A10--"She's Already Made Up Her Mind", "Domino" (http://www.a10music.com)

A10 has blasted onto the Power Pop scene with an absolute winner!  "She Already Made Up Her Mind" weaves a pretty verse and perfect lead vocals with a guitar-crammed, sing-along chorus.  The tune recalls the best moments of bands like Dishwalla, Toad the Wet Sprocket and Dada.  A10 has just put the finishing touches on their new record, which was produced by Godfrey Diamond (Lou Reed, Aerosmith).  "She Already Made Up Her Mind" is the perfect appetizer while we wait for the arrival of the main course.

Featured Tracks: "She's Already Made Up Her Mind", "Domino"

The Afters--I Wish We All Could Win (Ino/Epic)

This CD starts off with their hit "Beautiful Love" and then dives into the ultra-catchy "Until The World".  From that point on, its clear that The Afters will have no problem owning your ears with big, uplifting Power Pop sounds.  This is polished, professional music, but that's not to imply that its soulless.  The songs here are incredibly heartfelt and inspirational.  I see no possible way that fans of The Elms, Switchfoot and PFR won't gobble this up. 

Featured Tracks: "Until The World", "Beautiful Love", "Love Will Make You Beautiful"

The Alice Rose--Phonographic Memory

Purveyors of fine Pop should be quite overwhelmed with The Alice Rose, an exciting quintet out of Austin, Texas.  They have managed to assemble a collection of fresh and bright music with not a trace of filler to be found anywhere.  When we say fresh we mean it, The Alice Rose has certainly taken cues from bands like The Beatles, Jellyfish and Squeeze, but they have used these influences to create something original.  Phonographic Memory sets the melodic mood from the very start with "Light Up", a guitar-based mid-tempo rocker that mixes Gish-era Smashing Pumpkins with Ed Kowalczyk (Live) sounding vocals.  "Ocean" is a smooth Gin Blossoms-meets-Squeeze tune, that's jacked up by a grungy guitar solo backed by ever so tastefully slight harmonies.  The album wraps up with the full-on chugging "This Night", a song that could have led off the album much less closed it.  It's proof positive that Phonographic Memory is loaded.

Featured Tracks: "Light Up", "This Night", "Ocean"

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"

All-American Rejects--Move Along (Interscope)

"...boasts the same infectious buoyancy that made 2002's "Swing, Swing a hit. - Grade: B plus"--Entertainment Weekly

Featured Tracks: "Dirty Little Secret", "Stab My Back", "Night Drive"

All Day Sucker--All Day Sucker (Big Wow Entertainment)

Alternative Rock/Pop and Soul. "LA's favorite rock act delivers a high energy show. Their songs are instantly memorable with a rare blend of grooving riffs, captivating hooks, and skillfully crafted pop-rock compositions"--Digital City

Favorite Tracks: "Worst Case Scenario", "Get High"
 

AM Radio--"Radioactive" (Elektra)

"...full of styling-product-free pop brimming with hooky choruses and irresistible melodies."--Billboard.com

Similar Artists: Lit, The Ataris, Sum 41

Favorite Tracks: "Taken For A Ride", "Media Life", "Tomorrow I'll Be Gone"

Ari Shine--Age/Occupation (Meticulous Records)

This is a sharply melodic, Elvis Costello-styled six song EP debut that is a lot of fun to listen to.  Ari Shine manages to create a thoroughly modern rock sound with driving melodies.  "Spelling It Out" is another one of those great pop songs with a spell-along chorus that is tough to shake once you start spelling along.  "Try A Little Harder" is a "cruising with the windows down" rocker certain to please pop/rock fans.  This is a very promising debut.

Featured Tracks: "Try A Little Harder", "Age/Occupation"

Arlo--"Stab The Unstoppable Hero"  (Sub Pop)

Similar Artists: The Pixies, The Knack, The Posies

Favorite Tracks: "Silkworm", "Stoned", "Stab The Unstoppable Hero"

Anberlin--Never Take Friendship Personal (Tooth & Nail)

This one screams major hit!  This brand new release from Anberlin positions the band for an assault on the top of the pop/punk heap.  These guys are tight players and the music is as catchy as you'll find in the genre.  Stephen Christian does spectacular work here, with soaring vocals that are downright amazing at times.  If you like bands like Sugarcult, The Juliana Theory and Further Seems Forever, you will be impressed with Anberlin.

