Orson--Bright Idea

Cool sounds abound on Orson's Bright Idea, an absolute major-label stunner on Mercury Records.  This one's got power chords, super harmonies, big choruses and one catchy tune on top of another.  Orson has blended together a sometimes soulful, sometimes danceable and always rocking collection of great songs.  Highlights are practically too many to mention, but checkout "No Tomorrow", "Already Over" and "Save The World" along with the pounding rock of "Bright Idea" and the disco-laced urban sound of "Downtown".  Bright Idea is a hands-down winner from the first song to the last.

Featured Tracks: "No Tomorrow", "Already Over", "Save The World"

The Class Of '98--Touch This And Die (The Militia Group)

Here's yet another stellar release on The Militia Group label.  The Class of '98 is one of those bands that creates music that gets in between our ears and renders us unable to function normally.  These are nearly criminally catchy tunes; harmony-riddled pop gems sounding similar to label-mates Let Go, as well as Dibs, The Churchills and The Click Five.

Featured Tracks: "Everywhere You Go", "Pretend I'm Okay", "Bass Guitar"

L.E.O.--Alpacas Orgling (Cheap Lullaby Records)

How does this lineup sound to you?  Bleu, Andy Sturmer (Jellyfish), Mike Viola (The Candy Butchers), Jason Scheff (Chicago), Steve Gorman (The Black Crowes), Matt Mahaffey (Self), John Fields, Tony Goddess (pApAs fritAs), Hanson, Eric Barao (The Cautions), Scott Simons (The Argument)...yeah, we thought so.  Fans of Electric Light Orchestra will absolutely love this, but it has so much more to offer.  Everyone of the songs on Alpacas Orgling melds the talents of the popsters above into sweet tributes to Jeff Lynne and the contributions he made to the Power Pop genre.  But take note, this release is loaded with originals not remakes.  This is special music that will excite, soothe and satisfy lovers of Pop music everywhere.

Featured Tracks: "Sukaz Are Born Every Minute (w/Scott Simons)", "Nothin' Will Ever Change (w/Andy Sturmer)", "Make Me (w/Mike Viola)"

The Feeling--Twelve Stops And Home

This one should be quite the big deal!  It just doesn't seem possible that music this attractive can avoid a collision with the mainstream, no matter how dense the mainstream may be.  The Feeling is a smooth pop band out of UK that writes smart, hook-filled rock in the spirit of '70s AM radio.  Listening to this, you can hear Supertramp, Jellyfish, ELO and a host of other influences.  We are going to predict that "Love It When You Call" will hit with major-market radio.  If it doesn't then as we've been told before, we are hopelessly out of touch...thankfully.

Featured Tracks: "Love It When You Call", "Fill My Little World", "Helicopter"

Alien Ant Farm--Up In The Attic

Scoff if you must, but we've known all along that below the hard rock rumble of Alien Ant Farm beats the heart of melodic rock masters.  There is absolutely no denying the insanely catchy rock of tunes like "Getting Closer" and "Around The Block".  This CD doesn't contain a lot of the quirkiness of their last release Truant, but it certainly surpasses it for sheer tunefulness.  Plus, this is one of those efforts that has revealed something different discovered upon each listen.  We love when that happens and it doesn't happen often.  "Up In The Attic" is loaded with these moments.  Do yourself a favor...realize that this band's cover of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" was one of it's less significant accomplishments.

Featured Tracks: "Getting Closer", "Around The Block"

Kevin Reeves--Its' About Time

Soaring harmonies and sparkling vocals are the order of business on Kevin Reeves' great new release It's About Time.  Reeves' songs echo the sounds of acts like Jellyfish, PFR, Bleu and The Tories.  The production here sounds top-notch even though we've learned it was pretty much patched together in his apartment on a small budget (ah, the wonders of technology).  Reeves songs are melodic trips with enough twists and turns and ooohs and aaahs to satisfy the most rabid seeker of catchy rock.

Featured Tracks: "Afraid and Alone", "Said and Done", "The Game"

Drake Bell--It's Only Time

This isn't your kid's TeenNick!  For the uninitiated, Drake Bell has his own TV show on Nickelodeon called "Drake & Josh".  You'd think that would pretty much seal the deal as far as mediocrity goes.  But surprise!  Bell has created a killer Pop record.  It's commercial Power Pop for certain, but its not overly slick and its maxed out with sing along choruses and harmonies.  Jellyfish is used as a reference constantly when describing the Power Pop genre, but honestly, Drake Bell's music is a dead-on example of appropriate use of the comparison.  While this isn't Bellybutton or Spilt Milk, its evident that Bell is a fan.  Power Pop fans could do much worse opening the major-label weaned ears of younglings everywhere than It's Only Time.

Featured Tracks: "I Know", "It's Only Time", "Fool The World"

Mike Elgert--Days Gone By (Longynis Records)

A knock-out effort packed with 16 songs of supremely solid Power Pop.  This debut twists and turns, with flat-out rockers and well done pop ballads, most of which promise velvety pop pleasure to fans of the genre.  Much of the time, Mike Elgert sounds like Robin Zander, and while its tough to nail down influences, we can hear Cheap Trick, Foo Fighters, Jason Falkner and Starclock.

Featured Tracks: "Someone Took My Part", "Run Further"

Damone--Out Here All Night

We have to admit to being somewhat shocked at seeing Damone on a promo for a program appearing on the Disney Channel.  However, the more we listen to Out Here All Night,  the less surprising it becomes.  Damone's rock harkens back to a time when "kid's ruled" Rock and Roll.  The choruses are so huge that lighters may pop from your speakers.  "Now Is the Time" is arena rock exemplified (and amplified).  "On Your Speakers" is an invite to get out and party before time passes you by.  It makes us want to pass a love letter to the girl we used to have a crush on.  Lead singer Noelle has a fantastic voice, always bright and in total control.  She's not looking to show off how many notes she can hit, but you know damn well she can.  You can tell Damone has listened to their share of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Pat Benatar and Rick Springfield.  And for that we thank them.

Featured Tracks: "On Your Speakers", "You're The One"

Ty Tabor--Rock Garden (InsideOut Music)

He's done it again.  Ty Tabor is a supremely talented artist that can tickle us with a Power Pop feather while simultaneously punching us in the face with his Hard Rock knuckles.  His ability to continually stun us with beautiful music is only surpassed by his versatility.  As one-third of the legendary KING'S X, his contributions have raised countless goose bumps during our many extended listening sessions (if you don't know their music, what are you waiting for?).   Then he puts together the Power Pop gods that were JUGHEAD and totally knocks one out of the park with their self-titled 2002 release.  He also scores continually with his wonderfully tuneful and catchy solo discs, namely "Naomi's Solar Pumpkin" and "Moonflower Lane".  And now to top it all off comes his latest called "Rock Garden" and it's just what we wanted it to be...heavy guitars, swirling, groovy melodies and Beatle-esque harmonies.  It's powerful, it's pretty and it's hopelessly catchy.  Try to stop singing the chorus of "She's A Tree". 

Featured Tracks: "She's A Tree", "Ride", "Take It Back"