Power Pop News 'n Tunes
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020
your bi-monthly fast-track summary to what's happening now in pop
|
(VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE: Since this a very long newsletter, you will not be able to view the entire contents in your email program or phone. CLICK HERE for a better viewing experience.
|
|
Welcome to Issue #11!
(Again, for a better viewing experience on your phone or in your email program, CLICK HERE)
Here we go again! 11 issues in 18 months...Dude, I'm on a roll for ya!
Despite being 'out' of the music business for over three years now(after more than 25 yrs), I sure seem to be busy in it. I've been asked recently "Why?" and, honestly, I've had varying answers this year as they all applied but were complicated.
So for the record, let me answer the question "Why Bruce, do you do all this?" for you.
It's a three-fold answer. One, I've worked in the music business for 30 years, it was hard to say 'goodbye' to many friends: the Not Lame/Pop Geek Heaven friends, the industry buddies and the artists and fellow small indie labels.
Two, our Co-Vid experience blew up my consulting work overnight in April. Three years of work was seemingly over in a matter of 48 hours. I'll be frank. With two kids in college, doing a few music projects was/is financial necessary course of action.
Which brings me to 'three'. Three, I'm fortunate, blessed. Since I passionately have loved what I've done in the music business for three decades, I never really stopped entirely. Serving the artists, the music and loving the discovery of new favorites and unearthing lost, forgotten music from the past is in my DNA since I heard "House of the Rising Sun" on the AM radio in 1966 when I was four.
So these newsletters, the "Best" CD project(See below graphic, you'll be hearing about it starting this Tuesday), the books I write and promote from other authors(last months of 2020) and a (free)music online community for folks not on Facebook(and those who are) are outcomes that revolve around my three answers to the question.
Yes, I hope you support the work I'll be doing this year and into 2021 as it means a lot to me but if you don't and you're just passing through and enjoy the newsletter and what's coming, that matters to me, too. Your being here lands in the same place we all gravitates to: loving the music and lifting up those who create it.
Let's Do This.
Bruce
|
|
Click on the images of each album to get
more information and order.
|
|
"Fits in your playlist like a comfortable pair of jeans. Fans of The Beatles, Hollies, Beach Boys and James Taylor will surely love it. An excellent debut, what else can I say?" – Powerpopaholic.com “A great record, a fantastic record in fact and a fortuitous find...The pop moments are near perfect, and the focus on sweeping harmonies and blanketing melodies."-JiveWired.com
|
|
A sonic mélange of late 60’s pop inflection (à la bands such as The Left Banke and The Monkees) and the singer-songwriter sounds of the early 70’s, peppered with elements of power pop to drive it all home...Expertly performed (he plays all of the instruments), this is a must-hear record. By its creation, it is the sound of isolation, the voice of confinement, the impossible embrace. But within, are songs that acknowledge the hard facts of life and provide hopeful reassurance.” - Bryan Williston
|
|
SLD’s (Sounds Like Digging) The ultra-melodic, 60’s drenched will immediately appeal to fans of The Beatles, Badfinger, and even more current artists like Cupid’s Carnival! “Like a breath of fresh air from the summer of 1975, ‘Lost’ will assuredly help your mind get lost in AM radio nostalgia. It is a testament to the songcraft that the melodies, harmonies, and instrumentation can take a listener back 45 years.” – Howard Byrne
|
|
“Armed with a whole lotta spirited tunes, Rob Clarke and his Wooltones mine some of the coolest Britpop sounds of the ‘60s.” – Goldmine Magazine “Theirs is a 60's Psych Pop noise that just grips you. It's brilliant to note that the spirit of Scouse Pop isn't dead.” - IDontHearASingle.com “The Wooltones are one of those rare beasts plucked and fashioned from the finest threads of a lost time in pop's rich past... in short pureclass.” Sunday Experience “Record of the Week” - Wolfman Radio
|
|
“He’s got a knack for good old fashioned pop songs sporting catchy melodies and deep hooks.” – PurePopRadio.com “Singer, songwriter, guitarist and power pop purveyor Nick Pipitone has been on the scene for years. But we'll forgive you if you don't know his name because even though he's been making some of the catchiest rock and roll in town, he's been doing it relatively quietly. He’s been hailed it for his smart, melodic pop that evokes the best of Squeeze and Elvis Costello & the Attractions.” – OnMilwaukee.com
|
|
If you dig cool guitar solos, you’ll love this record! Ed’s got the chops for sure! Driving with the top down music! "The title track is a solid pop single. ’Never Lied To You’ delivers a terrific hook in the chorus and ‘Say What You Will’ is a very compelling jangle pop melody...This is truly music that deserves to be heard.” - Powerpopaholic .com “Ryan is here full force on should-be singles like ‘Say What You Will’ and ‘Let It Out’... ‘Make It Through the Night’, a track that really captures the classic power pop sound of the late 70's, complete with a punchy chorus. ‘Even Time’ marks a welcome return to the studio for this music veteran!” – PopRockRecord.com
|
|
Click on either of the images above to check out the
"Pay What You Want" compilation offer...
