Back in July I featured the release of The Seasongs fantastic LP "Out of the City" and now the band have released a FREE EP DOWNLOAD of tracks from the album, which serves as a perfect introduction for those of you that don't yet have a copy.
This album has been a mainstay of my music listening since it arrived and will certainly be in my end of year list, go grab this free download and find out why!
Download the FREE EP and check out the bands album and other releases here: Bandcamp
Contact, befriend, follow, like and love the band here: Facebook
The "Ice Cream Man" has been asked to spin some records tomorrow in store at Skivhallen in Majorna, Gothenburg, if you are in the area, come along and join us for a good eclectic mix of music and browse through the copious amounts of vinyl, in every genre, on offer at the store.
Check out Skivhallen here: Facebook they ship all over the world, so if you are looking for anything in particular, drop them a message, they may just have it!
"Ice Cream Man Power Pop and More!" supporting local business since tomorrow!
This is a wonderful album, if like me you like some trippy, psychadelic, sixties, swirling organ then have a listen to this. There is an obvious "Doors" reference but look beyond that as there is so much more in the music and lyrics.
This is the debut album for a Wellington outfit known for their freaky and electric live performances in bars, lounges, masquerade parties, practically anywhere you can lug a Hammond organ. With a live recording circulating in the underground for a few years and a bit of radio play here and there Ginger Brown have built up a strong and mysterious rep and must have wanted to get an album out there pretty quick. The huge psychedelic carnival sound is captured well throughout 'Who Scared Who' with the skill of Nic McGowan from Island Bay Studios, but does settle at times in that difficult area of translating an energetic live performance into a mastered studio album.
The skill of Lawrence Taula on organ is hard to ignore as is his vocal range stretching from high and forlorn to howling and deranged. Joe Dobson kicks out a diverse and talented sound on drums and must go through a few skins, while Matthew Armitage completes the trio on guitar with solid '60s rockabilly respectability. A slight tease of instrumentals feature, showing promise for these guys to deliver more sans vocals.
Songs such as Boston Dance, It's the Weekend and Blinded by the Light deliver a real show of power for Ginger Brown and make them easily one of the most unique and modern/nostalgic bands about at present. I think in the future they could better focus on creating different music for their studio albums, possibly going a bit 'concept' and then, when they feel the need, record a live one. (NZ-music)
I was sent a copy of this album by a fan of Wolveramptons, The Clocktower, who was bubbling with enthusiasm for them and suggesting that I should have a feature on the blog. I had already heard of the band but had only heard the song "Kiss Ya Glass" which is somewhat of an anthem for the band.
The first thing that strikes you on the opening track, "Nostalgica" is the similarities to Oasis especially with the vocals, this is followed by "Black River Forest" which is a cross between mid career Inspiral Carpets and Space, the bands influences are definately from the Britpop era and I for one certainly have no problem with that at all, they wear their influences openly and proudly, in amongst the dirge of music being force fed to daytime (and night time) radio listeners, The Clocktower are a real breath of fresh air that will hopefully wake up a nation of disaffected youth.
The album is mainly an uptempo affair but the inclusion of a couple of slower numbers like "Mr Wallace" and "Things will Fall" helps to balance the album out nicely, giving you the chance to get your breath back too!
This is the bands debut album, following a few EP releases, and I sincerely believe The Clocktower will flourish and grow into something very special, the songs are extremely well written and the guys know how to deliver them, and, looking at the bands photos on the internet, it looks like they are having fun and in 34 years of watching live music I have learnt that when a band is having fun, you will have fun too!
The Clocktower are a band to watch, I think the future could be very bright for them, so it is good to see that they are taking the precautionary measure of wearing sunglasses most of the time!
The Clocktower are:
Lead Vox/Guitarist/Songwriter - Ryan Evans Backing Vox/Guitarist/Songwriter - Ian Dowdeswell Bass Guitar - Andy OBrien Drums & Percussion - Connor Dowdeswell
Contact, befriend, like and love The Clocktower here: Facebook
The band are currently setting up wider distribution of the album and it will be available at itunes, play.com and Amazon in the near future, for physical copies contact the band via facebook.
With an album in the wings due for imminent release, Nick Capaldi warms us up with a very limited edition 7" single.
Nick's music is best described as everything that was groovy and cool about the sixties, with a twist of Power Pop and a touch of the now included. From the very opening of "Stanley Arms" you are transfixed by the Small Faces type organ sounds, chopping guitars, powerful vocals and well crafted lyrics and melodies. This is really super, uber, cool grooving music, but don't take my word for it, have a listen!
Nick is backed by the also very talented multi instrumentalist Gaz Owen along with Luke Watson and Thomas Hughes.
