S.W. Lauden
@stevewlauden.bsky.social
Writer, author, drummer. Edits the guitar pop newsletter Remember The Lightning: https://rememberthelightning.substack.com/. Contributor for Big Takeover. Drummer for Tsar, The Brothers Steve, Ken Layne & The Corvids, and Ridel High (aka "Coulter").
A new 40 song playlist featuring power pop (and adjacent) tracks with "kiss" in the title." #music #musicsky #playlist
Playlist: Power Pop Kiss
New Power Pop Playlist Featuring Songs With "Kiss" In The Title
rememberthelightning.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 3:00 PM
We did things a little differently for this installment in the series. Rob Janicke recently published "SLACKER: 1991, Teen Spirit Angst, & the Generation It Created," so I asked him to pick 5 grunge songs that he thinks veer into power pop.
#musicsky #powerpop #grunge @robjanicke.bsky.social
#musicsky #powerpop #grunge @robjanicke.bsky.social
Is It Power Pop?!
PART NINETEEN: Rob Janicke
rememberthelightning.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:27 PM
We did things a little differently for this installment in the series. Rob Janicke recently published "SLACKER: 1991, Teen Spirit Angst, & the Generation It Created," so I asked him to pick 5 grunge songs that he thinks veer into power pop.
#musicsky #powerpop #grunge @robjanicke.bsky.social
#musicsky #powerpop #grunge @robjanicke.bsky.social
Jordan Oakes goes all the way with this thorough and thoughtful review of the recent Raspberries tribute compilation. #musicsky #powerpop
Album Review: ‘Play On: A Raspberries Tribute’
GUEST POST: Jordan Oakes (Yellow Pills Magazine)
rememberthelightning.substack.com
November 1, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Reposted by S.W. Lauden
Wrote something for S.W.'s fantastic blog and it was SUPER fun!
You've been wondering what my opinions on power pop are, well here you go!!!
You've been wondering what my opinions on power pop are, well here you go!!!
Bay Area underground pop rocker Joel Cusumano joins the “Is It Power Pop?!” party. Great mix of classics and a couple fantastic hidden gems. Joel knows his power pop!
#musicsky #music #powerpop
@joelcusumano.bsky.social @dandyboyrecords.bsky.social
#musicsky #music #powerpop
@joelcusumano.bsky.social @dandyboyrecords.bsky.social
Is It Power Pop?!
PART EIGHTEEN: Joel Cusumano
rememberthelightning.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Wrote something for S.W.'s fantastic blog and it was SUPER fun!
You've been wondering what my opinions on power pop are, well here you go!!!
You've been wondering what my opinions on power pop are, well here you go!!!
October 31, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Bay Area underground pop rocker Joel Cusumano joins the “Is It Power Pop?!” party. Great mix of classics and a couple fantastic hidden gems. Joel knows his power pop!
#musicsky #music #powerpop
@joelcusumano.bsky.social @dandyboyrecords.bsky.social
#musicsky #music #powerpop
@joelcusumano.bsky.social @dandyboyrecords.bsky.social
Is It Power Pop?!
PART EIGHTEEN: Joel Cusumano
rememberthelightning.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Bay Area underground pop rocker Joel Cusumano joins the “Is It Power Pop?!” party. Great mix of classics and a couple fantastic hidden gems. Joel knows his power pop!
#musicsky #music #powerpop
@joelcusumano.bsky.social @dandyboyrecords.bsky.social
#musicsky #music #powerpop
@joelcusumano.bsky.social @dandyboyrecords.bsky.social
Reposted by S.W. Lauden
Thanks @stevewlauden.bsky.social !!!
Short, sweet…and ‘60s-influenced. That describes many of the tracks featured in this latest install of our monthly new music showcase and, in many ways, it’s the underlying theme of this newsletter. #musicsky #music
Guitar Pop For Now People—Part 33
10 Recent Tracks + Music Reviewers/Publications (+ Playlist)
rememberthelightning.substack.com
October 28, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Thanks @stevewlauden.bsky.social !!!
Short, sweet…and ‘60s-influenced. That describes many of the tracks featured in this latest install of our monthly new music showcase and, in many ways, it’s the underlying theme of this newsletter. #musicsky #music
Guitar Pop For Now People—Part 33
10 Recent Tracks + Music Reviewers/Publications (+ Playlist)
rememberthelightning.substack.com
October 28, 2025 at 12:39 PM
SoCal singer/songwriter Tamar Berk joins the “Is It Power Pop?!” party. Her definition power pop focuses on guitars, melodies, harmonies, upbeat tempos, and pop song structure.
#powerpop #musicsky #music
#powerpop #musicsky #music
Is It Power Pop?!
