Power Pop News 'n Tunes
WINTER 2023
your (now)monthly fast-track summary to
what's happening now in pop
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Welcome to Issue #20!
(because of the length of this issue, if you are reading this in your desktop email browser, it will cut off half way through.
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Hey, Hey, Hey Friend! It's good to see you as we live through the middle of winter, wherever you live your life. Here, in Colorado, man...I'm a life-long skier but I'm ready for winter to be over.
Onto the music. Quick heads up. This coming Monday I'll be sending out a quick, 72 hour sale of music stuffs. A few surprises in there that I'm finishing up.
On a more somber and reflective note, for most reading this, we've landed at the age where we're saying a lot more 'goodbyes' than 'hellos'. Artists that changed our lives(Tom Verlaine, Jeff Beck) are gone, cultural personalities who changed history or our perceptions of the world, offering new distinctions are in the history books and family members and friends, grow old, sick and die. It's the arc of life, we're all on - and it's unchangeable. It's life - and life is precious and good.
I bring this brief commentary up for a specific, power-pop related reason.
If you were a power pop fan in the 90s, you might recall a popular, influential fanzine, AUDITIES. Sadly, it's co-founder Anthony Henderson(along w/ his parter, Gary Littleton) died recently after a long illness. At the end of this newsletter, for those of you who remember Audities, I share few thoughts on his passing and part of a note I sent Anthony some months back.
'nuf with all that, Let's get to the music! This newsletter, like the last one, is biggest, longest one ever. Save it, savor the information in parts - or spend a full hour or two and gorge. Links galore!
Rawk, no Roll,
BRUCE
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REMEMBER: If viewing on your computer or laptop browser you can CLICK HERE to view ALL of this newsletter in a easier-to-read new tab
When the browser stops displaying, it usually says,
("message clipped, view entire message") - then, the hot link to click
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CLIFF HILLIS - Be The Now (New Material!)
8 sparkling tunes from the now infamous Cliff Hillis, he of the most fabulous solo career & Starbelly co-founding member. A laid-back, relaxing affair & pleasantly different approach - this is the soundtrack right now as I write the newsletter!
Read more
cliffhillis.bandcamp.com
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Material Issue Documentary! Members Q&A Screenings
Material Issue drummer Mike Zelenko, former MTV VJ Matt Pinfield and director Balin Schneider on the forthcoming Blu-ray release of the arvonia films documentary 'Out Of Time: The Material Issue Story' and a run of special U.S. screening events...
Read more
www.forbes.com
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Magic Carpet Ryders, by Magic Carpet Ryders
IN THE BEGINNING was the light of the word and the word begat the book and the book is in your eyes I can see it everytime you smile have you ever really seen a flower driving at a hundred miles an hour can you read the writing on the wall can...
Read more
magiccarpetryders.bandcamp.com
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Remember The Lightning | S.W. Lauden | Substack
I'm putting this under OVERLOOKED TREASURE to grab yr attention. S.W. Lauden has been one of the most active writers kicking out all kinds of great articles and books for power pop fans. His newsletter is a MUST to subscribe to. Just fact.
Read more
rememberthelightning.substa...
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Meet The Labels: Curation Records
From the man responsible one of the best new power pop bands, UNI BOYS and also one of the best videos of the last decade in the 'ole power pop realm, dig in and meet someone whose hand I would like to properly shake, Brent Rademaker.
Read more
rememberthelightning.substa...
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Meet The Labels: Big Stir Records
Founders Christina Bulbenko and Rex Broome originally launched Big Stir as a guitar pop concert series in 2016; a place where their band, The Armoires, could share the stage with other artists who were similarly frustrated with LA's pay-to-play...
Read more
rememberthelightning.substa...
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ACTION CITY - More Action City
Just came across this one minutes before sending this newsletter out, so slipping it in so y'all can check it out. Features Michael Slawter from the Saving Graces.
