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EVEN
A Different High (Rubber) www.rubberrecords.com.au
One that got away? Released in 2001, this wondrous 3rd album from this
underrated Aussie power trio deserves to be in the top ten list of any
given year. Singer-songwriter-leader Ashley Naylor is an astute student
of 60s classic rock and his finely crafted songs resonate with all the
elements that made that era so special. Potent melodies, prominent
guitar craft and that vibrant beat. Tunes like the spacey "I'm
Gonna Try," the bluesy "Electric Light," the sparkling
"Shining Star," the poignant "Beautiful Day Never
End," the oddball folky "Bowie in my Dreams" and the
rocking "We Are the Purple Nazz" settles the case for A
Different High to be given its due recognition as a pop-rock tour de
force.
A TOP |
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WILCO
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (Nonesuch) www.wilcoweb.com
So what was the fuss about? Wilco leaves Warner's Reprise label to end
up with Warner's Nonesuch? Can you say 'publicity stunt'? Whatever -
never quite touching the peaks of Summerteeth or Being There,
songs like the groovin' "Kamera," plucky "War on
War," ELO-channeling "Jesus, Etc," effervescent
"Heavy Metal Drummer" & the whispering "Pot Kettle
Black" more than make YHF an essential 2002 purchase. A
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RAY MASON BAND
3 Dollar Man (Captivating) www.raymason.com
Listen up, Power of Poppers, this understated, charming album is a
must-have for those of us who love our pop music in straightforward
melodic fashion. Mason has an ear for a fine tune and a healthy
appreciation of the pub rock - new wave of the late 70s/early 80s and
you're likely to pick up references to Elvis Costello, Squeeze,
Smithereens & Freedy Johnson. Match that with Mason's unerring wit
and the result is a Power of Pop recommendation! A
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THE WEEKEND
Teaser EP (Teenage USA) www.teenageusarecordings.com
The Weekend has been described as Weezer fronted by a girl but that
conclusion is only viable if you've never heard of Blondie. Surely this
feisty quartet derives its inspiration from that classic post-punk new
wave era when cheesy synths anchored power chords into a blissful blend.
These 5 songs provide a 'teaser' indeed into the joys of the Weekend.
Tracks like "80s Rockstar" and "Perfect World"
bristle with powerpop dynamics and crackle with mellifluent charisma.
Encore? A TOP |
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CHUCK PROPHET
No Other Love (New West) www.newwestrecords.com
Roots-rock reflections come easy to Green on Red alumni Prophet in this
potent set. "After the Rain" with its fine mix of wah-wah
& tremolo guitars is the highlight, together with the bluesy
"What Can You Tell Me," the stomping "Run Primo
Run," the gospel-tinged title track & the dynamic Stonesy
"Eloise." Premier stuff! B TOP |
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DAVID CROWDER
BAND Can You Hear Us? (Sparrow) www.sparrowrecords.com
Can You Hear Us? is a fervent worship-centric record that is
heavily influenced by those neo-worship pioneers Delirious? and Matt
Redman. In fact, the band covers (rather well actually) the former's
"Obsession" and the latter's "Undignified" here. A
solid effort distinguished by the vibrant "Our Love is Loud,"
inspiring "You're Everything," thoughtful "God of Wrath" and catchy "My Hope." Also
worthy of mention, the band's version of the hymn "All Creatures of
Our God and King," a stirring moment. B
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THE PILLCRUSHERS
P (Self-released) The_Pillcrushers@hotmail.com
Good-natured pop that is folk-rock breezy ("Is It True");
jaunty ("Beautiful Release"), mid-tempo rustic ("When I
Noticed") and passionate melancholy ("Everyday").
Promising tunes and solidly derived constructs are the order of the day
on this 4-track EP. Vocals tends towards the lanquid but a minor
quibble. The horns on "Everyday" an excellent touch. C
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TROUBLE DOLLS
I Don't Know anything At All (Self-released) www.troubledolls.net
Containing only 3 tracks, this sampler of sorts showcases the Trouble
Dolls' acoustic/electric guitar dynamics anchored by the scratchy larynx
of vocalist Cheri Leone. Nothing ground-breaking perhaps but final song
"Something Blue Amazed Me" more than lives up to its name -
its sad beauty shining through with surprising force. More of the same,
please. C TOP |
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VARIOUS ARTISTS Deeper Underground Vol. 1 (BigO/Snakeweed)
www.bigo.com.sg
BigO (Before I Get Old) magazine celebrated its 200th issue
recently; it has also co-released this album as a showcase of what the
Singapore indie rock scene has to offer. BigO had been instrumental in
kick-starting the local music scene with its New School Rock samplers in
the 1st half of the 1990s and now plays its part as a label
as well. The bands here exemplify the breath of the indie music scene
– whether it is the Britpop of Sherene's Closet, the punk pop of The
Moderates, the mat surf rock hybrid of Force Vomit or the death metal of
Ossuary - all worthy material. Eclectic enough for most pop-rock
palettes.
