Popfilter releases debut album
Popfilter's debut album 'Pop This!' is impressive, with many great power pop tracks, although the album fails to feel like a cohesive whole.
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Firstly, this is not the old Philippine band of the same name, but Boston native Chris Anderson and a virtual all-star line-up of power pop talent. Produced by Bleu, the late Owsley and the legendary Ducky Carlisle, it's an impressive debut with many great power pop tracks.
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Aaron Kupferberg is the primary music critic for Powerpopaholic. Powerpopaholic is the premier music review blog for all artists who fit within the genre of power pop or melodic rock. The site has over 1000 reviews and over 300,000 visits by pop music fans... The site is also featured prominently in John Borack's new book "Shake Some Action: The Ultimate Power Pop Guide" and mentioned in David Bash's "International Pop Overthrow vol.11" liner notes.
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It opens with the multi-pronged guitar and harmonic attack of "Back Again." The band's combination of Queen meets ELO approach reminds me of The Secret Powers a little. "Take The Shortcut" is another gem with a lush chorus and cascading synths. "Muddy Mississippi" takes a bluesy turn with Scott Simmons' keys and Joey Massei's incredible guitar licks. "Holly Would" is an awesome catchy single, that has Bleu's melodic fingerprints all over it.
And especially important is "Someone To Trust" - likely the last recorded performance of Will Owsely. It's a great song too, along with the glossy production and tight arrangements. Another winner here is "Back To Zero" with its Jeff Lynne styled hooks, and brilliant harmonies. Not every track hits these highs, but a majority of them do. Ultimately, the tracks don't quite fit together as a cohesive whole, but as a collection of really sweet singles. And I can think of no better excuse to grab this album.
Aaron blogs at Powerpopaholic.
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