The Argument--Recess Serenade (self-released)

With "Recess Serenade", The Argument has released one of those reference power-pop CDs that comes along every couple of years.  This one has it all: hooks, harmonies, clever lyrics, irresistible melodies.  This is no jangle pop.  This is punchy pop that reveals something new on every listen.  If you’re a fan of Jellyfish, Ben Folds, Fountains of Wayne, or an old Cars fan that needs a fix, this one’s for you!

Favorite Tracks: "Movin' In", "Everyone's Sellin' Something", "Speak My Mind"

The Thornbirds--All The Same (Warrior Records)

Fans of hard Power Pop will absolutely eat this one up.  Take the big glam sound of Enuff Z'Nuff, swagger from Marvelous 3, power of King's X and the fun of 40 Ft. Ringo and you'll have a great idea of what The Thornbirds are all about.  Great vocals and harmonies wrap themselves around powerful guitar-driven hooks.  "All The Same" is not to be missed and is highly recommended.

Favorite Tracks: "Best Friend Kay", "Internet Xplorer", "Better You Than Me"

The Black Mollys--Overnight Disgrace (Vital)

The Black Mollys rip one out of the rock and roll park with "Overnight Disgrace".  The Black Molly's offer up an extremely solid slab of melodic, loud rock here.  Tory Stoffregen appears to be a master of the guitar riff and this release is proof, packed with 13 terrific tunes with not a trace of filler to be found.  The Black Mollys' music is part Cheap Trick, part Lit, a little Nirvana with some King's X bottom thrown in for good measure. 

Favorite Tracks: "I Can't Care", "Every Other Day", "Window"

Retrograde--Headphones EP (self-released)

A hard-rocking, melodic good time!  Retrograde's crushing music is an exciting blend of heavier than lead guitars and outstanding lead and backing vocals.  This EP features four new songs, two from an upcoming full-length release, and a killer remake of Peter Gabriel's "Digging In The Dirt".  Retrograde's music seems a mix of Foo Fighters, Year of the Rabbit, Magna-Fi and Incubus.  This EP is nothing less than a great shot of Rock and Roll from a supremely talented band.

Favorite Tracks: "Letting Go", "Headphones", "The Cure"

Owsley--The Hard Way (Lakeview Entertainment)

"Sultry love songs rub against the hookiest pop south of Canada. Check out why his legion of fans are growing by the minute. This is a true masterpiece of pop craftsmanship."--Amazon.com

Packed from beginning to end with beautifully catchy songs..."--E!online

Favorite Tracks: "She's The One", "Rainy Day People", "Matriarch"

Sugarcult--Palm Trees and Power Lines (Fearless/Artemis Records)

Sugarcult returns with the follow-up to "Smart Static" and it's a blast!  "Palm Trees and Power Lines" is more exciting power pop-punk that can be placed alongside the best from other bands like The Ataris, Diffuser and Lit.  This release does not disappoint, with relentless guitars, gunshot drums and soaring vocals.  This band has established itself as one of rock's most vital new acts.

Favorite Tracks: "She's The Blade", "Champagne", "Crying"

Collective Soul--Youth (El Music Group)

It's been over four years since we've heard from Ed Roland and the members of Collective Soul.  Easily one of alternative rock's most successful acts, they obviously aren't ready to stop wowing us with some of the catchiest songs around.  Their new release "Youth" sounds amazing; it's production by Ed Roland and Dexter Green is so clean and clear you'd think you were in the production control room with them.  "There's A Way", "Home", "Counting The Days" and "General Attitude" rock with typical CS confidence.  Guitar and keyboard riffs ring out as Roland's vocals passionately reinforce each well-crafted tune.  This is as good, if not better than anything else they've ever released.

Favorite Tracks: "There's A Way", "Counting The Days", "General Attitude"

Switchfoot--The Beautiful Letdown (Red Ink/Columbia)

"Meant To Live" starts off this album with a boom, with guitars wailing, rising and crashing.  The songs that follow are varied in style and slowly reveal themselves as you listen.  Inspirational and enjoyable, Switchfoot's optimism is a fresh change from the current mainstream mood.

Favorite Tracks: "Meant To Live", "Gone", "Ammunition"

Rooney--Rooney (Geffen)

"Imagine Ric Ocasek and Rivers Cuomo having an illicit love child . . . Throw in a few other classic Britpop references here and there and you've got the fun sound of Rooney."--PopMatters.com

This one just keeps getting better with each listen!  Great major-label Power Pop!

Favorite Tracks: "That Girl Has Love", "I'm Shakin'", "If It Were Up To Me"

Hindurodeo--Nalladaloobr (Awkward Pop)

"Three bands come readily to mind when listening to Hindu Rodeo: Dada, Utopia and The Bears...Without little doubt or ambivalence, we put this right at the top of any pile circulating here and present Hindu Rodeo as Extremely Highly Recommended. Truly stunning."--NotLame.com

Favorite Tracks: "McLife", "World Go Round", "Any Other Way"