Spring Forward Soundtrack: Power Pop

Absolutely. With PP deeply rooted in melody you'd be hard-pressed to find a band or artist that doesn't cite JPG&R as major influences.

The Raspberries though with Go All the Way, Tonight and Let's Pretend really launched the genre into the mainstream. Big Star was more underground but sadly flared out too quickly.

ml1 said:

If you're looking for a definition, I think you can just say "And Your Bird Can Sing."

http://www.mojvideo.com/video-the-beatles-and-your-bird-can-sing/b0595cf808457c62ebd3



I think AYBCS checks the box on every qualifier:

  • Jangly guitars
  • Catchy melody
  • Great harmonies
  • Guitar hook
  • Short
  • Cool middle eight

Someone earlier mentioned R.E.M. I don't think they typically qualify, because they used minor keys so often. As far as I'm concerned, PP has to be in a major key to qualify. Minor keys suggest too much melancholy to be pop.

cuethesun said:

Absolutely. With PP deeply rooted in melody you'd be hard-pressed to find a band or artist that doesn't cite JPG&R as major influences.

The Raspberries though with Go All the Way, Tonight and Let's Pretend really launched the genre into the mainstream. Big Star was more underground but sadly flared out too quickly.
ml1 said:

If you're looking for a definition, I think you can just say "And Your Bird Can Sing."

http://www.mojvideo.com/video-the-beatles-and-your-bird-can-sing/b0595cf808457c62ebd3



I think REM deserves a lot of credit for the resurgence of the jangly guitar sound, particularly on that first album.


S'more. If the chiming guitar, Beatlesque Robyn Hitchcock song doesn't put a smile on your face, this thread is not for you. Also included for your listening pleasure is (a) the deservedly oft cited one power pop hit "There She Goes" by the "La's." (b) a lesser known but wonderfully cute song by Stephen Malkmus, former frontman of the critically acclaimed band Pavement and (c) a number by Ryan Adams who can do the catchy melodic rock thing quite well though better known for his morose folk/alt rock stuff.



Not quite PP but since you posted Gardenia, I had to post Lariat. Also the vid reminds me that someone should probably post some Phoenix here...



Dammit, can't resist. Jangly and a great B section ("let me out of here"). Great narrative too (coca cola middle man... those awful toe rings...) Clocks in under 3.



Wait until at least .35... Skews a little hard tho.



Who are the ladies PP? Wracking my brain...


BTW, he's a huge Big Star fan...



The PP kicks in in earnest at :55. Gotta love the mini-bridge at 2:10 or so...Clocks in under 3...



Someone said ladies?




@bub - thanks for the Hitchcock post - it's great and the La's kinda typify PP. Wish Ryan Adams would retire forever. And of course by now you know I kinda have a man-crush on Stephen Malkmus (both during and post Pavement) ...


I said ladies. Too punky?



j_r said:

Someone said ladies?



Thanks for message Lanky.

I have to put my headphones on and catch up to a lot of these songs including the ones you've posted. Malkmus is quite cool.


Same here. I've got to catch up. I listen to everything I'm not familiar with. Some real gems thus far!



lanky said:

Who are the ladies PP? Wracking my brain...

Aimee Mann. question

Particularly her work with Jon Brion.


I listen to "Feed the Tree" quite a bit. Great song. And let's throw in "Divine Hammer" by the Breeders while wer'e in that neighborhood::




lanky said:

Who are the ladies PP? Wracking my brain...



probably doesn't fit, but i like it....


Not enough guitar for y'all i imagine, but catchy as heck...




DaveSchmidt said:

bub said:

When this subject comes up, there should always be a nod to groups that kept the thing alive when it was way out of fashion - the Strawberries, Big Star, who else?
It's that punk/New Wave/arena rock interregnum that was tough, and other than some one-hit wonders (the Romantics, the Records), Crenshaw is an out-of-step stalwart who springs to mind.

Remiss for not remembering how the Smithereens tided me through the mid-'80s. And, like Cheap Trick, still kicking it.


signing off with these two....goodnight all




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