Customer Reviews

Poptopia!: Power Pop Classics Of The '70's

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It's remarkable that amidst all the garbage passing for music in the '70's, Rhino was able (as it seems only they can!) to compile this gem of a collection. It's easy to quibble about certain selections, but the important thing is bringing to light artists who NEVER got their due, or have been unjustly forgotten. Examples include the Flamin' Groovies (Shake Some Action might just be the all-time "shoulda been a hit"), Big Star (what can I say that hasn't been said already - how many bands today owe a huge debt to these guys?), The Records, Bram Tchaikovsky (I'd love to see "Strange Man, Changed Man" come back in print), and Shoes. Anyone who likes guitar-based pop with hooks that grab you around the throat and won't let go, and that you can't get out of your mind for days, get this disc, slap it on, and lose yourself in pure pop heaven! The only danger is , you'll start to think things like "Let's see, Starland Vocal Band had a monster hit in the '70's, but nobody ever heard of Big Star..."

another great compilation from rhino. they make the 70's pop music scene look much better than it really was. for the most part, the obvious choices are here (the artists, not necessarily the songs) - raspberries, badfinger, big star, cheap trick - as well as some who are just as deserving but less well-known - nick lowe, dwight twilley, flamin' groovies. as we all know, cds can never replace vinyl albums as far as the packaging goes, due to size limitations, but rhino sure gives it a helluva try. the packaging in the poptopia series is A+. the booklets have short but interesting essays (many by the featured performers), there are abbreviated band histories, great photos, several of the original 45 covers, and great "pop" artwork (in bright primary colors). even the jewel case is a small marvel: the tray card (beneath the cd spindle/holder) is a 3d depiction of a 45 record spinning on a turntable! unfortunately, as is often the case with rhino releases, this entire series went out-of-print shortly after it first appeared.

I am a huge fan of power pop and if you are too you might already be familar with most of these songs. If you are just getting into this great genre this is a wonderful starting off point. I could probably write a review on each of these songs but I will spare you that! This collection has so many definative Power Pop tunes such as the shimmering September Girls, the bubblegumish I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend, and the soaring Starry Eyes. While it's hard to pick a favorite song on this album, the reason i bought it in the first place is Bram Tcaikovsky's Girl of My Dreams. This is a great 'lost' song of the seventies.

This is one of those CDs you don't have to jump around - classic tunes such as Dwight Twilley's "I'm on Fire" and Big Star's "September Gurls" are the shiniest tunes, but I love that the CD also include tunes from Badfinger, Cheap Trick, and Todd Rundgren that haven't been played to death by classic radio stations. Fotomaker (former members of the Rascals), Bram Tchaikovsky, and the Records are lesser known artists from late 70s who created some wonderful tunes in the late 70s and early 80s. The last three tunes on the CD close it out with a bang - featuring a trio of power pop geniuses (Shoes, 20/20, The Beat). Power pop is all about the pure joy of rock and roll, and this CD displays that perfectly.

A choice selection that's lovingly handpicked and demonstrates the longevity, listenabililty, and genius of the pop genre. Listen to September Gurls and understand why Counting Crows wants to be Alex Chilton and Big Star. A treat for those who missed Badfinger, Dwight Twilley or the Flamin'Goovies but Cheap Trick deserved a better cut.

This is an excellent 3 part trilogy sampling power pop from the 70's, 80's and 90's.

I strongly feel that this (the 70's chapter) is the best one since the music here came at a time when there was no such label as "power pop" so, other than [probably] invoking "Revolver" era Beatles, these bands were not purposely trying to create that jangly sound.

You just had great bands, pursuing their own direction, by chasing a certain original sound. With the Rasperries, Cheap Trick, Todd Rundgren, Knack, Flamin Groovies, Romantics and Rubinoos, you get a wide diversity of bands with the common denominator of sharing an emerging, post-Beatles sound.

The compilation is all the more special since, I feel, that these songs, in the 70's, were a bit neglected and not that heralded when they initially came out, yet, years later as "power pop" emerged as a genre, there was a second look and deeper appreciation towards them.

Wholee god this is rock at its finest! If you enjoy one-hit-wonder songwriting, flawlessly catchy melodies or guitar-based pop, this comp is a MUST. For myself, it's still one of my prized CD possessions, and the first one I'm saving if my place goes up in flames.

And what's more, if you're not singing along and air-guitaring to this baby in no time, Amazon.com will refund ALL YOUR MONEY! Right?.... guys?... right?

I only had one minor complaint -- I also thought Cheap Trick's cut could have been better, but alas, there's just so many from which to choose.

It is a great selection. Probably one of the best selections of the period. Some songs are still very strong and new such as Shake Some Action. I will suggest a volume 2 of Poptopia 70 with the same quality: Baby Blue (Badfinger), Nobody (Doobie Brothers), Ride Captain Ride (Blues Image), Head First (The Babys).

My first purchase from a seller- I was very satisfied with the response and quality of the product.