Sugarpop- Give Up Your Sister (1997)

J-Bird Records was an early online music hub. As Roger Catlin wrote in a 1996 Hartford Courant article: 

"J-Bird Records, which operates out of Wilton, is likely the first wholly inclusive label -- signing bands, designing products, manufacturing CDs and marketing them in a virtual store whose number of titles, like the Web itself, will be unlimited."

It was an era in which people were excited by the "web's" unlimited potential rather than terrified of it. How quaint!

Arguably the finest release in the J-Bird catalogue is Sugarpop's "Give Up Your Sister". A tip for 90's/ early 2000's music conoisseurs: if a band's name is a combination of "sugar" and another word, it is probably pretty good. Sugarpop, Sugarbomb, Sugarcult, Sugarspoon, Sugartooth...all really good bands! I am even quite partial to Sugar Ray (c. "Every Morning"). Oh, and wasn't the inimitable Icelandic vocalist Bjork originally in a band called the Sugarcubes? I think it's a pretty solid rule. 

Allmusic appears to stick the "power pop" label on this album, but I don't completely agree. Yes, it is melodic, but it doesn't quite fit the mould. More accurate are reviewer Andy Hinds' Nirvana comparisons (https://www.allmusic.com/album/give-up-your-sister). The similarities are especially apparent on tracks like "Cigarette", where the vocal delivery bears an uncanny resemblance to Kurt Cobain. Forunately (and unlike so many others), Sugarpop understand what made Cobain such a great vocalist and songwriter, so the similarities are welcome. "Dashboard Hula Girl" seems to recall Beck with its spare arrangement, wiry slide guitar, and danceable drum beat. In fact, the entire album seems permeated by the kind of off-kilter pop sensibilities Beck pioneered on 1994's "Mellow Gold".  

The album's high point comes at track 6: "Downtown". Their many influences coalesce into something unique and arresting--a magnetic 2-or-so minute pop song you'll be singing all day!

Unfortunately, media samples are scarce, and the album doesn't appear to be on Spotify or iTunes. Use the Allmusic review page as your source for audio clips if you want to know if this album is for you, and then seek out used copies on CD. 

Some Of My Favourite 90's/ Early 2000's Powerpop

In no particular order, and with many omissions (I have enough left for a few more lists)...

Greta-This Is Greta! (1995)

My previous post covers Greta in depth (an interview with Josh Gordon). I won't re-write that post here...but obviously this album deserves a spot on this list.

Some People (Youtube Audio)

About You (Youtube Music Video)


















The Nines-Wonderworld of Colourful (1998) 

A prolific and extremely talented group. It was difficult to pick just one album. The single "Melanie" alone nearly made me choose 2001's "Properties of Sound", but I think "Wonderworld..." is their brightest moment, and demonstrates their full range. There's nothing they can't do---from the chugging, shadowy "Bobby's Alibi" to the heavenly Pet Sounds-esque "Ghost Town Sunday", to the fuzzed out pseudo-grunge of "Jules Maxi" it is all perfectly executed.

Ghost Town Sunday (Youtube Audio)

Bobby's Alibi (Youtube Audio)












Jellyfish- Spilt Milk (1993)

In my opinion, this album is EASILY one of the top 10 best of the 90's (any genre). The ambition and scope are massive, and the musicianship is godlike. Andy Sturmer's lead vocals often recall the heroics of late Queen frontman Freddy Mercury (!), and the harmonies call up visions of Sgt. Pepper era Beatles, or The Beach Boys circa "Pet Sounds"(!) (just listen to the too-perfect opener "Hush" if you don't believe me). If that's not enough of an endorsement, I don't know what is.  AllMusic's Mark Deming gave the album 4.5/5 stars...but I assure you, he merely lost that .5 in the pocket of another jacket. It's a 5/5, hands down.

Joining A Fan Club (Youtube Audio)













Imperial Drag (1996) 

Roger Joseph Manning Jr.'s post-Jellyfish project. More straight-ahead than Jellyfish, but still absolutely massive. I hear a 70's glam influence here--perhaps a bit of Marc Bolan/ T-Rex in the track I have linked below?