Read more
futuremanrecords.bandcamp.com
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Aces Eights & Heartbreaks, by The Shang Hi Los
New project from Watts guitar player. "it’s clear that the band is firing on all cylinders, with driving guitar riffs, pounding drums, and a frenetic energy that is impossible to resist...there is no filler here. Highly Recommended." - Powerpopholic
Read more
theshanghilos.bandcamp.com
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THE ULTIMATE "BEST OF" List: David Bash's Best of 2022 Lists
There is NO other list like this one in this power pop world we thrash around in. David Bash is a legend for many reasons. His annual compiling, contained at this link, is one of those reasons. I look forward to this every-single-year.
Read more
internationalpopoverthrow.com
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Best Power Pop Songs of 2022 - Power Pop News
Locate the link on the blog to the ALBUMS list but it's always important and nice to acknowledge the hard working of putting together SONG lists like here. I know I have never been so organized or inclined because of time. But KUDOS here!
Read more
powerpopnews.com
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MALAPROPISM, by SKELETON STAFF
"Like many artists with a signature sound, such as Josh Fix, Greg Pope, Ed James, Stanton does it all himself.Skeleton Staff maintains a unique and instantly identifiable sound, the mark of a mature artist at the top of his game."-Mike Baron, PGH
Read more
skeletonstaff.bandcamp.com
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GARY RITCHIE - Potpourri Of Harmony {Retrospective} 2-cd
An excellent selection of songs from Gary's 5 solo albums & 1 track from the classic "Beat The Meatles!" album. 7-9 tracks from each album are represented. Some personal Fav's, deep cuts, fan favorites, forgotten gems.
Read more
garyritchie.bandcamp.com
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Power Pop Is Having A Moment
Against all commercial odds, a new crop of talented power pop/power pop-adjacent artists have emerged to carry the tortured genre's torch. Some modern acts proudly wave the 'power pop' flag, while others struggle with genre labels. I'm personally ...
Read more
rememberthelightning.substa...
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THE MAD STARLINGS!
Paying homage to the greatest new wave rock band of all time...THE CARS! Obsessed since 1978, this song and recording completes the circle that started with inspiration and ends with creation.
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Still Anyways, by Anyway Gang
Totally missed this from Spring, 2022 and features members of Sloan and Sam Roberts. "a collection of those small leftover memories that transport you back to another world where the grass is greener and the glasses are rose-tinted."
Read more
anywaygang.bandcamp.com
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THE DIFF - Tanya
Thanks to Jay Dravenstadt for making sure I didn't miss this one - so YOU didn't miss it. Make sure you check out the other song on the Bandcamp site.
Read more
whatsthediff.bandcamp.com
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INTERVIEW WITH KOOL KAT LEADER, RAY GIANCHETTI
I sent this out to everyone three weeks ago, but if you missed it, here's a hour-long sit down with one of power pop's most lasting and enduring leaders. Lots of interesting subjects and history covered - ENJOY.
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Check out this truly memorable radio show/podcast. The link below is for Episode #9 but if you dig this, got back and listen the previous shows. They are all just wonderful simple joy to hit the 'play' button, kick back and discover all kinds of cool new and old bands. |
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JELLYFISH ALERT:
#27 for Rick Beato on 'Greatest Sounding Albums of All Time", scroll to 6:30 min in.
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Comeback Special, by R. STEVIE MOORE
Comeback Special by R. STEVIE MOORE. One you might have missed from 1998 - I know I did, which is why it's here as I know there are lot of R. Stevie fans in this list.
Read more
rsteviemoore.bandcamp.com
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WILD HARE, by Kirk Adams
A release I missed from last year - and let's make sure YOU don't miss it now in early 2023. A gorgeous, laidback unpretentious early 70s McCartney vibe flows throughout this release that has its own ambience while weaving melodies that gently grip.
Read more
kirkadams.bandcamp.com
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THE WEEKLINGS, America's most unique celebration of the music and inspiration of The Beatles, offer their newest video single, a rocking re-imagining of The Beatles "I've Just Seen A Face" from their 1965 album Rubber Soul. A sitar drone draws you into and out of the track while a swirling, a capella moment waits to surprise you! No one re-imagines the music of The Beatles like The Weeklings.
