Ice Cream Man Power Pop and More debut show on Swedens Radio Andra.

The Ice Cream Man Power Pop and More show on Swedens Radio Andra.

Double click on the title in the player to go to the Podomatic page to get track details.

Win a "Death Valley Rally" EP.

Our friends over at Planting Seeds Records have given us 3 copies of "Death Valley Rally's" debut EP for a competition, simple to enter, simply like "Death Valley Rally's" facebook page (lnks below) and send me an e-mail address with your full name.  Planting Seeds Records will be passed the names and will draw three lucky winners at random next Thursday.  Good luck.

Like Death Valley Rally's facebook page here to enter: Facebook

Send your name and valid e-mail address to me here: icecreammanpowerpop@hotmail.com

Keep up with all the Planting Seeds Records releases here: Facebook

Keep up with the Ice Cream Man blog activity here: Facebook

The Grimm Generation - The Big Fame. OUT NOW!

"The Big Fame" is the second full length release from this Connecticut outfit and this release finds the band shifting up to top gear and pressing the accelerator firmly to the floor.

Carmen Champagne and Jason P Krug started the band as an outlet for suburban tales of menace that they came to recognize. Love lust and longing, addiction, poverty and lives lived online all became fuel for the duo's form or carnal rock.

With the new album the band continue to identify the oddities of modern life in society, Carmen's distinctive vocals add a somewhat haunting touch to the proceedings, which is lifted by Jason's driving acoustic guitar to a less scary place.....until you listen to the lyrics of course.

I have been a fan of The Grimm Generation since my first listen, immediately hooked onto the concept of the "Grimm Twins" (as Carmen and Jason refer to themselves) song writing and of course, with their chosen subject matter for their music, we are assured a longevity for the band and for that I am actually grateful that society is a little bit odd, well, very odd, but "Rock 'N' Roll" all the same.

I asked Carmen and Jason to pick a song off the album and tell us something exclusively about it, they chose the albums second track "The Next Indie Boy," but before we hear what they have to say, let's take a listen to the song.

 

The Grimm Twins on 'The Next Indie Boy'

(Jason) What we tend to write about is what we know. So were light on GeoPolitics (as we aren't especially bright) and tend to have faith in the The Sex and The Drugs and The Rock And Roll versus The Father, Son and Holy Ghost. And, on occasion, we will write about each other.

(Carmen) Hmm, right...on occasion.

(Jason) 'The Next Indie Boy' was a song Carmen wrote while observing a long online break up between me and an ex. The idea was a song for the ex stating 'don't worry about it. Another singer will come along...'. Which I did not appreciate. But...it was so good. The lyrics so perfectly capture that morning/mourning after effect of a break up, when all the memories are fresh and the ex's things still fill your bedroom. More specific, the line about 'your work shirt lying around...' which I thought nailed that feeling in real time.

(Carmen) Indeed, Jason's break up was the inspiration, but it could have been me or any number of women who find they want to move on from a relationship but they just can't let go of what could have been. The gamut of emotions, from despair to indignation to flat out frustration of not being able to move on that you feel during that time runs alongside the chorus (I just can't shake it) quite nicely, I think.

(Jason) Bringing the band in to the studio for 'The Next Indie Boy', we amped it up, faster, more driving, more Rock and Roll...and came up with a sound that can't be compared to any bands I know, but purely pop music. (Carmen) The overlay of words that Jason came up with in the bridge, the 'he says" version of the story, is just two sentences. That, to me, was delicious as it fit the dynamic of an unrequited love so wonderfully: growing the object of affection into a myth. Meanwhile, the myth already has his hands up another skirt.

(Jason) Regarding the video, its a tribute / obvious rip off of The Replacements 'Left Of The Dial' video.

(Carmen) Always go for the cheap thrill.

Contact, befriend, follow, like, love, become a part of The Grimm Generation here: Facebook

Buy and download The Big Fame here: cdbaby and itunes

Official Website: www.thegrimmgeneration.com

Friday on my mind with, The Solicitors - Quicksand & Mark Crozer & The Rels - Backburner.

The Solicitors have a new song out which you can get free when you buy their "Made To Measure" or buy it as a seperate track.

"Quicksand" is the name of the single, something the band is obviously not standing in as this band are floating to new heights with their infectious blend of power pop and, dare I say it, becoming one of the hottest exports from the Australian music world.  Check out the video and then check out more of The Solicitors.