"Loving the new single, sounds perfect for summer"
- 'Whispering' Bob Harris - BBC Radio 2
"I love it! So much, that I bought it!!!! Really, really cool stuff"
- Brad Pemberton of Ryan Adams and the Cardinals
“Beautiful melodies and voice”
- P J Harvey
"Not Just a breath of fresh air, this is a gale force 9!!!"
- Chris Kimsey - Producer of the Rolling Stones, Ash, Peter Frampton
Nick Capaldi's album will be out on November the 20th and will be featured here on the blog.
Contact, befriend, follow, like and love Nick Capaldi here: Facebook
Buy the limited edition single, listen to more tracks etc at Nick's official website here: Official
Our friends over at POWERPOPAHOLIC.COM have put together this rather splendid compilation album following their very own festival and all the proceeds from the sale of the album will go to The American Red Cross in order to help those that suffered after the recent hurricane Sandy.
Bands on the album: Lannie Flowers, Sitcom Neighbor, Cliff Hillis, The Wellingtons, The Honeymoon Stallions, Rick Hromadka (Maple Mars), King Washington, Eytan Mirsky, John Laprade, The Heartless Devils, Joe Giddings (Star Collector), The Hillary Step, Dave Rave, Vinnie Zummo, The Turnback, The Toms and Klaatu. Over 17 songs for your listening pleasure! It’s a great way to discover new sounds at a great price and help those in need.
Let me introduce you to a band raised on a steady diet of Motown, Soul, British Invasion and tons of Nick Lowe. Larabee are a breath of fresh air in a manic world, armed with little nuggets of country tinged rock and roll with some power pop sensibilities. The bands first EP "Expose a Little Wire" was released last year, however, Matt Maguire, singer/songwriter/guitarist is no newcomer to the music scene, he was in a band called The Bensons back in the late 80's which broke up after a couple of years and after a decade and a half of absence from the music scene (the usual break of work and family) he decided to dust the guitars off and start recording music again and for that we should be grateful.
This summer Larabee released a new instrumental single, "Sunset Drive" which has a distinctly twangy surf sound, something for the after surf chill out maybe?
All in all, after listening to these offerings, I can only hope that Larabee go on to release a full length long player sometime in the not too distant future.
Contact, befriend, follow, like and love Larabee here: Facebook
Phenomenal Cat release the tenth single in the single a month for 2012 project and they are showing no signs of exhausting the pace. Bearing in mind that these songs are written, constructed and recorded every month, the quality of the each song is extremely impressive and "World of Secret Pleasure" is no exception.
Some bands take two years to write and record a ten track album of this quality, we have 10 great tracks in just ten months and two more to follow to complete the project.
Show the band your support by downloading the single FREE or Name Your Price. The band hope to release a physical copy of the album on vinyl sometime next year so every penny made will go into that and hopefully recording a follow up album, although I think the band may take a couple of months break after this marathon!
Phenomenal Cats Tim and Dan lay down some brass in the garage for last months "Leisurewear" single.
Download "World of Secret Pleasure" and the previous 9 releases here: Bandcamp
Contact, befriend, like and love Phenomenal Cat here: Facebook
Kurt Baker's first full length since leaving The Leftovers and he has delivered, as near to damn it, the perfect Power Pop album with "Brand New Beat." The songs are extremely infectious, as we have come expect from Kurt's offerings, and as per usual we lose the ability to sit still for the duration of the album whilst joining in on every chorus on every track.
Kurt has a saying "Have a good time all the time" this is a saying he clearly lives by and it certainly transcends into his music which is fun from start to finish, on this album, and on his 3 previous EP releases. The songs are well well crafted with a good mix of melody and rawness to them, this is real kicking rock 'n'roll music.
A teaspoon of Elvis Costello, a half pint of Paul McCartney, a gallon of Joey Ramone and just a dash of Rick Nielsen...put it in your nose, mouth or oven on a Saturday night. By 2AM you'll have something resembling the likes of Kurt Baker. Repeat often.
4077 Photography.
This album has basically walked into my top albums of the year list and Kurt Baker has proved beyond any doubt, that he is a master craftsmen when it comes to Power Pop, in years to come when we are talking about the Power Pop classics, Kurt's name will be right up there with the best of them and I am sure that there is still more to come, hopefully much, much more!
4077 Photography.
Contact, befriend, follow like and love Kurt Baker here: Facebook
Buy and stream the album and previous releases here: Bandcamp
Could The Sharp Darts be your new favourite band with their melting pot of Indie/Revival Mod/Power Pop fusions? They are a relatively newly formed band hailing from Birmigham with the added spice of an Australian member amongst their ranks.
Listening to this EP, you certainly get a flavour of nostalgia from the likes of The La's, Oasis, The Libetines, The Real People and even Paul Weller's earlier album offerings, partner that with some well crafted tunes, uptempo stompers and some tight two part harmonies and you have a recipe for a band that could be destined to go far.