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Have A Cool Summer! Summer-Pop Demos And 4-Track Gems...
First-ever digital release previously available only on 8-Track & Reel-To-Reel tape! DEMOS & 4-TRACK GEMS 1979-1989 from STEVE ROSENBAUM & it's exactly what the title promises: lo-fi delights from a gifted melody maker who's still going strong.
Read more
bigstirrecords.bandcamp.com
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Watch Canadian Prog Musician React To Hearing Jellyfish For Fhe First Time |
THE NERVOUS EATERS - Monsters + Angels
"An attempt to revive Boston’s gritty underground, a reminder of the creative commerce that used to drive the city. Like many rock ‘n’ roll records before this one, the meaningfulness of the music is guided by... an unadulterated energy."-WBUR.org
Read more
thenervouseaters.bandcamp.com
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PARTHENON HUXLEY Is Back!
New album right around the corner, jump over the Kickstarter & see the goodies P. has set up for his fans.
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New Podcast: Best Albums of 2022!
Almost two hours of interesting and informative commentary and, of course, a countdown of the TOP 25 albums of 2022 - from the POWER POP SHOW PODCAST.
Read more
www.podomatic.com
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One More Drink (Deluxe Edition), by The Streetwalkin'...
Garage punk vigilantes The Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs return with their first album of all original material in nearly 20 years."The world is a better place with bands like the SC in it releasing records & making a worthwhile noise." - Dom Daley
Read more
rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com
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Ryan Allen - The Last Rock Band EPK | Extra Arms
Plays with styles and sounds, with everything from classic rock stalwarts like the Who and Bowie showing up, to dabbling in space-country twang, punky Replacements barn burners, AC/DC riffage, and even a little bit of Depeche Mode-inspired synth pop
Read more
www.extraarmsband.com
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FUZZBUBBLE - Cult Stars From Mars
The band return with a fresh recording of one of the great hortatory party songs, right up there with Cheap Trick’s “Hello There”...A triumphant return." - Mike Baron, Pop Geek Heaven
Read more
fuzzbubble.bandcamp.com
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2X LP Version of one of the absolute all-time great and classic albums, "THE TOMS" |
PREORDER - Ships in Early March
First pressing black vinyl edition of 400 (does not include limited 7").
Shrinkwrapped in a double pocket gatefold jacket that includes a reproduction of the first LP's original lyric sheet, download code, and hype sticker.
Includes unlimited streaming of The TOMS (2023 Reissue) via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
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PHIL YATES & THE AFFILIATES - A Thin Thread
Holy Cow! I missed this one when it came out last summer & I want to make sure you don't miss it. A gripping, always invigorating and interesting listen, "A Thin Thread" follows its own playbook and rules, bowing to no one - and pulling you in.
Read more
philyates.bandcamp.com
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We all know Cotton Mather is very much already a 'wicked cool band' but can you believe it's been 25 years since "Kontiki" has been out?!
Here are some links to dig into and enjoy. I call your attention to the first one, an amazing deep dive interview with Robert Harrison discussing the band and this bonafide Mt. Rushmore presence in not only the power pop world but the whole landscape of the rock idiom.
Musings from Robert Harrison on "Kontiki" in Magnet magazine - CLICK HERE
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The Foreign Films - Magic Shadows (Q&A)
Bill Majoros (The Foreign Films) just keeps putting out one great record after the other. Magic Shadows is, again, full of richly arranged, cinematic pop songs. What a wonderful listening experience! What feeling would you like to leave the...
Read more
sweetsweetmusicblog.com
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RYAN HAMILTON - Haunted By The Holy Ghost
"Where this new album succeeds better than previous efforts is Hamilton’s attention to detail and his willingness to be both funny & honest..the musings of man with a child’s heart and a teenager’s brain. Plus, it rocks from start to finish."-TXMusic
Read more
ryanhamiltonwcr.bandcamp.com
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EVER WONDER WHAT HAPPENED THIS GREAT BAND?! |
Well, the band's guitarist and one of their chief songwriters is very active with continuing to create kick-ass tunes - and there's a lot planned in 2023 from IAN PERSON.