Find the "Quicksand" track here with the other great releases from this band here: Bandcamp

Contact, befriend, follow, like, love and keep up with all the bands news here: Facebook

...............................................................................................................................................................

This time last year Mark Crozer and The Rels released a sterling self titled album that helped make summer feel a little bit longer with its sparkling tunes and now they have released another early autumn gem, in the shape of a 7 track mini album, that will also bring back the warmth of summer to your hearts, minds and ears.

These 7 tracks are all songs to die for, this outfit doesn't seem to put one foot out of place when it comes to making perfect pop songs.

Those of you not familiar with the name Mark Crozer may like to know that he was a member of both The Jesus and The Mary Chain and the highly acclaimed International Jetsetters and now he is finding acclaim with his own band and quite right too, this is sure to become a favourite album of many new and old fans alike.

Buy and stream the album here: Bandcamp

Contact, befriend, follow, like and love the band here: Facebook

...................................................................................................................................................................

The Young Sinclairs Competition Winners.

Firstly, thank you to everyone who took part, sadly there could only be three winners and those lucky people are:

Bruce Dumes, Emma (with the mod related E mail) and Gene Brown.

Congratulations to you all, Planting Seeds Records will be in touch with you soon for your mailing addresses.

We will hopefully be running another competition in association with Planting Seeds Records very soon.

Win a copy of The Young Sinclairs latest EP. Three copies up for grabs!

The cool folks at Planting Seeds Records have very kindly given "Ice Cream Man Power Pop and More" 3 copies of The Young Sinclairs EP, which is due for release next week, to give away to exclusively to our readers.

All you have to do is send an e mail to me HERE  (icecreammanpowerpop@hotmail.com)with your name and an e-mail address and like Planting Seeds record on Facebook HERE and next Wednesday September 18th we will choose 3 names from the hat and send them a copy of this fantastic EP.

Good Luck!

Saints and Sinners, a Sunday round up with The King In Mirrors, Ondadrops Vol.8 (Free garage album), Sunday Guts, Gleeson and Theatre Royal.

Hailing from Swindon, UK, The King In Mirrors, play some poppy, jangly gems reminiscent of the style of the Go Betweens and several of the bands that featured on the Sarah label like The Field Mice, which is most apparent on the EP's third track, the brilliant "Gaurdian Angel" which could have very easily sat comfortably amongst the best releases from that band.

The band was formed in 2012 by Rich May and the mini album "The KIng In Mirrors" was released the same month the band was formed and the band are now back with the "Rolling In The Sun" EP which has four tracks of lo-fi indie, post punk pop with rough and ready guitars and great tunes for your listening pleasure.

Stream and buy the EP and Mini album here: Bandcamp

Contact, befriend, follow, like and love The King In Mirrors here: Facebook

...................................................................................................................................................................

I only became aware of this collection after blog faves The Sensibles dropped me a copy of their song that is included within the grooves and I have to say that it is an absolutely immense collection of songs from bands such as The Sensibles, Dead Ghosts, Los Vigilantes, Good Habits, Midwest Beat, Pop Zeus to mention just a few.

This is garage music at it rawest, dirtiest and most beautiful and if that wasn't enough to whet your appetite, it is all FREE too!

Get it free here: Ondarock

Be sure to trawl your way through all the other volumes and this amazing webiste.

...................................................................................................................................................................

I received a nice e mail from these guys which sums up their music, drive and influences in their own words really well....so, here they are!

"We, Sunday Guts, are a guitar pop band from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.  The band is primarily the music project of Billy Kilgannon (Vocals/Guitar/Programming), with collaboration from close friend Victor Berger IV (Bass/Vocals/Keyboard).  We enjoy the exquisite songwriting of XTC, Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Robert Pollard, The Free Design and Joe Jackson.  Tegan & Sara and Wavves are some of the newer acts we like, too.  Emphasis is heavy on vocal hooks, interesting chord structure, open-for-interpretation lyrics, and actual guitar "riffs".  In other words, the guitar is a way to enhance the composition of the song, along with sonic reinforcement.  We also laid in some string samples (the Mellotron sound) here and there, for some depth and variation. 

