The Posies – Every Kind of Light

Artist: The Posies

Title: Every Kind of Light

Label: Ryko

Rating: 7/10

One of the major differences between mainstream pop and power pop is the latter’s reliance on life’s discord and idiosyncrasies for its central lyrical themes. With themes deeply rooted in the idea of missed opportunities, alienation, loneliness and quiet desperation, power pop has always been home to the underdogs, geeks and misfits of the music business. Prime examples of power pop’s glorious despair can be found deep in the foolhardy chords of such luminaries as Cheap Trick, The Replacements, The Cars, The Plimsouls, Raspberries, Big Star, 20/20, The Shoes, Goo-Goo Dolls and Squeeze, to name a few. Although individual styles of the aforementioned pioneers may range from bubblegum to proto-punk, at one time or another, their dramatic pop themes have all incorporated a similar thematic scenario: the sense that no matter how hard he tries, the hero of the story always falls one step short of making the grade.

During the ’90s, the Posies were one of the few bands keeping power pop’s fragile flame burning. Having vanished from public view for several years, the band is back, and in fine form with this new disc. Core Posies Ken Stringfellow and Jon Auer—along with a new rhythm section—have put their differences aside and rekindled their once celebrated collaboration. But will this new incarnation satisfy devoted Posies fans? That’s a tough call. EVERY KIND OF LIGHT is a more serious affair than one would expect from a couple of the genre’s favorite sons. And several of the songs have political overtones (yawn), which seem to take issue with the current state of affairs in the USA.

But once you cut through the clutter, this new album does have some bright spots. “It’s Great To Be Here Again” opens the album in fine style with its organ flow and sultry flair, while “Conversations” is a vibrant pop number, and would likely make a fine first single. “Could He Treat You Better” is a bluesy number, with exquisite vocals and an infectious hook, in spite of its trite political subtext. “I Finally Found A Jungle I Like” is reminiscent of The Who, with its rough-n-tumble rhythms and bombastic beats.

EVERY KIND OF LIGHT is a decent return to form for a band that has been so sorely missed by its loyal fanbase. Compared to the all-out brilliance of prior albums like DEAR 23, it doesn’t quite measure up. But in all fairness, many artists mellow with age and that may be the case with Stringfellow and Aur—although they’ve still got a few great pop hooks up their sleeves, as evidenced on this new disc.

+ Jim Kaz