POWERPOP STATION review of PETE

Reviews of PETE are still coming in, this one from Paolo Miléa, of the Brazilian site Power Pop Station. My portuguese is pretty rough, but from what I could ascertain from an internet translation, I think was favorable (thanks Paolo!). Entire review (and tons of other great powerpop recommendations) here.

DAGGERzine review of PETE

".... if you dig juicy, hook-laden pop (akin ,a bit, to The Who and GBV) then this guys NEEDS to be on your radar...the song quality is right up there with POPMONSTER."

read the entire review.

Influences: Jeff Beck

Another great record from my all time favorite decade of music and film (and TV).

If the artwork isn't enough to make the hair on the back of any guitar player's neck stand on end, then the first 10 seconds of track one is sure to do the trick.

Not really pop–but it was produced by George Martin. Jeff Beck may be top of the list as far as players that inspire me to want to become a better musician, or just quit all together.

Fave Tracks:

Led Boots - Jeff Beck

Blue Wind - Jeff Beck

Influences: Yes

My aunt Ginger gave me her copy of Fragile (LP, not CD!) when I was five and my life was changed. I'd already been listening to it on visits to her house. I'd sit with my ear pressed to the speaker, eyes closed, soaking in the ominous thunder sounds at the beginning of "South Side of the Sky" and waiting for that amazing drum intro by Bill Bruford.

South Side Of The Sky - Yes

Later, when I finally scored some toy drums, I spent hours and hours playing along to that record, and staring at the amazing artwork. I still have that first copy and not one track is playable because it was so severely scratched (loved).


It would be hard to underestimate the influence Fragile on my musical cerebrum. As a teenage drummer geek I came to appreciate other albums from the same period like Close to the Edge and The Yes Album. The Alan White....Trevor Horn....Trevor Rabin periods didn't resonate as much for me, though I did get into Drama for a while (the album that is).

Haven't a clue what the lyrics mean, and like it that way. Still can't play that Bruford fill either...

Long Distance Runaround - Yes

And You And I [I. Cord Of Life...

Starship Trooper: a. Life Seek...

Influences: SUPERGRASS

The vid's not that recent but if you haven't seen it, it's worth a click (and a great intro to Supergrass if you're not familiar).



I first heard them when Edmund's Crown was on the way home from a gig in Memphis. David, our drummer, was like "you would really like these guys," and popped in the CD In It For the Money. I liked it from the first listen but it didn't sink in until a few days later when I had a song in my head that I couldn't place (and knew I hadn't written-it was way too good). The song was It's Not Me (there isn't a bad track on that record, which is their sophomore).

It's Not Me - Supergrass

Anyway, I quickly acquired entire SG catalog and would soon be gleefully referring to myself as a fan and the band as an influence.

Here's a clip from last years Diamond Hoo Ha:

Diamond Hoo Ha Man - Supergras...

Also of note:

Supergrass has more than a few websites out there. One that's maintained by the band themselves includes a tour diary , featuring random pics of shows, dressing rooms, and what they ate at the airport.

They were mentioned in the Foofighter's artist rider as being one of the few bands they would share a dressing room with (the others being Oasis and Led Zeppelin).

PETE-Lyrics: Fall Into Your Arms

Well I tried but I just can't go on
I've been counting the days you're gone
And I long for the night
When you come home and I
Fall into your arms
I fall into your arms

I've been trying to go it alone
But I'm sinking just like a stone
And I long for the night
When you come home and I
Fall into your arms
I fall into your arms

Fall Into Your Arms - Greg Pop...

music & lyrics by Greg Pope ©2009

PETE-Lyrics: Help Yourself

I know you think without me you don't have a prayer
It's really not that I gave up on being there
I'll do anything you ask me to
But there are some things only you can do

Hear the bells?
(you're going to have to help yourself)
They're tolling for no one else
(you're going to have to help yourself)

The story that you're selling has another side
But no one ever could convince you otherwise
Tell it how it is and make it true
That's the one thing only you can do

Hear the bells?
(you're going to have to help yourself)
They're tolling for no one else
(you're going to have to help yourself)

Help Yourself - Greg Pope

music & lyrics by Greg Pope ©2009