Hi Tom: Great list! I was so glad to see someone mention Hoodoo Gurus! Tom, THAT is an incredible '80s power pop band that you must hear before you die! Particularly "Stoneage Romeos," "Mars Needs Guitars" and "Magnum Cum Louder!" I saw the db's when they opened for Squeeze. We played their stuff quite a bit at the record store where I worked. One of my favorite '80s bands! Another band that I would say falls into this category is The Godfathers. "Birth, School, Work, Death" was a good album and great single. Also, The Rave-Ups. Their "Town + Country" album was a fantastic blend of power pop, country and country rock. Great album, you need to check it out on TH-cam! Thanks for another great video Tom!
The Plimsouls were the first band that came to mind when I saw the subject of this video (I have my original LP copy, too!) -- but thanks for pointing me to Game Theory, whose existence had somehow escaped my notice. I will give them a listen. I was also a big fan of The Smithereens and the dB's. The latter's first LP wasn't initially available except as an import (on the Albion label -- still have my original of that one, too). As songwriters and performers, Peter Holsapple and Chris Stamey are national treasures -- as they again demonstrated on their wonderful 1991 duo album, "Mavericks." The Canadian pop band The Pursuit of Happiness put out "TPOH" in 1986, featuring the droll, pop-rocking single "I'm an Adult Now," which I remember got radio play in LA.
i also had that first bangles album right after “the hero takes a fall” came out on video. i definitely need to reconnect with it, it’s been a few decades now. also, i want to give a shout out to xtc’s 1989 album “oranges and lemons“ as a great power pop double album that showcases the genius writing and music of andy partridge and colin mounding 😊❤
Hi Tom. I read that In 1979 Nick Lowe recorded Labour Of Lust and Dave Edmunds recorded Repeat When Necessary in the same session. And it is the Rockpile personnel that went on to do Seconds Of Pleasure
I will have to try and find that Code Blue record you showed... I've never heard of them... and as you mentioned them alongside The Knack (whom I love)... it must be a killer. Cheers!
Hi Tom, interesting list. I'd never heard of code blue, but have just checked them out on TH-cam, definitely worth a 2nd listen. I've always regarded Aztec camera's excellent debut, High land hard rain from 1983 as power pop. Best wishes for the new year from Scotland 🏴🇺🇲
Great information. Always liked Marshall Crenshaw's music and The Smithereens hooked me from the start. Green Thoughts is my favorite of theirs. I'm anxious to check out some of the other groups you highlighted.
I was introduced to Marshall via the radio program "The Difference" back in the 90's. I loved "Someday, Some Way," and "Rocking Around NYU," so later when somebody was selling off their Crenshaw collection on eBay, I snapped it up. Great songs, great performer; so enjoyable to listen to.
Back in the 1990s, I listened to and recorded Todd Rundgren's radio program "The Difference" every week. That is how I was introduced to The Plimsouls, The Smithereens, Nick Lowe and Dave Edmonds, and so many other artists that became my favorites. I love Power Pop, and guess I owe much of that to Todd. And I love your videos!
One of my favourite genres in one of my favourite decades for music, Tom 👏 I am very excited to watch this and it feels like a true Christmas present! Hope you are having a peaceful festive season and sending my very best wishes for the New Year ahead! Christian
Cool list. Hit 80% tonight. Had Game Theory when I interned at Enigma. I think I purged the CD, possibly might have the cassette. Rockpile has been on my radar, but haven't picked it up yet. I'll definitely check out Code Blue, never heard of them.
You picked some great examples . I would add : Squeeze : Argy Bargy. ( my favourite by them ) I would also add the follow up to that album : East Side Story Nick Lowe : Pure Pop for Now People. ( aka Jesus of Cool ) and Labour of Lust Cheers !
