Pop Overthrow goes domestic

The International Pop Overthrow festival has a decidedly less global feel for its seventh edition, which kicks off Friday. Promoter David Bash has success to thank for that.

In its early incarnations, IPO attracted as many as a couple of dozen foreign acts, not to mention bands from all corners of the U.S. Credit the event’s singular nature -- part festival, part showcase, part summer camp in L.A. for the melody-and-harmony set. In recent years, however, Bash has staged IPO events in such cities as New York, Chicago and even Liverpool. Thus, fledgling power-poppers have dutifully played the nearest locale.

So except for a handful of Canadians, IPO ’04 is a red-white-and-blue affair. “With a pretty amazing lineup,” Bash says.

With 180 bands playing 23 shows (sets are typically about half an hour) at 10 venues over the festival’s 17 days, there’s plenty of selection. Some recommendations:

* Owsley, the charismatic songwriter who could be a poster boy for IPO’s hooky pastiche, headlines the festival’s opening night at Club Lingerie, joining Paul McCartney sideman Rusty Anderson on the bill.

* L.A.’s Meow Meow injects some noisy experimentalism into the proceedings Tuesday at Spaceland, with popular local acts the Vacation and Tsar also scheduled.

* The Dollyrots, Bang Sugar and the Randies (July 24 at Fais Do-Do), all locals who have played the Kiss or Kill club nights, serve up some bratty exuberance.

* The Rembrandts, known for the “Friends” theme song “I’ll Be There for You,” perform July 30 at Molly Malone’s, with the Waking Hours and San Diego’s Static Halo.

-- Kevin Bronson

Info: www.internationalpopoverthrow.com