SLOAN - Navy Blues
Probably the best thing to come from Canada (except for maybe Rush and Pamela Anderson), these 4 talented lads from Halifax, Nova Scotia have put out their most polished effort to date. Although last year's release One Chord to Another was a fantastic, stripped-down homage to Revolver-era Beatles, Navy Blues shines and explodes with in-your-face KISS inspired licks and 70's power chord rock anthems. Don't be led astray though, the perfect pop elements are in full-force: beautiful, well-placed harmonies, unique yet quirky song structures and the standard, one-of-a-kind lyrical wordplay only Sloan could create.
SPLITSVILLE - Repeater
The most pleasant surprise release of the year - Splitsville explodes on their third full-length release. The Baltimore based foursome who rose from the ashes of now defunct Greenberry Woods in 1996 have released a solid, unabashed power pop gem that shines from start to finish - there's not a stinker in the whole damn bunch. Although musical influences on Repeater are strewn about left and right, the band has established a distinctive sound and musical approach that will leave the listener begging for more. Track 5 "Dixie Liquor & Beer" is pure REM Fables-era inspired jangle pop, while "Big Red Sun" pays homage to Fountains of Wayne. Shades of Jellyfish and even over-the-top Queen-inspired vocals can be heard in many songs.
MYRACLE BRAH - Life on Planet Eartsnop
The 20 plus, 1-3 minute pop gems on Andy Bopp's debut solo release, flow in quick paced, yet smooth fashion from start to finish. There are no frills or left of center inspiration on this release, just pure Rickenbacker-laced power pop sure to stick in your head like bubblegum. As front man for Baltimore's Lovenut (Big Deal), Andy Bopp has established himself as a key force in the world of pop music and his solo work on Myrcale Brah is sure to uphold every pop fan's expectations.
DADA - Dada
The fourth full-length release from this LA-based band is by far their most polished, pop-inspired effort to date. While their previous albums focused on a more intricate and stripped-down, almost blues-inspired from of pop, their 1998 self titled release explodes with a heavier, multi-layered guitar sound, shimmering harmonies and slick, polished production (thanks to the hands of veteran producer Danny Korchmar). One of the most pleasant surprises of 1998, Dada have proven themselves as an immensely talented and adept pop band - plus they put on a kick-ass live show!
ELLIOTT SMITH - XO
Former member of Portland grunge kings Heatmiser, Elliott Smith has found his true calling in the world of pop music and in the DIY world of album production. XO is a delicate masterpiece of well-crafted, introspective acoustic pop songs - each note and instrument carefully placed to convey an important artistic approach. Smith's fragile, yet lush double-tracked vocals echo Simon and Garfunkel sentiments and, while most songs are low and slow on the tempo meter, they are uniquely structured and catchy enough to convey a strong and memorable musical message. The more upbeat tracks on XO reflect more retro-sensibilities of Pepper-era Beatles and even the Zombies.
ORANGE HUMBLE BAND - Assorted Creams
In a sense, the Orange Humble Band are the Travelling Wilburys of power pop, as they feature an array of guest musicians including guitar work from the one-and-only Mitch Easter and lead vocals from former Posie Ken Stringfellow. Though no striking new musical ground is broken with this release, the simple, heartfelt pop songs flow smoothly and delicately from start to finish. Standout tracks such as "Down in My Dreams" and "Can't Get What You Want" are sweetly melodic and catchy. Multi-layered and carefully placed guitar work can be heard throughout and even an array of horns and strings creep up now and then. Although there's a sense of frailty and hodge-podge about this release, all the elements of a great pop album are working in full-force.
POSIES - Success
Probably the Posies' least inspired effort to date, but still a pop gem
in a rather bleak year for new music. An appropriately titled album to provide closure to this Seattle band's legacy which lasted just over a decade (their debut was titled 'Failure'), Success is a mish mash of new and old songs re-recorded in 1997 and put together rather hastily for their final "Swan Song" LP. It's also rather symbolic that Success was released on the Posies' original indie label Popllama after a three-album stint with major label giant DGC.
STARBELLY - Lemon Fresh
A refreshing pop album, Starbelly's Lemon Fresh is full of the same, vibrant power pop energy of Myracle Brah's 'Life on Planet Eartsnop', no doubt due to influential co-production by pop veteran Andy Bopp (Lovenut, Myracle Brah). The songs flow in a quick-paced, 2-3 minute pop song fashion and make good use of typical pop song elements: chiming Rickenbacker guitars, short, concise song structures, hooks galore and ample vocal harmonies.