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Joy Of The 4th, by Bhopal's Flowers
Mmelodic & psychedelic songs, as an ode to the 4th degree of the musical scale. Fulfilled w/mellotron, harpsichord & leslie effect, this easy listening record merges joyful melodies from the sunshine pop era, spiced with Hindustani taste from BF.
Read more
bhopalsflowers.bandcamp.com
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Ransom and the Subset
Seattle band craft-full tunes full of energy, melody, and harmony. Ransom and the Subset Second album out Q2 2022. #11 2014 Top Rock Popdose http://popdose.com/2014-top-40-rock-and-pop-albums #1 October release on Record1001. Biography...
Read more
soundcloud.com
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Cheap Trick's 'Live at the Whisky 1977' Is an...
It's safe to say that more than one voracious music fan has found themselves thinking they might have been more careful in what they'd wished for: Experience has shown this recovering superfan that, with rare exceptions, we probably didn't really ...
Read more
variety.com
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Pop The World (The Free Album), by Dana Countryman
A FREE album, made up of various tracks from Dana Countryman's vocal pop albums.Here for promotional purposes. If you would like to use any of these songs in major motion pictures, Presidential Inaugurations, commercials for hemorrhoids - reach out!
Read more
danacountryman.bandcamp.com
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NEW VIDEO FROM
Johnathan Pushkar
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COOL ARTICLES FROM
POP GEEK HEAVEN:
REVIEWS FROM
MIKE BARON
Peruse, read and enjoy the last 3+ months of columns
(click on image to read)
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COOL ARTICLES FROM
JANGLE POP:
REVIEWS FROM
ERIC SORENSEN
Peruse, read and enjoy the last 3+ months of columns
(click on image to read)
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WE ALL SHINE: Celebrating the Music of 1970
From Neil Diamond to the Kinks and from Melanie to Donovan, there is a potpourri of pop music present and accounted for on WE ALL SHINE ON: CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF 1970. The watershed year 1970 was truly a special one in music: The Beatles released their final album, broke up, and saw each of their members find solo success. Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath stoked the early fires of both heavy metal and AOR. Artists such as James Taylor and Cat Stevens brought singer/songwriter vibes to the charts. The Stooges and Velvet Underground shone as early precursors of punk rock, in music and attitude. Glorious one-shots by the likes of Edison Lighthouse and R. Dean Taylor littered the top 40.
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POPSICKO
POPSICKO possessed everything it took to rule the airwaves in the '90s heyday of the alternative rock & punk-edged power pop sound: the jagged guitars, sweet hooks, acerbic lyrics, and, in the late Keith Brown, an electrifying frontman capable of crafting indelible and often heartbreakingly beautiful tunes. Seemingly destined to join the ranks of generational peers like Weezer and Green Day (with whom they shared stages several times) in the mid-'90s wake of Nirvana, the band's trajectory was tragically halted by the death of Brown in a car accident in late 1995. The songs left behind are cherished by those who were there, and await discovery by those who love the perfect loud fast pop song delivered with raw power, conviction and passion.
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STEVE STOEKEL
The long-awaited solo debut album from STEVE STOECKEL, founding member of Power Pop Hall Of Famers THE SPONGETONES. Featuring fifteen all-new tracks ranging from hook-heavy rockers in the Spongetones style to lovely folk-tinged jewels of melody,
The songs on the album, galloping rockers and bucolic idylls alike, are textbook studies in heartfelt songwriting economy. Each one packs a stunning wealth of melody and strikingly original imagery and wordplay into their brief run times, with the full 15-track record clocking in at a breezy 37 minutes. There's not a note or a word out of place and all of it's instantly memorable, inviting another spin as soon as the pyrotechnics of the closing track end with a resounding bang.
