The David Bash Best of 2010 Lists, Part 4

And finally here is the top half of David Bash's Top 100 of 2010:

1. Secret Powers-Lies and Fairy Tales (Self-Released
2. Agony Aunts-Greater Miranda (Big Cinnamon)
3. The Royalties-The New Royalties (Music For Records)
4. The Grip Weeds-Strange Change Machine (Rainbow Quartz)
5. Nushu-Hula (Cactus Boy)
6. Jeremy Messersmith-The Reluctant Graveyard (Self-Released)
7. The Above-The Above (Self-Released)
8. The Lovedays-House Of Cards (Self-Released
9. Taylor Locke and The Roughs-Grain & Grape (Self-Released)
10. The Uncoventionals-Flower To The People (Western Songs)
11. Bastards Of Melody-Hurry Up And Wait (FDR)
12. Seth Swirsky-Watercolor Day (Grimble)
13. Fitz and The Tantrums-Pickin’ Up The Pieces (Danger Bird)
14. Laurie Biagini-A Far Out Place (Self-Released)
15. The Len Price 3-Pictures (Wicked Cool)
16. The Mayflowers-Red Balloon (Rooster)
17. Ben Jones-Echobox (Self-Released)
18. Timmy Sean-Sounds From & Inspired By Noisewater (Self-Released)
19. The June-Green Fields And Rain (Rainbow Quartz)
20. Smash Palace-7 (Zip)
21. Moon Safari-Lover’s End (Blomljud)
22. Radio Days-C’est La Vie (Tannen)
23. Oranjuly-Oranjuly (Self-Released)
24. POPFILTER-Pop This! (Self-Released)
25. The Genuine Fakes-The Genuine Fakes (Self-Released)
26. The Offbeat-In Love Field (Self-Released)
27. The Sunchymes-Shifting Sands (Self-Released)
28. The Passports-Is It True (Self-Released)
29. Lucky Soul-A Coming Of Age (Self-Released)
30. Duncan Maitland-Lullabies For The 21st Century (Indigoctagon)
31. Dom Mariani-Rewind and Play (Spider Music)
32. The Like-Release Me (Geffen)
33. The PondHawks-…Have Landed (Self-Released)
34. The Well Wishers-Post Modern Romantic (thatwasmyskull)
35. Farrah-Farrah (Rock Indiana)
36. Maple Mars-Galaxyland (Kool Kat)
37. Bleu-4 (The Major Label)
38. The Ugly Beats-Motor! (Get Hip)
39. The Rubinoos-Automatic Toaster (Self-Released)
40. Elvyn-The Decline (Little Wagon)
41. Taylor Locke & The Roughs-Marathon (Self-Released)
42. The Scruffs-Conquest (Scruffsville)
43. Gavin Guss-Mercury Mine (Obsolete Media)
44. Garfield’s Birthday-More Sense Than Money (Pink Hedgehog)
45. The Shamus Twins-Garden Of Weeds (Shamussongs)
46. The Third Men-Boost (Speed!)
47. The Slingsby Hornets-Something Old…Something New (Expedition Hot Dog)
48. SMASH Fashion-Don’t Pet The Sweaty Things (Electric Pudding)
49. The Posies-Blood/Candy (Ryko)
50. Deadbeat Poets-Circus Town (Pop Detective)

The David Bash Best of 2010 Lists, Part 3

It's now time to get into the main list. Here's the bottom half (51-100) of David Bash's 2010 full-length list. Tomorrow we'll have the top half.

51. The Sails-A Headful Of Stars (Rainbow Quartz)
52. The Young Veins-Take A Vacation (One Haven)
53. John Lindsay-Escape From Plaza Midwood (Chocolate Lab)
54. The School-Loveless Unbeliever (Elefant)
55. Lannie Flowers-Circles (Aaron Ave.)
56. Chris Corney-Sans Everything (White Wall)
57. Huw Jacob-Higher Every Day (Self-Released)
58. Sunrise Highway-Sunrise Highway (Songheads)
59. Geoff Smith-That’s Gravity (Self-Released)
60. The Malibooz-Queen’s English (The Pier Group)
61. Slumberjet-Slumberjet (Broken Lullaby)
62. The Silver Seas-Chateau Revenge! (Self-Released)
63. The New Pornographers-Together (Matador)
64. Paul Collins-King Of Power Pop! (Alive)
65. Matt Purcell & The Blessed Curse-Matt Purcell & The Blessed Curse (Other Tongues)
66. Mark Bacino-Queens English (Dreamcrush)
67. William Duke-…Presents The Sunrise and The Night (Kool Kat)
68. Blake Jones and The Trike Shop-The Underground Garden (Whisper-Ma-Phone)
69. The 88-The 88 (Rocket Science)
70. La Fleur Fatale-Silent Revolution (Killer Cobra)
71. Spygenius-Red Lounge (Whammo)
72. The Hot Rats-Turn Ons (Fat Possum)
73. Michael Pink-Michael Pink (Self-Released)
74. Skeleton Staff-Solipsism (Swizzlestick)
75. The Contrast-God Of Malfunction (Wicked Cool)
76. Zombies Of The Stratosphere-Ordinary People (Self-Released)
77. The Brigadier-The Secret Of No Success (Self-Released)
78. Dino-Fool’s Gold (Holy Cow)
79. The High Dials-Anthems For Doomed Youth (Rainbow Quartz)
80. Teenage Fanclub-Shadows (Self-Released)
81. Buva-Not Scary! Friendly (Hi-Fi In Motion)
82. Chapa-Creation Room (Self-Released)
83. Dave Rave-Live With What You Know (Bongo Beat)
84. The Paparazzi-Rococo (Self-Released)
85. Square Root Of Margaret-WYSIWYG (Marpy Menkle)
86. Joe Adragna-Fall Back (Green Leaves)
87. Steve Barton-Projector (Self-Released)
88. Horizontal Ladies Club-Galloping Into The Western Hemisphere (Songgram)
89. The Jigsaw Seen-Bananas Foster (Vibro-Phonic)
90. Rooney-Eureka (California Dreamin’)
91. The Gurus-Closing Circles (Rainbow Quartz)
92. Neil Nathan-The Distance Calls (Pirate Vinyl)
93. Bad Love Experience-Rainy Days (Mabel)
94. Thousands Millions-Rock Days (Tannen)
95. Casey Curry-Tidal Tales From The Other Side (Self-Released)
96. The Parties-Coast Garde (Rainbow Quartz)
97. Van Duren-Resonance Road (Three Cool Cats)
98. Jen Olive-Warm Robot (Ape House)
99. The Romeo Flynns-Masque Of Anarchy (What’s Left)
100. Susan Hedges-Kiss My Attitude (Self-Released)

The David Bash Best of 2010 Lists, Part 2

Before we start his main top 100 list tomorrow, here are the remainder of his various miscellaneous category lists:

Top Compilations-Single Artists

1. Why Isn’t Chris von Sneidern Famous?-Music Soundtrack From The Feature Film (Mastromonia)

Top 4 Compilations-Various Artists

1. International Pop Overthrow Vol. 13 (Not Lame)
2. Sweet Relief II-Hearts On Fire (Jam)
3. *It’s Happening: Volume 2 (Shindig!)
4. Staring At The Sun Vol. 8-A Compilation Featuring San Diego Music (Blindspot)

Top Christmas Discs

1. Kool Kat Kristmas (Kool Kat)
2. Rockin’ The Mistletoe (SideB)

Favorite Song Of 2010

*The Heath Robinson Five-Don’t Like To Say

Other Reissue Categories

Top 10 Two-Fers, Three-Fers, and Four-Fers: Proper Albums

1. The Guess Who-Wheatfield Soul/Share The Land/Canned Wheat (T-Bird)
2. Amazing Blondel-England/Blondel (BGO)
3. Walter Egan-The Collection: Fundamental Roll/Not Shy/HiFi/The Last Stroll
4. Jet-Jet/Even More Light Than Shade (RPM)
5. Middle Of The Road-Chirpy, Chirpy Cheep Cheep/Acceleration/Drive On (7T’s)
6. The Main Ingredient-Tasteful Soul/Bittersweet (SuperBird)
7. Paper Lace-And Other Bits Of Material/First Edition (7T’s)
8. Honey Cone-Take Me With You/Sweet Replies/Soulful Tapestry/Love, Peace & Soul (Edsel)
9. Clouds-Scrapbook/Up Above Our Heads/Watercolour Days (BGO)
10. The Hondells-Go Little Honda/The Hondells (T-Bird)

