Showing posts with label Power Pop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Power Pop. Show all posts

Thursday, June 5, 2014

4 ot of 5 Doctors

4 ot of 5 Doctors

Where the hell was I that missed this band. Perhaps they just fizzled out before the dam broke.Another Philly band that was swept under the rug. Energetic synths with  well written melodic hooks makes this band stand out. 

From Left to Right: Jeff Severson (Vocals, Guitars, Keyboard), George Pittaway (Vocals, Guitar), 
Tom Ballew (Vocals, Drums), Cal Everett (Lead vocals, Bass)



Don't let the cartoon ponies scare you away.
Here is Modern Man from 4 out of 5 Doctors
 and it's amazing.

This band has strong vocals and well mixed and well produced guitar work with complimenting harmonies. 

4 out of 5 Doctors - Breaking Rocks


WOULD I HAVE LISTENED TO THIS IF I KNEW ABOUT IT? 

1979 had a lot of music that there was no way to hear it all. This band, had I know about them, a DEFINITE YES VERDICT. One of the best bands I missed in the many years of music. Easily 5 out of 5. 



Monday, June 2, 2014

The A's

The A's


A decent band from Philly is The A's. Never heard of these guys until now. There are some decent songs and catchy hooks in The A's. The singer Richard Bush just misses the mark vocally for me. He is pure energy on the stage and a decent frontman. He gives off a Richard Hazzard/Elvis Costello/Eddie Money/Bruce Springsteen presence but slowly wears on ya after a while. The hot spot for this band, Rick DiFonzo's brilliant and vibrant guitar work. The guy is truly amazing. 


From Left to Right: Rick DiFonzo (guitar), Mickey Snyder (drums), 
Terry Bortman (bass), Rocco Notte (keyboard), Richard Bush (vocals)

They are another band that the studio can capture and if you want to see them shine you should view the



Their proclaimed single, 'A Woman's Got Power', 
I thought it was junk compared songs like 'After Last Night'. 


WOULD I HAVE LISTENED TO THIS IF I KNEW ABOUT IT? 

My verdict is a YES. Now they probably would have found their way towards the bottom of the stack, but I would have played them on a rare occasion for a bit of  obscure music.3 out of 5.


Sunday, June 1, 2014

Tommy Keene

TOMMY KEENE


There are so many bands that have some incredible and explosive music only to be driven into the ground by second rate and awful vocals. This guy falls into this category. Maybe I am wrong on this but, I have seen the type before, my band, my way. Sometimes a person doesn't take that step back and criticize themselves. 



Easily could have risen into the radio charts with some decent vocals is a song called "Landscapes.
What comes off as cartoonish helium vocals renders this "could have been" to a "no thanks. I know he is still going and he has a decent amount of followers, but his catchy hooks are stil overshadowed by subpar vocals.


Would I have listened to this if I knew about it? 

I might have dived in a little deeper if I was able to provide links, but no can do. My Verdict is a No. Too bad, some of the best music I have heard just ruined by poor poor vocals. Musically a 4, maybe a 4.5. vocally a 1...The vocals just KILL this decision,  overall a 1.5