Northern Sugar, American Suitcase + others – International Pop Overthrow, Volume 17 (2014)

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Since 1998, noted music journalist David Bash has been staging International Pop Overthrow, a festival starring not only acts throughout our glorious galaxy but often held in a different regions. Although not a live replica of the shows, a recording is released in tandem with the heralded event. Like its predecessors, International Pop Overthrow, Volume 17” (Pop Geek Heaven) is fastened tight with nothing but high quality songs. There’s no argument this series is the finest of the flock when it comes to contemporary pop rock.

A triple disc set, International Pop Overthrow, Volume 17 obviously includes way too many songs to mention in depth, so if I fail to tout what’s dear to your heart, please forgive me, as time and space is limited. But I will say every single song is a jewel, and you’ll be so dazzled by what you hear that it’s impossible not to listen to these records from start to finish.

Cloaked in lush linen and vibrant vocals, the phantom of the Beach Boys manifests in full-form on both the B-Side’s “The Sun Brings Out the Beautiful Girls” and Peter Fedofsky’s “Here Comes The Sun” — the latter of which, by the way, is not a cover of the George Harrison song. Governed by driving rhythms and sheets of buzzing guitars, Northern Sugar’s “Ride” is a fist-pumping rock and roll anthem, and the Jeremy Band’s “Hit You With A Flower” rings and rattles with arresting power pop procedures. From Sue Hedges, there’s the funky Aretha Franklin inspired bump and grind of “Liars ‘N Lovers,” the Tearaways mix sarcasm with truth on the sturdy-structured “We Don’t Talk We Text,” and Bubblegum Orchestra’s “Evil, Evil Girl” pays debt to Tom Petty, with its nasally jangle.

The loping crunch of “Flying Birds” by the Mayflowers tells us the band is in thrall to the psychedelic wonders of “Revolver,” and Secret Friend’s gleaming “Starting Today,” which speaks of suffering a creative slump, then having the muse return, is a song a lot of musicians can certainly relate to. Pronounced by a towering sing-a-long chorus and a stomping beat, “Ready For Action” from Lisa Mychols is as contagious as the shingles, the Russ Tolman Band’s country-oriented “Los Angeles” contains some real cool keyboard markings, and Split Sofa’s “10, 000 Light Years From The Sun” shimmers and shines to a serene stature.

American Suitcase’s “Think Of It,” “Turn On The Radio (The PERfect Song)” by the Bobbleheads, “Haunted House” from the Reflections, Popdudes featuring Michael Carpenter’s “Catherine,” John McMullan’s “You Are Dreaming,” “I Before E” by the Spinning Jennies, and Rotto’s Magic Act’s “Happier Than Ever” step in as just a few other ear candy dandies. But as indicated, the entire package is a winner, and you’d be hard pressed not to agree.

Buttered to the brim with strong hooks, cracking melodies, divine harmonies and tireless energy, International Pop Overthrow, Volume 17 slaps a premium on originality and excitement. A stellar selection and smart sequencing job lead Volume 17 to be a wise investment. Make yourself at home.

Beverly Paterson