Top 20 Compilations, Single Artist

1. The Beatles-1967-1970 (Apple)
2. The Beatles-1962-1966 (Apple)
3. Paul Revere & The Raiders-The Complete Columbia Singles (Collector’s Choice)
4. John Lennon-Gimme Some Truth (EMI/Capitol)
5. Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin-Broken Records: The Singles (Broken)
6. The Knickerbockers-One Track Mind: The Garage Pop Sound Of The Knickerbockers (Grapefruit)
7. Sandy Denny & The Strawbs-All Our Own Work: The Complete Sessions Remastered (Witchwood Media)
8. The Jetset-Swings & Roundabouts: The Very Best Of The Jetset (Cherry Red)
9. The Mindbenders-A Groovy Kind Of Love: The Complete LPs & Singles 1966-1968 (RPM)
10. The Poppees-Pop Goes The Anthology (Bomp)
11. Tracey Ullman-More Over Darling: The Complete Stiff Recordings (Salvo)
12. The Drifters-First Loves: The Complete Drifters Singles 1972-1980 (Sony)
13. Bob Dylan-The Best Of The Original Mono Recordings (Sony Legacy)
14. Curved Air-Retrospective Anthology 1978-2008 (Repertoire)
15. Dee Long-1,2,3,5: Longevity Vol. 4 (Bullseye Songs)
16. Dave Berry-Picture Me Gone: The Decca Sessions 1966-1974 (RPM)
17. Carnival Season-Misguided Promise: Carnival Season Complete 1984-89 (Arena Rock)
18. The Chessmen-Collection 1964-1966 (Regenerator)
19. Jackie Lomax-Lost Soul: Lomax Alliance & Solo Singles & Demos 1966-1967 + Badger (RPM)
20. The Goodees-The Complete Goodees Condition Red! (Ace)

Top 20 Compilations, Various Artists

1. Fading Yellow Volume 10-The Better Side: A Collection Of Euro, UK & Australian ‘60s/Early ‘70s Pop/Sike and Other Delights (Flower Machine)
2. Book A Trip: The Psych-Pop Sounds Of Capitol Records (Now Sounds)
3. Piccadilly Sunshine: Part 4-British Pop-Psych and Other Flavours 1967-1969 (Past & Present)
4. Piccadilly Sunshine: Part 3-British Pop-Psych and Other Flavours 1967-1970 (Past & Present)
5. Rockin’ With The Pirates: Big Hits, Classic Tracks & Lost Gems From The Golden Era Of Off-Shore Radio (EMI)
6. A Cellarful Of Motown Volume 4 (Tamla/Motown/Universal)
7. Come And Get It: The Best Of Apple Records (Apple/EMI)
8. Fairytales Can Come True Volume 5-Steppin’ Through An Empty Time: 20 Slices Of British & European Pop-Psych Confections (Psychic Circle)
9. P.F. Sloan & Steve Barri-You Baby: Words And Music By P.F. Sloan & Steve Barri (Ace)
10. Lovers From The Sky: Pop Psych Sounds From The Apple Era 1968-1971 (RPM)
11. Mixed Up Minds: Obscure Rock and Pop From The British Isles 1970-1973 (Past & Present)
12. Hey Beach Girls!: Female Surf ‘N’ Drag 1961-1966 (Ace)
13. With Love A Pot Of Flowers: The Wild Flower Harbinger Complex Euphoria The Other Side (Big Beat)
14. Do You Dream?-UK Pop and Psychedelia 1965-1970 From The Angel Air Catalogue (Angel Air)
15. That Driving Beat-‘60s & ‘70s Northern Soul Stompers (Harmless)
16. Lee Hazlewood-Califia: The Songs Of Lee Hazlewood (Ace)
17. Bless You California: More Early Songs Of Randy Newman (Ace)
18. Open Up Your Mind-The Psych Pop World Of Rembrandt Records 1966-1967 (Cicadelic)
19. You Heard It Here First!-Volume 2 (Ace)
20. Looking Towards The Sky: Progressive, Psychedelic & Folk Rock From The Ember Vaults (Fantastic Voyage)

Top 10 Box Sets: Single Artist

1. Sandy Denny-The Complete Studio Recordings (Universal)
2. Rick Nelson-The Last Time Around 1970-1982 (Bear Family)
3. John Lennon-Signature Box (Capitol)
4. Bruce Springsteen-The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story (Columbia)
5. Caravan-The World Is Yours: The Anthology 1968-1976 (Decca)
6. Camel-Rainbow’s End: An Anthology 1973-1985 (Universal)
7. Syl Johnson-Complete Mythology (Numero Uno)
8. The Fourmyula-The Complete Fourmyula (EMI New Zealand)
9. The Who-Live At Leeds: 40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition (Polydor)
10. The La’s-Callin’ All (Universal/Polydor)

Top 5 Box Sets: Various Artists

1. The Apple Records Box Set (Apple/EMI)
2. A Complete Introduction To Tamla Motown (Motown Universal)
3. A Complete Introduction To Chess (Universal)
4. Cave Of Clear Light-The Pye and Dawn Records Underground Trip 1967-1975 (Esoteric)
5. The Perfumed Garden: 82 Rare Flowerings From The British Underground 1965-73 (Past & Present)

The David Bash Best of 2010 Lists, Part 1

For the third year running, Absolute Powerpop is proud to present the year-end lists of the inestimable David Bash, Mr. International Pop Overthrow. As usual, not only does David have a top 100 and top EP list, he has lists for compilations, reissues, etc. Today we'll start with the reissues and work our way to the main list proper. There's so much to check into with these lists (even on my end) that it's best not to unveil them all at once. So without further ado, here are his comprehensive Best of 2010 Reissues lists:

------------------
Reissue Categories

There are still some reissues I haven't heard which would probably make the list, but there's only so much time and $$.ok, mainly $$; I'll always somehow find the time. J

I. Top 50 Proper Albums

1. The Monkees-The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees: Deluxe Edition (Rhino Handmade)
2. Jan & Dean-Carnival Of Sound (Rhino)
3. Paul McCartney & Wings-Band On The Run: Deluxe Edition w/book (MPL)
4. The Association-Birthday: Deluxe Mono Edition (Now Sounds)
5. Badfinger-Magic Christian Music (Apple/EMI)
6. Tages-Studio (RPM)
7. The Jam-Sound Affects: Deluxe Edition (Polydor/Universal)
8. Sorrows-Bad Times, Good Times (Bomp)
9. Jammë-Jammë (Now Sounds)
10. The Monkees-Head: Deluxe Edition (Rhino Handmade)
11. The Rubettes-Where It’s ‘At (7T’s)
12. Badfinger-Straight Up (Apple/EMI)
13. Chris Rainbow-White Trails (Vivid Sound)
14. Gary Lewis-Listen! (Now Sounds)
15. Clifford T. Ward-Mantle Pieces (Cherry Red)
16. Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin-As Far As Dreams Can Go (Broken)
17. Supertramp-Breakfast In America: Deluxe Edition (A&M/Universal)
18. Tommy James & The Shondells-I Think We’re Alone Now (Collector’s Choice)
19. R.E.M.-Fables Of The Reconstruction: Deluxe Edition (Capitol)
20. The 13th Floor Elevators-The Psychedelic Sounds Of The 13th Floor Elevators (Charly)
21. Katrina and The Waves-Katrina and The Waves (CGB)
22. Badfinger-No Dice (Apple/EMI)
23. Twinn Connexion-Twinn Connexion (Now Sounds)
24. Nick Heyward-North Of A Miracle: Deluxe Edition (Cherry Red)
25. The Cowsills-On My Side (Now Sounds)
26. Dexy’s Midnight Runners-Searching For The Young Soul Rebels: 30th Anniversary Special Edition (EMI)
27. Clifford T. Ward-Escalator (Cherry Red)
28. Barnaby Bye-Room To Grow (Wounded Bird)
29. Mandy More-But That Is Me (Sunbeam)
30. Squire-Get Smart! (Vivid Sound)
31. The Jackson Five-Looking Through The Windows (Motown/Universal)
32. Nervous Rex-Nervous Rex (Renaissance)
33. The Holy Mackerel-The Holy Mackerel: Deluxe Expanded Edition (Now Sounds)
34. Skip Bifferty-Skip Bifferty (Grapefruit)
35. The Jackson Five-Skywriter (Motown/Universal)
36. Aphrodite’s Child-End Of The World (Esoteric)
37. Paul Williams-Someday Man (Now Sounds)
38. John Lennon & Yoko Ono-Stripped Down (Capitol)
39. Four O’Clock Balloon-Four O’Clock Balloon (Killer Music Group)
40. The Alan Bown-The Alan Bown (Esoteric)
41. Nick Garrie-The Nightmare Of J.B. Stanislas: 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition (Elefant)
42. Carl Wilson-Youngblood (Iconoclassic)
43. Rick Springfield-Wait For Night (Wounded Bird)
44. David Bowie-David Bowie: Deluxe Edition (Deram)
45. The Candymen-The Candymen (Darby Pop)
46. The Guess Who-Artificial Paradise (Iconoclassic)
47. Katrina and The Waves-2 (CGB)
48. Aphrodite’s Child-It’s Five O’Clock (Esoteric)
49. The Tradwinds-Excursions (Rev-ola)
50. The Pretty Things-Parachute (Snapper Music)

The Absolute Powerpop Top 10 EPs of 2010.