Featured Tracks: "Never Take Friendship Personal", "Paperthin Hymn", "Audrey, Start the Revolution!"

Ashbury Keys--Dancers (RoundMouth Records)

Ashbury Keys' 2001 release "Dancers" hammers home the rock.  "You" features chunky chords and punk-styled lead vocals.  "Better Than Nothing" is a pretty Power Pop moment, a simple melody with aching, urgent vocals.  Tracks like "Vietnam" really mix things up and is a perfect example of how this album keeps you always guessing about what's going to come next.  Magna-Fi, Injected and Foo Fighters are right up this one's alley.

Featured Tracks: "Better Than Nothing", "You"

Ashbury Keys--Growing Up (self-released)

Ashbury Keys delivers a smack upside the head with "Growing Up", a powerful, aggressive slab of an album.  David Keys' marvelously tough vocals give the tunes here an "in-your-face" urgency and the Keys/Walter/Keys trio cranks up the noise with confidence.   We've always been a fan of rock and roll trios, and Ashbury Keys is yet another to add to our list.  Former Galactic Cowboys member Alan Doss is to credit for the production and we can hear influences of GC's superb "At The End Of The Day" dotting this release.

Featured Tracks: "Eye To Eye", "Holiday"

Matt Beal--Contributions For An Atom Bomb

Ah yes, the joys of straight ahead, blasting rock are here for all to enjoy courtesy of Matt Beal.  Matt scores big time with "Atom Bomb", a big smack of growling guitars that we know would raise the roof off any arena.  Matt and his Gibsons are also in fine form on "Get In", which combines Led Zeppelin swagger with Billy Squier-like vocals.  There's excellent guitar work all over this CD and the influences of the Black Crowes, Nirvana and King's X are evident.

Featured Tracks: "Atom Bomb", "Get In"

Big Kid--All Kidding Aside (Big Kid)

Now this is pure Power Pop through and through!  Big Kid will most certainly appeal to lovers of The Posies, Jason Falkner and Jellyfish.  It's filled with hummable melodies and outstanding vocals.  Each time we listen, we hear something new, evidence of the care taken in creating this fine new release.  Big Kid is big fun!

Featured Tracks: "Amerie", "What Can I Do", "When I Met The Girl"

Todd Bowie--Lucky Space People (Machine)

Multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter Todd Bowie delivers a debut album that is a total stunner.  This is smart, well-produced music that will remind listeners of XTC, Jason Falkner and Ross Rice.  To say that Bowie has spent a large amount of time listening to The Beatles and Jellyfish would probably be very accurate.  Hearing the rich melodies and inspired musicianship displayed here gives one faith that no matter how much mediocrity we are forced to hear from terrestrial radio, guys like Todd Bowie will always be there for us to appreciate.

Featured Tracks: "Eiffel", "Victoria"

Owen Bishop--Owen Bishop (self-released)

Former VH-1 "Rock Across America Songwriting Contest" winner Owen Bishop has provided us with two great new songs featuring his stunning style of Modern Rock.  "Human Cannonball" is a sensational example of song-writing chops with a terrific, memorable chorus.  "Bird's Eye View" is a sweet mid-tempo keyboard tune complete with inspirational vocals.  Owen Bishop has us convinced that he is poised for a run at Modern Rock radio stardom. 

Featured Tracks: "Human Cannonball", "Bird's Eye View"

Bowling for Soup--A Hangover You Don't Deserve (Jive)

Bowling For Soup has vaulted to the top of the Punk/Pop genre with this album.  Filled with songs about getting dumped and messing up relationships, we've seldom had this much fun hearing such sad luck stories.  The lyrics, though, can be just plain hilarious at times.  The tunes are bright, poppy numbers that require you to sing along.  Butch Walker is again at the helm here, and its mixed by the great Tom Lord-Alge.