|
|
Click on the below images of each album to get
more information and order.
|
|
For fans of Lookout! era bands like The Hi-Fives, The Smugglers, The Phantom Surfers, and possibly MTX or if you like your cocktail shaken with a bit of Ramones, Beach Boys and Graham Parker than this one's for you...
|
|
"A "slammin' power pop album somewhere between Rocket To Russia and Parallel Lines", you had to know my ears perked up! The whole album left me feeling like a little kid on Christmas morning. If I could have dreamed up the perfect power pop album and had an unlimited budget to hire the best people to make it happen, I still couldn't have topped this." - FasterLouder
|
|
Like a 6-pack of Bud Light in a raucous dive bar brawl. From the school of Del-Lords, Bottle Rockets, Jason & the Scorchers, Roscoes, Long Ryders, Lone Justice, Satellites of Georgia.
|
|
Going faster than scalped tickets behind Madison Square Garden for the Van Halen 1984 tour!! Get Rum Bar Records newest and hard as hell most rockin'-ist signing this Fall. Pouring up right now like iced cold Jagermeister shots & a PBR tall boy chaser!!
|
|
From Geoff: "Got time to kill? Make some music! 2020 is canceled, and my schedule is wide-open; it gives me time for projects to come to life. I had always loved John Prine's track "In Spite of Ourselves" and wanted to do it for years, being a duet, sadly it never seemed to fit with any other batch of songs, so the idea stayed lingering. I met Lucy at a festival Stardumb records put together and was a fan of all her bands. I decided to ask if she wanted to sing the track with me. As I said, 2020 is canceled, and she was home, so her positive response of YES came back within minutes. That was that, and..." HERE IT IS.
|
|
Tales of Psychotic love, exhilarating, scary.
Lead single "Georgie" was written as an "answer song" to the classic hit "Georgy Girl" by The Seekers.
Lemon Drop Gang hails from Tucson Arizona, home of some of the most unusual music in the country. High energy burners mixed with haunting tales of psychotic love make this debut album,"I'm Not The One", a complete experience in any deranged mind.
|
|
ONE LAST TIME: IMPORTANT REMINDER:
Make sure you CLICK HERE for a better viewing experience and to be able to read everything otherwise it will be cut short in your browser.
|
|
Click on the images of each album to get
more information and order.
|
|
A full throttle collection brimming with the hooks, harmonies and sophisticated arrangements his fans have come to expect, and bubbling with a freshness and energy that'll captivate new listeners immediately as one of the UK's best-kept secrets steps onto a wider international stage.
|
|
In the tradition of hometown heroes like The Runaways, The Go-Go's and The Pandoras (whose Karen Basset recorded and mixed it), pop-punk with an irresistible sweetness. They'll flip from a tightly-wound and intricate minutemen-like verse to a huge Blondie-worthy chorus and back again. (nice to see the band minutemen dropped as an influence!)