I discovered the Bangles "All Over The Place" on one of the streaming services. I came to realize that they were in fact a band as opposed to the MTV makeover that they got thoughout the 1980s. It is eveident that they take their inspiration from the 1960s as they have said. MTV was pretty bad about promoting the sex appeal of women artists during that period. I think that they backed off some during the nineties which had many new feamale groups and single artists many of whom were squarely in the alternative camp. The Bangles really did justice to the Merry Go Round's singe "Live."
Maybe not strictly power pop but the self titled 1980 debut by Broken Home is excellent, highly recommend seeking it out. Does R.E.M. qualify? If so Document is essential
We have the same taste in music and I have the majority of what you just reviewed. A couple I enjoy from the 80's: another New Jersey band The Bongos, Cruzados, Let's Active and Zeitgeist/The Reivers.
As for Game Theory, 1985's REAL NIGHTTIME is my favorite from the band. Sounds like a BEST OF record. Cheap Trick and Thr Bangles? I am more of a Big Star, Shoes, Material Issue, Redd Kross, The dBs, and Raspberries kinda guy when it comes to Power Pop. The Canadian band SLOAN is so good (all 4 members write and sing their own songs) that any of their albums need to be considered. 1999's BETWEEN THE BRIDGES is my favorite Sloan record.
I lost interest in power pop in the mid 80s, but I like late 70s/early 80s power pop a lot. The Jam, Rockpile, Cheap Trick for sure. I never really got into game theory, maybe I’ll give them another listen. And I’ll have to give Code Blue a listen too.
Hm, interesting. I know some of these, but far from all, so there's some records to investigate. I remember backing off from this kind of thing when it felt like music was drowning in slick power pop bands. Did have a thing for The Kingbees (as much rockabilly as pop) for a while. "Going Down To Liverpool" was, indeed, a Katrina And The Waves song, written (or co-written?) by Kimberley Rew (a Wave), formerly one of The Soft Boys, a brilliant pop artist in his own right. I listened to a lot more jazz and weird thrift store "mystery records" during the Eighties.
"Hook filled power pop" - Try 1980 "Crashes", the second LP by The Records. I can't say that "every track is great" but there are enough very good tracks to make it a "must have". But if I can stretch "the '80s" back to 1979, then "Shades In Bed" (titled "The Records" in the U.S.) is an all-time classic of power pop. 10 tracks all great or close to it. Great lyrics, great harmonies, infectious hooky choruses. A Beatles-level album lacking only cutting edge innovation. (Well, maybe on "The Phone".) The first three cuts on Side 2 are all A+++ with very relatable lyrics: "All messed up and ready to go", "Insomnia" and "Affection rejected". They are practically theme songs for my life. IMO "Starry eyes" is well below the merit of the other songs on this great album. "Crashes" does have some fine songs, but its best songs would be the worst songs on the debut album. It's a damned shame that almost nobody knows about this gem.
The Spongetones 'Torn Apart' EP, The Romantics debut, Shoes debut, 'Back To The Drawing Board' - The Rubinoos, 'The Kids Are The Same' - Paul Collins Beat, 'Convertible Music' - Josie Cotton, 'In The Heart of The Heart Country' - Fire Town (pre 'Garbage), 'Flip-Flop' - Guadalcanal Diary, 'Tales of The New West' - The Best Farmers, 'Stone Age Romeos' - Hoodoo Gurus
Hi Tom:
Great list! I was so glad to see someone mention Hoodoo Gurus! Tom, THAT is an incredible '80s power pop band that you must hear before you die! Particularly "Stoneage Romeos," "Mars Needs Guitars" and "Magnum Cum Louder!"
I saw the db's when they opened for Squeeze. We played their stuff quite a bit at the record store where I worked. One of my favorite '80s bands!
Another band that I would say falls into this category is The Godfathers. "Birth, School, Work, Death" was a good album and great single. Also, The Rave-Ups. Their "Town + Country" album was a fantastic blend of power pop, country and country rock. Great album, you need to check it out on TH-cam!
Thanks for another great video Tom!
