Poppermost is a freewheelin' sunshine pop music band and cartoon based in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. They have been voted Best of Las Vegas 2007 by the Las Vegas Review-Journal and listed as one of "Our picks for the best bands" in Las Vegas Weekly's annual music issue. Poppermost has amassed numerous awards and accolades for their music and skills as seasoned musicians, songwriters, and performers. Their purpose in life is to "capture ears, one song at a time." But suddenly, they are a trio of high-flying cartoon birds that teach pop music history, and help preserve music education. Hold on here! What happened?
It was just before Poppermost emerged from Trimordial Studio with their 3rd full-length album. Bitter Suite Swan Songs is a wide and rich musical palate where power pop, choirboy harmonies, and orchestral passages rub shoulders with rock and folk music social commentary. The eclectic pop music diversity of Bitter Suite Swan Songs showcases some of the best Poppermost songs written to date. Like their debut album, the team of Alex Oliver and Roy Al Rendahl mans all the switches from writing, arranging, and performing to recording, mixing, and production. So, why interrupt 6 years of constant performing, recording, and writing to teach music history?
"A band isn't the only tool for promoting music; it's just the most obvious," says Alex Oliver, musical director for Poppermost and former teacher. "We decided to close the distance between our love for music, live performance, graphics, a deep personal concern for the gradual loss of music education in public schools, and the necessity of marketing. We're developing a fun, animated 'pop music history class' by mixing original Poppermost music, classic '60s / '70s style cartoons, and music education. Pop music isn't just entertainment; it's history, sociology, and a document of who we are as human beings."
Starting out as a duo on July 4, 2001, singer / songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Alex Oliver joined forces with bassist and audio / graphics guru Roy Al Rendahl and freed themselves from a garage cover band in order to write and perform original music. During the next 5 years, their expanded versions of the band turned in blistering live performances. They have released 2 other full-length CDs (the mellow acoustic self-titled debut, and the daredevil power pop of Absolutely Sonic) plus numerous CD singles and extended-plays, which quickly became "must-haves" for flocks of indie pop music lovers all over the world. They also earned airplay globally on commercial and Internet radio while earning great reviews from the press and fans.
Poppermost is determined to win the ears of their fans as the band continues to increase their radio and Internet presence. As Jarret Keene of LV's CityLife says, "Can’t stop Poppermost!" No matter where the journey takes them, or in what form, Poppermost is working to make their own significant mark on pop music history.
The Poppermost name originates from the early Beatles' inspirational call and response, "Where are we going lads?... To the toppermost of the poppermost!"
Our influences include: The Beatles, R.E.M., Oasis, Queen, David Bowie (Ziggy Stardust era), Beach Boys, Jimi Hendrix, Rolling Stones, Santana, Bruce Springsteen, and The Who.
Some people have said that we sound like: R.E.M., Wilco, Elvis Costello, Oasis, Jet, The Beatles, Beach Boys, Queen, and classic '60s / '70s pop radio.
© 2007 Poppermost
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Please help us help the kids... 06/17/08 7:18pm
We have a special request and we need your help to reach one of our goals to bring more music back into our schools, please.We entered a contest (runs 6/15 - 7/16) and have the opportunity to help a g... more
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Keeping the song salutes alive 06/13/08 7:52pm
Yep, the heading pretty much says it. These are some more salutes to a few artists with whose music or style Aaron of Love Sex n Death has found a connection and includes them in his daily vote ... more
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Salute to great writing and music 06/09/08 1:25pm
In case you didn't check out the talented writing of Aaron A'bellira of Love Sex n Death when he posted the comments with his votes, then you please take the time to read them here. Yes, we'll t... more
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Jesse Kinch says
Hey guys. 2 new videos from the Eddie Money show are up here on MN.Can't wait for you to check em out. Peace,JesseAvalon Parade says
-The Wonderful Musicians of MN-Come by and take a sneek peak
at "Simple Things"
let me know what you think
your friend,
James
A.C. says
well that was a nice 2 hour nap! now back to voting for my buds. heres another one for you!mjiggamane says
This last minute vote is 4 u and your crew. goodlookin - JFORCEA.C. says
So its after 12 and we're still going! Apparently i'm not sleeping tonight. I'm guessing we have a few more hours before we get our lives back so what better way to spend them other than voting for all of our kick ass friends?! Exactly, no better way.A.C. says
home stretch! good luck!!☆ LOVE SEX n DEA†H ☆ says
SpotLight Salute:First of all, thank you all for being YOU. In one of my first comments here @ MN in the beginning of this competition, I said that I had first thought this competition was going to be one of ego and cut throat, and how I was so wrong about that. How I was surprised at how different I found this site to be, because what I found was the support and love from artists, for other artists. For the absolute most part, this still stands with me, as I know it stands for you.