"Leave it Go" was created by trading files over sites like Wetransfer.com.  The skeleton of the songs would be arranged, and sent off to Victor.  He'd add bass and a bunch of tight harmonies, then send those individual tracks back.  This seems to be a standard procedure for many artists in 2013. 

The high point for us is "Edge of the Universe" (track 3).  We've been in bands together for a long time, and have mutual interest in each others' work.  Yet, this is the first song we've ever really wrote together.  Vic came up with the heart of the song, and I finished it off with a bridge and the words.  We are very proud of all four songs, as well as our previous release - Grey Tipi."

Stream and buy the EP here: Bandcamp

Contact, befriend, follow, like and love Sunday Guts here: Facebook

...................................................................................................................................................................

Gleeson are a rock 'n' roll band with some fantastic influences like Ray Davies, Big Star, The Beatles, GBV, Queen, Superchunk and others and there are a few nods to their heroes on this album and when your influences are that great, why not and secondly, it has helped mould a really great album.

This Austin based band has taken some time in getting their songs to fruition with the ideas having been   stored in a "concept warehouse" for many years, but they say the best things are worth waiting for and eventually a band was formed featuring song writer Ty Chandler and father and son Raul Vela III & IV and the songs were given the light of day....thankfully.

This is a really great album, possibly a bit long at 22 tracks, that said, they are all of excellent quality which you may not expect from such a vast collection and this listener is now off to listen to this bands back catologue too!

Stream and buy this album for a "Name Your Price" fee here: Bandcamp

Contact, befriend, follow, like and love Gleeson here: Facebook

...................................................................................................................................................................

"Here it Comes" is the first single from this Medway Power Pop outfits 3rd album which is nearing completion and which promises to be something of another classic album from this conurbation and unitary authority in South East England that is well known for producing top quality musicians such as The Prisoners and a million Billy Childish outfits.

Theatre Royal break the mold of the punky, mod, garage band normally associated with the area and to me honest, when I read that they came from the Medway, I could almost hear the songs, or so I thought, shame on me for stereo typing!  Theatre Royal are a breath of fresh Power Pop that doesn't fail but to give a fantastic audible experience.

I think that Theatre Royal are going to become well played around here and I haven't even found my way through their whole back catologue and I already love them!

Stream and buy the single here (and check out the back catologue) Bandcamp

Contact, befriend, follow, like and love Theatre Royal here: Facebook

Ice Cream Man guests for Mister Suave's Mod Mod World podcast show.

I was very kindly asked to make a return visit to "Mister Suave's Mod Mod World" with another guest host podcast, some of the songs crossed over onto my recent pilot podcast, but I think this one worked out a little better in terms of quality.  Please check it out, share it amongst friends and check out all the great shows that Mister Suave does as well.

Full track listing:

The Above - The girl with the peacock tattoo
The Solicitors - Pretty Penny
Mark and The Spies - Please Think it over
Nick Piuntin - 13 in my head 
The Pinecones - Kimbererley Keep
The Most - I Don't want it
The Sympathy - When The Sun Goes Down
The Riots - Out Of Control 
The Shade - Tommy aint your thief
Shelta - Faraday
Stephen Lawrenson - Words to say
Souvenir Stand - Days I spent with you
Bobby Fuller Four - Magic Touch
The Judes - Let's fall in love again
Attic Lights - Say You love me

Check out Mister Suave's Mod Mod World shows here: http://www.mistersuave.com

The Sharks - Cocaine Radio EP OUT NOW for FREE DOWNLOAD

They are back again after what seems ages, of course it isn't ages, just a couple of months which seems like a lifetime for this band of prolific songsmiths, and what a brilliant release they have for us.....again!

In the past two years, I have twice made a trip back home to England from Sweden to see bands, one of course was The Sharks and, their live performance is every bit as exciting as their music and was well worth the trip, so if you get a chance to see the band play, don't let it pass you by.

The four tracks on this EP further go to bolster the suspicion I have, that they are possibly the greatest Power Pop/Punk band in the world right now, great musicians with great songs and a live set that will blow your socks off.....what more could you possibly want?   Free music maybe?  Well, unbelievably, you get that too, everything they have released is available for free download or a name your price fee.   So tell me, what the fuck are you still doing here reading this shit for, you have some downloading to do!!!!

Shark on shark action!!

