Lazlo's Picks: Bastards Of Melody

Bastards of Melody have been proudly carrying the power pop torch since forming in 1998. The New York City band has adhered to a simple formula: impossibly catchy songs with great melodies and interesting arrangements. Comparisons to classic power pop bands such as Big Star, Cheap Trick or the Raspberries seem apt. Add to that the modern punch of bands such as Superdrag, The Figgs, and Sloan.

The Bastards of Melody's new album Hurry Up and Wait fully realizes the band's diverse influences only hinted at on its previous releases. The basic formula - crunchy or jangly guitars with some folky, acoustic flourishes thrown into the mix, melodic bass, straightforward drumming with vintage keyboards and sweet harmonies added. The band moves effortlessly from bouncy, feel-good songs like "Around You" and "All I Want To Know" to the cranked up "Cut and Paste" to the jangly/folky "Flunkin' Out" and "Gateway Center" but still show that they can rock with the best of 'em on the pop-punk closer "Unproductive."

The Bastards have released three previous albums: Keep It Down in 1999, Fun Machine in 2001 and Break Up in 2003. The band has toured across the US and Canada and has also contributed songs to several compilation albums.