|
|
Latest in one of the biggest and fastest compilation series over the past few years. This 2CD set has 23 artists including Kai Danzberg, The Agony Aunts, Nick Frater, Rick Hromadka, The Forty Nineteens and, of course, many more.
|
|
Make sure you check out all the Big Stir Singles collections, in less than 2 yrs,
they've released over 60 A&B sides!
|
|
 |
Poprock Record
Not sure who does this blog but just happened across it as it was quoted in some Kool Kat releases that were reviewed. Been around for five years but it's new to me and fairly likely new to you.
Read more
poprockrecord.com
|
|
|
|
|
Magnified, by Rosie Abbott
A modern blending of Kate Bush, the Roches and the MacGarrigle into a stupendous cocktail of originality. I've heard the whole album, make sure you check this out on October 2nd. Normally, not my thang but this IS.
Read more
rosieabbott.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
James Williamson & Deniz Tek - Two to One
I mean, do I need to write more words? Okay, I will. It's not the Stooges or the Radio Birdman but it is raw, gritty rock 'n roll by veterans who don't need the work and still do it. Mad Respect Always. Rawk, No Roll.
Read more
orcd.co
|
|
|
|
|
THE AMERICAN JANGLE UNDERGROUND 1983-1987
Today Captured Tracks' announces, Strum & Thrum: The American Jangle Underground 1983 - 1987, the first volume of Captured Tracks' new venture into compilations - Excavations. Spread across two LPs, Strum & Thrum includes an 80+ page booklet with ...
Read more
capturedtracks.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ed Rogers & Steve Butler CD
"Great songs from Ed Rogers and Steve Butler. Very melodic and punchy!" - Roger McGuinn "stirred everything from punk to power pop to folk-rock into their always-distinctive soup."- Shindig! Magazine
Read more
www.brownpapertickets.com
|
|
|
|
|
The Go-Go's release first new song in nearly 20 years...
The band's "Club Zero" - a sharp blast of power pop and invigorating lyrics - has arrived ( find it here) and at 9 p.m. July 31, their self-titled documentary will debut on Showtime. The film, directed by Alison Ellwood ("Laurel Canyon," "History ...
Read more
www.ajc.com
|
|
|
|
|
Face The Facts by The Bookends
"Even w/ its distinctive '60s flavor, this is by no means an album limited to "retro" enthusiasts...The Bookends have given us a fresh take on timeless sounds, & each listen only delights me more." FasterLouder
Read more
soundcloud.com
|
|
|
|
|
THE HARRISONICS - Love Songs for All Occasions
Sparkling power pop or middle-aged dullard rock? It's your nickel. We would have sounded pretty edgy in about 1979. We still like loud guitars and we would love to play for you sometime.
Read more
harrisonics.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TWO NEW RELEASES FROM THE FRONT MAN OF THE STOMPERS, ROCK E. ROLLINS and now THE AMPLIFIER HEADS, SAL BAGLIO |
|
There's a whole bunch of cool.... |
...Information and music to discover at the link below.
Ray Paul has actively on the music scene as a musician since the early 70s. I discovered his music growing up in Boston where he was based in the late 70s as a result of classic slab of power pop on one great LP and 7" single.
In the 90s and 00s, he was head of Permanent Press records who amassed a consistently excellent catalog of releases. Recently, he released a 'new' CD on Kool Kat which contains the best of his past and some slabs of excellent new music, one of the songs appearing on the upcoming "Best Power Pop of 2019" CD.
the full interview
|
|
CLICK HERE to read a fascinating interview with Ray and find out more with what's happened and is happening with his contribution to power pop and more.
Click HERE to check out "Bloody Rubbish" Click HERE for Ray Paul's website Click HERE for Ray's You Tube Channel |
|
|
|
There are so many new folks that are receiving this ever-growing newsletter, it seems like a good time to make sure that no one misses out on the past fun, right?
