Tim Halperin and how pop rocks [Show Reviews]

We do a lot of disparaging of pop bands around here. Let’s face it, we’re at the point where very few indie music fans are going to claim Foster the People on their best bands of 2011 list. It’s like there’s an imaginary line that bands cross that move them immediately from indie to, well, despised.

But a good tune is a good tune, and last Thursday at Trees was full of some quality music. American Idol alum Tim Halperin headlined a show supported by 4 (yes, four) openers, whose musical skills were as varied as their ages. From Civil Sound to the completely interesting Good Shive Low, this show proved that pop is good, and that male singer/songwriters don’t stop at John Mayer.

The night’s biggest surprise was the incredibly talented (and absolutely adorable) Ty Mayfield.

The third performer of the night, Mayfield followed the Civil Sound, a groovy band also fronted by a very talented musician and singer, Tim Anstead. But Mayfield, with his vocal range, piano skills and admirable stage presence, stole the show. We grabbed a minute with him after his set, and asked him how he became such an engaging artist:

Good Shive Low was yet another highlight of the night, and they literally brought their own party with them. They took the stage with at least 8 band members (including a horns section!) and their very own posse of groupies. Fresh off their victory in WFAA’s Fast Track to Fame competition, their entire set was filmed by a roving camera person, who was frequently in danger of being leapt upon by the band’s guitarist. Good Shive Low brought an entirely different vibe to the lineup, taking the theme from singer/songwriter to some kind of ska-OAR mashup that oddly sort of worked.

After the Good Shive party departed, Tim Halperin took the stage, playing songs from his album “Rise and Fall.” Now, I had given it a listen or two before the show, but some of the fans there were dedicated. Like know every word to the songs and the reason behind them. That dedicated.

Halperin bounced back and forth from slow tracks to upbeat tuns with ease. No matter the tempo, he was entertaining, engaging, and, something we haven’t seen all too much of lately – earnest and humble. He was thanking all of us that were there over and over, and even took the time after bouncing off the stage to greet everyone that was left. Even if his music wasn’t totally awesome (and listen to it in private Spotify mode, if you have to preserve your indie cred), his personality alone would have made the show worthwhile.

So the show? It might have been pop. But with performances like the ones from Halperin and Mayfield, the only thing I can say is count me in. Pop can freakin’ rock.