Warehouse is probably my favorite of their albums... that or New Day Rising. It's too bad Bob and Grant couldn't get along anymore, because they seemed to have a songwriting rivalry that was pushing each of them to new heights.
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 UA-cam! Thanks for another great video Tom!
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.
Once you said double album, I thought it would be Lolita Nation; good to see that they are remastering their catalogue. And I thought the other EP was going to be Afoot by Let's Active which I also love. I'm not sure if I caught Code Blue the first go round, but will check it out, and thanks for a fine list. Oh, also good to see that they remastered the first two dbs albums. Great stuff.
Let's Active is still one of my all time favorites. I wish Mitch Easter would put out more music. I really liked his album 'Dynamico' that he put out a little over 15 years ago. Not as much as I liked his Let's Active output, but 'Cypress' is a top 5 all time album for me so that is a really high bar.
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 😊❤
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.
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
‘Now’ by The Plimsouls is a perfect power pop track. I’d also highly recommend the album Movin’ Up (1983) by The Elvis Brothers. ‘Fire In The City’ was the single that got played on WXRT in Chicago. Whole album is a lesser-known, power pop gem that fans of the sub-genre should check out.
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
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 !
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!
Hi Tom, interesting list. I'd never heard of code blue, but have just checked them out on UA-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 🏴🇺🇲
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!
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.
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.
@@LarsPop-Tartus I gotta check this album out asap. I’ve heard so many people mention this. Heard of the name of the band, but not the music. Thanks. 😉
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.
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
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."
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
@@tomrobinson5776 I saw Guadalcanal Diary open for REM on their Life's Rich Pageant tour (GD was touring their Jamboree album), and then saw Guadalcanal Diary headline when they toured their 2x4 album, with Grapes of Wrath as the opener. Both great shows. The first two Guadalcanal Diary albums are classics.
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
Warehouse is probably my favorite of their albums... that or New Day Rising. It's too bad Bob and Grant couldn't get along anymore, because they seemed to have a songwriting rivalry that was pushing each of them to new heights.
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 UA-cam!
Thanks for another great video Tom!
@@nathanlaney4577 You’re welcome. I need to check out some Hoodoo Gurus albums. I’ve heard a lot of praise over the years. They’re on my list. 👍
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.
Once you said double album, I thought it would be Lolita Nation; good to see that they are remastering their catalogue. And I thought the other EP was going to be Afoot by Let's Active which I also love. I'm not sure if I caught Code Blue the first go round, but will check it out, and thanks for a fine list. Oh, also good to see that they remastered the first two dbs albums. Great stuff.
Let's Active is still one of my all time favorites. I wish Mitch Easter would put out more music. I really liked his album 'Dynamico' that he put out a little over 15 years ago. Not as much as I liked his Let's Active output, but 'Cypress' is a top 5 all time album for me so that is a really high bar.
Thank you! A couple of real bangers here! Happy Festivus!
Oh & greetings from ‘down under’… ua-cam.com/video/uZCyWhd92WU/v-deo.htmlsi=ss-CwErJze5J343r
"Like a Girl Jesus" is one of the most beautiful songs ever written.
That track is magic. The first time I saw them live they opened with that tune.
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 !!
Awesome album. They were on a roll for a while after Skylarking.
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.
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.
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.
@@kevtruth Interesting…very cool
‘Now’ by The Plimsouls is a perfect power pop track.
I’d also highly recommend the album Movin’ Up (1983) by The Elvis Brothers. ‘Fire In The City’ was the single that got played on WXRT in Chicago. Whole album is a lesser-known, power pop gem that fans of the sub-genre should check out.
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
@@christianewen3227 Have a great 2025 Christian! Peace ✌️
@ Thank you so much 😊🙏
Saw Marshall Crenshaw sing with The Smithereens back in June 2024 on Long Island, NY
@@PunkRockPete Nice! 😉
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 !
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!
Hi Tom, interesting list. I'd never heard of code blue, but have just checked them out on UA-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 🏴🇺🇲
@@garypeacock5919 Best wishes Gary! 😊
Thanks for the shout-outs to Game Theory and The Three O'Clock. Wore those cassettes into the ground and had to repurchase them.
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!
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
I've never heard of Code Blue, gonna have to check them out. I hope you follow this up with the 70's or 90's!
@@carlcrenshaw7845 Yes definitely 👍
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.
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.
Though 1991 Matetial Issue’s “International Pop Overthrow” worth mentioning
@@LarsPop-Tartus I gotta check this album out asap. I’ve heard so many people mention this. Heard of the name of the band, but not the music. Thanks. 😉
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.
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.
@@KevinBrennan-f6p Absolutely 😉
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
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."
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.
Game Theory is such an amazing band! Obvious Big Star influences
@@ericsbar7960 No doubt about it 😉
Bram Tchaikovsky “Strange Man Changed Man” is one of the best power pop albums of all time.
@@PaesanoMaji I’ll have to hear that one. 😉
Love the Smithereens , never saw them live I'm jealous !
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.
I have a number of Smithereens singles tracks in my playlists.
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.
Utopia's self-titled album (1982).
you forgot tommy keene , teenage fanclub and the orange humble band
@@goodtimefolkrock I would put Bandwagonesque in my top 5 albums of the 90’s. 😉
@tomrobinson5776 yup!
uncle wayne, did u get our christmas card?
@@fizzlebomber674 Still waiting…
"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.
@@GeraldM_inNC I’ll have to check that album out. Thanks 😉
I don't even know what power pop is
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
@@thomasrobinson182 I remember seeing Guadalcanal Diary back in the mid-late 80’s at The Roxy in Hollywood. Great show!
@@tomrobinson5776 I saw Guadalcanal Diary open for REM on their Life's Rich Pageant tour (GD was touring their Jamboree album), and then saw Guadalcanal Diary headline when they toured their 2x4 album, with Grapes of Wrath as the opener. Both great shows. The first two Guadalcanal Diary albums are classics.