Here are links to the past issues for your music-loving edification.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 - HERE
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020 - HERE
|
|
|
|
New album by EXTRA ARMS!
a collection of 20 2-minute and under songs, written in a flurry by Ryan Allen while living life on lockdown. Featuring 10 re-imagined versions of songs by Guided By Voices, Stereolab, Sparklehorse, My Bloody Valentine and more!
Read more
extraarms.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
THE SPINDLES - "Annette"
Not on YouTube but a really fun tribute to Annette Funicello...for anyone over 55 years old, sure to make you smile.
|
The Orange Peels Trace the Evolution of a Song with...
With a 40-track deluxe reissue of the Orange Peels' 1997 debut album Square forthcoming, the band offer up a fresh look at "Something Strange Happens". The track appeared on bandleader Allen Clapp's 1993 solo album in addition to Square. There is ...
Read more
www.popmatters.com
|
|
|
|
|
Emitt Rhodes: A Baker's Dozen of His Finest Tunes
When Emitt Rhodes passed away in his sleep in July of this year at age 70, he left behind quite the musical legacy: five solo albums (four from the early '70s and a stirring comeback record from 2016) and one LP fronting '60s popsters the...
Read more
www.goldminemag.com
|
|
|
|
|
New Music from Rick Hromadka (of Maple Mars)
"A powerhouse of an album!" - Pseu Braun/WFMU “This is one of the best albums of Rick's career. It’s up there with the magnificent 2010 Maple Mars album, ‘Galaxyland’. Yes, that good.” - Mike Lidskin/Woody Radio
Read more
www.sodastarmusic.com
|
|
|
|
|
70s Kid? Retro Rare
Toy Commercials
|
The Never Never - New Band on Zero Hour Records
Classic modern Australian jangle. A Lost 1980s power pop from Western Australia. Compilation of catchy melodic unreleased tracks. Limited edition to check this one out soon.
Read more
zerohouraustralia.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
NEW ALBUM FROM THE TOMS!
Futureman Records Detroit, Michigan The Futureman only finds and releases the most vital and raw recordings from the field. He asks for no thanks or special notice. However, tip your hats or raise your glasses their way: Futureman Records, The...
Read more
futuremanrecords.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
Did you miss this new album from THE LOLAS?
Bulletproof by Lolas, released 09 December 2019 1. Deestroy 2. Fall Away 3. Oceans Of The Moon 4. Stand Up And Fight 5. Toynbee 6. Stop The War 7. Storm Of Silence 8. When The Cold Winds Blow 9. She Will Shake The World 10. Gunshot Holes 11....
Read more
lolas.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
Cloud Cover, by Green Seagull
A fascination for melodic 60s pop and combine it with glorious vocal harmonies that create a mellow Stateside vibe filtered through early 70s UK acts like Brinsley Schwarz and Danny Kirwan-era Fleetwood Mac.
Read more
megadodo.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
Badfinger teams up with Rick Wakeman for new version of...
Cleopatra RecordsBadfinger has released a new version of the band's 1969 Paul McCartney-penned hit "Come and Get It" as a digital single and via streaming services. The track features a little help from former Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman, who...
Read more
www.wxhc.com
|
|
|
|
|
Almost Ready for the Future, by Tom Curless & the 46%
Missed this one back in June and just tripped across it. From Little Purple Circles front man, Tom Curless has released two albums in the last year, this is his latest.
Read more
tomcurless.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Parthenon Huxley Presents PANDEMIC HOUSEGUY SHOW #5
Make sure you subscribe to his YouTube channel. Parthenon is doing one of the better pandemic home shows during 'all this'. Guaranteed to make you laugh and smile - and ENJOY the music.
Read more
www.youtube.com
|
|
|
|
|
Coming October 8th and recorded during the early days of Summer 2020, JEM Records artists took to the studio to record their unique interpretations of John Lennon's compositions.
