As I mentioned previously, having a new writing project means having a new playlist.  Nearly all of the Bridgetown trilogy music leaned more towards darker atmospheric moods, so the hard switch to a new musical style has felt a bit like whiplash.

Meet the Lidwells! features a family band that plays what some would call power pop: quirky and upbeat, often guitar-oriented, sometimes a bit odd, but never an uncomfortable listen.

Well-known examples would be Fountains of Wayne…

or Veruca Salt…

or Matthew Sweet…

or Belly…

….you get the picture.

So why power pop?  Well, the story of the Lidwells is partly set in the late 80s-early 90s; they’re a band heavily influenced by the Beatles (thanks to their parents) as well as late 80s college rock (thanks to their elder siblings).  Much like the Beatles, they started out writing simple poppy love songs aimed towards the young teen market.  Over the course of five chart-topping albums and numerous hit singles, their sound evolves from that catchy pop to more adventurous alternative rock.  And just like the Beatles, weary of the ups and downs of fame and tiring of the game, they decide to go out on a big note with their strongest album.

Right now, while I’m working on notes and piecing together a coherent story, I’m also making it a point to look for more music to listen to that would fit this project.  It doesn’t necessarily have to be explicitly power pop, of course…as long as it’s somewhere in the neighborhood.  And I’m specifically looking for both male and female singers, as it’s important to the story.

So yeah…if you have any suggestions/recommendations for bands and songs, please feel free to let me know in the comments!  I’m always open to new tunage. 🙂