Pop is boss

That genre of music known as “power pop,” at least among the dweebs who write about the stuff, most likely caught fire in America after the Beatles landed here early in ’64. It’s still a potent form of noise when done right: concise three-minute songs propelled by cool chord changes played by chiming guitars—typically two of them supported by bass and drums—topped with energetic, melodic vocals and tight vocal harmonies. In the parlance of the era, it’s “boss.” And locally, no one does boss power pop better than the Decibels, who play this Friday at Old Ironsides with Baby Grand and Little Red Rocket. The joint’ll likely be packed, but sometimes it pays to be a sardine. The show starts at 9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, at Old Ironsides, 1901 10th St. (at S St.). Admission is $7.