As promised but a little late, here is our Top 10 EP list for 2010. Also I'm proud to announce for the third straight year, David Bash's exhaustive year-end lists will be featured on this site. Look for 'em by mid-January.

10. The Young Tremors-Very Nice, Very Nice
9. Will Reid-Promises and Failures (This year's example of someone doing the Ryan Adams sound better than Ryan Adams himself)
8. Misfit Kid-Hellway to High
7. Creighton Doane-Pilot Error
6. Baby Scream-Identity Theft
5. Jared Lekites-Looking for Diamonds
4. The 88-No One Here
3. The Foreign Films-The Foreign Films EP
2. Justin Kline-Triangle
1. Beight-B8.

My #1 came out late in the year, so I didn't have a chance to get a review in. It's the followup to 2005's File in Rhythm for Brad Senne's side project, and it's excellent indie pop that has power pop elements to it. I can still hear "Cecilia" in my head as I type this. Here's an iTunes link as well:

The Absolute Powerpop Top 100 of 2010, #50-1

Without further ado, here's part two:

50. The Candles-Between the Sounds
49. Orange & Atlas-Euphoria
48. Brady Harris-Year of the Pug
47. Archie Powell & The Exports-Skip Work
46. Leo London-Leo London
45. Chris Abad-No Glory
44. Marc Danzeisen-Released
43. The Moving Parts-State Lines
42. Kurt Hagardorn-Leaves
41. Ian Olvera & The Sleepwalkers-The Reckless Kind
40. Marc Clayton & The Lazy Suns-Marc Clayton & The Lazy Suns
39. Smash Palace-7
38. Butch Walker-I Liked it Better When You Had No Heart
37. Buva-Not Scary! Friendly
36. Pernice Brothers-Goodbye, Killer
35. Joel Streeter-Matador
34. Neil Nathan-The Distance Calls
33. The June Gloom-Wonderland
32. The Great Affairs-The Great Affairs
31. Brother Slade-No Relation
30. Justin Currie-The Great War
29. Gin Blossoms-No Chocolate Cake
28. Oranjuly-Oranjuly
27. Joey Sykes-Human, Being Human
26. Huw Jacob-Higher Every Day
25. Aaron Fox & The Reliables-Late Too Soon
24. Graydon-Graydon
23. Brett Harris-Man of Few Words
22. Secret Powers-Lies & Fairy Tales
21. Farrah-Farrah
20. Title Tracks-It Was Easy
19. Taylor Locke & The Roughs-Grain & Grape
18. Joe Adragna-Fall Back
17. Sunrise Highway-Sunrise Highway
16. Dino-Fool's Gold
15. Seth Swirsky-Watercolor Day
14. The June-Green Fields & Rain
13. Eric Crugnale-Carol Was Here
12. John Holk & The Sequins-If You See Her
11. Slumberjet-Slumberjet
10. The Posies-Blood/Candy
9. Joe Reyes-Worry Row
8. Lannie Flowers-Circles
7. Bastards of Melody-Hurry Up and Wait
6. Billy Goodrum-Weightless
5. Timmy Sean-Music From & Inspired By Noisewater
4. Elvyn-The Decline
3. Edward O'Connell-Our Little Secret
2. Duncan Maitland-Lullabies for the 21st Century
1. The Autumn Defense-Once Around

A few words on my choice for #1. First off, it may come as a surprise to many of you since I never actually reviewed it on the site (although those who follow my Twitter feed saw me praise it more than once). The reason for this is that The Autumn Defense, being a relatively well-known act featuring two members of Wilco, don't exactly need a review from me to get noticed. Generally I spend my time on this site bringing to light the obscure and the overlooked and the independent, DIY pop artist.

Having said that, though, I'd be remiss not to point out what I loved so much about this album. It's the ultimate distillation of their sound - they finally embraced their folk/rock leanings and combined them with the melodic, 70s soft-rock sound they've cultivated over the last decade. Previously they had leaned too fair in one direction (folk/rock 2001's The Green Hour) or the other (2003's Bread-inspired Circles) or forgot the distinctive tunes altogether (I cannot recall one song from 2007's self-titled album). Here, they start off strong with possibly my favorite song of the year, the Beatlesque "Back of My Mind", continue strong with "Tell Me What You Want", the rare song where relatively unmelodic verses strengthen the powerful, propulsive chorus, add the Pearlfishers-like "The Swallows of London Town", the mellow and inviting "Step Easy" and the perfect chamber pop of "Every Day", which favorably recalls their all-time best track "Bluebirds Fall" (from a split EP with Hem). For 11 songs, John Stirratt & Pat Sansone finally live up to their potential.

The Absolute Powerpop Top 100 of 2010, #100-51

Hard to believe this is fifth year of Absolute Powerpop, and the fifth year of making this list. I've had the privilege of listening to hundreds of excellent discs, and my iTunes library sits somewhere around 38,000 tracks, about 95% of which is from these five years. For today, here is the bottom half of the list:

100. Wild Bores-We Think Alike
99. The Mike Benign Compulsion-Rollicking Musical
98. Rob Laufer-Excruciating Bliss
97. The Offbeat-In Love Field
96. Miracord-In Water
95. Mark Bacino-Queens English
94. Phil Ayoub-Arrivals & Departures
93. Joe Moralez-If I Could
92. Crowded House-Intriguer
91. Snakehips-Month of Sundays
90. Free Energy-Stuck on Nothing
89. Zombies of the Stratosphere-Ordinary People
88. Picture Day-Wild Aim
87. Miles Kurosky-The Desert of Shallow Effects
86. Magic Kids-Memphis
85. Geoff Smith-That's Gravity
84. True Love-¡Pas Net!
83. Well Wishers-Post Modern Romantic
82. The Figgs-The Man Who Fights Himself
81. The Romeo Flynns-Masque of Anarchy
80. The Bradburys-Don't Pump the Swingset
79. The Bulletproof Vests-Attack!
78. The Tangerines-In Season
77. Scott's Garage-Soul Magnet
76. The Great Affairs-Ricky Took the Wheels.
75. The Young Veins-Take a Vacation!
74. Mick Rhodes-'Til I Am Dust
73. Jackdaw4-The Eternal Struggle for Justice
72. Knit Delicate-Fulton Hill
71. Bleu-Four
70. Matthew Pop-Reinventing the Cosmos
69. The Big Sweet-Shot of Bliss
68. The Sails-A Headful of Stars
67. Eric Miller-Half of Purple
66. Tom Fuller Band-Maristar
65. Ted Lukas & The Misled-Learn How to Fall
64. Teenage Fanclub-Shadows
63. Taylor Locke & The Roughs-Marathon
62. Willie Nile-The Innocent Ones
61. Gavin Guss-Mercury Mine
60. Freedy Johnston-Rain on the City
59. The Silver Seas-Cheateau Revenge
58. Any Version of Me-Wasted Sun
57. Rich McCulley-Starting All Over Again
56. Michael Behm-Eargasm
55. Ike-Tie the Know With All You Got
54. Three Hour Tour-Looking for Tomorrow
53. The 88-The 88
52. Damien Lott-Damien Lott
51. The Passports-Is it True?

The Top 100 coming soon.

Just a heads up for those looking that my Top 100 list should be up starting Thursday, probably in two chunks with 100-51 first and then 50-1 on Friday. I do reserve the right to shorten or lengthen it once I've gone back through the year's releases. The EP list will follow between Christmas and New Year's.

A note for those wondering: Greg Pope's dominance of these lists (#1 disc of 2008, #1 EP of 2009) will take a pause this year as his new disc came out just too late for 2010 purposes (last Monday) and will instead be considered for 2011.

Another Best of 09 Power Pop List.

The Brazilian site Power Pop Station has unveiled its Top 100 of 2009 (and its top 10 EPs). My only quibble is that Plasticsoul's Peacock Swagger is completely absent.

Dig in here.

David Bash's Top 100 of 2009, #1-50

UPDATE: In a bit of power pop blogging synergy, Aaron at Powerpopaholic has posted an interview with Mr. Bash.

