Artist: The Flashcubes

Title: Pop Masters (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Shoes, The Pale Brothers, Big Star, Raspberries, Sparks

Tell me more: Syracuse, New York-based Power Pop Hall Of Fame outfit The Flashcubes are back with the aptly-titled Pop Masters (due Friday, Aug. 11 via audio CD and all streaming services courtesy of Big Stir Records). The quartet — whose 1977-1980 lineup is intact and features guitarists Paul Armstrong and Arty Lenin, bassist Gary Frenay and drummer Tommy Allen — released only two singles during their original run ("Christi Girl" and "Wait Til Next Week"). The band reunited in the 1990s and earned a growing following thanks to the release of new recordings and acclaim for their live performances. Fast forward to 2023 and Pop Masters fully rewards power pop lovers with a dozen great cuts; indeed the collection gathers a wide range of singles that have received airplay on the likes of "Little Steven's Underground Garage," WFMU, KXLU, and more. Standouts on Pop Masters include a rousing cover of the Pezband's tuneful rocker "Baby It's Cold Outside" with the song's original writer and singer Mimi Betinis sharing lead vocals, a sophisticated take on Pilot's 1977 track "Get Up And Go," a powerful musical reading of Shoes' "Tomorrow Night," and infectious takes on the Paley Brothers' "Come Out And Play" and Motors' "Forget About You." Late disc highlights include a euphoric take on Dwight Twilley's "Alone In My Room," shimmering version of Posies' "Flavor Of The Month" and an inspired performance of Sparks' "Nothing To Do." Also essential is the version of the Eric Carmen-penned "Get The Message," a glorious track that recalls the best of '60s and '70s garage rock stylings during its rollicking run; Cyrus Erie's Randy Klawon adds guitar to the driving cover.

Information: bigstirrecords.com.