Poptopia Kicks Off With Sweet Results

One of rock ‘n’ roll’s sublime pleasures is the well-constructed pop song--a sugary rush, garage thrash, catchy melody and sing-along chorus packed into an exuberant, three-minute jolt. Perfect pop was the object of desire on Monday at the Troubadour, where eight energetic bands put their best hooks forward for the opening night of a festival called Poptopia.

The eight-day event aims to celebrate the likes of punk-pop, power-pop and bubble-gum rock, cranked up by wide-ranging bills of local and national acts at a variety of venues. Highlights include the Posies at the Hollywood Grand and 20/20 at Spaceland, both on Saturday. (For festival information: [213] 368-6138.)

Plenty of sweet, speedy pop craft was offered at the well-attended Troubadour show. Former Go-Go Jane Wiedlin, heading the group froSTed, dug into her garage-pop roots with happy results. The guitarist’s cheery manner and gentle vocals added warmth to the quartet’s simple, hard-charging tunes. Baby Lemonade upped the pop ante with three-part harmonies and a whomping, double-guitar attack. Their set-ending stretch of enlightened din was a highlight of the show.

The exceptional Wondermints played brainy, tightly crafted arrangements that delivered catchy refrains along with formidable rock power. Velouria gave its pop the roughest edge, and tore through its set with punk abandon and a humorous helping of snotty confidence. Also appearing were Cartoon Boyfriend, Spanish Kitchen, 9 Iron and 3 Day Wheelie.

Groups such as the Monkees and the Turtles in the ‘60s and the Sweet and Cheap Trick in the ‘70s have often been critically dismissed, but clearly they’ve had an effect. Fans have grown up to push pop thrills forward in their own bands, and Poptopia is giving them a welcome showcase. In doing so, the festival gives pop some overdue respect. It also gives closet poppers the chance to unabashedly sing along with “Daydream Believer” between sets.