The top half of David Bash's Top 100 of 2009:

1. The Madd-The Madd Are Pretty Quick (Excelsior)
2. Mark & The Spies-Give Me A Look (Screaming Apple)
3. Philip John-Master The Monster (Self-Released)
4. The Tomorrows-Jupiter Optimus Maximus (Kool Kat)
5. Throwback Suburbia-Throwback Suburbia (Self-Released)
6. The Resonars-That Evil Drone (Burger)
7. The Lovedays-The Lovedays (Self-Released)
8. David Brookings-Glass Half Full (Self-Released)
9. Curtains For You-What A Lovely Surprise To Wake Up Here (Spark & Shine)
10. The Humbugs-On The Upside (Oddvious)
11. The Telepathic Butterflies-Wow & Flutter (Rainbow Quartz)
12. Wiretree-Luck (Self-Released)
13. Paul Steel-Moonrock (Ray Gun)
14. Valley Lodge-Semester At Sea (Explosive Industries)
15. White Star Liners-The Rural Electrification (Self-Released)
16. Roger Klug-More Help For Your Nerves (Mental Giant)
17. Dennis Diken With Bell Sounds-Late Music (Crypto Vision)
18. High Child-Yesterday Today (Self-Released)
19. Tony Cox-Unpublished (Self-Released)
20. Brendan Benson-My Old, Familiar Friend (ATO)
21. Rabbit Childen-Thou Shalt Have A Time Machine (Clutter Bear)
22. Jason Falkner-All Quiet On The Noise Floor (Noise McCartney)
23. The Chymes-The Chymes (Monophonic)
24. Secret Powers-And The Electric Family Choir (Self-Released)
25. The Laureates-There Are No More Gentlemen (Funambulist)
26. The Fore-Run & Hide (Self-Released)
27. Parallax Project-I Hate Girls (Kool Kat)
28. Jeremy-Journey To The Center Of The Heart (Jam)
29. Chris Richards And The Subtractions-Sad Sounds Of The Summer (Self-Released)
30. The Junior League-Smile Shoot Smile (Last Resort)
31. Jamie & Steve-English Afterthoughts (Loaded Goat)
32. Michael Carpenter-Redemption #39 (Self-Released)
33. Lannie Flowers-Same Old Story (Aaron Ave.)
34. Cheap Trick-The Latest (Self-Released)
35. The Pictures-Kicking Indifference (High Spot)
36. Deleted Waveform Gatherings-Ghost She Said (Rainbow Quartz)
37. Marykate O’Neil-Underground (Self-Released)
38. Grand Atlantic-How We Survive (Laughing Outlaw)
39. The Generous Days-These Are The Generous Days (GD)
40. The Webstirs-So Long (Ginger)
41. The Anydays-Beat Songs (Self-Released)
42. True Margrit-The Jugglers Progress (Youdjinni)
43. The Shadow Kabinet-Smiling Worlds Apart (Sound Good)
44. El Goodo-Coyote (Grease)
45. Plasticsoul-Peacock Swagger (Self-Released)
46. The Mayflowers-Bremen Rock (Rooster)
47. Magic Christian-Evolver (Wizard’s Den)
48. The June-Magic Circles (Rainbow Quartz)
49. Steven Lawrenson-Somewhere Else (Shoestring)
50. The Shazam-Meteor (Not Lame)

David Bash's Top 100 of 2009, #51-100

The bottom half of Mr. Bash's Top 100 of 2009:

51. The Corner Laughers-Ultraviolet Garden (Self-Released)
52. Evan Hillhouse-Transition (Self-Released)
53. The Brigadier-Time Is A Wound (Self-Released)
54. The Higher State-Darker By The Day (13 O’Clock)
55. Green Day-21st Century Breakdown (Warner Brothers)
56. The Tangerines-In Season (Self-Released)
57. The Grande-The Grande (Self-Released)
58. Your Gracious Host-Easy Red (Self-Released)
59. The Naomi Star-Through The Eyes (Self-Released)
60. The Dukes Jetty-Fine And Dandy (Self-Released)
61. The Yum Yums-…Whatever Rhymes With Baby (Pop Detective)
62. John Lefler-Better By Design! (Goodhang)
63. Steven Deal-Radio Twelve (Seditionary Kitten)
64. The Duckworth Lewis Method-The Duckworth Lewis Method (1969)
65. Rumor 2-Rumor 2 (Rock Indiana)
66. Philip Vandermost-The Long Path (Self-Released)
67. Kyle Vincent-Where You Are (Songtree)
68. Lamar Holley-Confessions Of A College Student (Self-Released)
69. The Leftovers-Eager To Please (Oglio)
70. Tinted Windows-Tinted Windows (Curve)
71. Beagle Hat-Orange Groove (Halftonic)
72. The Black Hollies-Softly Towards The Light (Ernest Jenning)
73. The Milk & Honey Band-Dog Eared Moonlight (Ape House)
74. Zender-Acid Avenue (Sandy Hills)
75. Dennis Schocket-The Cinderblock Mansion (National)
76. Jeff Litman-Postscript (Self-Released)
77. Simon Felton-Failing In Biology (Pink Hedgehog)
78. Shplang-My Big Thee Wheeler (Jam)
79. Tenniscourts-Dig The New Sounds Of Tenniscourts (Sweet Science)
80. The Alice Rose-All Haunt’s Sound (Emerald Wood)
81. The Beat Rats-A Cellarfull Of Rats! (Kool Kat)
82. Madness-The Liberty Of Norton Folgate (Lucky Seven)
83. Peter Holsapple & Chris Stamey-Here And Now (Bar None)
84. The Setting Son-Spring Of Hate (Bad Afro)
85. The Help Desk-Peel The Sun (Self-Released)
86. Adam Marsland-Go West (Karma Frog)
87. Hathaway Brown-Keep Moving Forward (Self-Released)
88. The Kavanaughs-The Kavanaughs (Eternal Sunday)
89. The Jetnicks-The Jetnicks (Self-Released)
90. The Tripwires-House To House (Spark & Shine)
91. The Campbell Stokes Sunshine Recorder-Makes Your Ears Smile (Jack O The Green)
92. Mark Carroll-Dust Of Rumour (High Noon)
93. Johan-4 (Excelsior)
94. Dreaming In Stereo-Dreaming In Stereo (Dying Van Gogh)
95. Jason Karaban-Sobriety Kills (Ascend)
96. Peter & The Penguins-How To Choose A Sweetheart (Not Lame)
97. Pointed Sticks-Three Lefts Make A Right (Northern Electric)
98. Navy Blue-At Home (Bendi)
99. The Reckless Hearts-Get Up And Run (Off The Hip)
100. Strangefinger-Into The Blue (SideB)

The David Bash 2009 lists, part 2.

II. Top Reissue Of Recent Vintage

Paranoid Lovesick-Suburban Pop Allegro (Self-Released)

III. Top 5 Eps

1. Greg Pope-Pete (Octoberville)
2. The Parties-Cryin’ Shame (Rainbow Quartz)
3. The Offbeat-To The Rescue EP (Self-Released)
4. The Peppermint Apes-The Miracle EP (4 Real)
5. Los Glosters-Canciones (Florinata)

IV. Top 5 Compilations-Single Artists

1. Pugwash-Giddy (Ape House)
2. The Ace-Awhamalambambang: Recordings & Demos 2005-2008 (Self-Released)
3. The Anything People-Anthology: 2004-2010 (Self-Released)
4. Paranoid Lovesick-Tuxedo Avenue Breakdown (Self-Released)
5. The Mighty Uptight-Technicolour TV Head: Recordings & Demos 1999-2003 (Self-Released)

V. Top 4 Compilations-Various Artists

1. International Pop Overthrow, Vol. 12 (Not Lame)
2. Charlotte Pop Fest ’09 (Deem)
3. The Paisley Polka Dot Picnic Party (Brand Medway)
4. Shindig! Presents-It’s Happening!

VI. Top Tribute Disc-Single Artist

The Smithereens-Rock Tommy (E1 Entertainment)

VII. Top 2 Tribute Discs-Various Artists

Do You Wanna Be In The Show?-A Pop Tribute To The Jetset (Twist)
Forty One Sixty-The Songs Of The Shambles (Blindspot)

Let the Bash-ing begin!

