Power Pop to Pop Punk (A Partial Genealogy) Pt. 1
I've noticed many similarities between UK 70's-80's Power Pop/pop punk and its return in the form of 90's Pop Punk so thought I'd compile a list of the two in order for others to hear the influences between lyrical themes (both typically exhibit lyrics about growing up, dating, innocence) and importance of lead guitar in creating catchy melodies. From what I can tell influences range from The Beatles to Ramones to 60's bubblegum pop. Cool stuff! |
| 1 |  | Parasites
Pair of Sides
90's pop punk from New Jersey. Reminds me a lot of Screeching Weasel (All Ramones-filtered punk bands will I guess) even though My brain Hurts wasn't released until a year after this one. |
| 2 |  | The Speedies
Speedy Delivery
Compilation of 79-81 singles. UK power pop |
| 3 |  | Squirtgun
Another Sunny Afternoon
Lookout! Records classic from 1997 |
| 4 |  | The Gas
It Shows In Your Face
1980 single, UK |
| 5 |  | Fastbacks
Very, Very Powerful Motor
Formed in '79, this is their second album released in '90. |
| 6 |  | The Dickies
Dawn of the Dickies
'79 release from Los Angeles punk band, sounds a lot closer to the 70's Uk style pop punk with a comedic take. very underrated!! |
| 7 |  | The Manges
Go Down
Italian Ramones worship with lots of cool pop culture references. "Vengeance" is a bop, recently remastered too! |
| 8 |  | The Jam
In The City
1977 Power pop gem from Mod influenced rockers |
| 9 |  | The Mr. T Experience
Gun Crazy
'92 EP from Berkley pop punkers. 3 song ep, short and sweet. |
| 10 |  | The Limps/No Support
Another Matchbox Classic
Don't let the lack of album cover fool you, the Limps' songs on this split with No Support released in '79 has some bopping power-pop tracks. Haven't listened to No Support's side yet. |
| 11 |  | Weston
Got Beat Up
Maybe a controversial opinion, but this pop punk album has power-pop influences all over. I'm sure I'm right, considering it's also James Alex's former band (of Beach Slang fame). |
| 12 |  | The Vapors
New Clear Days
Power-pop/New Wave from 1980. Turning Japanese is the single but Letters from Hiro is way better imo and showcases how beautiful power-pop can sound. |
| 13 |  | The Queers
Love Songs for the Retarded
1993 Lookout! release. Another essential 90's pop punk |
| 14 |  | the Last
L.A. Explosion!
Power-pop with massive Beatles influences, released in '79. Fun fact, as nice and cheery as this albums sounds they later went in a hardcore direction so they've influenced not only the power-pop abd punk scenes, but the hardcore as well! |
| 15 |  | The Gamits
Endorsed by You
One of the most underrated pop punk hailing from Colorado. Some have compared them to a punkier version of Weezer, especially the Antidote album. On this release, however, there's more Green day and bubblegum pop influence imo. For pop punk, this dude shreds with lightning fast riffs! |
| 16 |  | The Circles
Circles
2 song ep. Mod influenced power pop from 1985 |
| 17 |  | Leatherface
Dog Disco
Another controversial opinion: this album is rife with leads that could be found on older power pop works. Gruff punk with pretty soundz from 2004 |
| 18 |  | Dramarama
Cinema Verite
1985, just listen to the song Anything Anything (I'll Give You) for the fantastic lead |
| 19 |  | The Vindictives
Alarm Clocks
Chicago Punk legends, great song from '95! |
| 20 |  | The Rezillos
Can't Stand The Rezillos
'78 mash of pop punk and power punk, from Edinburgh resulting in one of the catchiest albums! |
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