Guitar Pop For Now People—Part 5
10 Recent Tracks + Music Reviewers/Publications
I just got back from vacation and these are some of the songs I listened to on my travels.
There’s nothing better than rolling the car windows down, cranking the volume on the stereo, and heading off on an adventure. Or putting your headphones on and creating a private soundtrack for all the incredible people-watching at airports and train stations, or while exploring the back alleys of a foreign city.
There was a time when I’d mostly listen to older music on trips like this, but it’s impossible to ignore all the great new singles and albums being released these days. We’re living through a guitar pop golden age and the should-be hits keep coming from all around the rock and roll globe.
Whether you’re traveling this summer or sticking close to home, the 10 songs below are a great way to start your summer playlists. As always, I’ve included a review blurb and a link to the write up it came from.
Feel free to listen, click and share.
What’s on your summer soundtrack?
Join the conversation in the comments.
10 Recent Tracks and Music Reviewers/Publications
“There is both a worldly writing about the world and her place in it, but also a commentary on failed relationships and Australian life. The songs are delivered in a wry way, not necessarily with angst, more a bemusement.” —Don Valentine, I Don’t Hear A Single
“One of our favorite hit machines Brad Marino drops a lot of names on his new single Ramones and Stones. From the Kinks and Beatles to Elvis Presley and Beach Boys, he leaves few bands from rock’n’roll royalty unmentioned. But according to Marino, we can keep all those as long as he can have Ramones and Rolling Stones.” —Add To Wantlist
“‘Everything Is Fine’ uses everything and the kitchen sink with key shifts, harmonies, and hooks, and the title track ‘Indian Summer’ and ‘Mary Jane’ are catchy throwbacks to The Raspberries and Badfinger. Lund’s skillful guitar leads each tune with gusto and melodic brilliance.” —Aaron Kupferberg, Powerpopaholic
“Musically there is a broad pallet on show as the artist takes influences from the last few decades. There’s a classic pop sensibility about it, with catchy hooks and layered vocals aplenty.” —Iain Key, Louder Than War
“There’s an interesting juxtaposition of vocals and instrumentation on this 45, the former coming in loose and somewhat jocular (very Hoodoo Gurus) while the band flashes a tight guitar brilliance worthy of The Wrecking Crew on those great Monkees recordings or Squeeze in Argy Bargy mode.” —Dennis Pilon, Pop Rock Record
“Better Luck Next Year strikes a balance between the music–which cranks up the amps to evoke the fuzzier, louder end of the power pop spectrum–and Grimm’s vocals, which are gentle, melodic, and frequently harmonized, sitting on the ‘quietly pretty’ end. I definitely hear some Teenage Fanclub here, but also the louder end of 2nd Grade, Supers -crush and -drag, and some Matthew Sweet.” —Rosy Overdrive
“Ever wonder what the Beatles might have sounded like had they been born in Malibu instead of Liverpool? Wonder no more. Give the very entertaining ‘Daydream In The Sun’ a spin. It’s a corker.” —Richard Rossi, Power Pop News
“Julez and the Rollerz crank the energy up with ‘Wildest Fantasy,’ the extra punch and quicker pace noticeable right away. Lyrically, the track picks up the push for transformation, even if it simply comes from a new party to go to, or a new crush to fall for…” —The Alternative
“It Must Be is a power-packed explosion of everything that makes power pop irresistible: infectious melodies, hooks that stick like glue, lyrics that hit the spot, and an unwavering air of confidence.” —Patrick Donders, Sweet Sweet Music
“The tracks that are typical Local Drags songs, such as ‘Heard About It’ and ‘Totally Down,’ remind us what an underrated figure (Lanny) Durbin is in the power pop world.”—Lord Rutledge, Fast and Louder
Guitar Pop For Now People—Part 1
Guitar Pop For Now People—Part 2
Guitar Pop For Now People—Part 3
Guitar Pop For Now People—Part 4
Remember The Lightning—A Guitar Pop Journal
A new semi-annual music journal featuring some of today's best music writers on modern guitar pop, and talented modern artists on the music/genres that inspire them.
Exclusive contributions:
James Goodson (of Dazy) on Being Power Pop-Adjacent
Annie Zaleski on the Beths
Mo Troper on Chris Bell's "I Am The Cosmos"
Rob Nesbitt (of the Suitesixteen) on the Exploding Hearts
S.W. Lauden on the Whiffs (Our debut cover models!)
Mary E. Donnelly on Sloan
John M. Borack on Juniper
Paul Myers on Tinted Windows
Mike Randle on Popsicko's Off to a Bad Start
David Laing on Power Pop's Country Roots
PLUS: Custom Cover Art By Brian Walsby
Local Drags' Mess of Everything was rad when I first heard it, and just seems to get better with each spin. Look for it on my AOTY list (probably on lots of other people's, too).
And who is it The Rallies sound like?