Once again, Absolute Powerpop is proud to present the year-end lists of the inestimable David Bash, Mr. International Pop Overthrow. David puts me to shame as not only does he have a top 100 and top EP list, he has lists for compilations, reissues, etc. Tonight we'll start with the reissues and work our way to the main list proper. There's so much to check into with these lists (even on my end) that it's best not to unveil them all at once. So without further ado, here are his comprehensive Best of 2009 Reissues lists:


There are still some reissues I haven't heard which would probably make the list, but there's only so much time and $$.ok, mainly $$; I'll always somehow find the time. :) - David Bash

I. Top 50 Proper Albums

1. The Bee Gees-Odessa (Rhino)
2. The Who-The Who Sell Out: Deluxe Edition (Universal)
3. Duncan Browne-Give Me, Take You (Grapefruit)
4. The Dukes Of Stratosphear-Psonic Psunspot (Ape House)
5. Starbelly-Lemon Fresh: Tenth Anniversary Reissue (National)
6. The Peppermint Trolley Company-Beautiful Sun (Now Sounds)
7. Chilliwack-Riding High (Pacemaker)
8. The Golden Earrings-Winter Harvest (RPM)
9. Pilot-Morin Heights (RPM)
10. Mark Eric-A Midsummer’s Daydream (Now Sounds)
11. The Dukes Of Stratosphear-25 O’Clock (Ape House)
12. Status Quo-Picturesque Matchstickable Messages From Status Quo: Deluxe Edition (Universal)
13. Sagittarius-Present Tense (Rev-Ola)
14. R.E.M.-Reckoning: Deluxe Edition (Universal)
15. Chris Bell-I Am The Cosmos (Rhino Handmade)
16. Pilot-From The Album Of The Same Name (RPM)
17. The Stone Roses-The Stone Roses: Legacy Edition (Silvertone/Legacy)
18. The Icicle Works-Permanent Damage (Cherry Red)
19. The Cowsills-Captain Sad And His Ship Of Fools (Now Sounds)
20. Makin’ Time-No Lumps Of Fat Or Gristle Guaranteed (Big Beat)
21. Piccadilly Line-The Huge World Of Emily Small (Grapefruit)
22. The American Breed-Bend Me, Shape Me (Magic)
23. Pilot-Second Flight (RPM)
24. Salt Water Taffy-Finders Keepers (Rev-ola)
25. Rod Stewart-A Night On The Town: Deluxe Edition (Warner Brothers)
26. The Guess Who-Wheatfield Soul (Sony Music)
27. Chad & Jeremy-The Ark (Rev-Ola)
28. David Bowie-David Bowie: Deluxe Edition (EMI)
29. Thunderclap Newman-Hollywood Dream (Esoteric)
30. The Golden Earrings-Miracle Mirror (RPM)
31. Gary Walker & The Rain-Album No. 1 (Universal)
32. Terry McManus-Sunshine Pop (Bullseye)
33. Status Quo-Spare Parts: Deluxe Edition (Universal)
34. Procol Harum-Shine On Brightly (Salvo)
35. Earth And Fire-Atlantis (Esoteric)
36. Amazing Blondel-Mulgrave Street (Talking Elephant)
37. Horslips-The Man Who Built America (Horslips)
38. Tinkerbell’s Fairydust-Tinkerbell’s Fairydust (Grapefruit)
39. Doug Randle-Songs For The New Industrial State (Light In The Attic)
40. Chris Clark-Soul Sounds (Universal)
41. Edward’s Hand-Edward’s Hand (Grapefruit)
42. Natural Gas-Natural Gas (Renaissance)
43. Rod Stewart-Atlantic Crossing: Deluxe Edition (Warner Brothers)
44. Amazing Blondel-Inspiration (Talking Elephant)
45. Roxette-Tourism (Capitol)
46. The Undertones-The Undertones (Salvo)
47. The Beat Boys-The Beat Boys (Lion)
48. Procol Harum-Procol Harum (Salvo)
49. Bill Fox-Shelter From The Smoke (Scat)
50. Bulldog Breed-Made In England (Grapefruit)

II. Top 10 Two-Fers (and Three-Fers): Proper Albums

1. Flo & Eddie-Illegal, Immoral and Fattening/Moving Targets (Sony)
2. Tommy James & The Shondells-Crimson And Clover/Cellophane Symphony (Rev-Ola)
3. Big Star-#1 Record/Radio City (Fantasy)
4. Paisley Dreams: The Pop-Psych Sounds of Tommy Roe, featuring It’s Now Winter’s Day/Phantasy (Rev-Ola)
5. Chairmen Of The Board-Give Me Just A Little More Time/In Session (Edsel)
6. The Raiders-Indian Reservation/Collage (Raven)
7. Three Dog Night-It Ain’t Easy/Naturally (BGO)
8. Buddy Holly & The Crickets-The Chirping Crickets/Buddy Holly/That’ll Be The Day (Fantasic Voyage)
9. Three Dog Night-Three Dog Night/Suitable For Framing (BGO)
10. The Undertones-Positive Touch/The Sin Of Pride (Salvo)

III. Top 15 Compilations, Single Artist

1. Emitt Rhodes-The Emitt Rhodes Recordings 1969-1973 (Hip-O Select)
2. The Staccatos/Five Man Electrical Band-First Sparks: The Anthology 1965-1969 (Pacemaker)
3. John Pantry-The Upside Down World Of John Pantry (Wooden Hill)
4. The Majority-The Decca Years 1965-68 (Rev-Ola)
5. The Sixpentz-Summer Girl: The Complete Recordings (Now Sounds)
6. Wondermints-Kaleidoscopin’: Exploring Prisms Of The Past (Now Sounds)
7. Gary Lewis & The Playboys-The Complete Liberty Singles (Collector’s Choice)
8. The Onyx-Kaleidoscope Of Colours: The Onyx Demo Sessions 1967 (Wooden Hill)
9. Klaatu-Solology (Bullseye)
10. Clifford T. Ward-Path Through The Forest: The Secret World Of Clifford T. Ward 1964-71 (Wooden Hill)
11. The Breakaways-Walking Out On Love: The Lost Sessions (Alive)
12. Starry Eyed & Laughing-All Their Best (Broadside)
13. Jay & The Americans-The Complete United Artists Singles (Collector’s Choice)
14. Spooky Tooth-Lost In My Dream: An Anthology 1968-1974 (Esoteric)
15. Radio City-Recorded 1977-1980 New York (Radio Heartbeat)

IV. Top 15 Compilations, Various Artists

1. Glitter And Gold: Words And Music By Barry Mann And Cynthia Weil (Ace)
2. Piccadilly Sunshine Part Two: British Pop/Psych And Other Flavours 1966-1971 (Past & Present)
3. Piccadilly Sunshine Part One: British Pop/Psych And Other Flavours 1965-1970 (Past & Present)
4. Clap Your Hands And Stamp Your Feet: 24 Nederglam Tracks From The Early 70s (Excelsior)
5. Chartbusters USA Special Edition: Sunshine Pop (Ace)
6. Mike Hurst-Producers Archives Vol. 3: 1964-1979 (Angel Air)
7. Sweet Surrender: Ember Pop 1970-1978 (Fantastic Voyage)
8. We’re Gonna Change The World!: The ‘60s Chicago Garage Sound Of Quill Productions (Sundazed)
9. After Tonight: Ember Beat Vol. 3 1966-67 (Fantastic Voyage)
10. Wild Thing: The Songs Of Chip Taylor (Ace)
11. Mr. Toytown Presents…Vol. 3 (Toytown)
12. Honey & Wine: Another Gerry Goffin & Carole King Song Collection (Ace)
13. A Solitary Man: The Early Songs Of Neil Diamond (Ace)
14. Shapes & Sounds Vol. Three: Techincolour Dreams From The BBC Archives 1967-1971 (Top Sounds)
15. Wednesday Morning Dew: Realistic Patterns 2-Orchestrated Psychedelia From The U.S.A. (Pyschic Circle)

V. Top 10 Box Sets: Single Artist

1. The Beatles-The Mono Box (Capitol/Apple)
2. The Beatles-The Stereo Box (Capitol/Apple)
3. Buddy Holly-Not Fade Away: The Complete Studio Recordings And More (Hip-O Select)
4. Neil Young-Archives Vol. 1 1963-1972 (Reprise)
5. Big Star-Keep An Eye On The Sky (Rhino)
6. Daryl Hall/John Oates-Do What You Want, Be What You Are (RCA Legacy)
7. Michael Jackson-Hello World: The Motown Solo Collection (Hip-O Select)
8. Shakin’ Stevens-The Epic Masters (Sony/Epic)
9. Procol Harum-All This And More…Procul Harum: A 4 Disc Compendium (Salvo)
9. Richard Thompson-Walking On A Wire 1968-2009 (Shout Factory)
10. Steeleye Span-A Parcel Of Steeleye Span: Their First Five Chrysalis Albums 1972-1975 (EMI)

VII. Top 5 Box Sets: Various Artists

1. The Complete Motown Singles Vol. 11B: 1971 (Hip-O Select)
2. Where The Action Is!: 1965-1968 Los Angeles Nuggets (Rhino)
3. Meet On The Ledge: An Island Records Folk/Rock Anthology (Universal)
4. Woodstock: 40 Years On Back To Yasgur’s Farm (Rhino)
5. A Complete Introduction To Northern Soul (Universal)

The Absolute Powerpop Top 15 EPs of 2009.