From the early Beatles days of "I Call Your Name" to the final recordings of (Just Like) Starting Over," this record is the culmination of decades of love of Beatles and Lennon songs. Featuring performances by The Weeklings, The Grip Weeds, The Anderson Council, Richard Barone, Johnathan Pushkar, The Gold Needles and The Midnight Callers. The cover is a reproduction of Al Hirschfeld's "Lennon at Home."
|
40 Years Of True Colours - The Split Enz Interview
Keyboardist, Eddie Rayner talks coffee with Kate Bush, jams with Paul McCartney and the recording of the band's 'holy grail', True Colours.
Read more
www.ilikeyouroldstuff.com
|
|
|
|
|
Mojo Says 'Hello There' to Cheap Trick Catalog With Rick ...
Mojo Music & Media, the indie music publishing company that launched in 2017, has acquired 50% of Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen's music publishing catalog which consists of more than 400 songs, including the power pop band's biggest hits, "I ...
Read more
www.billboard.com
|
|
|
|
|
Power Pop Overdose Popcast Volume 32
This week on Power Pop Overdose we bring you new music from Vegas With Randolph, Zip Gun Bomber, The Rabies, Hard Action and Joe Giddings. Additionally, we give you 5 from Market Square Records, a bunch of good old 80s music as well as some live...
Read more
power-pop-overdose.simpleca...
|
|
|
|
|
Forgotten Heroes: Robert Quine
Robert Quine owned a variety of guitars, but his stage favorites were Stratocasters and Telecasters, and in his historic roles with Richard Hell and Lou Reed, he almost exclusively played Strats onstage. Photo by Ebet Roberts Much has been...
Read more
www.premierguitar.com
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Barnes Are The Village Green Reinterpretation...
"Covers of The Village Green Preservation Society, Do You Remember Walter? and Johnny Thunder perfectly showcase how this trio somehow manage to caress, rather than impose, the irresistable hazy power-pop into The Kinks essence"-JanglePopHub
Read more
futuremanrecords.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
From Dropkick's Andrew Taylor
Lockdown Session: June 2020 by Andrew Taylor and the Harmonizers, released 28 June 2020 1. I'll Never Win 2. The Longest Lie 3. Everything's Really The Same 4. For This To Pass 5. Different For You 6. Ploughing On 7. Ridiculous 8. Didn't Know...
Read more
dropkickmusic.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
The Power Popaholic Interview: Brian Ray(Paul McCartney)
Guitarist Brian Ray is someone I love to talk to. Besides being Paul McCartney's long-time lead guitarist, he has done some amazing solo work. His first album Mondo Magneto was my first review, and I've followed his career over the last 12 years. ...
Read more
www.powerpopaholic.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ROGER JOSEPH MANNING, JR.
NEWS
|
A month ago, I sat down for over 100 minutes catching up with Roger to and do a deep dive on his creative process, what's the latest news from him and a bit of discussion on his past bands.
There's a lot of activity with a flow of reissue packages with his solo output - check it out below and click on the image.
|
|
|
|
New Music from Gene Clark's son...KAI CLARK
Songs synonymous with the late Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Gene Clark are introduced to a new generation of fans...with the help of some very special friends!
Read more
www.kaiclarkmusic.com
|
|
|
|
|
Kip Loui - An Unreleased Power Pop 'classic' from 1986
11 songs from an unreleased project in 1986 that, if it were heard during the 90s indie power pop explosion(sic) would have been regarded as long-lost classic. Well, it took a few more years but here's a magical pop treasure unearthed for us all...
Read more
kiploui.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pop Fossil, by The Click Beetles
"Astute listeners will further note the influence of folks such as Tommy Keene, Shoes and the Spongetones throughout Pop Fossil. Locked tight with finely-formed melodies, catchy arrangements and a superb sense of harmony" - Something Else!