If the world was a just place and the music scene wasn't being bombarded with the shit from X-Factor and the like, then we might be able to enjoy and reign in the talents of bands like The Sharp Darts and have another exciting era of music.
The Sharp Darts are currently playing around the West Midlands but are looking to cast their net further afield, so keep an eye out for them, or better still ask your local promoters to book them, don't forget to wave your shoes, don't throw them though, you may have to walk home in the rain!
Contact, befriend, follow, like and love The Sharp Darts here: Facebook
Sundials from Richmond VA argue the point that nothing is free in life by giving this rather superb album away for FREE and a rather splendid affair it is too!
If you enjoyed the punk pop sounds of Weezer and early Lemonheads then you will revel in delight with this band as they offer all that and more. The songs are catchy and melodic and will have you singing along to the chorus on the very first listen.
The album is available for free on the bands bandcamp page but they also have a "Name Your Price" going on as well, if you like what you hear, do make a contribution to the band as it goes a long way to making sure that we get to hear more from them in the future and that would be great!
"When I Couldn't Breathe" is a really great uptempo, exciting album, I wish more bands would make music like this so we can breathe again!
Sundial are: Harris M. - guitar/vocals Carl A. - bass/vocals Cory C. - drums
Nine Times Blue are an Atlanta based band, who unashamedly wear their power pop/rock influences on their sleeves, often compared to The Gin Blossoms, The Smithereens and Jimmy Eat World, this band delivers classic sounds evoking thoughts of the classic era of Power Pop, whilst also conveying a sound and style which is very much in the now.
Full of songs about love, heartache, loss and hope…Nine Times Blue continues the tradition forged by their influences by blending infectious hooks, layered harmonies, melodic guitars, McCartney-esque bass lines and a driving backbeat to make you tap your foot and sing along, whether it’s a song about new found love or a devastating break-up. “Falling Slowly” brings to mind the catchiest of Gin Blossoms songs interlaced with Coldplay and Snow Patrol’s lush guitars, and the lush background vocals on “Serena” remind one of the Beach Boys and Jellyfish. "Crazy To Think" is the best song that Nick Lowe never wrote. “Fun and Games” highlights the influence today’s Americana artists have had on Nine Times Blue’s primary songwriter – Kirk Waldrop.
The nine track album that will be released on November 20th is certainly one for those who like their power pop with a rockier edge, although that said, there are enough jangly guitars and melodies for this to sit comfortably in anyones collection, I have really enjoyed these songs and I can see myself pulling this one out for some long journeys in the car as it also makes for excellent driving music, not to be confused with "Drive Time Music" which is usually dull and mundane which are words that can't be associated with this album.
Contact, befriend, follow, like and love the wonderful Nine Times Blue here: Facebook
Ashbury Keys is a Texas-based alternative rock band centered around brothers David and Darwin Keys. David Keys acts as the band’s principal songwriter, lead vocalist, and guitarist, while Darwin Keys provides drums and vocals. Bassist and vocalist Bill Walter rounds out the band’s core lineup. With a premium placed on strong melodies, Ashbury Keys has assimilated the sounds of such influences as the Beatles, Radiohead and the Smiths to produce its own brand of rock that has garnered critical comparisons to bands ranging from the Foo Fighters, All-American Rejects and Weezer to the Cure.
The band’s catalog contains three full-length cd releases: Ashbury Keys, Dancers and Growing Up. The releases resulted in multiple nominations for Best Alternative Rock Band by the Houston Press, performances on nationally syndicated television shows, song placements in MTV's The Hills and Degrassi, featured tracks on industry websites such as kings of a&r and notlame.com, and significant airplay on college and internet radio. The band has provided live showcase and conference performances in venues from Los Angeles to Chicago to Austin, and shows supporting acts such as Oleander, Evan Dando, the Deftones, Splendor, Blue October, Bob Schneider, and the Subways.
Ashbury Keys released a new EP this year titled Wake Up. Engineered and produced by Louie Lino of Nada Surf and Matt Pond PA acclaim, the new recording provides yet another sample of the superb melodic rock of Ashbury Keys. The band just completed successful shows in Liverpool, England supporting the EP as part of the 2012 International Pop Overthrow Festival, and will perform additional IPO shows in San Francisco and Austin later this year.
Known in the Northwest as the front man for TubeTop (debut album co-produced by Peter Buck of R.E.M.) and The Tycoons, Guss has toured extensively as a member of Nada Surf, and playing piano for Jon Auer (The Posies/ Big Star), Fountains of Wayne, and Harvey Danger. On High is Gavin Guss’ second solo album, and follows a recent 7” single from Fin Records, “Riga in the Fall,” [FIN-LE7-028] – that was released in the summertime (always preparing for inevitable autumn) and this one comes to you in the Fall. This record cures both blues, and perhaps year-round, too.