PART SEVENTEEN: Tamar Berk
rememberthelightning.substack.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:08 AM
If I ever describe your music as “Beatlesque,” “Beach Boys-y,” “Byrdsian,” “Big Starry,” or “Nerves-y,” please know that it’s meant as a compliment, and that I believe you are part of something that’s much bigger and more important than any one of us. #musicsky #music #guitarpop #powerpop
Beatlesque, Beach Boys-y, Byrdsian, Big Starry, Nerves-y
The Great Guitar Pop Relay Race
rememberthelightning.substack.com
October 21, 2025 at 1:00 PM
If I ever describe your music as “Beatlesque,” “Beach Boys-y,” “Byrdsian,” “Big Starry,” or “Nerves-y,” please know that it’s meant as a compliment, and that I believe you are part of something that’s much bigger and more important than any one of us. #musicsky #music #guitarpop #powerpop
Of Nick Cave and Harry Potter… Latest installment in the collaborative music writing project with my daughter.
#musicsky #nickcave #harrypotter
#musicsky #nickcave #harrypotter
X/Z Song Trader: "O Children"
A Gen X Rocker Discusses Music With His Gen Z Daughter
rememberthelightning.substack.com
October 18, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Of Nick Cave and Harry Potter… Latest installment in the collaborative music writing project with my daughter.
#musicsky #nickcave #harrypotter
#musicsky #nickcave #harrypotter
Interview: Nico Bones
Discussing His Band's New EP, 'Sweet Heart Break'
rememberthelightning.substack.com
October 15, 2025 at 1:23 AM
Reposted by S.W. Lauden
#music #musicsky @marcfagel.bsky.social @stevewlauden.bsky.social
#playlist: "Four Albums of the Week", an interleaved, resequenced, alternating mix of songs from four albums. This week featuring Rain Parade, The Beatles, The Bats, and The Three O'Clock. Enjoy! 🎶
open.spotify.com/playlist/59Z...
#playlist: "Four Albums of the Week", an interleaved, resequenced, alternating mix of songs from four albums. This week featuring Rain Parade, The Beatles, The Bats, and The Three O'Clock. Enjoy! 🎶
open.spotify.com/playlist/59Z...
Four Albums of the Week
open.spotify.com
October 9, 2025 at 4:12 PM
#music #musicsky @marcfagel.bsky.social @stevewlauden.bsky.social
#playlist: "Four Albums of the Week", an interleaved, resequenced, alternating mix of songs from four albums. This week featuring Rain Parade, The Beatles, The Bats, and The Three O'Clock. Enjoy! 🎶
open.spotify.com/playlist/59Z...
#playlist: "Four Albums of the Week", an interleaved, resequenced, alternating mix of songs from four albums. This week featuring Rain Parade, The Beatles, The Bats, and The Three O'Clock. Enjoy! 🎶
open.spotify.com/playlist/59Z...
October Album Reviews: Bloody Red Baron
GUEST POST: Mike Baron
rememberthelightning.substack.com
October 11, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Reposted by S.W. Lauden
Awesome interview with our Rob!
The Goods’ debut album is one of 2025’s most highly anticipated guitar pop releases, and it delivers. Check out my interview with Rob Good. @dandyboyrecords.bsky.social
#musicsky #music #guitarpop #indie #powerpop
#musicsky #music #guitarpop #indie #powerpop
Interview: The Goods
Rob Good Discusses His Band's Debut Album
rememberthelightning.substack.com
October 7, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Awesome interview with our Rob!
Reposted by S.W. Lauden
@stevewlauden.bsky.social
#powerpop #newmusic #nowplaying 😎🎶
New album from Lolas: "Big Hits and Freak Disasters"
album.link/s/2KXFXOtGpp...
#powerpop #newmusic #nowplaying 😎🎶
New album from Lolas: "Big Hits and Freak Disasters"
album.link/s/2KXFXOtGpp...
Big Hits and Freak Disasters by Lolas
Listen now on your favorite streaming service. Powered by Songlink/Odesli, an on-demand, customizable smart link service to help you share songs, albums, podcasts and more.
album.link
October 8, 2025 at 2:32 AM
@stevewlauden.bsky.social
#powerpop #newmusic #nowplaying 😎🎶
New album from Lolas: "Big Hits and Freak Disasters"
album.link/s/2KXFXOtGpp...
#powerpop #newmusic #nowplaying 😎🎶
New album from Lolas: "Big Hits and Freak Disasters"
album.link/s/2KXFXOtGpp...
…and WE’RE BACK! Prolific pop and punk musician Ryan Allen joins the ongoing and evolving “Is It Power Pop?!” conversation: “The power pop I love must carry a weight that is undeniable.”
@ryanallenmuzik.bsky.social
#musicsky #music #powerpop
@ryanallenmuzik.bsky.social
#musicsky #music #powerpop
Is It Power Pop?!