Go download the "Cocaine Radio" EP and everything else FREE here: Bandcamp

Contact, befriend, follow, like and love The Sharks here: Facebook

The Just Joans - 6.9 Love Songs (WeePOP! Records)

I received a lovely e mail from WeePOP Records introducing me to their latest release from The Just Joans and if Twee Indie Pop is your thing, then you have come to the right place with this band.

Opening track, "Winters On It's Way," on this collection of "6.9 Love Songs" instantly took me back to the days of Talulah Gosh, Heavenly, BMX Bandits and The Vaselines, it is poppy and bouncy with vocals that are sugar sweet, it is beautifully refreshing and of course the other 5.9 songs follow suit.  The vocalists Scottish accents shine through on all the songs, as The Very Most once sang, "All the best bands come from Scotland." If the band had been around at the time of that recording, I think they would certainly of been name checked in that song too.  Brilliantly satisfying.

I aslo want to talk a little about the record company that has put this album out.  WeePOP Records are a small indie label based in London with DIY ethics.  As soon as I visited the site, I almost understood what they were all about immediately.  

Entering the site is like opening the pages of those Indie Fanzines that you used to be given, or sold at gigs back in the 80's introducing you to all the new bands that are out there hat you should see, of course, we now have the internet for such things and the fanzines have all but disappeared......sadly.

The label releases limited releases of all their signings, so if you like what you hear when you visit their page, order quickly to avoid disappointment.  The songs are not available to download which may or may not be something the label will address in this digital age, but the way the label operates takes me back to another time, a simpler time, a happy time and I love them for that.

When you visit  WeePOP Records site you can listen to selected songs from each release they have put out, I spent the best part of a day going through the songs of the 30 bands they have on their roster.

Listen to The Just Joans "Some Boys Are Bigger Than Others" here: WeePop Releases and work your way through the other artists on the label too...naturally.

Contact, befriend, follow, like and love The Just Joans here: Facebook

Contact, befriend, follow, like and love WeePOP Records here to keep up with any new releases: WeePOP Facebook

Ice Cream Man Podcast. Pilot Episode.

Thought I would have a crack at a podcast and see if I can use it to further help the promotion of the bands that I feature on the blog.  Take a listen and let me know your comments on it if you wish.  I had some microphone issues which are being addressed, but let me know your overall thoughts on the concept and the podcast itself.

The Judes - All That Is.

I often think how great it is writing a music blog and hearing music that I may not have otherwise heard if bands didn't send me their music.  Sometimes I get this worrying feeling that there is some absolutely amazing music out there that I will never hear, but, can you miss something you haven't heard?

Fortunately, for me (and you), this is one such album that we won't be missing, thanks to The Judes and I am so pleased that I get to share this one with you, this is absolutely sublime.

I have had this album spinning since it dropped through the door yesterday, I had heard one track previously and knew I was in for something special, but I didn't realise quite how special this album would be.

"All That Is" has flavours of Buddy Holly, The Beatles, Lovin' Spoonful, The Turtles, Beach Boys, Teenage Fanclub, The Byrds, but most importantly, it has plenty of The Judes too.  If this was a food, I would eat contentedly for the rest of my life.

The Judes are from Winnipeg, Canada and consists of Cory Pritchard, bass, vocals, Jim Anderson, Guitar, vocals and Michael Dickson, drums, percussion and vocals.

This 15 track album flows perfectly from track opener, the Lennonesque, "Bide Your Time" to album closer, "Sunday's Well" with its magnificent vocal harmony arrangement.  This is all killers and no fillers, to have an album of 15 tracks like this says a lot about the standards and quality of a band.

With the leanings towards the 1950's and 60's on this album, it feels like I should be listening to this from a vintage radiogram, instead, I am loading it all up onto every single media device I have, this is one album I don't want to be without.....and you shouldn't either!

Physical copies of the album can be purchased here: Kunaki

Digital download available here: itunes

More information on The Judes here: Wiki

Contact, befriend, follow, like and love The Judes here: Facebook

Super Tuesday with The Fadeout, Mooner and The Starkins.

I received an e mail with an introduction to The Fadeout and their new video, which, was so good, it immediately drew me towards their Bandcamp page and the album they released last year, "Shapes Of Animals."

