "Tokyo Sky," and "Underneath the Knife."
Do as I say, and see them live.

Stellastarr* - Civilized (2009)

He says: Stellastarr* has a recurrent knack for writing songs that I feel like I can sign along with the first time I hear them. I accredit this to the infectious oohs, aaahs, and la la las that are paired with *'s repetitious and concise power pop & pop punk choruses. There are no let-downs on Civilized, an album that is much more lively power pop and punk than indie dance rock, like off of *'s debut album, Stellastarr*, or melodious love songs, off of their sophomore effort, Harmonies For The Haunted. In fact, I don't think I have ever heard a * song that I didn't like. Single worthy tracks like "Numbers" and "Warchild" have been available via the social networking outlets for some time now, so these tracks may have had some of their power diluted, but the other songs, like the playful "Prom Zombie," the touching "Sonja Cries," and the rambunctiously rockin' "Robot" all encompass the unique sound and style that only * possess and has mastered. Fun power pop all the way on this one, great for both loyal fans and Stellastarr* newbies alike.

They Live By Night - They Live By Night (2009)

Don't be shocked if you can't get They Live By Night's "Ctrl+Alt+Del My Heart" out of your head. As far as I am concerned it has unseated Peter, Bjorn and John's "Young Folks" as indie pop's reigning whistling ear worm. It's the standout track on their poptastic new self-titled album, which is jam packed with unrelenting bouncy, upbeat pop. Not surprisingly, it's catchy as hell. "Catching Up" kicks the album off at a runners pace with more whistles, strings and wistful love. It rarely lets down after that. "Meaningless Repair" finds the middle ground between the Spinners and the Beach Boys. There are a lot of opportunities for singing along, but the chorus on "Excuse My Troubling You" is one of my favorites. The moody and melancholy may want to go elsewhere for their summer jams.

Danny Echo - Danny Echo (2009)

Vancouver's Danny Echo play rock and roll that reminds me of the days when Brit pop ruled my roommates stereos -- when bands on both sides of the Atlantic were looking back to the Rolling Stones and Faces for inspiration. In the Bay Area it was Brian Jonestown Massacre and Mover. "Killing Me" expertly lifts a handful of who-who-who's from "Sympathy for the Devil". At times the lead singer's voice sounds a lot like Liam Gallagher's, especially on big dramatic ballads like "Tomorrow Today", which could be a (What's The Story) Morning Glory? B-side. All of which isn't to call them derivative. The songs are catchy, melodic, and generally a good time. In addition to the above songs, I like testy "I Can't Take It Anymore" and the twangy "Natural Disaster".

The Thermals - Now We Can See (2009)

Damn, this is a great album. While I've liked the last two Thermals albums, for some reason I love this one. Maybe it's poppier, I usually fall hard for that. Like Ted Leo, the the music falls somewhere between indie rock, punk and power pop. It's urgent, yet catchy. It kicks off off with the killer "When I Died" with its fuzzy guitar, bashing drums and a solid hook in the chorus. Of course, that could describe most of the songs on the album. Lyrically, the album puts aside the religious themes of their last album, in favor of rehashing relationships. My other favorites are "We Were Sick", "I Called Out Your Name" and "Liquid In, Liquid Out".

I Was A King - I Was A King (2009)

For some reason I never get tired of short fuzzy pop songs and that's just what I Was A King write. Select words from the song titles give you some indication of the music -- warm, golden, California, breathe, warm (again), anchor, summer -- but this isn't Laurel Canyon country or Beach Boys' pop. Rather, the music pulls from power pop, Brit pop, shoegaze, and, well, indie rock. The guitars bash around, but the vocals are smooth and rather pretty. It's fun with plenty of hooks, and just a bit too noisy to be twee.

I have no idea why they bury the lead single and killer track all the way in the back, but "Norman Bliek" is the track that made me check this band out. It has a fuzzy, jangling riff and is just damn catchy. "Not Like This" sounds like a Ride hit they never made. "It's All You" is another good song, which features Sufjan Stevens, whose music they don't sound like.

Sweet Water - Clear The Tarmac (2009)

This is a fun album. It reminds me of the late 90s, and I don't mean that disparagingly, just that certain sounds - the guitar on "Grass Is Green" for example - make me think of songs on the radio back then. Which I guess makes sense since Sweet Water was putting out albums throughout the 90s. The songs explore the rockier side of pop, falling somewhere between power pop, pop punk, and alternative rock. What that means is that the guitars are generally plugged in, turned up, but still melodic and the choruses simple and catchy. The album would fit into a radio station playlist right in the middle of Blink 182, Sugar Ray, Third Eye Blind, and Matchbox 20. Maybe not the coolest station anymore, but one you might listen to in your car in traffic and accidentally find yourself singing along, drumming your steering wheel, and generally enjoying yourself. "Rock Steady" and "Stereo" are particularly catchy.

Andy Bopp - This Guitar Kills Singer Songwriters (2008)

This was one of those albums that I immediately wished I sampled before I downloaded it off eMusic. In spite of its name, I loved Myracle Brah. That band lead me back to Love Nut, which was also awesome. Andy Bopp fronted both bands. And this new album is on Rainbow Quartz, my go to power pop label. I can't help coming in with high expectations.

