D.I.Y.: Come Out and Play - American Power Pop I (1975-78)

Billy Squier was the first musician I got into, when I was 10 or 11. I always saw those Piper records at the record store, and figured they were some kind of proto-hair-metal. Would have never guessed he started out in a power pop band, but it really works.

Somehow I never heard "Shake Some Action" before. It was actually a bit of a letdown after all the buildup it got upthread. The intro and ending are great, but the chorus just seems to squander all that potential.

I kinda understand that. It’s a little overlong, and it’s subtle. There’s no explosive chorus. I hadn’t heard it or “Baby It’s Cold Outside” for years, and relistening yesterday it was the latter song that got my power pop juices flowing.

Went with Chris Bell simply because I've played that track many more times than the others.

xp the musical understatement of the Groovies' track works for me because it reinforces the lyrical tension: action is lacking, will you help me shake some?

OTM

Is that the same “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” as by Wally Bryson’s group The Choir?

Ha, no, that one is just “It’s Cold Outside.”

I heard Cracker’s version of “Shake…” first (in Clueless), which is more rockin’ / less subtle. It’s a good cover, IMO

Guess I will have to settle for getting my Wally Bryson content from Fotomaker.

I had heard zero of these, and I consider myself a power pop fan. I guess my membership card will be revoked. Looking forward to listening through this list.

voted artful dodger. but i sort of think the real kids tune might be the best here.

this CD comp was pretty influential for my taste in this music, even if i now think the nerves tune to beat is "working too hard"; and chris bell, "i got kinda lost"

I only knew 2 of these prior to the poll, but this might be my favorite from the collection in this series so far (certainly the most revelatory).
Voted Fotomaker.

All Kindsa Girls (Sponge single version)

Goddamn there are some amazing songs on this comp.

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D.I.Y.: Shake It Up! - American Power Pop I (1978-80)