Thank you for showing me another way.
Todays spotlights are slightly different from my norm. These consist of solo artists, as well as an artist from another competition (Virginia Sepanak: GAC), which just goes right along with the whole idea of this being about the "Nation", and not just about the "Spin".
Here they are........
2-Stroke: "Something Hidden" http://musicnation.com/music/damianshelton/something-hidden
Hard hitting in every fashion, this song is felt! Not just the music, but the message as well. Damian Shelton delivered to me, a song that was very very likable from the get go. If I had to compare for description sake, I would say it had the catchy hooks and power of the band, Staind. Words that come to mind while I'm listening at this very moment are heavy, committed, honest, raw, natural, and rememberable! I could go on but I'll leave the rest up to you, cuz I'm already super impressed.
Amber-Rose: "Powerless (2004) Home Video" http://musicnation.com/music/amberrosekelly/powerless-2004-home-video-nc17
Will somebody, fucking sign this girl already! Let me just get her great looks out of the way, so I can get to the main point here. In the beginning of this competition, I heard her stuff and was blown away. But I picked this video for these reasons. Ready? It's a home video of her, at age 17 (almost 4 years ago), performing a song that she had just written. This tells you everything that you need to know as far as being a natural star. Her writing skills while undeniable, are uncanny in the way of maturity. I'm talking musically and lyrically. Then, even more so, you'll definitely see, that this girl HAS NO FEAR! She is so confident and natural, that you soon forget that she's still only 17 here. Now around 20-21, can you imagine? Better than Avril (way better), I'd put her in the timeless category of Joan Jett.
Brian Springer: "Disheveled" http://musicnation.com/music/bcspring/disheveled
I didn't know what to expect, being that I haven't heard this artists music before. I have to say, that I was quite surprised. This song contained an edge that I was not expecting, in the form of hard acoustic rock. Sort of like if the Smashing Pumpkins did an acoustic cover of a Violent Femmes song. Melody with edge, always make for a great song, and this was no exception. Simply a great song.
Virginia Sepanak: "All Gods people come together" http://musicnation.com/music/virginiasepanak/all-gods-people-come-together
A beautiful song, a beautiful thought, a beautiful message, a beautiful voice, a beautiful appearance, and a beautiful soul. Click the link and go to her song, and you'll find that there's no way to put any of what I just said, in any particular order. You'll just find yourself wanting to support the artist, as well as the cause. The coolest thing about it is, either way, supporting just one of the two, supports the both. I find her to be very real.
Lisa Donnelly: "Naturally" http://musicnation.com/music/lisadonnelly/naturally
I have a question. Why isn't this artist a bigger part of this competition or site? Sure, we've all seen her from time to time in the higher ranks of this competition, but she should have more comments and more plays, because she is absolutely without a doubt wonderfully AMAZING. A perfect "one take" type of voice, with very memorable tones and hooks. One of the best female artists to come of recent is Sara Bareilles, and she reminded me a lot of her, by the way she sings and because of the greatness of her song. Go listen to her! You'll be doing yourself the favor. Promise!
Michelle Hotaling: "Porcelain Doll" http://musicnation.com/music/michellehotaling/porcelain-doll
I found this track to be interesting, because of the variety of styles that gracefully blends. Starting out sort of ambient, with a little bit of electro, moving on to a little funk, and then to my fav..... rock. This is not just another track, and the vocals are superbly done. I know that any and everyone will enjoy this, and appreciate it as well.
That's my view, and my word. Peace.
Elli$$ D33
Harbour Grace says
Voted 2x☆ LOVE SEX n DEA†H ☆ says
LSD Salutes you!First, a history, for those who are not familiar with my "Salutes", or what I'm doing in this comment.
Back in the first round, I started to do daily artist spotlights of around 5 bands / artists that I thought I could relate to, and possibly describe in a way that other artists here could relate to, all the while pleasing the spotlighted, even though it may have not been the way they saw themselves. The results were ones of almost overwhelming love, and it was the absolute most fun that I had here at MN as well. Not to mention, besides breaking up the monotony of the voting phase, I was helping to spread the word about other artists here, as well as myself, all the while everyone was getting to know each other.
THIS IS WHAT THIS SITE SHOULD BE ABOUT! Not saying totally, but just as one of the basic threads of integrity, made from this kind of moral fiber, that weaves through everyone in a way that even the artist that comes in at #500 out of 500, has gained more than they could have ever expected, or hoped for.
