Many of the records I've written up so far as part of this weekly Out of the Shadows series could be called lost classics or underheard gems. Most at least have a core of admirers, however, be they fans of the specific artist in question or devotees to a particular genre. Today's disc, however, is truly in the shadows. It is a towering achievement of power pop, but it is rarely mentioned even in discussions among the oft-crazed fan of that sound.

The Someloves was an Australian quartet built around the short-lived duo of Australians Dom Mariani and Daryl Mather. Mariani had fronted the Stems, Mather had helped to form the Lime Spiders. They left aside the punkier aspect of their pasts to create a disc of chiming, rocking pop songs full of soaring harmonies and compelling melodies. The result, Something or Other, is among the 10 best power pop albums of all time, no question.

The disc was recorded in Perth by the core foursome, with additional help in subsequent U.S. sessions, and with Mitch Easter at the helm. He assembled an indie rock and power pop all star team for the sessions in North Carolina, including Angie Carlson, Bobby Sutliff and Jamie Hoover. Easter himself played lead guitar on the session. The focus, however, is on the Someloves themselves. Mariani and Mather each have proven with their subsequent work -- the former with the DM3, the latter with the Orange Humble Band -- that they are extremely proficient in writing fantastic pop songs, but, pehaps because of the combination of their talents here, neither has come close to offering as complete a package as this.

From the opening chime of "Melt" to the power chords of "Know You Now" and the sweet, driving chorus of "I Didn't Mean That," the duo knocks out potential hit after hit. It's an impressive dozen songs that has few if any slack moments.

And then, nothing. There were a couple of singles issued in support of the disc, but that was it. They didn't tour, the disc was never released in the U.S. and the pair never followed it up. All we have is a 2006 reissue that includes everything band recorded, essentially gathering this album, a couple of outtakes and single B-sides.

MP3: Know You Now
MP3: Sunshine's Glove

Next week: The Hummingbirds - loveBuzz

Labels: music, OOTS