Paul Collins Beat/Rainy Day Saints/The Black Roses

Formerly of the Nerves, the power-pop band that would help launch singer-songwriter Peter Case's career, Paul Collins has seemingly made it his life mission to preserve power-pop. For his current tour with his backing band the Beat (not to be confused with the ska act the English Beat), he says he's working "almost exclusively with up and coming talented rock n roll bands" that play with a ear for hooks and an old-fashioned sense of showmanship. His 2010 album King of Powerpop still holds up as the stellar songwriting recalls Buddy Holly and early Beatles. (Niesel)