Boy Or A Girl (Youtube Music Video)




















Splitsville- Presents...The Complete Pet Soul (2001) 

Yes, your eyes aren't mistaken; the title is a combination of "Pet Sounds" and "Rubber Soul". Not since the makers of "Life" cereal has someone been so audacious in the naming of a product. Despite this act of hubris (and I mean this in the Classical Greek sense: defiance of the gods-- usually sealing one's fate), Splitsville were able to back up the title with the goods. While the album's namesakes may never be truly surpassed in terms of both quality and mythology, this is a worthy shelf companion. Splitsville have always been able to flex their vocal harmony skills. On this album they went all in--turning the distortion down a bit on their amps, slowing things down just a touch, and indulging their intimate familiarity with 60's sunshine-pop. Luckily this doesn't come across as a novelty record--the writing is simply too strong, and the earnestness seeps out of every groove (if ever a CD had grooves, it would be this one). Why not wear your heart on your sleeve? Why not indulge? Good on you Splitsville!

Sunshiny Daydream (Youtube Audio)









The Shazam-Godspeed The Shazam (1999) 

Nashville's "The Shazam" released this gem on the now defunct "Not Lame Recordings" label. If you're searching for good powerpop artists, the "Not Lame..." roster is a good place to start. If you're not afraid of falling in love, check out the song "Chipper Cherry Daylily".

Chipper Cherry Daylily (Youtube Audio)



















The Pillbugs (1998) 

Seriously, who has the audacity to make their first release a double album!? These guys, that's who-- and the gambit pays off! Essential for fans of 60's psychedelia (think The Pretty Things circa "S.F. Sorrow" and early Pink Floyd). Available (along with the rest of their catalogue) for listening and purchase on Bandcamp. Spacy, cerebral pop ecstasy.

Pretend You're Not Home (Youtube Audio)

The Pillbugs on Bandcamp

Brian Stevens-Prettier Than You (1996) 

Talented "Q Division" alumnus (check out that label's roster for some other great artists), and former member of Boston cult heroes The Cavedogs. Stevens even gets some help on guitar here from Clayton Scoble of Poundcake (reviewed in another post). Just as colourful and rich as the baroque cover art would lead you to believe.


The Piper (Youtube Audio)















The Gravy-Hangman's Pop (1997) 

Includes Todd Spahr, another former member of The Cavedogs. Not dissimilar to what Stevens was doing (which is good).


Memory (Youtube Music Video)


















The Gravel Pit-The Gravel Pit Manifesto (1996) 

The third straight "Q Division" release on this list. A bit heavier and more jagged than the previous two, but just as enjoyable and pop-savvy.

Allmusic Review & Song Clips





















Sloan-Navy Blues (1998) 

Canada's perennial powerpop powerhouse, Sloan, are so consistent that there isn't a simile available to describe how consistent they are. Why? The word "Sloan" has been universally accepted as the go-to simile for something that is extremely consistent ("x is as consistent as Sloan")--saying "Sloan are as consistent as Sloan" is just self-evident. Since their debut album in 1993 they have taken care of business without interruption, and without falling below the incredibly high bar they have set. But, if I HAD TO pick a favourite album from their catalogue, I think I would go with this one. It is just too much fun! It also contains one of their signature tracks: the riffy and electrifying "Money City Maniacs". Other instantly loveable cuts include "She Says What She Means", "Chester The Molester", and "Iggy and Angus". Near-legendary status in Canada, but I'm not sure how well-known they are elsewhere. Essential listening.

Money City Maniacs (Youtube Audio)

She Says What She Means (Youtube Music Video)

Chester The Molester (Youtube Audio)










The Killjoys- Gimme Five (1996) 

The chiming, reverb-drenched opening notes of "Soaked" are a direct callback to "There She Goes" by The La's (that being one of the greatest singles on one of the greatest albums of all time)- so you know you're in for a good ride. This is crunchier than The La's though-- just listen to standout track "Like I Care". It was 1996 after all--- it would have been impossible not to be excited about the chunky riffery that was constantly in the air. "Space Girl" is a nice mid-album detour into more quiet territory though. Also, these guys are Canadian, proving that Sloan weren't merely a fluke--Canuck powerpop is a real thing.