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Mend Your Heart, by Joe Dilillo
So, so good! Features Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. and Tim Smith of...well, you know, Jellyfish. Just this one song from 2022 - a teaser for more music in 2023. Stay tuned!
Read more
joedilillo.bandcamp.com
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Onwards and Upwards / Lucy (single), by Billy Tibbals
Moving from London to Hollywood back in 2014, Tibbals quickly found a love for the city and its esoteric, debauched history. Combining this with his childhood obsession with British rock and roll, surrealist literature, & musicals from the 1940’s
Read more
curation-records.bandcamp.com
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JEREMY talks first Cheap Trick album - proclaims it his favorite - and I agree. |
Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents (DeeVeeUs Records), by...
“There isn't a music on earth that better suits D'Angora's voice than girl-group-era R&B, with bonus points for writing songs that hold their own next to the classics.“ - The Boston Phoenix
Read more
rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com
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NEW BAND: The Blusterfields
Four lads of deep pedigree playing rock and roll music with a pop pulse. Driving, upbeat rock for swilling libations, driving, stage diving and more. Clever but not too much, all led by Mike Nicholson, leader of Stratocruiser for many years.
Read more
theblusterfields.bandcamp.com
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Discographies: Frank Barajas, the under-appreciated...
Visit the Goldmine store - it is a music collector's one-stop shop of vinyl, CDs, box sets, collectibles, collecting supplies, audio equipment, music history books and Goldmine-only exclusives. HERE As a music aficionado and collector, I am not...
Read more
www.goldminemag.com
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Lost Angel: The Genius of Judee Sill (Official Teaser...
LOST ANGEL: THE GENIUS OF JUDEE SILL is an intimate documentary portrait of a one-of-a-kind singer-songwriter from 1970s LA - Judee Sill. It charts her life from a troubled adolescence of addiction, armed robbery and prison through her meteoric...
Read more
www.youtube.com
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Out of Time: The Material Issue Story
Tells the story of Material Issue, a power pop trio from Chicago that was literally out of time, sandwiched between the post-punk era of the 80's and the alternative rock movement of the 90's.
Read more
www.factorytwentyfive.com
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Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Cover), by Kai...
Daring to take on a Mt. Rushmore classic. Watch video, too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNTb-_cgv9M&feature=youtu.be
Read more
kaidanzberg.bandcamp.com
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SUMMER SUNS - Eulalie (LP)
Reissue of long-out-of-print folk rock / power pop album with 2 additional tracks!
- Limited to 250 copies only!
Read more
www.hankypankyrecords.com
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Todd Rundgren on producing XTC's Skylarking with Andy Partridge |
Author Interview: Bill Kopp & History of 415 Records
The late '70s and early '80s was a golden era for regionally-focused indie record labels. London had Stiff Records, Minneapolis had Twin/Tone, Washington D.C. had Dischord, Southern California had SST, to name a few. And, for about a decade, San...
Read more
rememberthelightning.substa...
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The Progressive Rock Psychedelic BeatlesPop Show!
Please share this unique Podcast with like-minded Friends. Hailing near Bellingham Washington State and Played like the the "Old Fashioned FM Station" with Lots of Music and a little history and trivia thrown in, The Progressive Rock Psychedelic...
Read more
www.podomatic.com
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THOSE PRETTY WRONGS - Holiday Camp (w/ Jody Stephens)
Coming out end of March - with help from Mitch Easter and Chris Stamey, Big Star drummer Jody Stephens continues to flex his band muscles.
Read more
curation-records.bandcamp.com
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THE WHITE PAPER - E.P. Tracks 2012-2013
Two lost EPs of original songs by Claudio Cambedda's Beatles tribute band The White Paper, originally released to sell at their live shows in 2012-14.
Read more
garedunordrecords.bandcamp.com
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It's Pop-O-Rama 9!!! - Rock and Roll Globe
The Grapefruit Records special holiday edition Life is but a bowl of Grapefruit, as for this column, I do a synopsis on some of the excellent box sets the Cherry Red subsidiary label has released in 2022!