Featured Tracks: "1985", "Trucker Hat"

The Cars (Various Artists)--A Tribute to the Cars: Substitution Mass Confusion (Not Lame)

What's left to be said about the Cars?  They blazed the trail for new-wave, keyboard driven Power Pop.  Many incredibly talented artists have been influenced by the music of the Cars, and many of them are included in this creative, first-class tribute compilation. The remakes of classic Cars tunes range from slight reworkings by bands like The Argument, Doug Powell, The Millions and Owsley to all-out reinterpretations from the likes of Jason Falkner, Butch Walker and Bleu.  This is great stuff and is a fitting salute to an awesome band!

Featured Tracks: "Hello Again"--The Argument, "Candy-O"--Doug Powell, "You're All I've Got Tonight"--The Millions

Caviar--Caviar  (Island)

Similar Artists: Fig Dish, Marvelous 3

Favorite Tracks: "Goldmine", "Tangerine Speedo", "Sugarless"

Cheap Trick--Rockford

There's really no need to compare the new Cheap Trick to the Cheap Trick of the past because ROCKFORD stands tall on it's own.  Robin Zander's trademark vocals are here along with the live sound that the band so seemingly strives for.  After a strange verse, "If It Takes A Lifetime" slips into an absolutely killer chorus complete with terrific backing vocals.  An inviting keyboard leads into the mid-tempo stomp of "This Time You Got It" and "Every Night and Every Day" is a tune heavily influenced by The Beatles with all of the Cheap Trick flourishes on display.  It's awesome to have Cheap Trick still contributing great music to the Pop/Rock genre.

Featured Tracks: "If It Takes A Lifetime", "Every Night and Every Day", "This Time You Got It"

Checkpoint Charley--Songs One Through Twelve (Bart Fargo Productions)

Those looking for a Jellyfish fix will find it here.  Checkpoint Charley rolls through twelve made-in-Heaven melodies that will thrill Jellyfish and Tories fans alike.  Kevin Packard and Jesse Anderegg weave delicate harmonies up and over sparkling hooks, paying much attention to punching guitars right through the heart of the mix.  Kevin Packard's vocals are more Steve Bertrand than Andy Sturmer, but let's give credit where it's due.  Checkpoint Charley is a terrific collection of tuneful pop songs.

Featured Tracks: "Cardiac Arrest", "Bellyfish"

Cherry Twister--"At Home With Cherry Twister"  (Not Lame)

Similar Artists: The Knack, The Posies, Star Collector

Favorite Tracks: "I'm Gonna Be The Lonely Boy Tonight", "Leila", "Charlotte B."

Chris Coolidge--Center Of The Universe (Triple R Records)

Indianapolis rocker Chris Coolidge has released a debut album full of tight, Foo Fighters-style Arena Rock/Pop.  Former longtime singer, guitarist, and songwriter of Midwest legends Johnny Socko, we're featuring the super tracks "Song About Nothing" and "Natural" right now!

Favorite Tracks: "Natural", "Song About Nothing"

Class Three Overbite--Rendezvous

Bradley Jendza and Mike Elgert (whose Days Gone By release made our "Best of 2006" list) absolutely astound here with Rendezvous, an album jam-packed with pop/rock goodness.  Rendezvous is a blast to listen to as its loaded with great songs of varied styles, all wonderfully executed and expertly performed and arranged.  Check out the disco-flavored title track, the Queen meets Jellyfish-like sweetness of "No Good Rotten" and the riff-heavy 70's guitar rock of "Milkshake".  Prepare to be knocked out by this one!

Featured Tracks: "Milkshake", "Rendezvous", "No Good Rotten"

Copperdown--Something True (self-released)

Scott Menefee and Patrick McFarland form Copperdown, a duo that has created the stunningly tuneful and carefully crafted debut "Something True".  Call it Smart-Pop or Sophisticated-Pop...whatever you call it, it's an enjoyable journey through musical moods and melodies.  These guys are talented multi-instrumentalists that write often times uplifting lyrics as well.  How to define the sounds of Copperdown...how about The Beatles, The Rembrandts and Fleetwood Mac influences with comparisons to contemporaries like Jason Falkner, The Honeydogs, and Vertical Horizon.  With "Something True", Copperdown has provided a rewarding and challenging entry into the Power Pop genre.

