Paul Collins – King Of Power Pop – Alive – ALIVE0110-2 - ****

Nobody told Paul Collins guitars were over. Thirty-five years into his career, the former songwriter of The Nerves re-embraces that skinny tie and white sneakers Seventies punk pop sound, and you are duty bound to fall in love with his latest album.
King Of Power Pop is precision-engineered to embed itself into your subconscious, each song a terrible psychic hookworm, with harmonies, lead breaks and key changes falling perfectly into place at the most emotionally manipulative of moments.
You'll have the stand-out track, Losing Your Cool, on permanent repeat, like a rat wired to a sugar dispenser.
Covers of The Box Tops and The Flamin' Groovies seal the deal.

(6/2/11)