Regular Columnists

Artist: Poplord
Album: Poplord Vs The Universe
Label: Fowl Tone
Website: http://www.myspace.com/poplord
Genre: Pop/Rock
Sounds Like: Beatles, XTC
Technical Grade: 10/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 10/10
Commercial Value: 10/10
Overall Talent Level: 10/10
Songwriting Skills: 10/10
Performance Skill: 10/10
Best Songs: Flower Bomb, Save The Monkey, CD Closer
CD Review: Poplord Vs The Universe is the second release from Fresno band Poplord. With the addition of guitarist Craig Daniel, the duo of Stan Schaffer and Tom Magill has created a very accessible pop-laden delight. Beatle-esque harmonies and inventive arrangements combine with interesting lyrics to entertain. This is one of the best new CD’s I’ve heard this year. Flower Bomb kicks off the CD, a power pop tune that really rocks. Save The Monkey is another tune that really jumps off the disc. Schaffer kicks ass on percussion and the group’s sweet harmonies are perfect. The Voyage Home is a change of pace but still features the group’s trademark harmonic excellence. World Bends Down had me dancing in my chair with its driving guitar intro. Mr. Wesley had me thinking of Dr. Robert, the Beatles’ cut from the Revolver album. CD Closer, the last cut on the CD made me laugh out loud. A clever song, indeed. There’s not a bad cut on Poplord Vs The Universe. It’s so fresh; surely this is what the Beatles would sound like if they were reincarnated in the 21st century. And yet, the sound of Poplord is unique and inventive, not at all a rip-off. I’ve listened to this CD repeatedly and wondered why they aren’t all over the airwaves. I can highly recommend Poplord Vs The Universe.