Material Issue – International Pop Overthrow

Burdened by possibly the worst name of all time for a pop band (I literally laughed out loud when a friend turned me on to them - from the name I thought they were a DC hard core/straight-edge band) and a terrible, 80's new-wave look, Material Issue none the less produced some fantastic power pop and even had somewhat of a hit with "Valerie Loves Me".

International Pop Overthrow has since become a rallying cry for any pop scene around the world and unfortunately, the creator (Jim Ellison – guitar/vocals/songwriter) committed suicide before realizing that he influenced a generation of pop-sters.

I really fell in love with this band when I discovered them (thanks Lutz!) and dig all of their records (some more than others, of course) but this is one of the best. With the aforementioned "Valerie Loves Me" through the title track to ballad-y songs of unrequited love (where would pop be without them?) and even story songs, there is a rockin' consistency. A nice, heavy guitar sound (they even cover the Sweet and Thin Lizzy on other releases and make them sound like the originals!) and fantastic vocals means that they really understand that pop should have some power.

Any lover of this genre should look these cats up - quality song writing with genuinely clever lyrics and excellent musicianship and no wimpiness. There are hooks galore, memorable, sing-along choruses and a solid energy throughout. For those who like some real power with their pop!