Featured Tracks: "It's Alright", "Everything To Me"

Tim Cullen--Funrazor (Japan Import)

Ex-Summercamp member Tim Cullen offers up "Funrazor", an assortment of light, catchy, extremely hummable songs.  With vocals sounding like a combination of Robin Zander and Myracle Brah's Andy Bopp, Tim Cullen offers up strong tunes here.  "On The Down" is a nice mid-tempo rocker that could have been released by Cherry Twister and "Your World" could be the spawn of a mating between JTG Implosion and All-American Rejects.

Featured Tracks: "On The Down", "Your World"

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"

Danko Jones--Sleep Is The Enemy

Danko Jones is a three-piece outfit that plays tough, heavy-hitting rock that compares pretty closely to current bands like The Strokes, The Hives and The Vines with the cool influences of classic bands like AC/DC and dare we say early Kiss.  There's also an underlying new-wave feel without any of those wimpy synths getting in the way of the rock.  You can hear the violence just below the surface of this music.  It punches you hard and then straightens it's tie as it leaves.  Maybe we can give it it's own genre and call it "secret agent rock".

Featured Tracks: "Baby Hates Me", "Don't Fall In Love"

Daphne Loves Derby--On the Strength of All Convinced (Outlook Music)

We're proud to feature a new trio from Kent, Washington named Daphne Loves Derby.  Enjoy the first tune "Hammers And Hearts" which recalls Jimmy Eat World, Get Up Kids and Vertical Horizon.

Featured Tracks: "Hammers And Hearts"

Def Leppard--Yeah!

Ah yes, Def Leppard...one of the bands of our youth.  A band that sold about 8 billion records in the 1980s has just released a collection of cover songs that contains some of the favorite songs of THEIR youth.  We really can't argue with any of their choices for this fourteen track spectacle of adoration.  Blondie's "Hanging On The Telephone" and Ray Davies' "Waterloo Sunset" are here as are "Rock On" (David Essex) and a spiffy cover of Badfinger's "No Matter What".  Really though, Yeah!  is about a love of fun, melodic rock and power pop.  Oh yeah...we forgot to mention a cool cover of John Kongos' (who?!?) "He's Gonna Step On You Again" is present here as well.  The one thing missing here is a cover of any of the massive hits Def Leppard themselves issued as contribution to rock's rich history.  It certainly would have been an appropriate self-tribute that would not have been the least bit out of place.

Featured Tracks: "Hanging On The Telephone", "Waterloo Sunset"

The Ditchflowers--Carried Away (Sunshine Drenchy Records)

Tampa-based Ditchflowers have mixed sharp melodies, thoughtful lyrics and wonderful production into a pleasing package titled Carried Away.  Ed Woltil and Brian Merrill head up this talented cast of musicians who offer songs of longing, faith and getting older into tuneful tales of intrigue.  The Ditchflowers have excelled here, merging sophisticated pop not unlike Steely Dan and XTC with the straight-ahead rock of artists like The Smithereens and The Kinks.  The songs "Home Away From Home" and "All The Time In The World" feature pretty pop that fit in seamlessly with country-flavored tracks like "Since I Met You" and "Walkin' Back".

Featured Tracks: "All The Time In The World", "Since I Met You"

Creighton Doane--Learning More & More About Less & Less (Bullseye)

Without a doubt, this debut vaults Creighton Doane to Power Pop god status!  Tasty hooks, sweet harmonies, killer musicianship...it's ALL here!  Thanks to Popbang.com for opening our ears to this.  Doane simply amazes with song after song of mega-tuneful rock.  Any fan of The Argument, Jellyfish, Jason Falkner, The Tories, etc. will have a field day with this. 

Featured Tracks: "True Love Story", "Overachiever", "Unexplained"

The Dotted Line--The Dotted Line (Not Lame)

Any fan of smooth, melodic pop is in for a great time with The Dotted Line.  They are not exactly a band out of nowhere, as the list of artists that each member has worked with reads like a who's-who of rock.  The music here ranges from the punchy pop "Torch Light" to the melodic, Todd Rundgren influenced sound of "She Is Light".  Those who love bands like Bleu, Owsley, Utopia and even Radiohead should all find much to like here.  This is a terrific debut from a loaded new band.

Featured Tracks: "Torch Song", "She Is Light", "Unbelievable"