Maybe considered more pop-punk, but Husker Du's 1987 release "Warehouse: Songs and Stories" really shines from start to finish.
I agree. That’s a great album. 👍
candy apple gray
The Plimsouls were the first band that came to mind when I saw the subject of this video (I have my original LP copy, too!) -- but thanks for pointing me to Game Theory, whose existence had somehow escaped my notice. I will give them a listen. I was also a big fan of The Smithereens and the dB's. The latter's first LP wasn't initially available except as an import (on the Albion label -- still have my original of that one, too). As songwriters and performers, Peter Holsapple and Chris Stamey are national treasures -- as they again demonstrated on their wonderful 1991 duo album, "Mavericks." The Canadian pop band The Pursuit of Happiness put out "TPOH" in 1986, featuring the droll, pop-rocking single "I'm an Adult Now," which I remember got radio play in LA.
Thank you! A couple of real bangers here! Happy Festivus!
Saw Marshall Crenshaw sing with The Smithereens back in June 2024 on Long Island, NY
For those unaware, Marshall Crenshaw played Buddy Holly in La Bamba. Another Detroit-born and raised artist.
Crenshaw also played John Lennon in BEATLEMANIA on Broadway.
i also had that first bangles album right after “the hero takes a fall” came out on video. i definitely need to reconnect with it, it’s been a few decades now. also, i want to give a shout out to xtc’s 1989 album “oranges and lemons“ as a great power pop double album that showcases the genius writing and music of andy partridge and colin mounding 😊❤
Skylarking !!
Hi Tom. I read that In 1979 Nick Lowe recorded Labour Of Lust and Dave Edmunds recorded Repeat When Necessary in the same session. And it is the Rockpile personnel that went on to do Seconds Of Pleasure
I believe that Nick and Dave each have a track from Seconds of Pleasure on their greatest hits albums.
I will have to try and find that Code Blue record you showed... I've never heard of them... and as you mentioned them alongside The Knack (whom I love)... it must be a killer. Cheers!
Hi Tom, interesting list. I'd never heard of code blue, but have just checked them out on TH-cam, definitely worth a 2nd listen. I've always regarded Aztec camera's excellent debut, High land hard rain from 1983 as power pop. Best wishes for the new year from Scotland 🏴🇺🇲
Great information.
Always liked Marshall Crenshaw's music and The Smithereens hooked me from the start. Green Thoughts is my favorite of theirs. I'm anxious to check out some of the other groups you highlighted.
Marshall Crenshaw should be a household name.
I was introduced to Marshall via the radio program "The Difference" back in the 90's. I loved "Someday, Some Way," and "Rocking Around NYU," so later when somebody was selling off their Crenshaw collection on eBay, I snapped it up. Great songs, great performer; so enjoyable to listen to.
Smithereens are fantastic. So many great songs. “Everything Works if You Let It” is one of C Trick’s best tunes. Should have been a hit.
Cool list~ just thought i throw in Dwight Twilley-Jungle 1984, First 3 songs A Little Bit Of Love, Girls and Why You Wanna Break My Heart. Classic
Back in the 1990s, I listened to and recorded Todd Rundgren's radio program "The Difference" every week. That is how I was introduced to The Plimsouls, The Smithereens, Nick Lowe and Dave Edmonds, and so many other artists that became my favorites. I love Power Pop, and guess I owe much of that to Todd. And I love your videos!
One of my favourite genres in one of my favourite decades for music, Tom 👏 I am very excited to watch this and it feels like a true Christmas present!
Hope you are having a peaceful festive season and sending my very best wishes for the New Year ahead!
Christian
Bram Tchaikovsky “Strange Man Changed Man” is one of the best power pop albums of all time.
Cool list. Hit 80% tonight. Had Game Theory when I interned at Enigma. I think I purged the CD, possibly might have the cassette. Rockpile has been on my radar, but haven't picked it up yet. I'll definitely check out Code Blue, never heard of them.