Unlike full-lengths, which seemed down in overall quality this year, this was the best year for EPs in recent memory and as a result I'm listing a top 15 instead of the usual top 10.

1. Bryan Scary & The Shredding Tears -Mad Valentines
2. Greg Pope-Pete
3. The Blue Sky Secret-What We Are
4. Cheap Star/Jon Auer-Two for the Money
5. The Library-The Life & Times of Rosa Lee
6. Archie Powell & The Exports-Loose Change
7. Billy Schafer-First to Believe
8. Ryan VanDordrecht-Hurts Like Hell
9. Josh Fix-This Town is Starting to Make Me Angry
10. Codaphonic-Edison's Rival
11. Chase Hamblin-A Fine Time
12. Mathew Street-Plastic Wings
13. Static in Verona-Life-Sized Replica
14. Gerard Masters-Spin
15. Shout With Grass-And Then Again

The Absolute Powerpop Top 100 of 2009, #1-5.

5. Wiretree-Luck. Kevin Peroni is making himself a regular fixture at the top of my list, as 2007's Bouldin finished in the top 5, and had I had a best EPs of 2005 list, the debut EP would have been #2 that year (behind David Mead). Among the artists I've reviewed on this site the last (nearly) four years, Wiretree has one of the more distinctive sounds, and Luck built on this sound and expanded it.

4. Throwback Suburbia-Throwback Suburbia. You know the old cliche about something that's a quintessential example of what it is - "If you looked up 'x' in the dictionary, there'd be a picture of this right next to it". Well when it comes to power pop, this Oregon band's sophomore effort might just be its epitome. Nothing groundbreaking here, just 13 tracks that hit all the right buttons, and serve as the answer to the question "what does power pop sound like?"

3. Michael Carpenter-Redemption #39. Michael Carpenter has become such a consistent fixture in the power pop community that it's very easy to take what he does for granted. But it's not easy to make it sound effortless, and on his sixth solo album, he displays a new lyrical depth that takes this collection of songs to another level. Carpenter is a mature, and maturing, artist who seems congenitally incapable of making a bad record.

2. fun.-Aim and Ignite. This is the first time I've had a disc ranked this high that I didn't previously review on the site. There are a variety of reasons for this which aren't very interesting, so let me just apologize to anyone who reads this site that's only finding out about this disc now, because you've missed out on the most rollicking, tuneful, buoyant, joyous disc of 2009. Nate Ruess disbanded The Format, but with his new band he's put out a disc that not only equals but exceeds 2006's brilliant Dog Problems. Mixing Queen, ELO, Mika, show tunes, and anything else he can throw in, Ruess outdoes himself here with a disc that should find an audience well beyond power poppers. Perhaps there's never been a more appropriately titled band - the disc is fun, period.

1. Plasticsoul-Peacock Swagger. It seems that at its roots, power pop is a search for the Beatlesque. Not an pure aping of the Beatles per se, but the ability to capture the mix of melody, musicianship and innovation in a more or less traditional rock form that was their hallmark. Lots of artists and albums try for this, but fall short in way or another. But I daresay that Steven Wilson, a/k/a Plasticsoul (fittingly named a McCartney phrase that inspired the titling of Rubber Soul) gets pretty much all the way there. Of course, it doesn't hurt to have a voice that sounds eerily like John Lennon either. And on Peacock Swagger, Wilson manages to capture the right mix of tunefulness, attitude and eclecticism that's found on most Beatles and Lennon albums.

The Absolute Powerpop Top 100 of 2009, #6-50.

I will have a top 5 post either later today or tomorrow morning, but for now here's #6-50, in countdown format:

50. Bruce Springsteen-Working on a Dream
49. Charles Ramsey-Good Morning & Good Night
48. Grand Atlantic-How We Survive
47. Reno Bo-Happenings & Other Things
46. Terry Anderson & The OAK Team-National Champions
45. El Goodo-Coyote
44. Wax Poets-Wax Poets
43. The Alice Rose-All Haunt's Sound
42. Almost Charlie-The Plural of Yes
41. Michael Behm-Saving America
40. The Pollocks-Wine Diamonds
39. The Humbugs-On the Up Side
38. La Fleur Fatale-Silent Revolution
37. The Perms-Keeps You Up When You're Down
36. First in Space-Geronimo
35. Secret Powers-Secret Powers & The Electric Family Choir
34. Dropkick-Abelay Hotel
33. Scott Warren-Quick Fix Bandage
32. The Orange Peels-2020
31. Kyle Vincent-Where You Are
30. Bob Evans-Goodnight, Bull Creek!
29. Ike Reilly-Hard Luck Stories
28. Andy Kirkland-No Name Gallery
27. Chris Richards & The Subtractions-Sad Sounds of the Summer
26. The Shazam-Meteor
25. Sons of Great Dane-Why Ramble?
24. Bleu-A Watched Pot
23. Vinyl Candy-Land
22. The Tomorrows-Jupiter Optimus Maximus
21. Campbell Stokes Sunshine Recorder-Makes Your Ears Smile
20. Fastball-Little White Lies
19. Don Gallardo-Sweetheart Radio Revolution Etc.
18. Roger Klug-More Help for Your Nerves
17. Valley Lodge-Semester at Sea
16. Wilco-Wilco (The Album)
15. John Lefler-Better by Design
14. The Tripwires-House to House
13. Lamar Holley-Confessions of a College Student
12. JP Cregan-Man Overboard
11. Shane Lamb-Disengage
10. Bobby Emmett-Learning Love
9. This Modern Station-All That We Leave Behind
8. Cheap Trick-The Latest
7. Jeff Litman-Postscript
6. The Duckworth-Lewis Method-The Duckworth-Lewis Method

The Absolute Powerpop Top 100 of 2009, #51-100.

I'm not sure if 2009 was a down year or what, but all I know is that whereas last year I went with a top 125 because there were too many good discs missing out on the top 100, this year I had to struggle to come up with 100. Here's the back half of the top 100, with the top 50 to come tomorrow:

51. Brendan Benson-My Old, Familiar Friend
52. The Literary Greats-Ocean, Meet the Valley
53. Cheap Star-Speaking Like an Elephant
54. David England-Little Death
55. Curtains for You-What a Lovely Surprise to Wake Up Here
56. Barnett/Gurley-Evidence
57. Minky Starshine-Unidentified Hit Record
58. Deleted Waveform Gatherings-Ghost, She Said
59. Jeff Larson-Heart of the Valley
60. Tommy Keene-In the Late Bright
61. Fred Van Vactor-Everything Good All at Once
62. Benjamin r-The Other Side of Nowhere
63. Young Fresh Fellow-I Think It Is
64. Clockwise-Faders on Stun
65. Jason Falkner-All Quiet on the Noise Floor
66. Brian Jay Cline-Nashville Tracks
67. Paul Starling-Doors & Windows
68. Cameron Purvis & The Spartans-Foolsgold
69. Brett Kull-The Last of the Curlews
70. Greg Koons & The Misbegotten-Welcome to the Nowhere Motel
71. Mika-The Boy Who Knew Too Much
72. The Brilliant Inventions-Have You Changed
73. David Mead-Almost & Always
74. The Damnwells-One Last Century
75. Jason Karaban-Sobriety Kills
76. Mike Gent-Mike Gent
77. Parallax Project-I Hate Girls
78. The Leftovers-Eager to Please
79. Straw Dogs-Love & Then Hope
80. Canadian Invasion-Three Cheers for the Invisible Hand
81. Michael Harrell-Jericho Blues
82. Chris Swinney-Try This at Home
83. Tony Cox-Unpublished
84. Minster Hill-Capturing Clouds in a Bottle
85. Baby Scream-Ups and Downs
86. Adam Marsland-Go West
87. Matt Beck-Anything Which Gives You Pleasure
88. Vegas With Randolph-Vegas With Randolph
89. The Antennas-S/T
90. Supraluxe-Wake Leave Home Sleep
91. John's Revolution-Today Your Love, Tomorrow the World
92. Evan Hillhouse-Transition
93. L'Avventura-You Star Was Shining
94. The Evening Rig-Is Doin' Stuff
95. The Kavanaghs-The Kavanaghs
96. Willie Nile-House of a Thousand Guitars
97. Landon Pigg-The Boy Who Never
98. David Brookings-Glass Half Full
99. Latvian Radio-Seven Layers of Self-Defense
100. Sarakula-City Heart

The David Bash lists, part 2.