What happened?
Well, going into round 2, and not being experienced in the h2h, I was overwhelmed with what was going on. Survival mode kicked in and on top of that, in trying to figure out how this all worked, the positive that once ruled my way of thinking and what I did as a result, now engulfed my head with flames of negativity. But remember, life is made up of balance, where it takes the opposite for the other to exist, and this positive that I was doing was born from a negative. It's the only way that I know of, to make a right out of a wrong. It is how most positive things come to be. I believe we usually chalk that up as, "God working in mysterious ways". Personally, I think it's all pretty simple, and we are the ones who made Gods ways to be mysterious by making him out to be what he is not. A being with faults like jealousy, and anger. To me, to even think that, of such great power and love, is a pure sin. But I, am NOT without these faults, and so I do get lost. More than knowing the way actually. So once again, with the many to come, I do apologize. NEVER sorry, but sincerely I apologize.
So I'll end with these notes---- E sharp / F flat / B sharp / C flat. LMAO! (Did I forget to mention, that these also came with dumb jokes that I make up?) Okay, but seriously I'm glad that I did, because I just came up with the significance of this joke, to all of this. Here goes............
Although, just like all of us here at Music Nation, those notes that I mentioned, technically are not recognized nor do they exist. Just like there are no sharps and flats between E and F, or B and C, there is no Love Sex n Death on the radio, in magazines, or on TV. But, if you'd just hit a note, where you'd NATURALLY hit it if I called out those notes, you'd find that although they don't exist "technically", they still have a sound, and they are of great value. Without them, if God were to take away the sound of those notes, music would never be the same, and music of the past would be destroyed. Big, small, existent, or nonexistent we all make an IMPACT. My biggest influence is Led Zeppelin. You know whose just as big of an influence to me? The band KISS. Maybe not so much musically, but everyday after elementary school, when I was so very little, my friends and I would raid our mothers make up, grab acoustic guitars, ukulele's, brooms, and bar stools and set up right in front of a big mirror and amp out in front of it to Kiss "Alive I & II", almost every day. (I always got to be Ace. Uh-huh! Being double jointed in the legs, and having straight long hair got me places.) lol. But getting back to making an IMPACT, the absolute most important influence, even bigger than Kiss or Led Zep.............. the 2 high school stoner's that had me in awe, while they played Pink Floyd and Led Zep songs with 2 acoustic guitars. I'll always remember this as clear as day, even though I was just a little kid when it happened. It was after school, on a late afternoon at my elementary school. It was the place for kids to hang and have fun, being that there were places to sit, big parks / playgrounds, a valley to go exploring in, baseball, basketball, etc. But I had never seen 2 kids jam before. And I had sure as hell never seen, anyone play rock songs live before. Not to mention, these were songs that to my understanding could only be played by it's great creators, and now, they were being played with these simple acoustic guitars, by 2 simple kids. I never saw those local kids as just stoner's ever again. They put an indescribable feeling and determination in me, that I can only describe as "being lost, but knowing what direction you're going in, and where it goes, not knowing what is there for you, yet knowing all that this place contains, and having a pure love for all of it, and knowing that it's there for me". So "Led Zep" might be the fire, and "Slipknot" or "Pantera" or even YOU, the fuel that keeps my influential fire going, but most important was that spark made by the passing of 2 boys on a simple day. That's the kind of IMPACT, that I'm talking about.
I said in the beginning of the spotlights that I was doing here at MN, that since I was getting a lot of attention because of the high placement that I held in round 1, that I wanted to share it by spreading the love by way of plugging other artists. Not doing as well in this round, I questioned, that if any, who would care anymore? But then I found my answer! There are 5 artists / bands listed below, that can answer that question. And more will follow.
Please keep in mind what I've always said. The number in which these artists are listed, are in NO way listed in order of a rank of any kind. It's just totally random, and should not matter.
I also want to state right here and now, that this is NOT to win you over for voting purposes. In fact, that would only stain the whole purpose of the spotlights if you did. I am not saying that I don't want your votes, I'm saying that I don't want it, as result of this. The only way to reward this gesture, is to simply continue the perpetual motion of positive gestures, via promoting others, or in ANY way that you can think of. What I suggest, is a way that you would want done for you. If you happened to hear my stuff because of this, and like it, then great. I would gladly accept your support in the competition. That would be an even greater effect of a good thing as a result of this. If you have your doubts about how genuine this is, I surely cannot blame you, as I would too. Especially if I wasn't familiar with the person writing this.