This is a fantastic album, on first listen it reminded me a little, well, quite a lot of Ken Stringfellows album "Touched" which I fell in love with on the first play and Gavin's album has had the same effect on me, although I am now hearing a few of his influences and discovering Gavin's own stylings, which are extremely pleasing to the ears of this listener.
The style is smart indie rock inspired by the classic melodic songwriting of the 60's and early 70's, wistful and humorous, often at the same time
Some fantastic Indie/Power Pop/Surf from Madrid. Los Autonautas, deliver a really delightful album full of cool breezy songs, jangly guitar, hooks and harmonies.
The album is sung completely in Spanish, but this doesn't detract in any way from the quality of the songs and if you don't speak Spanish, I am sure you will find yourself singing along anyway and becoming fluent in next to no time, even if you don't know what you are singing!
If we are to believe the bands bio, which I translated via "Google Translate," Los Autonautas met 4 decades ago when members of the band met after a mistake in interstellar travel and all landed in 1960's California, the band all took on human forms except for Mr Pazos, who, as a gas matter couldn't do this. The band then took up playing instruments in order to study the youth of the planet and began writing songs of desire, love, despair, excitement and the desire to annoy.
Fearing the US government, the band returned to "Rhea" (13th Moon of Jupiter) where they penned their songs, which they regularly return to earth to share with us.
Ok, I think that Google translate is having a laugh too, but hey ho, this is a fine album, go check it out yourself.
Right, let's kick the week into gear with something uptempo and a bit noisy, in a good way of course!
Riccobellis, from Italy, are by their own admission, "Infected by Ramones." You could say they wear their influences openly on their sleeves and yes they do, they also wear it on their T-Shirts too with the "Infected by Ramones" being the bands logo.
The bands original songs are short and sharp, with just one of them on this album going over the 3 minute mark. Plenty of songs on here (naturally) referencing The Ramones like, "Now I wanna be a bad boy," "Julie is a Punk Girl," "Dreaming of R'nR High School" and let's face it, if you are going to be infected by a band , you should be infected by something fun and exciting like The Ramones. You may also find little nuggets of other classic bands slipping in here and there, for example, there is a feel of "Another Girl, Another Planet" in the intro of "You don't know why" but it is all good!
Riccobellis aren't out to break any moulds here or take originality any further than their song writing, just paying homage to a great sound, having some fun, so jump aboard and join them!
KJARR is the new, rather psychedelic pop project by Kjartan F. Ólafsson, formerly songwriter and producer with acclaimed Icelandic group, Ampop and currently also keyboard player with Icelandic rockers, Leaves.
The bands debut album was carefully crafted over three years in Iceland and Scotland and serves up a lovely twist of psychedelic pop with traces of The Beach Boys, Wings, ELO and later Beatles arrangements.
The albums comes to life with one of two tracks sung in Icelandic, "Beöiö eftir sumrinu" which translates as "Waiting for Summer" a rather glorious production which had me thinking of The Beatles, "A Day in the Life" in terms of production only, followed by the song "Lottery" which Ray Davies himself could have penned and performed, however this song and the rest of the album are certainly not devoid of originality, there is a certain deftness of the songwriter and musicians here, creating an album that won't have you bouncing around the room but will certainly grab your attention and draw you in and leave you wanting more.
Album available to buy, stream and download: Bandcamp
Contact, befriend, follow, like and love Kjarr: Facebook
As from yesterday (18th of October) those generous guys the "Research Turtles" made all of their albums and music available for FREE Download, including frontman Jud Norman's solo debut LP which was only released yesterday.
With musical reference points that stretch from the 60's era to the present day, but floating comfortably around the late 60's early 70's, but also very much in the now, this is, as the band so eloquently put it, "Beautiful music for beautiful people!"
The Electric Stars have chosen the perfect title for this album with "Sonic Candy Soul" there is power, sweetness and plenty of soul in every track. If you could imagine a supergroup created from The Small Faces, T-Rex, Bowie, Stones, early Pink Floyd, New York Dolls, only better, then that is exactly what you have here in this band, this is, without any doubt, one of the best releases this year, if not the best!
Andy Bee – Guitar Keef Whitehead – Bass French Jonny – Drums Damien Lawson – Guitar Jason Edge – Vocals/Songwriter Backing Vocals – Denise Johnson (Primal Scream)
This is an album of absolutely epic proportions in every aspect, from the songwriting, musicianship, right down to the production, everything is right about this album and with the promise of a new album next year, one can only wonder where The Electric Stars will take us on their next trip.
If you only buy one record this year, buy this one and then buy everyone else you love a copy too!
Contact, follow, befriend, like and love The Electric Stars here: Facebook