Soaked (Youtube Audio)












The La's (1990) 

Like I said in the last blurb: one of the greatest albums ever made. While frontman Lee Mavers was apparently displeased with the production, I think the songs are just too strong to be sullied by any mixing issues (and I actually have no qualms with the production myself). I don't even know if this can fairly be called "powerpop"...it is transcendental and ineffable. I tend to put this on whatever "best of" list I can shoehorn it into.

There She Goes (Youtube Audio)















The Tories-Wonderful Life (1997) 

The single "Gladys Kravitz" is impossible not to like. Excellent vocals too!

Gladys Kravitz (Youtube Music Video)
























Fuzzbubble (2000) 

Be careful, this one has attitude. If you like "power" in your powerpop, this one is for you. Opening track "Bliss" hits like a silverback gorilla, so make sure you're holding onto something and wearing some protective gear. A very formative album for me.

Don't Let It Get You Down (Youtube Audio)

Bliss (Youtube Audio)





















The Green and Yellow TV- Record X (2002)

The subject of an independent post from awhile back, but too good to be left off of this list! Another formative album for me.

Ruined (Youtube Audio)

In With You (Youtube Audio)





















Vinyl Kings- A Little Trip (2002) 

The Vinyl Kings are composed of a group of session-men with dazzling resumes. This is obviously an homage to The Beatles--but it is much too heartfelt and earnest to be dismissed as simply a tribute or a burlesque. No, this is a proper album and it deserves your time and attention.

A Little Trip (Youtube Audio)


















The Spongetones- Beat and Torn (1994) 

I'm cheating a bit here on two counts:
I) This is actually a compilation, not a proper "studio album"
II) It consists of the group's 1980's material.
After careful consideration by a panel of myself, I have granted this album exceptional status. It is a nice companion to the others on the list, and an excellent introduction to the band (who did in fact continue to release quality material throughout the 90's and into the early 2000's).

My Girl Maryanne (Youtube Audio)













Supraluxe (2005) 

"Sugar Chalet" is a hit in multiple fairer parallel universes.


Sugar Chalet (Youtube Audio)






















Willie Wisely-Turbosherbet (1997) 

Punchy, sexy, and infectious. Some may prefer 1996's excellent "She", but this one has had more rotation with me personally. Either way, you can't go wrong.

She Said Yeah (Youtube Audio)

So Turned On (Youtube Audio)




















P. Hux-Deluxe (1995) 

P. Hux is the pseudonym of powerpop luminary Parthenon Huxley (what a great name!) Huxley would later be involved in ELO Part II (a Jeff Lynne-less second iteration of the legendary 70's/80's giants)-- a fitting recognition of his considerable talent. Huxley lost his wife to cancer a few years after releasing this album-- making the already touching love songs found here all the more poignant in hindsight.

Playing Her Guitar (Youtube Audio)

So Good (Youtube Audio)


















That Dog- Retreat From the Sun (1997) 

The group's most solid release in my opinion; absolutely bursting at the seams with confidence. "Never Say Never" hits it out of orbit with its new-wave inflected cool and "Gagged and Tied" seals the deal.

Never Say Never (Youtube Music Video)

Gagged and Tied (Youtube Audio)




















Chaselounge- Black Plastic Ordinary (2005) 

Distinctly early 2000's sound (would have slotted in nicely alongside pop punkers like Fall Out Boy) but with echoes of the ghost of rock past (do I hear some of Elvis Costello's vocal acrobatics on "My Rotary Phone"?)

My Rotary Phone (Youtube Audio)




















The Irresponsibles- When Pigs Fly (1999) 

Protegees of the legendary Adrian Belew, with a decidedly poppier sound than their mentor. Many great tracks here (will probably warrant a longer entry in the future). Maybe a bit of an XTC edge?

