Dibs--Bevelaquo (self-released)

Let's say someone happens to ask you "What does Power Pop sound like?"  Your immediate response should be, "just like Dibs, dummy".  "Bevelaquo" blazes with energy, pounding drums drive power-chords on top of strong, tuneful vocals and harmonies.  This isn't punk, it's not metal, it's guitar-heavy, relentlessly catchy songs that raise goosebumps with every "la-la" and "aaahh" the Dibs can dish out.  Since comparisons are nice to know, Cheap Trick, Fountains Of Wayne, Marvelous 3, Sugarbomb, Badfinger, Teenage Fanclub, The Churchills, and Sweet influences can be found throughout "Bevelaquo".  This IS Power Pop!

Featured Tracks: "Fall", "Losing", "Irresponsibility"

Let Go--Let Go (The Militia Group)

Those of us depressed by the passing of Jamie Woolford's previous band THE STEREO now have a reason to rejoice as Woolford returns with his fantastic new band LET GO.  And best of all, LET GO could easily be the title of a new THE STEREO release.  The music is more of the superb Power Pop we've come to expect from Woolford.  Crisp production and bright, endlessly melodic songs abound.  Honestly, there is not a weak tune here.  Without a doubt, this is one of the best CDs of the year.

Featured Tracks: "Spotlights", "No Drugs, No Alcohol", "Almost, Always Maybe"

Yellow Second--Altitude (Floodgate Records)

It's tough to describe how much we like many of the songs on this CD.  "Material" is a blend of grungy guitars and pretty harmonies laid over a sparse arrangement.  Why a tune like this isn't a huge hit, we'll never know.  "Mulberry" features a noisy but pretty verse with an absolutely drop dead gorgeous chorus.  To give you an idea of what we are dealing with here, Superdrag, late-era Posies, Weezer, Summercamp and more recently Dibs.  There is no way that fans of slightly meatier Power Pop will not totally enjoy the music of Yellow Second.

Featured Tracks: "Imaginary Friend", "Material", "Seed"

Ok Go--Oh No (Capitol)

Release number two from Ok Go is a fast-paced, hard-driving rock riot.  Not nearly as polished sounding as their debut, there is a raucous almost sloppy party going down here.  But never fear, the memorable melodies remain intact and the Power Pop flows throughout.  70's Kinks melt effortlessly into 80's-styled Cars pop with touches of current Jet and Rooney.  Enjoy!

Featured Tracks: "Invincible", "Do What You Want", "A Good Idea At The Time"

The Crash Moderns-- (self-released)

Wow!  This debut EP from The Crash Moderns is an outstanding shot of Cars/Churchills melodic pop-rock.  There is no question that this one will have you humming along with it's immediately catchy hooks, punchy power chords and touches of Greg Hawkes' flavored synths.  This EP is loaded with 5 high-quality tunes, produced by members of The Crash Moderns and The Churchills.  We can't recommend this one highly enough.

Featured Tracks: "This Time", "Everybody Hates Me", "Hello World"

Retrograde--The Frequency We Share (MapleNationWide/Universal)

This release is the follow-up to 2004's HEADPHONES ep, which made our "Best of 2004" list.  These rockers from north of the border have done it again with another collection of hard rock songs with some stunning vocals and harmonies.  The lead vocals of Toby Hulse range from cord-shredding to pillow-soft and at times it seems he's channeling Freddie Mercury.  The rest of the band is super tight with power chords in check.  Retrograde is a huge band with a huge sound that seems poised for a huge following.

Featured Tracks: "The Frequency We Share", "Looking Into You", "The Unknown"

The High Speed Scene--The High Speed Scene (Star Trak/Interscope)

Awesome Power Pop is all we need to say about The High Speed Scene.  This much fun crammed onto a shiny silver disc may be illegal.  The tunes on this release will definitely satisfy your need for melody and hooks.  This reminds us of Deathray's debut release and nods to Weezer, The Cars and even Devo are all part of the party to be experienced on this great new release.

Featured Tracks: "The IROC-Z Song", "Assingear", "Allaboutit"

Riddlin' Kids--Stop The World (Aware Records)

"Stop The World" is a major-label release riddled with smart, powerful punk-emo-pop.  Riddlin' Kids is a hard-rocking outfit that pounds home tight, melodic songs much like Lit, The Black Mollys and Diffuser.

Featured Tracks: "Never Live It Down", "Promise You Anything", "Just Another Day"

The Click Five--Greetings From Imrie House (Lava Records)

Those searching for pure pop/rock will find it on this CD from The Click Five.  The classic boy-band trappings are almost a parody here as there is no mistaking that this is a talented group of popsters set on making you sing along to their sugary songs.   "Just The Girl" rocks like a softer "Stacy's Mom", and yes, there are Fountains Of Wayne influences to be found all over.  The vocals and harmonies are reminiscent of the best of Kara's Flowers and maybe even Hanson, but just under the surface there are beefed-up "Working Class Dog" guitars, sharp synths and hooks-a-plenty.  Oh yeah, and listen for the cowbell on "Catch Your Wave".

Featured Tracks: "Just The Girl", "Good Day", "Catch Your Wave"

American Hi-Fi--Hearts On Parade (Maverick)

"Hearts On Parade" sounds so fresh, its a joyous return to form of one of the best Power Pop bands on the planet.  This release sounds like it was an absolute blast to record.  Listen to the 70's pop/funk/disco groove of "We Can't Be Friends" and "Hell Yeah!" and try to keep from dancing.  The keyboard-laced verse of "The Everlasting Fall" is enjoyable enough, until you get to hear the glimmering, sing-along chorus which renders your ears helpless to it's mega-hook.  Stacy Jones' lyrics add to the fun as does the production of Butch Walker and the rest of American Hi-Fi.  This CD was mixed by Paul David Hagar, who also mixed our favorite release of 2004, The Argument's "Recess Serenade".

Featured Tracks: "Hell Yeah!", "The Everlasting Fall", "We Can't Be Friends"