Jim Basnight

Pop Top

Power Popaholic Productions

Originally released in 1993, it’s now available for download and streaming on Power Popaholic Productions at Bandcamp.com. It was worth the wait. I reviewed this album in the past, and am glad of the chance to review it again.

I like the diversity of subject matter in the lyrics. It's not just life and love, how hard life can be, how hard love can be, or how good, as on “Hello Mary Jane.” On “Mr. Resident” the guy walks away from being #1. He wants to be ordinary. Ditto for “Stop The Words,” on which he doesn’t want to be hip. “Jasmine Perfume” examines a woman’s life.

All the songs are set to various kinds of pop: heavy, poppy, a bit of boogie-woogie on “Opportunity Knocks.” Neither music nor lyrics sound dated, not even a bit. It’s also punky, one of the best kinds of power pop.

Beyond the lyrics, there is a lot to like in general on this album. If you’re new to power pop, this album is a good place to start. You’ll get it all, and get a new musical world into the bargain. And a good bargain it is. too!

Andrea Weiss