the listening room...
As an individual just discovering powerpop you might enjoy my blog at powerpopreview.blogspot.com

Picked up some great records… Three small faces lp’s, Emitt Rhodes “mirror”, Stiff Live (stiff records tour album), another Bram Tchaikovsky lp, some others. All at a flea market for a buck each.

Digging this song!

New to powerpop

Well for the most part anyhow.  I just came across about 30 records, 20 45’s, all powerpop or early punk late 1970’s to early 1980’s.  Almost every record is great.  I didn’t even realize that half of my record collection was considered powerpop.  From Big Star to the Rasberries to XTC.  If anyone reads this, feel free to share on my links, correct me, school me or add any info.  Enjoy the music!

The Records all messed up and ready to go / Teenarama

How have I not heard of this band until now? Comparing these guys to Big Star would be like comparing Badfinger to the Beatles. They have similarities to each other but these guys are take it to another level in ways. Loud distorted guitars, well crafted songs; solid vocals. I can picture loud Hiwatt guitar amp stacks. Interesting one of the members went on to join a harder edged band with someone from the New York Dolls.  Can’t believe I passed this record up twice and it was there the 3rd time.. for $1!  

Virgin Records US

Bram Tchaikovsky “I’m the one who’s leaving” from the album Strange Man Changed Man.

Another great record from the pile-o-records I found a couple weeks ago.  English powerpop band (dude) that sings and play pop gems like nobodies business.  Nice Soviet era art style cover.  Recorded in 1978 and 1979.  The singer used to be in a punk band called the Motors.  Contemporary of Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello, from Stiff Records Days.  

The Infidels “Society’s Casualty”

Beanapple Music. The record was available for $1.60 by mail. Pretty awesome. Love this band. 

Band Members:

Larry Newman - Guitar / Vocals
Raymond Bailey - Bass guitar
Nathan Newman - Drums
Tim Converse - piano, moog and vocals

Recorded at WCBN Ann Arbor 1978 
Anybody’s Girl b/w Society’s Casualty

The Scruffs “Shakin” Powerplay Records 1978 Sludge Music

AWESOME powerpop band from Memphis, Tennessee.  Originally got together in 1975.  Released this 45 in 1978 on Powerplay Records.  This 45 makes me want to get a hold of “Wanna meet the Scruffs” LP.  They just don’t write songs like this anymore.  Shakin over you… and you’re shakin over me… !!! I like it.  I hear they were often joined on stage by Alex Chilton of Big Star and Box Tops fame.  A great find and a band who I’ll seek more material from!

The Hot Dates “I can’t stay” 45 from 1978 Cooking Records EMI.

From what I gather they were a power pop band from Boston. “I can’t stay” is pretty rocking. Solid bass lines, late 70’s fast and loud guitars. Vocals ain’t bad either. Nice backup harmonies. Definitely worth the 50 cents I paid. Worth looking more into this band and era. Fun stuff. Vintage Boston rock and roll.