C
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THE MISS
No Radio (Morphius) www.morphius.com
Can I be honest here? The Miss's brand of atonal punk rock is not going
to give any power pop fans much of a sugar fix but it's sheer energy
& hyperventilating style will endear No Radio to fans of no
frills hardcore punk rock. Elements of The Fall, Jesus Lizard, Pavement
can be easily detected in tracks like "Grey Light,"
"Closer Still," "French New Wave" &
"Spoiler." C TOP |
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THE WORD The
Word (Ropeadope) www.ropeadope.com
This is a project album featuring of The North Mississippi Allstars viz.
Chris Chew, Cody & Luther Dickinson; John Medeski and Ralph
Randolph. The 'project' in question is 'gospel music.' Basically, The
Word is a study of gospel music as a musical genre. On that score, it
does fulfill its stated purpose. However, the supreme irony is that by
having a secular context, The Word is devoid of soul and isn't that what
gospel music is really about. Sounds pretty enough but what's the point?
C TOP |
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MARLOWE
They Would've Hated You Anyway (Pink Hedgehog)
www.pinkhedgehog.com
Extremely fragile pop in the best
traditions of Nick Drake/The Lilac Time/Divine Comedy/Belle &
Sebastian. Marlowe never gives any cause to quicken the pulse with its
hushed tones and wistful ambience. One cannot help but wish that Marlowe
ups the ante now and again but there you go. That said, ace
material like the lovely "Bachelor Pad," shuffling "Two
Day Affair" and silky "Victor Mature" sweeten the pot
somewhat. C TOP |
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THE ATARI STAR
And Other Smaller, Brighter Worlds (Johann's Face) www.johansface.com
Even amidst its angular constructs, The Atari Star manages to imbue
enough sparkling mellifluence to raise its music above the indie pop
mundane. The lyrics aspire to the poetry evinced by the title whilst the
soft artistic focus certainly permeates throughout the eleven tracks
here. Not a chord strummed in anger, The Atari Star is apt for those
plaintive quieter moments in life. C
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WINDSOR FOR THE DERBY
The Emotional Rescue LP (Aesthetics) www.aesthetics-usa.com
4th full-length from this Austin/NY band finds it mining brighter
territory than previous albums - why, "Emotional Rescue" is
almost sprightly whilst "Indonesian Guitars" is vaguely
romantic and "Mythologies" rocks out in angular fashion.
Traditional pop purists might find the music here a tad challenging but
the infectious post-punk gem "Awkwardness" may raise the
comfort level that much higher. C
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BOX-O-CAR
In The Future...on Mars (Modern) www.cracked-rock.net/boxocar
Fairly pleasing & rollicking good glam fun from Box-O-Car awaits you
on this seven-track CD. Strong traces of Bowie, Roxy Music, T. Rex,
Steve Harley & um Oasis abound on this competent offering. Fans of
that early 70s pop-rock vibe will warm to In the Future... in no
time at all. C TOP |
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REED DICKINSON Playing with
the Sun (Flying Kite) www.FlyingKiteRecords.com
Earnest is probably the best way to describe this effort from Dickinson.
There is a strong '70s vibe - think: Wings, Beach Boys, Eagles, Pink
Floyd - which manifests itself in the breezy "Same Blood That We
Bleed," atmospheric "Many Mysteries," poignant
"Black Cloud Zone" & socially conscious "The Killer
Made the Cover." A competent debut. C
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NORMAN BROWN
Just Chillin' (Warners) www.wbjazz.com
Jazz fusion so slick you could ice skate on it! I must confess that
though I admire the obvious thought and effort put into the process, not
to mention the gleaming seamless production work, this somewhat strikes
me as fundamentally soulless. D
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