As promised, here are the remainder of the year-end lists from International Pop Overthrow's David Bash:

II. Top Reissue of Recent Vintage

Richard Snow-Tuesday Music (SideB)

III. Top 5 EPs

1. The Avenues-Love, Life & The Giant Leap (Self-Released)
2. Stonecake-Always In My Mind (Self-Released)
3. Marykate O’Neil-mkULTRA (Self-Released)
4. The Simple Carnival-Me And My Arrow EP (Sundrift)
5. The Bobbleheads-Two Guitars, Open Fire (Poppop)

IV. Top 5 Compilations-Single Artists

1. Ross-A Collection For Enemies And Friends 1992-2002 (Perdicion)
2. The Gripweeds-Infinite Soul: The Best Of The Gripweeds (Wicked Cool)
3. Phamous Phaces-All Bashed Up: A Birthday Tribute To David Bash & The IPO Festival (Bink!)
4. Los Shambles-Desde Ayer (Blindspot)
5. The Eels-Meet The Eels: Essential Eels Vol. 1 1996-2006 (Geffen)

V. Top Compilation-Various Artists

International Pop Overthrow Vol. 11 (Not Lame)

VI. Top Covers Disc

The Shambles-20 Explosive Hits

VII. Top Tribute Disc-Various Artists

Beautiful People: The Songs Of The Posies Revisited (Burning Sky)

VII. Biggest Disappointment

Brian Wilson-That Lucky Old Sun (Capitol)

Reissue Categories

There are still some reissues I haven't heard which would probably make the list, but there's only so much time and $$ - ok, mainly $$; I'll always somehow find the time.

I. Top 50 Proper Reissue Albums

1. Love-Forever Changes: Collector’s Edition (Rhino)
2. R.E.M.-Murmur: Deluxe Edition (Universal)
3. The Zombies-Odessey and Oracle: Anniversary Edition (Repertoire)
4. Dennis Wilson-Pacific Ocean Blue (Legacy)
5. The Searchers-Love’s Melodies (Wounded Bird)
6. Buster-Buster (Airmail)
7. The Spongtones-Beat Music (Air Mail)
8. The Millennium-Begin (Sundazed)
9. The Rollers-Elevator (7T’s)
10. Five Man Electrical Band-Half Past Midnight: The Staccatos and Beyond (Now Sounds)
11. Nick Lowe-Jesus Of Cool (Yep Roc)
12. Squeeze-Argybargy: Deluxe Edition (Universal)
13. Wednesday Week-What We Had (Noble Rot)
14. City Boy-Young Men Gone West (Renaissance)
15. City Boy-Book Early (Renaissance)
16. The Tuneful Trolley-Island In The Sky (Now Sounds)
17. Blue Ash-No More, No Less (Collector’s Choice)
18. Clovis Roblaine-The Clovis Roblaine Story (No Sweat)
19. Cat Stevens-Teaser And The Firecat (Deluxe Edition) (Universal)
20. Buster-Buster 2 (Airmail)
21. The Move-Looking On (Deluxe Expanded Edition) (Salvo)
22. Paul & Barry Ryan-Two Of A Kind (Rev-ola)
23. Squeeze-Sweets From A Stranger (Universal)
24. The Wind-Where It’s At With The Wind (Vinyl Countdown)
25. Elvis Costello and The Attractions-This Year’s Model (Deluxe Edition) (Universal)
26. The La’s-The La’s (Deluxe Edition) (Universal)
27. Sagittarius-The Blue Marble (Sundazed)
28. The Yardbirds-Roger The Engineer/Over Under Sideways Down (Repertoire)
29. Anthony Phillips-Wise After The Event (Voiceprint)
30. The Searchers-The Searchers (Wounded Bird)
31. Strawbs-Strawbs (Universal)
32. Buzzcocks-A Different Kind Of Tension (Special Edition) (EMI)
33. The Hollies-Hollies (EMI)
34. The Ian Mitchell Band-Suddenly You Love Me (Airmail)
35. The Magic Lanterns-Shame Shame (Airmail)
36. The Peppermint Rainbow-Will You Be Staying After Sunday (Rev-ola)
37. Wendy & Bonnie-Genesis (Sundazed)
38. Love Sculpture-Forms And Feelings (Esoteric)
39. Kristine Sparkle-Devil Woman (RPM)
40. The Walker Brothers-Images (RPM)
41. Cat Stevens-Tea For The Tillerman (Deluxe Edition) (Universal)
42. Brotherhood Of Man-United We Stand (RPM)
43. Kathe Green-Run The Length Of Your Wildness (Rev-ola)
44. Elton John-Elton John: Deluxe Edition (Universal)
45. Matthew’s Southern Comfort-Later That Same Year (BGO)
46. Alice Cooper-Pretties For You (Rhino)
47. Laura Nyro-More Than A New Discovery (Rev-ola)
48. Tina Mason-Tina Mason Is Something Wonderful (Now Sounds)
49. Free-Fire And Water (Deluxe Edition) (Universal)
50. Honeybus-Story (Rev-ola)

II. Top 5 Two-Fers (and Four-Fers): Proper Albums

1. Flo & Eddie-The Phlorescent Leech & Eddie/Flo & Eddie (FloEdCo)
2. The Lemon Pipers-Love Beads And Meditation: Green Tambourine/Jungle Marmalade (Rev-ola)
3. The Osmonds-Crazy Horses/The Plan (7T’s)
4. Michael Guthrie Band-Direct Hits/Banned In America (Self-Released)
5. The Impressions-This Is My Country/The Young Mod’s Forgotten Story (American Beat)

III. Top 10 Compilations, Single Artist

1. The Parade-Sunshine Girl: The Complete Recordings (Now Sounds)
2. Colours-Love Heals: The Complete Recordings (Now Sounds)
3. Tommy James and The Shondells-40 Years: The Complete Singles Collection 1966-2006 (Rhino)
4. The Spongetones-Always Carry On: The Best Of The Spongetones 1980-2005 (Loaded Goat)
5. The Blue Things-Let The Blue Things Blow Your Mind (Cicadelic)
6. The Mojo Men-Not Too Old To Start Cryin’: The Lost 1966 Masters (Big Beat)
7. West Coast Consortium-Mister Umbrella Man: A Collection Of Demos 1967-1969 (Wooden Hill)
8. Chris Rainbow-Waves (Vital Spark)
9. Jeff Christie-Outer Limits/Floored Masters-Past Imperfect (Angel Air)
10. The Finkers-Epilogue (Off The Hip)

IV. Top 10 Compilations, Various Artists

1. Thank You Friends: The Ardent Records Story (Big Beat)
2. Treacle Toffee World: Further Adventures Into The Pop Psych Sounds From The Apple Era 1967-1969 (RPM)
3. Realistic Patterns-Orchestrated Psychedelia From The U.S.A. (Psychic Circle)
4. Do Waah Diddy-Words And Music By Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry (Ace)
5. Sweet Floral Albion-23 Pop & Psych Gems (Past & Present)
6. Let’s Ride-20 Popsike Excursions From The UK & Europe: Faerytales Can Come True Vol. 3 (Psychic Circle)
7. Titan: It’s All Pop! (Numero Uno)
8. A Day In My Mind’s Mind Vol. 2-Fantasies, Polka Dots & Flowers: 27 Kiwi Psychedelic Trips 1967-72 (EMI)
9. A Day In My Mind’s Mind Vol. 3-Spinning, Spinning, Spinning: 28 Kiwi Psychedelic Trips 1967-72 (EMI)
10. Sing Me A Rainbow-A Trident Anthology 1965-1967 (Big Beat)

V. Top 5 Box Sets: Single Artist

1. The Kinks-Picture Book (Universal)
2. The Move-Anthology 1966-1972 (Salvo)
3. Split Enz-Enz To Enz (Mushroom)
4. The Swinging Blue Jeans-Good Golly, Miss Molly!: The EMI Years 1963-1967 (EMI)
5. Herman’s Hermits & Peter Noone-Into Something Good: The Mickie Most Years 1964-1972 (EMI)

VII. Top 5 Box Sets: Various Artists

1. Motown: The Complete No. 1s (Hip-O Select)
2. The Complete Motown Singles-Vol. 10: 1970 (Hip-O Select)
3. Flower Power: The Music Of The Love Generation (Time Life)
4. The Complete Motown Singles-Vol. 11A: 1971 (Hip-O Select)
5. A&M Records-History 100 (Universal)

David Bash's Top 125 of 2008.

One of the most eagerly awaited lists in the power pop community is David Bash's exhaustive year-end list of the top 125 albums of the year, and I'm proud to be bringing you David's 2008 list. Today I will post the Top 125 proper, and tomorrow I will post his ancillary lists (top EPs, reissues, compilations, tributes, etc.)