However, one thing is very certain! There is NO question, about WHAT I am saying here, and what it's about. Nor are the effects of it and it's value. When you truly think about the big picture, if everything that I'm saying here continues to grow with all of us, then you'll see that this is NOT about me, it's really all about YOU. About all of us.
I'm not asking you to believe in Aaron, but to believe in whatever you think is right. Hopefully, you'll find most of what I've said here to be right. Today, I am standing on a clean slate. The shitty moments of the past, and who it may have involved, along with the drama that followed no longer exists. Mistakes are not the end of a good run, but the beginning of a good lesson. Accepting it removes all the obstacles, and moving on is as easy as walking forward. Here's my first step. Enjoy.
Todays SpotLights:
Jarah: "falling" http://musicnation.com/music/jarahlette/falling
If being impressed by her musical talents of writing and performing wasn't enough, she also holds within her, a stunning voice that was paralyzing to me. I loved how she blends eerie with beauty in her songs, that makes for the same kind of the happy dark feeling that you get from looking at the sky at dusk, on a perfect day. Her use of background melodies with her voice really enhances this effect. Another great example, is her version of "Wont back down".
Steelroad: "The Opening".
http://musicnation.com/music/steelroad/the-opening
I was gonna go with their song, "Sometimes I am the sky", which is another incredible one, but after hearing "the opening", I was pretty damn mesmerized. INCREDIBLE guitar work amongst everything else, I could not help but to hear this a few times. The vocals, lyrics, everything was perfect. It was reminiscent of Pink Floyd and a touch of Jane's Addiction. I must really like eerie, because this too, was hauntingly beautiful.
Imaginary Bones: "Sofie". http://musicnation.com/music/imaginarybones/sofie
This song truly shows how this band takes a sound of another era, captures it, and lets it go into the world of now, with a crystal clear sound of driving drums and bass, along with different guitar melodies, and classic vocals that gets the point of the lyrics across without hesitation. Very easily lovable!
Harbour Grace: "One Step". http://musicnation.com/music/harbourgrace/one-step
This is a live video of their song "One Step", and I have to say that they fucking rock. It showed truly great vocals, a tight band, and an in-fucking-credible tone of guitars. That kind of crunch, with melodic smooth vocals = fucking awesome. Harbour Grace, is nothing short of impressive.
5 Tongues: "Cool Aide". http://musicnation.com/music/5tongues/cool-aide
This song would have made the Reverend Jim Jones proud. lol. Seriously, I wanted to do a spotlight on them a while back when I heard this song. The music is fucking incredible, and I especially loved the singers voice in this one. And although this band has all kinds of great songs, I personally think that this is the style and sound that truly shows their greatness. With a heavy-ish sound along with really cool time changes, there's a background of different melodies of piano and guitar that separates this from the norm, and gives it a really cool feel, versus the lyrics. It says in their bio, "kill the band on the radio". Well, you'd better watch out for what you wish for guys, because this could easily be a hit song.
That's my word. Peace.
LSD
PS. Ben Vandagriff is a stud. (you asked. lol.)
Ś♪♫ʛĻƹ ҒẴƬĦΞɌ says
-----//////---------( o o )-----
oo0-(_)-0oo--
SO IT SEEMS THAT ON THE LAST DAY OF THE SPIN THE TOP TEN IS LIKE A DOORKNOB: EVERYONE GETS A TURN!
(EXCEPT FOR MARK DOOLEY, HE GOT SOME CYBER-SUPER GLUE MOJO GOIN’ ON! CONGRATULATIONS, MARK! IF YOU’RE NOT A FINALIST, THE RULES LIED!)
WHO KNOWS HOW THIS WILL WASH OUT TOMORROW, AS THERE HAVE BEEN NO WEEKLY POSTING OF WINNERS (DRUM ROLL, PLEASE!)
BEST OF LUCK AND HOPE TO EVERYONE WHO STUCK IT OUT THIS FAR-WE ARE ALL WINNERS IN THAT SENSE.
TO ALL THE FINALISTS, WOMEVER THEY MAY BE, AN EXTRA PRAYER FOR THOSE EXTRA DEALS THEY ARE OFFERING-AND OF COURSE THE BIG CHEESE:
THOSE TWO BAD ASS GIBSON GUITARS!
PEACE, AND HOPE TO SEE YOU ON “THE OTHER SIDE”!
♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪
I FEEL A STRANGE CHANGE
STARTING T☼ REARRANGE
THE WAY I FEEL ABOUT THINGS
I’M READY TO LIVE MY LIFE
AND ACCEPT ALL THE L♥VE
AND J☺Y THAT IT BRINGS – Д@ŖŐŊ ©ħąЯĻęś
♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