Read more
futuremanrecords.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
Glass Half Full, by Jim Trainor
Glass Half Full by Jim Trainor, released 10 June 2020 1. The Only One 2. Claire 3. Sometimes 4. Grace & Beauty 5. Mine To Take 6. Dolly Rae
Read more
jimtrainor.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LATEST ARTICLES FROM THE POP GEEK HEAVEN BLOG
Emphasis with the PGH blog has been on creating THIS newsletter to inform you as opposed to blogging. That said, there's still some informative and important info going up on the blog courtesy of Eric Sorensen and Mike Baron.
|
|
|
LATE SUMMER Column - click HERE
SEPTEMBER Column - click HERE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BOOKS, BOOKS & MORE BOOKS!!
There's more than usual with book news this time around, therefore....a nice, substantive section of the written word for everyone!
|
|
|
UPCOMING NEW BOOK FROM JOHN M. BORACK - Arriving February, 2021
Was John Lennon meeting Paul McCartney more significant than John Lennon meeting Yoko Ono? Rubber Soul or Revolver? Which Wings album was Paul McCartney’s solo pinnacle?
In 100 brief chapters, John M. Borack discusses and ranks the greatest moments in Beatles history. An avid Fab Four fan since childhood and a music journalist for more than thirty-five years, Borack has created a book to agree with and disagree with, and one that is sure to spark conversations. A love letter to the greatest rock band of all time, The Beatles 100 is a book for Beatles buffs and casual fans alike.
|
|
|
|
From it’s initial conception as a film script to it’s re-birth as a full-bore rock & roll revelation, this is one crazy story from beginning to end. Outlining the first National DIY cross-country tour by an unsigned band in 1977, and by default, creating the pathway for the true indie underground network of the 80s to take as a template.
the real details of the origins of The Nerves, Breakaways, and The BEAT have eluded most of us, so with this tome of incredible survival stories from the trenches, Paul Collins opens up and reveals all the drama, victories and defeats with such an impassioned voice, you won’t be able to put it down. The coverage of the pre-Punk 1975 landscape of both LA and San Francisco is unmatched, and your mind will be BLOWN.
|
|
|
|
|
Our very own Hunter S. Thompson, Mike Baron has recently completed a VERY successful IndieGoGo campaign raising over $30,000 for his latest project. (trust me, this is very hard to do)
You can still get in on the project and its many perks. At the least, read about FLORIDA MAN below and bellyache in your home office or comfy couch.
CLICK HERE to see what kind of man you'd never let your daughter near
|
|
|
|
Writer, podcaster Carl Cafarelli has been working on The Greatest Record Ever Made! (Volume 1) over the past year and he recently posted an update on it. He writes:
"An infinite number of songs can each be THE greatest record ever made, as long as they take turns. That's the central idea of my book The Greatest Record Ever Made! (Volume 1), which is designed as a collective celebration of 165 of those infinite songs. It is not an attempt to create a comprehensive list of the best songs ever; in fact, it deliberately omits a few of my own top Fave Raves. Instead, it's a heartfelt appreciation of a few selected tunes, all played loud 'n' proud. There are a lot more great songs out there, each one awaiting its turn.
Our favorite records don't live in isolation; each one has a story to tell. The stories are not objective; why would anyone ever want to be objective about pop music? No. This is personal. It should be personal. And these are the stories I intend to tell"
|
|
|
|
|
Van Duren: Revisiting Memphis' Golden Age of Power Pop
Van Duren isn't resting on his laurels, though he has accumulated over 40 years' worth of them since releasing his first power-pop masterpiece - Are You Serious? - in 1978.
Read more
www.memphisflyer.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Swedish band The Wannadies share first single in 18 years
Swedish band The Wannadies, who are best known for their 1994 single "You and Me Song" (which was memorably used in Baz Luhrmann film William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet), broke up in 2009 after six albums and 20 years together as a band.