You picked some great examples .
I would add :
Squeeze : Argy Bargy. ( my favourite by them )
I would also add the follow up to that album : East Side Story
Nick Lowe : Pure Pop for Now People. ( aka Jesus of Cool ) and Labour of Lust
Cheers !
I discovered the Bangles "All Over The Place" on one of the streaming services. I came to realize that they were in fact a band as opposed to the MTV makeover that they got thoughout the 1980s. It is eveident that they take their inspiration from the 1960s as they have said. MTV was pretty bad about promoting the sex appeal of women artists during that period. I think that they backed off some during the nineties which had many new feamale groups and single artists many of whom were squarely in the alternative camp. The Bangles really did justice to the Merry Go Round's singe "Live."
I have a number of Smithereens singles tracks in my playlists.
Maybe not strictly power pop but the self titled 1980 debut by Broken Home is excellent, highly recommend seeking it out. Does R.E.M. qualify? If so Document is essential
We have the same taste in music and I have the majority of what you just reviewed. A couple I enjoy from the 80's: another New Jersey band The Bongos, Cruzados, Let's Active and Zeitgeist/The Reivers.
Utopia's self-titled album (1982).
Game Theory is such an amazing band! Obvious Big Star influences
Love the Smithereens , never saw them live I'm jealous !
As for Game Theory, 1985's REAL NIGHTTIME is my favorite from the band. Sounds like a BEST OF record. Cheap Trick and Thr Bangles? I am more of a Big Star, Shoes, Material Issue, Redd Kross, The dBs, and Raspberries kinda guy when it comes to Power Pop.
The Canadian band SLOAN is so good (all 4 members write and sing their own songs) that any of their albums need to be considered. 1999's BETWEEN THE BRIDGES is my favorite Sloan record.
I lost interest in power pop in the mid 80s, but I like late 70s/early 80s power pop a lot. The Jam, Rockpile, Cheap Trick for sure.
I never really got into game theory, maybe I’ll give them another listen.
And I’ll have to give Code Blue a listen too.
Hm, interesting. I know some of these, but far from all, so there's some records to investigate. I remember backing off from this kind of thing when it felt like music was drowning in slick power pop bands. Did have a thing for The Kingbees (as much rockabilly as pop) for a while. "Going Down To Liverpool" was, indeed, a Katrina And The Waves song, written (or co-written?) by Kimberley Rew (a Wave), formerly one of The Soft Boys, a brilliant pop artist in his own right. I listened to a lot more jazz and weird thrift store "mystery records" during the Eighties.
"Hook filled power pop" - Try 1980 "Crashes", the second LP by The Records. I can't say that "every track is great" but there are enough very good tracks to make it a "must have". But if I can stretch "the '80s" back to 1979, then "Shades In Bed" (titled "The Records" in the U.S.) is an all-time classic of power pop. 10 tracks all great or close to it. Great lyrics, great harmonies, infectious hooky choruses. A Beatles-level album lacking only cutting edge innovation. (Well, maybe on "The Phone".) The first three cuts on Side 2 are all A+++ with very relatable lyrics: "All messed up and ready to go", "Insomnia" and "Affection rejected". They are practically theme songs for my life. IMO "Starry eyes" is well below the merit of the other songs on this great album. "Crashes" does have some fine songs, but its best songs would be the worst songs on the debut album. It's a damned shame that almost nobody knows about this gem.
you forgot tommy keene , teenage fanclub and the orange humble band
The Spongetones 'Torn Apart' EP, The Romantics debut, Shoes debut, 'Back To The Drawing Board' - The Rubinoos, 'The Kids Are The Same' - Paul Collins Beat, 'Convertible Music' - Josie Cotton, 'In The Heart of The Heart Country' - Fire Town (pre 'Garbage), 'Flip-Flop' - Guadalcanal Diary, 'Tales of The New West' - The Best Farmers, 'Stone Age Romeos' - Hoodoo Gurus