Swinging by the indie pop clubhouse for a quick visit with some new releases, a few of the power pop kids snuck in to steal some lemonade but don’t mind them they’ll leave once we break out the violins and horns.

Do The Dog Paddle

Sondre Lerche – I never intend to enjoy a Sondre Lerche record, he seems so 80’s Paul McCartney square that my initial assumptions are always skewed WERS style (ie – unexpectedly hearing a good songs on a flavorless radio station) but this one deserves the attention of at least on Josh Rouse fan.

Montt Mardié –Montt’s releases distinguish themselves with their humour, often surrounding the awkward way his characters (or him?) try to navigate life and love across a pop-culture background. Unfortunately not much of that element can be found on this new one, though at least the sound and voice are still present.

Zeus – Plain ‘ol straight ahead power pop from the 70’s that quite effectively captures the vibe without feeling the need to New Pornographers it for the messenger bag crowd (of which I am one, prolly)

The Invisible Cities – Well, we certainly hope they don’t stay invisible given the charm and style on display in this tune which doesn’t quite live up to the explanatory promise of its title … but then again perhaps it does?

The Seldon Plan – The lady came from Baltimore, and so did this jaunty and overly simple tune that doesn’t hang out on the corner much more than it has to.

Cheap Trick – These kids certainly still got the power and have been plagued by the same problem throughout their career – finding someone that can accurately record their superb live sound. This record is as close to doing it right as they’ve been in 20 years.

God Help The Girl – Despite all the press to the contrary this sounds nothing like a Belle & Sebastian record to me. It does tries to studiously ape the 60’s without the requisite energy needed to pull it off nor the vocal talent to sell the concept. Can you tell I’m disappointed? Well, at least I wasn’t expecting that much …

The Postmarks – Now here’s your Belle & Sebastian fix, from this reliable NY based indie pop band that’s made a (likely non-paying) career out of simply orchestrated jubilance.