Read more
www.brooklynvegan.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Found Songs Vol. 1, by Aaron Lee Tasjan
A mix of psychedelic-pop and rock ‘n’ roll. Some have described his range as extending from Brian Wilson to Todd Snider with hints of Tom Petty (Traveling Wiburys version)
Read more
altobviously.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sweet: Sweet Fanny Adams - Album Of The Week Club review
Sweet enjoyed a varied career during the 1970s - from their perspective maybe it was a little too varied. Until wresting their destiny from songwriters/hitmakers Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, the band were still known for making bubblegum 45s....
Read more
www.loudersound.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Better From Here, by Joe Giddings
"Fans of Velvet Crush and Fountains of Wayne. The high harmonies just burst in again on “If I Don’t Have Love.” Not a whiff of filler here and each track hits its target. This is looking to be in my top 10 of 2020!" - Power Popaholic
Read more
joegiddings.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interview: The Lemon Twigs talk new album, Todd Rundgren ...
With album number t(h)ree, Songs For The General Public, The Lemon Twigs prove they've got the juice. We'll stop now. "We were going for a pop celebration sound," Brian D'Addario tells Pat Carty. Though they are still enviably young, Brian and...
Read more
www.hotpress.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Great New album from The Persian Leaps
The band appears on the upcoming "Best Power Pop of 2019" and this ripper of a rocking "If Husker Du Leaned Into Power Pop Back In The Day" album does not disappoint.
Read more
thepersianleaps.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
World Renowned Writer & PGH Contributor: New Graphic Novel:
FLORIDA MAN
|
Florida Man Graphic Novel - Volume One
FLORIDA MAN! The hilarious tales of a larger than life figure from the magical land of Florida, USA | Check out 'Florida Man Graphic Novel - Volume One' on Indiegogo.
Read more
www.indiegogo.com
|
|
|
|
|
The Second Album by The Empty Hearts
"Elliot Easton of the Cars, Andy Babiuk of the Chesterfield Kings, Clem Burke of Blondie and Wally Palmar of the Romantics — careens through some of their prime influences..jangling guitars, high flying harmonica runs" - RockCellar
Read more
theemptyhearts.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stumbling Blocks, by Exploding Flowers
A unique brew of jangle pop is akin to ’70s-era Chilton/Bell, mid-’80s New Zealand guitar pop, L.A.’s Paisley Underground, and ’90s noise pop blended, mutated and swirled into their own modern-day hook-filled racket.
Read more
explodingflowers.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
"More Kicks" - debut album, by More Kicks
"As a power pop fan, I'd be hard-pressed to find a record more satisfying than this one. This is one of the 2019's best LPs, and that's saying a lot considering what a phenomenal year this has been for music." - Faster Louder
Read more
morekicks.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New Album from The Well Wishers!
“It’s a truly unusual time…” leader Jeff Shelton says, “I’m not sure I could have written this particular album in any other time. It’s strange to think what would have surfaced creatively under different circumstances.”
Read more
thewellwishers.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RANKING THE ALBUMS FROM....
THE MOVE
|
|
|
|
|
Lost, by SLD
See the KOOL KAT MUSIK link above to order but here is where you can listen before you buy. A flat-out winner.
Read more
sldmusic2.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Faster and Louder
2020 will be forever remembered as the year of "pandemic rock". Isolated in their homes without anything to do but what they live to do, musicians of all walks of life have been recording in their bedrooms, basements, garages, kitchens, closets,...
Read more
fasterandlouderblog.blogspo...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GREG POPE - Another Great New Album from one our best...
I would present the 'argument' that over the past, say, 13 years, Greg Pope has one of the most substantial and consistently truly excellent catalogs of power pop 'on the scene'. His latest is arrives October 1st.
Read more
gregpope.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
The Szuters....Beatle Me This...
Stream this pure poppin' gem on Amazon. Back in the 90s and 00s, I tried to get this band's releases on the Not Lame site and printed catalogs but no one ever answered responded. This new 2020 album is massively better than anything from back then.
Read more
poprockrecord.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DOUBLEPLUSPOP
Funny how things play out as we grow older. Paul Averitt, someone I've known for over 20 years and oversaw Not Lame Recordings' label manufacturing 'back in the day', was....back in the day, almost 20 years ago, 'secretly'(to me, at least) recording a rocking power pop project.
