These musicians are on a mission to prove that pop can most definitely rock.
On May 9 and 10, fans of bouncy guitars will gather at the Bell House in Gowanus for a weekend-long celebration of that equally loved and derided art form — power pop.
“When that word first came out in the 1970s, it was not a positive term and it worked against us,” said Paul Collins, who will play with his band Paul Collins Beat. “We thought it sounded wimpy. We said, ‘We are rock and roll.’ ”
In the 1970s, the most well-known power-pop acts included Cheap Trick, The Knack, and Badfinger. The genre died for decades until it was revived near the turn of the century by bands such as Weezer, Guided By Voices, and Snow Patrol. The factors that connect all power pop are strong melodies, lyrics about love, work, travel, and girls, and great guitar hooks, according to Collins. And, of course, plenty of chunky chords.
“It is a guitar-driven style of rock and roll,” said Collins. “And what it means to this new generation is completely different.”
The Brooklyn Power Pop Festival will have a ’70s focus, showcasing such bands as Dwight Twilley, Shoes, Pezband, and Collins’ group. The contemporary performers will include the Barreracudas, Games, and 1-800-BAND.
The Brooklyn Power Pop Festival at the Bell House [149 Seventh St. between Second and Third avenues in Gowanus, (718) 643–6510, www.thebellhouseny.com]. May 9 and 10, 8:30 pm. $35.
