Bill Popp, "Stone to Throw"

I was talking the other day about Jim Croce having pop success without looking like a pop star, and how we don't have the benefit of that today. Here's a present-day example: Bill Popp has been shuffling around in indieland for quite some time, creating concise power-pop nuggets that ring nicely in the ear. But he's an older guy who looks more like Matt Pinfield than a Jonas brother, so our music media have no use for him.

And that's a damn pity, because his new album, My Lonely Mind, is a treat from nearly start to finish. The vocals don't soar, but they hang on for the ride just well enough - perhaps mid-'70s George Harrison tunes like "You" make for a good reference point. The music is immediate, catchy; and the lyrics reflect the confidence of a guy who's old enough to not have time for indecision. It's the sound of someone getting what he wants, or at least getting on the path to that. I haven't recommended much new music on this blog, but I'm recommending this album now. Check it out at CDBaby (I'm partial to "Heartbeat," "Garden Wall," and "Love Many, Trust Few," myself). And since none of those are up on YouTube yet, here's an earlier effort from him: 1996's "Stone to Throw."

You're welcome.

PS: I've been thinking tonight's VP debate is going to make me very, very sad.