International Pop Overthrow: A Celebratory Ode to the Golden Triangle of Power Pop - Material Issue

by Jim Hoffmann

Material Issue has been recognized in many music circles for carrying on the torch of Power Pop-heavy Rock and Roll at a time when bubble gum pop and boy bands were dominating the charts, and vainglorious acts were getting more and more attention. Essentially, popular music in the 1980s was quickly leading to less and less traditional sounding Rock and Roll. The standard sounds of a guitar, bass, and drums were being pushed off the airways by computerized music, synthesizers, jungle drum sounds, and strange dressing and dancing pop artists - including rappers - which led many traditionalists to fear the sound was definitely changing for the worse. Material Issue – Ted Ansani, Jim Ellison, and Mike Zelenko – the A to E to Z of Rock and Roll - rock’s King Arthur and his Knights of the Rock and Roll Round Table, saved the maiden music, bound and gagged on the railroad tracks of hell in 1991, from defilement and mediocrity. Their sword was their Indie-cum big label Mercury debut album International Pop Overthrow in 1991. After its explosive release, rock music was never the same; and these top shelf artists are now forever known as the Golden Triangle of Power Pop. But their journey was no picnic. All gave some. Material Issue gave all. Find out how.

644 pages, Paperback

First published April 18, 2014