Name: Keri
Email: alientologist@hotmail.com
Location: Vancouver, Canada
 
1. The La's The La's
2. Fun? Candy Skins
3. Heaven Tonight Cheap Trick
4. Prolonging The Magic Cake
5. Laid James
6. Old 97's Fight Songs

Comments:

My essential albums would have included at the top of the list, both Fountains of Wayne albums, and Matthew Sweet's Girlfriend, but as these had already been nominated by other Power Pop Members, I chose to list my essential items #4 through to #9.

The La's - The La's
An absolutely perfect record in every respect. So perfect that I can't believe it didn't make anyone elses list. The songs are so infectious and the way Lee Mavers wraps his voice around them is magical. I know the turbulent history behind the making of this record, but it's seems impossible that it wasn't a joy for them to make. I especially love how you can hear someone clapping (worlds first percussion) on Failure . It's so great it's hard to pick my favorites, but I'll go with Son of a Gun, Timeless Melody, and There She Goes. Oh, just go buy it right now.

The Candy Skins - Fun?
Maybe it should be under Obscure classics, but I think it deserves a place here. I love this album for it's fabulous harmonies, and sing a long melodies. I love the incongruity of songs sounding chipper and yet being cynical. Stand out tracks are Wembley, Tired of Being Happy, and Grass.

Cheap Trick - Heaven Tonight
Well, I could have picked any of the first three albums. It was with Cheap Trick that the roots of my love of power pop sprang. I'm picking this record for a personal reason. I remember reading about the Lord's prayer appearing on "How Are You" as a speeded effect. I'm sure I ruined many turntable needles slowing the record down so I could hear it. Never my own mind you. That would have been sacrilegious. Top picks. Of course How Are You, California Man, and Surrender.

Cake- Prolonging the Magic
Certainly the choice that will be met with the most disbelief. I love this CD because it's so smart and sassy and John Mcrae sings like he is talking to you, and telling you his deep dark secrets. Secret number one...he's a bad bad boy. Choice cuts? Satan is My Motor, Hem Of Your Garment, and Let Me Go.

James- Laid
Vivid imagery, haunting melodies, rousing choruses, what's not to like. Tim Booth has an usually haunting and unusually expressive voice. It can be both hypnotic as is Skindiving, or inspiring as in Sometimes. My picks would be Say Something, Five-O, and Laid.

Old 97's - Fight Songs
The Old 97's are a relatively new band to me although they've been around for years. They started life as more of a country band, but I must say that I adore the pop sound that they have adopted these past two CD's. I think Murder (Or A Heart Attach) was supposed to be their break out single, and I like it, but I prefer the less polished songs like Lonely Holiday, Busted Afternoon, and Let The Idot Speak.