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The Popalicious/Poptastic Thread

post #1 of 11
6/22/10 at 3:38am
Thread Starter 
Not to be confused with a "guilty pleasures" thread. I don't feel guilty about liking pop. Vital, well-made pop, that is.

One of the best albums of 1993, not only because of the front and back cover:





A huge, successful, natural transformation for Miss Janet. The only album of hers I truly love as a rock n' roll fan. The songwriting is a behemoth of confidence, boldness, and impeccable variety and craftsmanship. I'd like to think someone like Janelle Monae's latest was inspired by the early blueprints of a hungry Janet. The indie in me is head-over-heels for something like 'Funky Big Band'. The beats and arrangement just explode out of my speakers, to the point where I'm imagining myself toe-tappin' in a '50s night club. Genius production from Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.
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post #2 of 11
6/22/10 at 11:33am
I'd like to submit two efforts by The Cardigans:
'First Band on the Moon' (1996)
'Gran Turismo' (1998)

They are essentially knows for 'Lovefool' in the US (thanks to its inclusion on the 'Romeo + Juliet' soundtrack), but they're actually a pretty exceptional pop band. These two albums contain their best work, mixing VERY dark lyrics with some really innovative pop melodies.

More than anything, I like the guitar work from Peter Svenson and Magnus Sveningsson. They cut their teeth in heavy metal, and that edge really complements Nina Persson's voice.

A truly underrated band.
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post #3 of 11
6/22/10 at 11:53am
The new Barenaked Ladies "All in Good Time" is a lovely little piece of pop. The first single "You Run Away" is a beautiful song that brings out the best stuff that was always lurking under the surface. Punting Stephen Page brought out a serious side to the band that they wear very well.

ETA: "Summertime" is a nifty tune as well.
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post #4 of 11
6/22/10 at 1:02pm
I'm pretty unapologetic about my like for Kelly Clarkson. All I Ever Wanted, out in 2009, is a good album sans much filler. The lyrics might be wanting but the hooks and melodies sure as hell aren't.

EDIT: Oh, and if you want to go more old school, The Cranberries is a legitimately fantastic band.

I'll probably come back to this thread with other stuff I'm forgetting right now.
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post #5 of 11
6/22/10 at 2:46pm
They straddle the line between pop and dance, but I submit two amazing bands: Pizzicato Five and Saint Etienne. Half of P 5's songs are in Japanese, but they are the liveliest, most infectious pop group I've ever seen. Saint Etienne does great dance/pop tunes which often sound like mid 60's London Pop filtered through 90's techno. Much love to both groups.
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post #6 of 11
6/22/10 at 3:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Judas Booth View Post
I'd like to submit two efforts by The Cardigans:
'First Band on the Moon' (1996)
'Gran Turismo' (1998)
What's wrong with "Life"?!? Which is to say that I agree with you 100%.

I'll also second the St. Etienne and Cranberries love.

As for great pop, my love of the Pippettes knows no bounds. As I've said in other threads, when life gives me lemons, I put on the "We are the Pippettes". If "Pull Shapes" can't slap a smile on your face, you're pretty much dead inside.
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post #7 of 11
6/22/10 at 3:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mattioli View Post
What's wrong with "Life"?!? Which is to say that I agree with you 100%.
"Carnival" alone makes Life essential.
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post #8 of 11
6/22/10 at 3:24pm
'Life' (1996) is excellent (especially the song 'Carnival'), and 'Long Gone Before Midnight' (2004) and 'Super Extra Gravity' (2005) have their moments as well, but none of them reach the perfection of the two albums that I mentioned.
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post #9 of 11
6/22/10 at 3:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ratty View Post
"Carnival" alone makes Life essential.
And "Rise and Shine" and "Daddy's Car" and "Gordon's Gardenparty" and... yeah, I love the Cardigans.
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post #10 of 11
6/22/10 at 3:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mattioli View Post
And "Rise and Shine" and "Daddy's Car" and "Gordon's Gardenparty" and... yeah, I love the Cardigans.
"Hey, Get Outta My Way!" is a good one to blurt out while driving in L.A. traffic.
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post #11 of 11
6/22/10 at 3:47pm
I'm exceptionally pleased to see that there are other fans of the Cardigans out there. I hate that they've been relegated to 'one hit wonder' status when they actually have a really impressive body of work.
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