Fine China - You Make Me Hate Music
When you listen to this CD, you'd swear Fine China is from England, or at least somewhere in Europe, but they hail from Phoenix, Arizona, the land of sunshine. You Make Me Hate Music, as the title suggests, isn't full of sunshine, it's melancholy guitar pop heavily influenced by 80s groups like the Smiths and New Order. Fine China doesn't take themselves anywhere as seriously as those groups, and sneak in subtle humor and wit amongst seemingly pretentious song titles like "The World Wants Me Dead". This is a group with musical talent, indie credibility, and pop sensibility. It's a winning combination, and this is a first-rate CD.
Web Link: http://www.finechina.cc
Goo Goo Dolls - Gutterflower
This is a band that proves the power of perseverance. Goo Goo Dolls have been around for 15 years, and have now released 8 CDs. Their first success came with the 1995 single "Name". Their following CD, Dizzy Up The Girl, took them to the top of the charts and into the top level of rock stardom. Their latest release, Gutterflower, will keep them there. Lead singer John Rzeznik is usually plagued with writer's block when trying to write songs, but always breaks through with yet another hit single. He writes songs that have punch, power, and huge hooks. Rzeznik turns over vocal duties to bassist Robby Takac on a couple of songs, and Takac is actually pretty good. From power ballads to up-tempo rock and roll, Gutterflower deliver the goods.
Web Link: http://www.googoodolls.com
Imperial Teen - On
Power pop doesn't get any better than Imperial Teen. The San Francisco-based quartet's third CD masterfully blends modern rock with 80s new wave into songs that pack a punch and are still danceable. The band consists of former Faith No More keyboardist Roddy Bottum, former Sister Double Happiness drummer Lynn Perko, singer/guitarist Will Schwartz, and bassist Jone Stebbins. Bottum and Schwartz each sing lead on about half of the songs, and the female harmonies really add to Imperial Teen's sound. On runs the gamut from alternative to techno to pop to new wave. It's a fresh, smart, and most of all, fun CD.
Web Link: http://imperialteen.com/
Kory & the Fireflies - Everyone
When you think of rock and roll hotbeds, South Dakota probably isn't the first place that comes to mind. Kory & the Fireflies are out to change that perception. With their third release, they are poised for national success. Everyone is heartland rock and roll at its best: upbeat, positive, and fun. Lead singer Kory Van Sickle has a gift for writing catchy choruses that stick in your head for days. Being a 6-piece band also gives Kory & the Fireflies a lot more musical versatility and variety, utilizing a wall of sound that is powerful, yet always focused. If you're in the mood for sing-along, feel-good, energetic rock and roll music, you can't go wrong with Everyone.
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