Highlight Tracks: "Dawn of the Butterfly," "I Told You (I Love You)" and, for good measure, the Manowar cover "Kingdom Come"
For More Info: Visit the label site at http://www.mypalgodrecords.com
Artist: Ultimate Fakebook
Album: Open Up And Say Awesome
The Scoop: While I'll quickly sport my indie-sharpened claws and fangs at the latest sign of pop fads (Andrew W.K. flat-out sucks, incidentally), I'll also be the first guy at the party to say "Well, I think we're ready for some Bon Jovi," or to reach for my prized "Prom 2K2" compilation (my own version of Monster Ballads). I get the sense that the guys in Ultimate Fakebook can appreciate these guilty pleasures, as their brand of punkish power-pop pays tribute to the time when rock bands and rock stars weren't so damned mopey and angst-ridden (or, like the lunkheads in Creed, hyper-serious and pseudo-profound). Ultimate Fakebook dispenses catchy, high-energy anthems like they were Pez, making no bones about hoping they become radio hits.Highlight Track: "Inside Me, Inside You" has all the makings of a giant hit, while "Girl, Here's Another Lie," a peppier version of the type of balladry we used to slow dance to in the cozy confines of gymnasiums.
For More Info: Visit http://www.ultimatefakebook.com or the label site at http://www.initialrecords.com
Artist: Powder
Album: Sonic Machine
The Scoop: The next wave of rock music, says MTV's Carson Daly. Hey, you can't fault the guy for the IQ-depleting music on MTV's TRL; he ain't picking the songs. Powder's in-your-face rock conjures up immediate neon images of Sunset Strip, the playground the band now calls home. They are building a ravenous cult following (especially in L.A.) through almost legendary live shows, noteworthy both for the band's incendiary playing and their over-the-top stage antics (suffice to say that the first person thanked in the liner notes is the band's costume designer). Ninette Terhart abandoned a promising career as a Juno-nominated Canadian dance artist (!) to assume the role of the band's Head Provocateur, and she wails like a woman who's exorcising demons and having the time of her life all at the same time. Powder mixes the dirt, pomp and circumstance of 80's Sunset glam metal with a theatrical silliness that is like The B-52s jacked up on steroids. Who knows-Carson could be right.Highlight Tracks: "Fly on the Wall," "Sonic Machine" and "What Is And What Should Never Be" (yes, the Page / Plant one)
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