Read more
rockandrollglobe.com
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NEW RELEASES FROM MYRACLE BRAH's ANDY BOPP
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An Andy Bopp Compendium Reimagined and Compiled by Nick...
This album is a collection of previously released songs brilliantly remixed. "Proof that Bopp is still at the top of his game. As someone is always about the new, it was a thrill to be reminded how ace Myracle Brah were." I Don't Hear A Single
Read more
andybopp.bandcamp.com
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Can Hair Metal Be Power Pop?
Hear me out. The idea came after revisiting their multi-platinum debut, Look What The Cat Dragged In. It was released in 1986, at the height of my teenage fascination with Minneapolis punk/proto-alternative bands like The Replacements, Soul...
Read more
rememberthelightning.substa...
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Van Duren: '70s Power Pop Magician's Reappearing Act
Van Duren: '70s Power Pop Magician's Reappearing Act By Jim Allen · February 08, 2019 "I'm not one of those people who dwells on the past very much" isn't the first thing you expect to hear from a man whose 1978 debut album is at the center of a...
Read more
daily.bandcamp.com
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Sparks re-sign to Island Records 49 years after their...
Influential pop duo Sparks have returned to Island for the release of their 26th studio album, The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte. Read on for our exclusive on the deal with reaction from the Mael brothers, Island president Louis Bloom and manager...
Read more
www.musicweek.com
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Sunnyboys Review - Power Pop Veterans Provide...
Sunnyboys performed at Enmore Theatre, Sydney, on Saturday, 18th February. David James Young reviews. A series of black-and-white photographs are displayed on a big screen. Four young friends grin madly at the camera. Slow-motion footage shows...
Read more
www.yahoo.com
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STEPHEN'S SHORE - Green
"Four perfect slices of jangle pop. They have the melodies, they know their chiming guitars and how to sigh in the right way."
Read more
stephens-shore.bandcamp.com
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Mo Troper Covers Chris Bell's Power-Pop Classic "I Am...
In 1974 and 1975, the late Big Star co-leader Chris Bell recorded a solo album that didn't come out until long after his death. The 27-year-old Bell died in a 1978 car crash, and his only solo album I Am The Cosmos came out 14 years later.
Read more
www.stereogum.com
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Video Premiere: "Time Changes Everything" by Chris Picco
With his latest single "Time Changes Everything" from his forthcoming album Split Down The Middle -out March 22- Chris Picco is poised to add his name to the roll call of great power pop auteurs, from Todd Rundgren and Matthew Sweet, to more...
Read more
bigtakeover.com
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THE MARTIAL ARTS - Getting Stranger By The Month
From early 2021 and the follow-up to 2019's 'I Used To Be The Martial Arts', 'Getting Stranger By The...
Read more
themartialarts.bandcamp.com
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Slumberjet
Last release from 2019 from SLUMBERJET, who were around during the Not Lame years and also known as Nutrajet in the late 90s.
Read more
open.spotify.com
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FROM ONE OF MY FAVORITE RELEASES OF 2022:
TAMAR BERK
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Powerpop Favorites
45 song playlist from one Daniel Rowell, who I did not know but certainly appears to dig the POWER in the Pop. Rawk, no Roll, folks.
Read more
open.spotify.com
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Two New Singles by The Shivvers
"No Substitute" b/w " "Please Stand By" b/w "Life Without You" (Bachelor Archives Records) Remember Tonight" Decades after an initial bloom, Milwaukee power pop group The Shivvers continue to be discovered by new generations of music fans.
Read more
shepherdexpress.com
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INSANEY GREAT NEW SONG FROM THE GUESS SHOW (that sounds like a Jellyfish outtake) |
THE VAPORS "I'd rather be a one-hit wonder than a no-hit..."
The Beatles were the first band I saw, at the age of 10 at the Gaumont cinema in Bournemouth in 1963. I couldn't hear a bloody thing because of the girls screaming. After that, I wanted to be in a band.
