They Might Be Giants Are As Delightfully Weird As Ever
They Might Be Giants produce banger tracks, some really weird, very successful experiments, and another handful of songs where listeners’ mileage may vary.
power pop
Marc Valentine Goes Full Britpop with Muscular Confidence
Marc Valentine creates an ebullient and concise album. The buzzsaw hooks hit their intended goals; the vocal leaps are concrete and aspirational.
Fame Is the New Muse of 5 Seconds of Summer
5 Seconds of Summer add a new dimension to their reliable pop-punk formula by analyzing their own fame on Everyone’s a Star.
Lemonheads’ Evan Dando Authors His Addictive Hooks
Lemonhead Evan Dando’s long-awaited memoir is an engaging, sometimes harrowing, trip through the 1990s alternative rock boom.
The Lemonheads’ Songcraft Is Intact on ‘Love Chant’
The Lemonheads’ Evan Dando returns with his first collection of originals in quite some time, adding country and psychedelia to the mix.
Sloan’s ‘Based on the Best Seller’ Is Relaxed and Poppy
Catchy melodies and big guitars are the order of the day on Sloan’s 14th album, with a side of Chris Murph’s jauntier piano-driven songs to change things up.
The New Pornographers’ ‘Twin Cinema’ Is Still Captivating 20 Years Later
The New Pornographers took their power pop to another level on Twin Cinema, with Carl Newman’s impeccable songwriting and all three vocalists dialed in.
Courtney Love Ate My Pasta
If we need an example of someone who embodies strength and vulnerability as non-dual, Courtney Love rules. She will also eat your pasta and not give a fuck.
The Beths Level Up Again with Their Excellent New Record
The Beths’ Straight Line Was a Lie is full of catchy hooks, big guitar riffs, and often introspective lyrics. The New Zealand quartet are at the top of their game.
North American Power Pop of the 1980s Is Delightful
Power pop was always music for other musicians to like, or for people whose record collections eclipsed their social lives. The songs were catchy and poppy.
Extra Arms’ Ryan Allen Makes You an Excellent Mixtape
Power pop acolyte Ryan Allen’s latest record showcases his mastery of the genre. He discusses how his solo releases differ significantly from his band work.
The Mayflies USA Return With Hopeful and Heartfelt LP
The Mayflies USA’s first album in 20-plus years has been worth the wait. It continues their power pop ways, while also moving them in promising new directions.