PART FIFTEEN: Ryan Allen
rememberthelightning.substack.com
October 9, 2025 at 1:22 PM
…and WE’RE BACK! Prolific pop and punk musician Ryan Allen joins the ongoing and evolving “Is It Power Pop?!” conversation: “The power pop I love must carry a weight that is undeniable.”
@ryanallenmuzik.bsky.social
#musicsky #music #powerpop
@ryanallenmuzik.bsky.social
#musicsky #music #powerpop
The Goods’ debut album is one of 2025’s most highly anticipated guitar pop releases, and it delivers. Check out my interview with Rob Good. @dandyboyrecords.bsky.social
#musicsky #music #guitarpop #indie #powerpop
#musicsky #music #guitarpop #indie #powerpop
Interview: The Goods
Rob Good Discusses His Band's Debut Album
rememberthelightning.substack.com
October 7, 2025 at 1:41 PM
The Goods’ debut album is one of 2025’s most highly anticipated guitar pop releases, and it delivers. Check out my interview with Rob Good. @dandyboyrecords.bsky.social
#musicsky #music #guitarpop #indie #powerpop
#musicsky #music #guitarpop #indie #powerpop
Reposted by S.W. Lauden
"The music gods continue to smile down on power pop fans in 2025, but the gifts they bestow aren’t always obvious. Featuring Liquid Mike, Strange Magic, Lùlù, Dots, and Softjaw." — by @stevewlauden.bsky.social
Power Pop Adjacent
bigtakeover.com
October 3, 2025 at 10:49 PM
"The music gods continue to smile down on power pop fans in 2025, but the gifts they bestow aren’t always obvious. Featuring Liquid Mike, Strange Magic, Lùlù, Dots, and Softjaw." — by @stevewlauden.bsky.social
I’m back at @bigtakeover.com’s website today with an essay about (you guessed it!) …POWER POP! Well, power pop ADJACENCY, actually. Featuring Liquid Mike, Strange Magic, Lùlù, Dots, and Softjaw. #musicsky #powerpop
Power Pop Adjacent
bigtakeover.com
October 3, 2025 at 1:54 PM
I’m back at @bigtakeover.com’s website today with an essay about (you guessed it!) …POWER POP! Well, power pop ADJACENCY, actually. Featuring Liquid Mike, Strange Magic, Lùlù, Dots, and Softjaw. #musicsky #powerpop
Had a lot of fun writing this one. Check it out at Remember The Lightning. #musicsky #music
rememberthelightning.substack.com/p/small-musi...
rememberthelightning.substack.com/p/small-musi...
Small Musical Moments
A Few Seconds Can Stop You In Your Tracks
rememberthelightning.substack.com
October 1, 2025 at 12:48 AM
Had a lot of fun writing this one. Check it out at Remember The Lightning. #musicsky #music
rememberthelightning.substack.com/p/small-musi...
rememberthelightning.substack.com/p/small-musi...
Tons of great new music being released these days. Here are 10 new tracks to fuel your weekend. #musicsky #music
Guitar Pop For Now People—Part 32
10 Recent Tracks + Music Reviewers/Publications (+ Playlist)
rememberthelightning.substack.com
September 27, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Reposted by S.W. Lauden
@luvthemats.bsky.social @stevewlauden.bsky.social @timmcintyre11.bsky.social @joemurphy9.bsky.social
MELLOW MATS:
open.spotify.com/playlist/1t1...
MELLOW MATS:
open.spotify.com/playlist/1t1...
September 25, 2025 at 9:52 PM
White Reaper's new album is out today. Here's my interview with lead singer/songwriter Tony Esposito about the band's long road to releasing this strong collection of songs. #ICYMI
#musicsky #music #powerpop
#musicsky #music #powerpop
The Return Of White Reaper
Tony Esposito Discusses The Long Road To Their New Album
rememberthelightning.substack.com
September 26, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Reposted by S.W. Lauden
Spooky Season alert! Rex from @bigstirrecords.bsky.social runs down his Power Pop for Halloween list on the "Remember The Lightning" Substack and also includes our new video for "Ghoul You Want" from "Chilling, Thrilling Hooks And Haunted Harmonies" (out 10/10). click below & see it for yourself!
Great guest post today from Rex Broome of The Armoires and Big Stir Records. ⚡️💥 PLUS: A spooky video premiere for the new Librarians With Hickeys track “Ghoul You Want.” Don’t be afraid to click…
#music #musicsky #halloween @bigstirrecords.bsky.social
#music #musicsky #halloween @bigstirrecords.bsky.social
Power Pop For Halloween
GUEST POST: Rex Broome (+ ⚡️💥 Video Premiere)
rememberthelightning.substack.com
September 23, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Spooky Season alert! Rex from @bigstirrecords.bsky.social runs down his Power Pop for Halloween list on the "Remember The Lightning" Substack and also includes our new video for "Ghoul You Want" from "Chilling, Thrilling Hooks And Haunted Harmonies" (out 10/10). click below & see it for yourself!