Read more
www.theguardian.com
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ONE MAN BANDS
There have always been guys who did it all themselves, sometimes in a studio, sometimes in their garage. The computer age, and greatly improved and compact recording equipment, have made it much easier for the lone genius to record his own album...
Read more
mikebaron.substack.com
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The Mayflies USA - Reflecting on the 25th Anniversary of ...
The Album First Came Out on January 1, 1998 By Austin Saalman North Carolinian cult power pop outfit The Mayflies USA emerged triumphantly from the rich Chapel Hill music scene to deliver three noteworthy college indie releases in the late 1990s...
Read more
www.undertheradarmag.com
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THE LAISSEZ FAIRS - Singing In Your Head
"Enriched with strong Power Pop, Weird, Folk Rock, Freakbeat fragrances and a touch of Pop Baroque! If you are looking for an album where Sixties Psyche, Power Pop, Freakbeat, Mod, Garage Punk combine without falling into clichés."Garage Grenoble
Read more
rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com
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THE TELEPHONES - click on the link below and dig into 25 songs a band that furiously punks up their pop in frenetic buzzsaw fashion. They've been around since 1998 and are still going, catch yourself up if you like it loud 'n proud.
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IN MEMORY OF:
Anthony Henderson and Garry Littleton, founders of AUDITIES
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON FACEBOOK.
"Some Sad News In My Music World....now, Tom Verlaine died a few days ago and I should post something long and deep about the impact his music, along with his band Television, had on my life since I picked up the "Little Johnny Jewel" 7" single in 1976 but I'll leave that for others, who will do it better anyway - and go more personal.
A music friend died a few days ago, who was a kindred music-loving soul who took his passion for music and, with this fellow music loving & life partner, Gary Littleton, started a print music magazine(fanzine) at the same time I started up my record label and music distribution company, Not Lame Recordings, in 1995. His name was and lives on as Anthony Henderson, co-founder of Audities.
You can stop reading here if you have, indeed, read this far. If you read on, there's a bit more and a note I sent this old friend some months back when I heard his health was struggling.
If you were a power pop fan in the 90s, you likely came across one of the fanzines of that time, Audities. Founded by two 'everyday, regular' fans, Gary Littleton and Anthony Henderson, this passionate-driven couple helped document a very special period in the explosion of 'power pop' to a then-growing larger audience. The 90s were that for the genre. The inspiration and impact of Audities, at least me and the work I was doing with my own fledgling enterprise with Not Lame Recordings at the time was significant.
I heard of Anthony's health struggles some months back and some of the sadness he was feeling with the work of Audities being forgotten, faded. A very real, complex and deeply nuanced human emotion that we all wrestle with as we get older, I believe. I reached out to him via email and on FB months back and, sadly, did not hear back from him but I'd like to think he received my message. I am going to share some of it with you below to gently remind music fans that so much of the legacy work with music passions are done by regular folks, who can't play a chord or carry a tune - but...keep the music alive. AUDITIES did that, in his brief, but influential time.
"Anthony, I'm not one for lingering on the past, I try to orient to the future as much as possible. That said, I am blessed to have many happy memories and blessings experienced in my life and those very early years of Not Lame in the mid 90s/late 90s will always be (very)special - there's kindred, connected spirit of those great friends and fellow music warriors from that time who hold a lasting special place of appreciation in my heart.
You and Gary were and are still part of that special feeling of gratitude. The two of you did mighty, important work which helped propel a modest movement for getting indie power pop music heard by the newly internet connected thousands - who found each other and lifted up the music when just a few years before, it was impossible to locate it.
If you don't know it - or you've left it on the shelf in another of life's many dusty memories you get to 'our age' and forgotten - you should know and be aware that many still talk about Audities very fondly and not only just remember it, but attach an importance and continued appreciation for the music gifts and information it brought into their lives. It was - and still remains - a very special, unique time for a great many.
Because I have a foot in 'these things' in music still because of hobby, side hustle work, I do hear this - and you should know that the two of you did some work in its brief but perfect window that has had an important influence and impact on many music fans."
Godspeed, Gary and Anthony - your works mattered."
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