A Girl To Looze (Youtube Audio)





















Fountains of Wayne (1996) 

The world lost a tremendous songwriter this year in Adam Schlesinger. Fountains of Wayne have always occupied an important and much-visited spot on my CD shelves. I think this, their debut, may be their most consistent release. It also paved the way for many other powerpoppers who emerged in the late 90's/ early 2000's-- showed them the dazzling heights the genre was capable of reaching. While it wasn't until the 2003 single "Stacy's Mom" that these guys fully broke into the mainstream, many of the tracks here could have easily done the trick with a bit of luck.  

Radiation Vibe (Youtube Music Video)













Admiral Twin- Mock Heroic (2000)

Tough to pick just one album by these guys to include here, but tracks like "The Unlucky Ones", "No. 1 Fan", and "Blessed Imperial" are hard to top.

No. 1 Fan (Youtube Audio)






















Wunderband (1997) 

Quirky, off-kilter fun. Sometimes compared favourably to XTC.

Mayqueen (Youtube Audio)






















Liar's Club-Drop Dead (1994) 

The subject of a lengthy post elsewhere on this blog. Just never gets old!

Allmusic Drop Dead Song Previews























Michael Penn- Mr. Hollywood Jr. 1947 (2005) 

Member of the talented showbiz Penn family (brother of Sean Penn), Michael is a powerpop mainstay and a seriously bright dude. This album completes a string of solid releases going back to 1989 (and is the most ambitious of the bunch in my humble opinion). As the title suggests, the backdrop here is post- WWII Hollywood/ California. Residue, memories of memories, self-aware nostalgia, tenderness, hints of lingering trauma...sophistication wrapped in stellar popcraft.

Walter Reed (Youtube Music Video)
















Owsley (1999)

Straight-ahead fun. By 1999 Will Owsley had already demonstrated his considerable talent as a member of cult heroes The Semantics, who released a single album, titled "Powerbill" (only distributed in Japan), in 1996. Despite consisting of Owsley, Zak Starkey (son of Ringo Starr), Millard Powers (who later joined Counting Crows on bass), and (occasionally/ informally) Ben Folds, The Semantics seem to have faded into obscurity. A re-recorded Semantics track, "The Sky is Falling", appears here and is arguably the album's highlight.

The Sky Is Falling (Youtube Audio)

Oh No The Radio (Youtube Audio)












Wondermints (1995) 

Selected by Beach Boys frontman Brian Wilson as a touring backing band, and as studio-mates for his re-recorded version of "SMiLE", listening to this album makes it easy to understand why. In fact, I think I prefer this album to "SMiLE"...am I allowed to say that?

Proto Pretty (Youtube Audio)






















Superdrag- Regretfully Yours (1996) 

Fortunately, this album saw a pretty broad release, so tracking down a physical copy is usually fairly easy (and prices for used copies online are generally extremely reasonable). "Sucked Out" got some well deserved airplay, and the rest of the album lives up to the promise of that stellar track.

Sucked Out (Youtube Audio)




















Sugarbomb- Bully (2001)

Very apt band name. Theatrical bombast and an eclectic mishmash of styles. Sometimes they even seem to recall Jellyfish (yes, they're that good). Fantastic vocals, well executed harmonies, and complex-yet-direct compositions. Jackdaw 4 would be another apt point of reference.

Motor Mouth (Youtube Audio)

Mail Order Girlfriend (Youtube Audio)














The Sneetches- Starfucker (1995)

Sneetches, if you recall, are fuzzy, yellow Dr. Seuss-ian creatures-- some having stars on their bellies ("Star-Belly Sneetches") and some without. I am just leafing through my own copy of Seuss's book to find the scene referenced in this album's title.
The Sneetches have achieved cult-hero status for their lovingly crafted classic guitar-pop tunes, and they gained positive critical (not necessarily commercial) recognition in the late 80's and early 90's. The band would split after 1994's "Blow Out The Sun", but released this mini-album, composed of leftover tracks, the next year. Against all odds, it ended up being one of their finest works, and a fitting capstone to their legacy.

They Keep Me Running (Youtube Audio)

Watch Me Burn (Youtube Audio)








Silver Sun (1997) 

Immaculate harmonies, razor-sharp melodies, and lots of cheeky sexual innuendos. Like an amped up, feistier version of the Beach Boys.

Julia (Youtube Music Video)