What We Like About Power Pop

Of all the subgenres of music, power pop might be the most intriguing. What is it, exactly? Is it a real movement or a cult sensation? Can anyone agree?

The Totally 80s Podcast is taking a deeper look at this most contradictory genre in its latest episode. This time, Lyndsey and John are joined by power pop authority Paul Myers, whom you might've heard as host of the Record Store Day Podcast. His other bona fides include books on Barenaked Ladies, Todd Rundgren, Kids in the Hall and editing Go All the Way: A Literary Appreciation of Power Pop.

In this fantastic first in a two-part episode, the three go deep onto what power pop is, from its roots in rock music (particularly by The Beatles and The Who), its sonic characteristics (vocal harmonies, jangly guitars, upbeat rhythms) and how even some of the genre's most potent practitioners can't agree on the label. There's also some talk on '70s power pop-adjacent acts that worked through the '80s (Cheap Trick, The Knack) and some deep dives on the contradictions and heartache baked into the msuic and style.

Check out the conversation above or wherever you get your podcasts!