They were called: Doublepluspop
It never came out so you, me and everyone never heard it.
Fast Forward to 2020: It's been unearthed, 11 now released songs in the vein of Matthew Sweet and Superdrag.
Listen to it on your favorite streaming service - CLICK HERE
Read about the story behind the project - CLICK HERE
|
Halyx Rising (Lora's Song), by Ken Sharp
Inspired by the new documentary, "Disneyland's Forgotten Sci-Fi Rock Band - Live From the Space Stage," I wrote a song told in the eyes of the lead singer of Halyx, a story of big dreams, momentary triumph, broken promises & ultimate heartbreak.
Read more
kensharp.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jody Stephens, Mike Mills Talk Big Star's Legacy in...
Big Star drummer Jody Stephens, R.E.M.'s Mike Mills and more discuss the power pop band's legacy in The Memphis Masters video series. The clip opens with Stephens next to his drumkit as the band's "Thirteen" plays in the background. "I think part ...
Read more
www.rollingstone.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CAPTAIN MIKE & THE TOTEMS
It's a safe bet that you have not heard of the band. Back in 2001, if you were a loyal Not Lamer following my most passionate "Extremely Highly Recommended" profusings, you might have picked up their wickedly rare CD "Land of Totems" which had a pressing of...33 copies. (Don't ask, I don't even have my copy anymore! Lame Stupid Bruce.)
“Captain Mike’s songs will make you sit up straight and wonder if your ears are fooling you because the impact is so direct, immediate and in-focus.” - Me
Don't try, you wont' be able to find it...uh, like ANYwhere - and it's poetic it's HARD to locate because it's going to drive you crazy until Captain Mike(Mike Goldberg) decides to allow you to experience what 33 others did. I'll make it even worse: there's a trove of unreleased songs which freakin' great!
So you've written the band name down on your 'want list', right? Good. Someday, someday you will...
Ahh, hang on, my dear pop geek buddy. There is GOOD news I bring.
There is a NEW song for you to enjoy until the fated day of redemption and good tidings arrives. Until then, ENJOY this taste of many good things still to come. (it's on Itunes, too)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rob Martinez Archives - Powerpopholic
If you like your power pop with classic '60s and '70s influence, Martinez hits his stride here. "Let Me Tell You Why" and "When We Meet" has that bouncy rhythm and sing-along hooks that easily could've made the AM radio charts back in the day.
Read more
www.powerpopaholic.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SONG PREMIERE: Kurt Baker Channels 80s Power Pop Sound...
What began as raucous noise in a Maine basement is poised to be the soundtrack to many a socially distanced soiree as Kurt Baker gets back to his roots on the rollicking new album After Party.
Read more
glidemagazine.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You've not heard of Affair Pop? Well, if you lived in the UK in the late 70s/early 80s you may just have encountered some of the incarnations of the band on their 'in the trenches' march to stardom - which never arrived.
However, what has arrived is a book from one of its members, Brian Potter and uploads of some of their music for us to enjoy! Check out this brief dive into a young band that came 'oh, so close...'.
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY - Click HERE
Book Back Cover with story summary - Click HERE
YOUTUBE Channel - Click HERE
|
|
|
|
Many Happy Returns, by Cliff Hillis
Cliff Hillis Phoenixville, Pennsylvania Cliff Hillis is a Philly based singer/songwriter whose music evokes the sunny pop of the 60's & 70's and has garnered national radio airplay. Hillis has co-written with critically acclaimed songwriters such ...
Read more
cliffhillis.bandcamp.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOOK FOR ISSUE #12 END OF NOVEMBER! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
![The Lickerish Quartet - There Is A Magic Number [Acoustic] Lyric Video](https://web-extract.constantcontact.com/v1/thumbnail?url=https://i.ytimg.com/vi/poSOG3DzYLc/hqdefault.jpg)
