SEE & HEAR: Archie Powell & The Exports - "Crazy Pills"

You probably didn't know it, but I bet you've been looking for some good 'ol rock 'n' roll fun with shots of power pop -- lots of shots. Chicago rockers Archie Powell & The Exports are back with their sophomore album, Great Ideas In Action, out May 1st. No, you won't find sophomore slump here at all, because Archie and the boys took it for a night of rock and drinks and it couldn't keep up. If the two tracks released from the album ("Crazy Pills" and "Metronome") are any indication, Great Ideas In Action improves greatly upon its predecessor, which wasn't all that bad in the first place. If you were hoping to catch what a young Elvis Costello and the Attractions might sound like in 2012 at the top of their game, look no further than "Crazy Pills."

REVIEW: Archie Powell & The Exports - Skip Work

Archie Powell & The Exports - Skip Work
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Archie Powell & The Exports are the weekend; they are the late-night moments of glory and the up side of down. Powell leads with an optimistic flare, making light of the difficult and dark things in life (e.g. big moves, heartbreak, pain, etc.). He’s the kind of man working on a dream, one that he – as well as The Exports – all hold close to the heart. It’s this pride and enthusiasm for their dream – that is their music – that carries them through the workweek and allows them to be endearing.

After the band’s well-received Loose Change EP, they moved from Wisconsin to Chicago and recorded their debut LP, Skip Work. It’s an album rooted in good old rock ‘n’ roll, with songs powered by bluesy chord progressions and heady, crunchy power chords. Powell and Co. are a no BS type of band, and it shows in songs like “Enough About Me” and “Fighting Words.” Skip Work is characterized by the straightforward attitude of The Replacements, the working-man ethos of Springsteen, and the powerpop spirit and infectious energy of Elvis Costello. Powell sings with a natural fervor and sounds like a less-nasally, more rock ‘n’ roll version of John Flansburgh – with witty, whimsical, and meaningful lyrics and themes to boot.

SEE & HEAR: Archie Powell & The Exports - "Enough About Me"

"Enough About Me" is one of those songs that just jumps right in and doesn't mess around -- just a straightforward rocker. It's the kind of song that you throw on and instantly has you energized. With vocals that recall They Might Be Giants, Archie Powell weaves fun, witty lyrics over excited guitar riffs, distorted bass, and drums that call for a pair of air drumsticks. It's a delicious slice of garage rock-meets-powerpop that sounds like The Replacements, Elvis Costello, and They Might Be Giants decided to form a band.

It's hard to deny infectious rock 'n' roll with enough pop sensibility and wit to keep you returning for more. Meet your new weekend soundtrack. Go from Friday to early Monday morning with a band that'll be with you every step of the way, through the good and the bad times. 

"Enough About Me" is rather indicative of Archie Powell & The Exports' overall sound. So, if you're digging this track, you're bound to enjoy the rest of the band's music. The song comes from the band's new album, Skip Work, which is out October 5th. You can preorder the album right here.

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