It's not that it's a bad album, just disappointing. With his voice only accompanied by an acoustic guitar, the songs feel more intimate with a greater focus on the lyrics. I have different versions for 7 out of the 12 songs on the album and in a head to head comparison the new stripped down versions just don't hold up. His voice still sounds good, but I miss the buzzing guitar and thumping drums. The songs are just less catchy. It seems like an album to sell at shows on a solo tour.

The Broken West - Now Or Heaven (2008)

If I heard this without knowing the artist, I never would've guessed that this was the Broken West. Their last album was full of future power pop classics, but that sound seems to have mostly been discarded. They've exchanged the hook driven and punchy riff and harmony structure for a more laid back approach to melodic pop. It's still catchy, just mellower. Some of the songs remind me of British pop bands like Travis, especially "Embassy Row". Luckily, they still write some great songs, "Perfect Games" for example. "Gwen, Now And Then", "Terror For Two" and "Ambuscade" are also good. Overall, I don't think they quite hit the highs of the top singles off their last album, but power pop can grow stagnant and this new direction sounds promising.

Metro Station - "Shake It" (2007)

"I'll take you home if you don't leave me at the front door..."
When a song opens with such honest lyrics like those, you know it's going to be good. Simple, to-the-point, just great in every sense, Metro Station's "Shake It" is high-energy power pop that's catchy enough to wake the most comatose of coma patients. Who needs Juicy Fruit gum to get you movin' when you're feeling blah? Turn this one on for an instant pick-me-up in all its cheesy splendor, but be warned... you may feel the urge to bust out into full-on dance mode (or jump around the room like a dork if you have no rhythm). So, reserve this song for times where the aforementioned possibility is welcome, if not encouraged.

"Now, if she moves like this, will you move like that?..."
In all it's synth pop glory, this just might be this generation's follow-up to the 80's classic "Shake It Up" by The Cars (forgive me Ric Ocasek, for I know I have sinned with that comparison). Both will make you happy upon listening, but Metro Station packs even more energy in their 3 minute sugar-high. Much like Hellogoodbye's super-adorable "Here In Your Arms" (one of my favorite pop songs of last year), Metro Station delivers the same danceability... but I think I may even like this song better. Not that either of these two is less embarrassing for me to admit to liking (and by liking I really mean "loving")...

"Tonight you're falling in love (Let me go now!), This feeling's tearing me up (Here we go now!)"
...even though the singer is related to Miley Cyrus (yes, Hannah Montana...eh), I have spent many a moment enjoying "Shake It" whether I'm in the shower, getting ready, in the car on the way home from a great night, or even while dancing around in my undies alone in my room at night when I think no one is around, or worse... listening (eep!). This song excites me each time, like it's the first time, every time.

"Turn me on, so I can turn off the lights..."
Ryan Adams thinks "To Be Young (Is to Be Sad, Is to Be High)," but maybe that's because he didn't grow up in L.A. on Disney sound stages like these bubble gum boys. Who needs drugs when you can experience the natural high of carefree youth and the relatively infinite feeling of young love? "Shake It" will make you want to grab your crush by the hand, hop your neighbor's fence, strip down to your undies and jump in their pool for a late-night illicit swim. Or crash a school dance so you can make out like horny freshmen in the gym. Or rob a bank together and drive off to Mexico, Bonnie & Clyde style. Whichever cliche you prefer, hopefully you get the point. So Come on! Shake, shake, shake, shake, a-shake it! before you get too old and have to worry about potentially breaking a hip.

You can watch the video, in all its cheesiness... here.

Sloan - Parallel Play (2008)

Sloan consistently pumps out good to great power pop that even non-genre fans can enjoy. However, this album practically defines the term "front loaded". The first half of this album is great, the second half is just fine, although even their misses are pleasant. "Believe" kicks things off a catchy and fuzzy riff. "Cheap Champagne" brings in a warmer sound and a handful of "ba ba da ups". I think they're better with they rock out, like on "Emergency 911", which reminds me of the Dirtbombs' soulful garage rock. After the awesome "Witches Wand", which is either about a relationship or a roll playing video game or both, things mellow out and the songs pass without distinction until "I'm Not A Kid Anymore" comes on towards the end.

The Huxtables and Dan P. @ The Red Room

I can’t remember the exact words, but I think that the call from the crowd towards the end of The Huxtables set was: “Where can we buy the album?!?” Of course this was answered by a bit of a laugh from the band, and those in the know, because after a decade or so of live shows The Huxtables have yet to produce a tangible release... that I know of. The power-pop / pop-punk quintet, firmly anchored by playful lyrics, enthusiastic backing vocals and a stellar rhythm section, plays FUN music accompanied by humorous showmanship and theatrics—nothing short of entertaining.

Dan P. writes catchy pop songs with hilarious lyrics. I recommend catching them both at a smoked-filled, dimly-lit dive bar near you… if you happen to live in Santa Cruz.


Ultimately, this is less of a review and more of a reiteration of the call from the crowd: “Where can I buy the album?”