Ha! Almost renamed this one "Is It PROTO-Power POP?!" but that seemed confusing. I have heard/read these kinds of artists mentioned in power pop origin story discussions before. Heck, I even wrote a power pop-themed crime novella called "That'll Be The Day." Tastes, of course, will vary.
I have long considered Buddy Holly a forerunner of power pop. The ringing open chords, the indelible melodies, the sense of yearning... throw some Everly Brothers harmonies on top and you have the basic template for the Beatles' early originals.
The Everlys were also hugely influential on the Hollies, who returned the favor by backing them (and writing some songs for them) on 1966's incredible Two Yanks in England LP — several tracks of which DEFINITELY qualify as power pop!
He makes it perfectly clear that he likes Flamin’ Groovies! He’s talking about certain kinds of power pop fans, not the band or that song in particular.
He could have been more respectful, these days it's rare to genuinely be nice. It was hurtful to me because my partner of 11 years is the co writer. It's stuff like this that really turns me off on Substack. He didn't have to say that and after listening to his music ….. JFC.
Rockabilly is not power pop.
Ha! Almost renamed this one "Is It PROTO-Power POP?!" but that seemed confusing. I have heard/read these kinds of artists mentioned in power pop origin story discussions before. Heck, I even wrote a power pop-themed crime novella called "That'll Be The Day." Tastes, of course, will vary.
I have long considered Buddy Holly a forerunner of power pop. The ringing open chords, the indelible melodies, the sense of yearning... throw some Everly Brothers harmonies on top and you have the basic template for the Beatles' early originals.
No doubting Buddy Holly’s influence on The Beatles and their early sound. And those Everly Brothers blood harmonies are still incredible.
The Everlys were also hugely influential on the Hollies, who returned the favor by backing them (and writing some songs for them) on 1966's incredible Two Yanks in England LP — several tracks of which DEFINITELY qualify as power pop!
YES! This is the discourse we were hoping for... off to re-listen.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzGotn8LeP0d_vouRLpg8vLwMTl6w1pQS
What's that about the Flamin' Groovies?! Shit that's extremely rude.
He makes it perfectly clear that he likes Flamin’ Groovies! He’s talking about certain kinds of power pop fans, not the band or that song in particular.
What is the point it is still disparaging. The fans are right!
No doubting that it's a legendary and very important song, especially in the context of power pop.
He could have been more respectful, these days it's rare to genuinely be nice. It was hurtful to me because my partner of 11 years is the co writer. It's stuff like this that really turns me off on Substack. He didn't have to say that and after listening to his music ….. JFC.
Really interesting look at what could be the origins of power pop. I have my eye on that new Everly Brothers biography too.
Glad you dug it. I think this is among the most interesting installments in the series.