Soul Jazz Records’ new ‘POWER POP! American Power Pop For
The Now Generation 1977-1981’ brings together a wealth of
punk/power pop/new wave tunes from American bands that were all
originally released in the USA on small and independent labels in the
late-70s/early-80s.
Taking both their do-it-yourself aesthetic and super-charged adrenalin
from punk and new wave, these groups also harked back to the
golden age of pop music of the 1960s and 1970s with their soaring
sing-a-long melodies.
Most of these records were self-published private-press 45s, made in
very limited-editions and were often the only tracks ever released by
these groups. Original copies of these singles fetch crazy prices –
such as Ambulance’s ‘It’s All Up to You’ (£400+), The Normals’
‘Hardcore’ (£300+), or the Fingers’ ‘Isolation’ (last sold on Discogs for
£2,960!).
Despite their rarity these records remain both beautifully crafted 3-
minute musical gems, and long-lost micro-histories of an essentially
hidden genre. The album comes with extensive sleevenotes and
exclusive photography and artwork.
Featured bands here include The Reactions, Dow Jones and The
Industrials, The Reruns, Shoes, The Fingers, The Scruffs, Nastyfacts
and more.
Exclusive one-off pressing on heavyweight single red transparent
vinyl.