It's hard to believe that a rock and pop outfit like Tinted Windows didn't get more attention when they formed in 2009. The group consisted of members from hit-making bands Hanson (vocalist Taylor Hanson), Smashing Pumpkins (bassist James Iha), Fountains of Wayne (guitarist and more Adam Schlesinger), and Cheap Trick (drummer Bun E. Carlos). Tinted Windows ended up releasing only one album (self-titled). If the group is ever revived, it will sadly have to be without Schlesinger, who passed away from COVID-19 in 2020. The record remains a power pop fan's dream, filled with energetic and sunny tunes that have you singing along in no time.
In 2006, modern powerpop songwriter Bleu gathered some of the best players in the genre to pay homage to Jeff Lynne and E.L.O. Likeminded musicians who contributed to the project included Mike Viola, Hanson, and Andy Sturmer (Jellyfish).
The project resulted in a single album called "Alpacas Orgling" and it is simply magnificent. A mix of upbeat rockers and melodramatic ballads, this record sounds more E.L.O. than some of their own. Channeling the ability of Jeff Lynne to effortlessly blend rock, pop, and dance, "Ya Had Me Goin'" is the ultimate feel-good party song. Sounds like it came out of a late 70s time capsule (in a good way)!
