Reviews

Go All The Way: A Literary Appreciation of Power Pop by S.W. Lauden, Paul Myers

tron's review

funny inspiring fast-paced

4.25

loloreid's review

informative reflective medium-paced

3.0

Like much writing on music, your response to this essay collection will depend on your connection and familiarity with the material, in this case, the murky and flexibly-defined Power Pop.  Many of the essays reflect on the challenges of genre limits, with repeated references to the "you know it when you see/hear it" definition.  Although not entirely consistent in quality, the collection does include a range of perspectives, from musicians reminiscences (Tom Petty, Paul Myers, Scott Miller, Kurt Baker) to dives into fandom (Dave Holmes, Carrie Courogen, Annie Zaleski), with unique spotlights shone on particular artists but with consistent threads of Badfinger, Big Star, The Raspberries, Cheap Trick, to make for a clear collection.  A fun celebration that serves as a reminder or prompt to delve into the genre.

missnicelady's review

2.0

A mixed bag. About half of the essays wrestle with defining power pop (Is this it? How about this?) and cite the same handful of bands (we see you, Big Star, Cheap Trick, the Knack, Badfinger....). The other half involve writers paying tribute -- sometimes in overwrought music-critic prose -- to specific bands (XTC, Jellyfish, Todd Rundgren). And then there's an essay about how ELO is emphatically NOT power pop and how very dare you?

I think five women are mentioned in total, even from the women who contributed essays. I mean, if "Vacation" had been written by Alex Chilton, rock fanboys would never shut up about it being a perfect power pop anthem.