So without further ado, here is David's top 125 of 2008:

1. Roger Joseph Manning Jr.-Catnip Dynamite (Pony Canyon)
2. The Doll Test-Mosque Alarm Clock (Unsmashable)
3. The Madd-Ongeneeslijk Beat (Excelsior)
4. The Junipers-Cut Your Key (San Remo)
5. Josh Fix-Free At Last (1650 Entertainment)
6. Adrian Whitehead-One Small Stepping Man (Popboomerang)
7. Three Hour Tour-B Side Oblivion (Martian)
8. The Resonars-That Evil Drone (Burger)
9. The General Store-Mountain Rescue (Brewery)
10. The Lackloves-Cathedral Square Park (Rainbow Quartz)
11. Big Kid-Big Kid III (Self-Released)
12. The Telepathic Butterflies-Breakfast In Suburbia (Rainbow Quartz)
13. Cliff Hillis-The Long Now (Tallboy)
14. Rob Bonfiglio-Bring On The Happy (Damask)
15. The Pop Project-Stars Of Stage And Screen (Suburban Sprawl)
16. Jeremy-Pop Explosion (Jam)
17. Bryan Scary & The Shredding Tears-Flight Of The Knife (Black & Greene)
18. The Hi Risers-Once We Get Started (Spinout)
19. The Dress Whites-My God, The Shame! (Self-Released)
20. The 88-Not Only…But Also (Island)
21. The Handcuffs-Electroluv (OOFL)
22. Greg Pope-Popmonster (Octoberville)
23. The Feeling-Join With Us (Universal)
24. The Royal Purple-The Time Element (Umbrella)
25. Tim Morrow-Back To Delton (Self-Released)
26. Pugwash-Eleven Modern Antiquities (1969)
27. The Gurus-Now (Rock Indiana/Rainbow Quartz)
28. Graham Day & The Gaolers-Triple Distilled (Damaged Goods)
29. The Galaxies-Here We Go! (Self-Released)
30. Mari Wilson-Emotional Glamour (Beehive)
31. Rob Smith-Trick Of The Light (Zip)
32. The Goldbergs-Under The Radar (Kool Kat)
33. Kelly Jones-SheBANG! (Good Morning Monkey)
34. Beat Hotel-Move On (Self-Released)
35. The Well Wishers-Jigsaw Days (Thatwasmyskull)
36. Brent Cash-How Will I Know If I’m Awake (Marina)
37. The Respectables-Sibley Gardens (Self-Released)
38. Smash Fashion-A Gentlemen’s Guide… (ElectricPudding)
39. The Afternoons-Sweet Action (Self-Released)
40. Lindsay Buckingham-Gift Of Screws (Reprise)
41. Paul Starling-Doors & Windows (Rockshot)
42. Foxboro Hot Tubs-Stop Drop and Roll!!! (Jingle Town)
43. Garfield’s Birthday-Let Them Eat Cake (Pink Hedgehog)
44. Marmalade Army-Johnny Cake and Moonpies (Modern Artists)
45. Laurie Biagini-Ridin’ The Wave (Self-Released)
46. The Wellingtons-Heading North For The Winter (Zip)
47. Andy Reed-Fast Forward (Kool Kat)
48. Alan Bernhoft-Beatlesque One (Jaxalon)
49. Chewy Marble-Modulations (SideB)
50. The Bye Bye Blackbirds-Houses & Homes (American Dust)
51. Daisy-It’s About Time (Elements)
52. Stratocruiser-Egg Shells (New Atlas)
53. Private Jets-Jet Sounds (Sparkplug)
54. The Sunshine-I Heard A Rumour About You Boy (Self-Released)
55. The Mop Tops-Ground Floor Man (Sound Asleep)
56. The Breakdowns-Heartbreak Radio (Rock Indiana)
57. Leave-On A Happy Note…(Self-Released)
58. The Parties-Can’t Come Down (Rainbow Quartz)
59. The Explorers Club-Freedom Wind (Dead Oceans)
60. Kaiser Chiefs-Off With Their Heads (Universal)
61. The Pleasure-Travel Inside (Rookie)
62. Sarah Borges and The Broken Singles-Diamonds In The Dark (Sugar Hill)
63. The Rhinos-In Rhi-Fi (Rainbow Quartz)
64. We Should Be Dead-Forget Romance, Let’s Dance! (Pop4pop)
65. The Simple Carnival-Girls Aliens Food (Sundrift)
66. Kai Reiner-Kai Reiner (Self-Released)
67. Service Group-Principles Of Electronic Circuitry (Squid Vs. Whale)
68. The Temponauts-A Million Year Picnic (Teen Sound)
69. Dave Dill-Follow The Summer (Self-Released)
70. The Pete Best Band-Haymans Green (EMI)
71. All Day Sucker-The Big Pretend (Self-Released)
72. Deleted Waveform Gatherings-Baby Warfare (Rainbow Quartz)
73. Pinto-Hook Me Up (Self-Released)
74. The Cheeksters-Movers and Shakers (Caterina Sounds)
75. Andy Bopp-This Guitar Kills Singer Songwriters (Rainbow Quartz)
76. Poplord-Full/Filled (Self-Released)
77. The Jellybricks-Goodnight To Everyone (Primitive)
78. Adrian Bourgeois-Adrian Bourgeois (C Side)
79. Hundred Million Martians-Marseille (Plastic Passion)
80. Your Gracious Host-Your Gracious Host (Self-Released)
81. The Human Statues-The Human Statues (Self-Released)
82. Philip Vandermost-Automatic August (Self-Released)
83. Panic At The Disco-Welcome To The Sound Of Pretty Odd (Fueled By Ramen)
84. Pris-The Kiss Off (Thistime)
85. Dropkick-Dot The I-(Taylored)
86. Dimebox-Five And Dime Waltz (Avebury)
87. Young Sportsmen-If You Want It (Unsmashable)
88. Sextus-Stranger Than Fiction (Dramapants)
89. Junebug-Fifth (Planet 8)
90. Monkeeman-Life In The Backseat (Cargo)
91. Captain Wilberforce-Everyone Loves A Villain (Blue Tuxedo)
92. The Pillbugs-Everybody Wants A Way Out (Rainbow Quartz)
93. Rinaldi Sings-Bingo (Tangerine)
94. The Higher Elevations-The Protestant Work Ethic (Time For Action)
95. Derby-Posters Fade (Green Submarine)
96. Norman Kelsey-A Talent For Loving (Self-Released)
97. The Eisenhowers-Film Your Own Atrocities (Serali)
98. The Brigadier-The Rise & Fall Of Responsibility (Self-Released)
99. Baby Scream-Ups And Downs (Recorded Recordings)
100. Lund Bros-Songbook IV (Self-Released)
101. Sloan-Parallel Play (Murderecords)
102. The Stems-Heads Up (Invisible)
103. The Spongetones-Too Clever By Half (Loaded Goat)
104. Class Three Overbite-Horses For Courses (Self-Released)
105. Peter Colours-Welcome To The Show (Bip Bip)
106. Only Make Believe-Message From A Mockingbird (GreenTree)
107. The Powerchords-..Think I’m Gonna (Screaming Apple)
108. Starling Electric-Clouded Staircase (Bar None)
109. Do The Undo-Do The Undo (Excelsior)
110. *The Ringles-Rickenbacker Ballet (Jam)
111. Readymade Breakup-Alive On The Vine (Self-Released)
112. Black Hollies-Casting Shadows (Ernest Jenning)
113. Frank Barajas-Better Times (Operation Big Beat)
114. Epicycle-Jingle Jangle (Self-Released)
115. Triggers-Smoke Show (Self-Released)
116. The Pranks-Modern Communication (Screaming Apple)
117. Michael Mazzarella-Folk Songs For The Curious Few (Self-Released)
118. The Major Labels-Aquavia (Self-Released)
119. The Smith Bros.-Restless (Toin Coss)
120. The Top Drawers-You’re So Fine (Indiepool)
121. The Spring Collection-In Between (Blindspot)
122. Sugar High-Let The Sunshine Out (Thousandaire)
123. Brown Line Fiasco-Superstar (Self-Released)
124. Khalid Hanifi-Pamplemousse Presse (Cerberus)
125. Gigantic-Gigantaphonic Sounds (Zip)
**The Orchid Highway-The Orchid Highway (Rainbow Quartz)
**Vibeke-The World Famous Hat Trip (Pop Detective)

**The last two would have been high on this list, but they were ranked in 2007 when they were released on their previous labels

The Absolute Powerpop Top Songs of 2008 - Part 7

This one's a little longer than the others, since it's the last of the series. Back to regular reviews next week!

Song For Kim - The Wellingtons

Hiroshima (B B B Benny Hit His...

Elevator - Cliff Hillis

Black Hole - Gentleman Jesse

I'm Outta Time - Oasis

Thirty Year Run - Trevor Algui...

Let It Be Known - Shane Barry ...

End Of All Things - The Riffbr...

What In the World - Allen Devi...

Take A Chance - The Chevelles

Rain Down the Chimes - Birdwat...

Maria - Sofa City Sweetheart

Singing In the Air - Justin Kl...