Editor’s note: Every year we have a few artists do the “greatest hits” thing as an end to a career or a phase before a new direction. These artists are all highly recommended and should be part of any power pop fan’s album collection. These were my 2019 favorites…
Anny Celsi “Kaleidoscope Heart – 12 Golden Hits”
Annie Celsi’s music fits in a unique space. Here style is slightly psychedelic folk-pop with Brill Building hooks that’s been compared to Aimee Mann, Jackie DeShannon, Suzanne Vega, and Dusty Springfield. Celsi’s singing is emotional and compelling and with Kaleidoscope Heart, you get a terrific collection of her music, from the jangling gem “Tangle-Free World” to the Motown-like “Au Revoir, My Darling.” Aided by a cast of familiar talents like Nelson Bragg, Teresa Cowles, Amy Farris, Probyn Gregory, Adam Marsland, Robbie Rist, Evie Sands, and Nick Walusko, to name a few. It’s comfort food for your ears!
Ex-Norwegian “Something Unreal: The Best Of Ex-Norwegian”
This is an expansive look at the talented duo of Roger Houdaille and Lucia Perez. Early on the band was produced by fellow Miami Beach resident Fernando Perdomo and the results are truly impressive. A massive amount of great music is here, 47 tracks across 2 discs. Roger’s early efforts stand up as the layered indie rock “Original Copy” and Kinks-influenced “Something Unreal” is just as catchy as ever. The band moves across genres effortlessly from psyche-pop to experimental pop, some of my favorites include the grunge guitar of “Jet Lag,” “Unstoppable,” “Initiative Rock” and I’m not even halfway through disc one. If you never checked out this band, this is a perfect primer. Highly Recommended.
Shplang “Los Grandes Excritos (1994-2019)”
Shplang was always a great power pop band, rooted in influences like the Beatles and Kinks, but it also included a unique point of view. The duo of Peter Marston and John Krause were eventually joined by drummer Brian Cannizzaro. With 17 tracks, it pulls from over 20 years of music. They go the full gamut of styles; opening with the sweet and catchy pop of “Spanish Galleons” to the new wave-influenced “I Don’t Know I Don’t Care.” The band’s quirky highlight “Delacroix” takes the Fab’s “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” in a blender with Serge Gainsbourg. “Little Star” is another brilliant example of taking a simple lyric and crafting it into pop genius. “Sway” shows that these guys also know how to crunch those power-pop chords as good as anyone. Overall a highly recommended collection of songs that any power pop fan would be proud to own.