Influences: The Police

As a snot-nosed 13 year old, I scoffed at the Police, because I thought they were sort of teen heart throbs who made bubble gum pop--and yes, this was before I actually listened to them. I friend of mine kept hammering away at me about them and one day, she brought a Creem magazine special "Police" issue. She opened it to a 2 page spread showcasing Stewart Copeland's drum kit. It was one of the most awesome things I'd ever seen. I bought "Outlandos D'amour" and by that Christmas I owned the whole Police Catalog. I've never stopped listening to those albums, and I think "Outlandos" is my favorite. It's sparce, and straight forward, and brilliant. I get inspired every time I hear it.

Popmonster Lyrics: Backwards

Hello and welcome
Music Lovers
Moms and Dads
Sisters and Brothers

Here is a song
about my life
I never fancied
myself a dancer

But every day
I take a step
towards my dream
but it feels like
I'm running backwards

Baby steps
towards my dreams
and grown up falls
into the stream of
traffic in the
Monday a.m.
My destination,
my desperation

But every day
I take a step
towards my dream
and it feels like
I'm running backwards

©2008 by Greg Pope

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Popmonster: front & center at Not Lame

If your looking for a place to pick up some great powerpop, look no further. Huge thanks to the fine folks at NotLame for carrying Popmonster. It's a tremendous honor because there is so much GREAT music on this site. Get some here.

Popmonster Lyrics: Footpath

Slow train coming get up and go
Slowly turning everything over
Play it safe man or let it go

I thought I heard the misty mountain call
but when I looked I saw nothing at all
There's a little footpath out my door
But I can't see where it leads anymore

All familiar comforts of home
Trade it all for something unknown
Play it safe man or let it go

Afterthoughts,
forward glimpses
follow stars
follow princes

©2008 by Greg Pope

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Influences: Kiss

I first saw the album cover above when I was seven years old. My parents were having dinner with friends and their son was in high school. He had two posters on his wall, Farah Fawcett and Kiss: Destroyer. I bought this record for $6.99 at the local drug store. In the months that followed I learned every word of every song. I also made a cassette tape of myself singing it and imitating all the instruments with my voice. Yes I actually did that. I traced the cover art until I could draw it freehand, and became somewhat skilled in the art of theatrical make up.



By the time I was eight I owned most of the Kiss catalog. The last album I remember buying was "Love Gun" and my sweet grandmother was with me. She took one look at the women on the cover and said "honey, that's not nice." I suppose she was right, but honestly I hadn't noticed the girls. I was more interested in obtaining a kid sized pair of Gene Simmon's dragon boots.

Influences: Sam Phillips, Cruel Inventions

Shortly after its release, I was pointed to this album by Wes Lachot, who I had the privilege of working with years ago on some projects.

A lot of Sam Phillips fans will point to Martinis and Bikinis as their favorite album, and I do have a great affection for that one. Others might give Cruel Intentions the nod, and then go on and on about T-Bone's production (and yes, it's amazing) without another word about the artist.

This now out of print collection of tunes was and is for me, highly affecting. I would say that "Lying" is one of the best songs I have ever heard. Other stand outs are "Go Down", "Raised on Promises" and "Where the Colors Don't Go". As a song writer, this record gave me something to (attempt to) aspire to. Do yourself a favor and pick up a used copy.

And for a more exceptional variety of artist ramblings, visit Sam's blog.

Popmonster Lyrics: Little Things

Sun is finally going down
but the wrinkles in your brow remain
and you say the same things

Say a little prayer
Take a walk with me
Don't dwell on the little things
You don't have control
You don't have to think
Don't dwell on the little things

Do you have to prove me right?
You don't have to lose your mind

All your friends are gathered 'round
In your favorite place right here and now

Say a little prayer
Have a little drink
Don't dwell on the little things
You don't have control
You don't have to think
Don't dwell on the little things

Do you have to prove me right?
You don't have to lose your mind

©2008 by Greg Pope

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