Review: Jet Electro “Jet Electro”

Powerpop
I had a feeling I was going to enjoy this record as soon as I saw all the 70s memorabilia decorating the room featured in the digipak artwork. Even better, there were several references to Alfred E. Newman and MAD magazine, further suggesting I would appreciate the sense of humor of the lyricist.

That lyricist is Craig Daniel, the guitarist of Poplord, a notable powerpop band we’ve featured here several times before (see here). Jet Electro is Daniel’s alter ego, “the forever young musical super hero”. The self-titled debut record contains 11 songs, each with a different set of musicians. Despite the revolving door of musical personnel, Daniel’s songwriting and vocals still deliver a cohesive listen built around a theme of musical autobiography.

The life story begins appropriately with a tune about mom, “I’ll Never Find Another Girl Like You”. Radiating with an AM radio vibe, this song is one of my favorites – a classic powerpop treasure with wonderfully crafted melody lines. Horns, played by musicians found using craigslist, add flair to the Memphis soul inspired tune, “Buckle Up”. “For Sale By Owner” is another upbeat highlight, as is “This Baby Of Mine”, a Beach Boys flavored ode to a 1965 Cadillac Deville. There isn’t a love song to be found on the record, but Jet Electro offers an honest explanation in the beautifully fingerpicked piece “I Don’t Know How”. The record ends the story of this life with “Through”, an engaging romp with gorgeous retro chord changes and cool falsetto harmonies. Some of the tracks are a bit too offbeat for my tastes, such as “Walter Cronkite” and “100 Girls”, but overall this is an impressive and captivating debut sure to please powerpop lovers of all stripes - including fans of Poplord.

Jet Electro is recommended if you like Todd Rundgren, The Beatles, or The Raspberries. Pick it up now at CDbaby or iTUNES.

Jet Electro – Official site.

Review: Poplord “Poplord Vs The Universe”

Powerpop
We last heard from Poplord back in 2008 with their release “Full/Filled” (review here), but in 2011 they are ready to take on much more…the entire universe in fact. A band against the world - make that all worlds - “Poplord Vs The Universe” rebels against current musical trends to deliver traditional pop and rock to their fanbase.

The epic battle with the universe started small…in the living room of keyboardist/singer Tom Magill. With the help of Stan Schaffer (drum, vocals, lyrics) and Craig Daniel (guitar, vocals), the trio has crafted another mix of melodious and quirky pop confections. The first two tracks are spectacular and have “universal” appeal. Poplord blasts off the launchpad with one of the most rocking tunes they’ve recorded, “Flower Bomb”. There are super harmonies and a killer hook – every member of the band is firing on all cylinders here. Another track that is out of this world is “Miss Universe” – just listen to the attention to detail in this song…flanged guitars, a space-age keyboard tone, and a transient house beat inexorably linked to beauty pageants, all of which tie in perfectly with the lyrical theme. On the lovely “Descending”, the band apes their most important influence – The Beatles. “Descending” features a Lennon-esque psychedelic chorus and a weepy Harrison-styled lead guitar. The ELO-flavored “Drilling For The Sun” leaves a great taste in your mouth towards the end. Unfortunately, the rest of the tracks – which are generally less upbeat - pale in comparison to these standouts…not because they are bad songs, but because the others are so good. There are flashes of brilliance in almost every song in the form of masterful harmonies, a groovy retro tone, or a witty lyric.

“Poplord Vs The Universe” is the first release on the band’s own Fowl Tone label, a nod to the small farming town of Fowler, California, where the band is based. Fans of powerpop – be sure to get Poplord on your radar.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 4, 9, 10

Poplord on MySpace.

Check out the video for “Change In Time For Monday”:

Review: Poplord “Full/Filled”

Poplord is the brainchild of Stan Schaffer and Tom Magill, and is an evolutionary product stemming from their Beatles tribute band (The Beetles) back in the early 90s. The most recent recruit, Craig Daniel, also lends his talents to this 2008 release. All three of the guys can be heard taking turns on lead vocals, but a casual listener probably wouldn't even notice. You’ll hear plenty of influence from the Fab Four, in addition to hints of Jellyfish (especially "Where'd He Go"), Brian Wilson, and Tears for Fears.

All of the usual ingredients for a wonderful pop record are present and accounted for on “Full/Filled” – plenty of harmonies, interesting lyrics, a dash of harpsichord - but something is leaving me feel a bit empty. It's not that any of these songs are bad; in fact, most are fairly good. It's just that few are popping out at me as being great. There are several notable exceptions, including the lead off track "Change in Time For Monday", which manages to push all the right power pop buttons from the first to last note. Good momentum continues with "What's Beneath", which is adorned with well placed harmonies wrapped around smooth hooks and terrific organ and guitar solos.

The acoustic driven ballad, "The Gray", is an excellent example of what Poplord can do at their best. However, this tune and several others would benefit from better production on the drums, which sound deadened and muffled to me. "Used To Town" is a sweeping track with a lot of umph...and harmonica...that I found particularly engaging. A lot of retro sunshine pop can be heard in "A Tree Beyond", which is my favorite track on the CD. Instantly likable and cheery, "A Tree Beyond" sounds like Billy Joel jamming with Captain & Tennille .

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 4, 6, 10

Poplord on MySpace.