Power pop or similar artists you love

[mvd]

We haven't done this in a while, and I don't think ever with a broad definition. Basically, you can choose known power pop artists or pop/rock artists who do a similar style that includes many fast-paced, guitar driven, catchy songs. This type of music is my favorite, along with classic rock.

Here's a list (not a final one, but a good sample) -

Cheap Trick
Big Star
The Beatles
The Cars
Badfinger
The Raspberries
The Bangles
Blondie
The Go-Gos
The Corrs
Kay Hanley/Letters To Cleo
Veruca Salt/Nina Gordon
Lisa Loeb
Michelle Branch
Avril Lavigne
The Veronicas
Barenaked Ladies
Leslie Mills
Kate Voegele (from the songs I've heard)
Mandy Moore's Wild Hope
Halo Friendles/Ginger Sling
Tuuli
The Donnas
Hope 7
The Like
Fountains Of Wayne
Jimmy Eat World
Switchblade Kittens (with the bass acting as guitar)
Damone
Lillix
Brie Larson
Sloan
Alison Ray
Courtney Jaye
Candice
Green Day
The Faders
New Pornographers
My Chemical Romance
R.E.M. and U2 also have this tendency

There are more..

[taterguy]

1. The dB's

There are tons more. I have three Rhino anthologies of Power Pop but the dB's are my favorites.

[mvd]

2. Good one

I knew there were a lot I left out.

[taterguy]

21. Some more I really like

The Plimsouls: A Million Miles Away is one of those power-pop songs that should be in every collection

Redd Kross: Sometimes punkish, sometimes metal but sometimes sonic bliss, esp Peach Kelli Pop

Velvet Crush

Tommy Keene

Parthenon Huxley

Ben Folds Five: Not really a power pop band but the outtake Emaline from their first album is a great power pop song

[Coventina]

3. Jesus and Mary Chain

Going with your very broad definition, I would also include

Social Distortion
Ramones
Cramps
XTC/Dukes of Stratosphere
Elvis Costello

Probably more out there I'm forgetting.....

[mvd]

4. Matthew Sweet is in this category

Though not sure how I feel about him yet.

[mvd]

6. Bon Jovi is close

I love his old stuff, but it might be hard rock instead. Alanis is also close on Jagged Little Pill, though maybe more on the rock/alternative side.

[aljones]

5. Do these count?

Tears for Fears
The Police
Toad to Wet Sprocket
Peter Gabriel
U2 ~ my all time favorite band!!
The Cure
Robert Palmer
Sting
George Michael
Pet Shop Boys

*edit to add the Pet Shop Boys....I love the Pet Shop Boys

[mvd]

8. I'm not being picky here, because then..

people would just argue about what constitutes power pop. The Police would be one of mine, and I mentioned U2. :thumbsup:

[aljones]

9. I was asking because I have never actually heard of Power Pop!!

But thanks :toast:

[mvd]

11. Here's the Wikipedia entry

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_pop

[mvd]

12. Looking at this entry, it reminded me of Weezer, Ted Leo,

Teenage Fanclub, Jellyfish, and originals like The Byrds and The Who.

[taterguy]

13. Short definition: Bands influenced by Pet Sounds and early Who

[aljones]

14. Wow!! I learned something today!! thanks!!

[slj0101]

7. Wilco occasionally makes forays into power pop.

Especially on the Summerteeth album.

[mvd]

10. Yes, and I hear the new one, Sky Blue Sky, is a return

to the Summerteeth-like sound. I like both their strange and poppy sides, so I have no objection.

[RetroLounge]

15. Don't forget the Knack!

:9

RL

[ghostsofgiants]

16. The Lost Patrol Band, Head Automatica, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Elvis Costello

[mvd]

17. Thanks, everyone, for adding to the list

Before I go, I'll add Susan Cagle, Pete Yorn, Gomez, and Jag Star. Sheryl Crow and Pink could also likely qualify.

[Rob H.]

18. Fountains of Wayne is my fave power-pop band

They have a new CD out, but I don't have it yet. :(

As for some others...

Sugarbomb
The Stereo
Teenage Fanclub
Phoenix

[Strawman]

19. Electric Six, The Lemonheads

[mvd]

20. Agreed - I have the most recent, self-titled Lemonheads CD

Looking at my recent purchases, Marianne Keith would be another one, and Jesse Malin. Not sure Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, and Tom Petty would qualify - they do have elements of power pop, but are known as being heartland rock.

[DBoon]

22. The Kinks

the grand-dads of power pop

[RedStateShame]

23. Guided by Voices

[mark414]

24. Matthew Sweet

Exploding Hearts
Heavy Vegetable

and not really power pop but if it's fast paced guitar driven catchy songs you're talking i have to include the Minutemen and fIREHOSE