This debut album from the band is as close to summer in music as you are ever likely to experience with strong 60's styled harmonies, uptempo, happy, melodic tunes, fine lyrics and songs constructed to wrap you in the warmth of the sounds emerging from within them.  I kind of wish that I had found this band, or rather, they had found me at the start of the summer, so I could bathe in the sun rays whilst awash with the glorious vibes, but hey, things don't always work out the way you hope, but the colours of Autumn will be glowing brighter this year listening to this album, whilst aiding the inner warmth that only some music can conjure up.

The Fadeout hail from Montreal, where they have garnered a healthy following, along with on the East coast of the US.  I can imagine that this is a band with a sound that will travel well from coast to coast in the US and into Europe, right before they take on the rest of the world, go immerse yourself into the beauty, that is The Fadeout, now.

Stream and buy the CD of "Shapes Of Animals" here: Bandcamp

Contact, befriend, follow, like and love The Fadeout here: Facebook

Official Website: www.thefadeout.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mooner, whose EP's we have featured on the blog are back with a new offering in the form of a Name Your Price/Free download called "Making Americans."

The Elvis Costello indebted single was recorded by Mike Hagler (Wilco, Neko Case, Mekons) at his studio, King Size Soundlabs, in Chicago, recorded live with minimal overdubs and the result is a fantastic piece of Power Pop tinged Americana.

Download the single here and don't forget to check out the bands previous EP releases: Bandcamp

(Check out their awesome limited edition T-Shirt too!)

Contact, befriend, follow, like and love Mooner here: Facebook

All other links to Mooner:

http://www.moonerband.com
http://www.twitter.com/moonerband
http://new.myspace.com/moonerband
http://www.reverbnation.com/mooner
http://www.last.fm/music/Mooner
http://www.youtube.com/user/MoonerBand/v...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I don't usually feature bands with no releases for punters to go grab but these young men from Sheffield have a great sound which you can hear on Soundcloud (link at bottom) and I would like to share them here with you, they certainly bring a smile to my face with their songs and hopefully they will do the same for you.

Currently unsigned and concentrating on writing more of their own material, I have a feeling that their brand of uptempo, indie pop will be very popular once they are out there amongst the masses.

The band are gigging more and more frequently and say that they "aren't fussy where we play," so if you want to hear the guys in your area, then drop them a line.

Listen to more tunes here: Soundcloud

Contact, befriend, follow, like, love and book a gig here: Facebook

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Don't forget to LIKE the "Ice Cream Man Power Pop and More" facebook page for regular updates on new blog posts here: Ice Cream Man Facebook

The Young Sinclairs - You Know Where To Find Me EP and Death Valley Rally - The Stars Shine Brighter After Midnight

Two brilliant releases from "Planting Seeds Records" and I will kick things off with "The Young Sinclairs" who we have featured here on the blog a couple of times.  What more I can add to what we have written about them previously I don't really know?  Guest contributor to the blog Interplanet Janet puts the case forward for this superb outfit from Roanoke, VA far more eloquently than I ever could, so I shall direct you to read her views on this band HERE.

All I shall add is that, if you haven't yet discovered this band, then you are in for an absolute treat, think, Buddy Holly meets The Zombies and jamming with The Byrds and you just start to scratch the surface of this bands unbelievable talents, 60's pop psyche, garage at its absolute best, yes, we absolutely, completely and utterly adore The Young Sinclairs here at Ice Cream Man and are as happy as Larry to share them with you.

This single will be available to purchase from September 17th from Planting Seeds Records HERE

Check out the band previous releases on Bandcamp

Contact, befriend, follow, like and love The Young Sinclairs here: Facebook

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Death Valley Rally are a new band to me but as soon as this CD fired up and the track "Come On" started playing, I was instantly reminded of early "My Bloody Valentine" and the same wave of excitement washed over me that I had when I first heard "Sunny Sundae Smile" way back further than I care to recall in term of years.  

The sound is cleaner than that of their shoegazing, wall of sound peers, but, the elements are all there.

Track 2, "Your Frequency Doesn't Matter" is more melodic, once again reminding me of of another band, this time it was "Ride."  Now, don't get me wrong, this band aren't simply copying bands that have gone by prior to their existence, but they have taken the cogs and wheels and reinvented the sound making it all their own, this is shoegaze, this is grunge, this is pop but more importantly it is a new and refreshing twist on a sterling genre of music, now with an extra shine.

The six tracks here will satisfy your every whim in all the afore mentioned genres and whims you didn't even know you had, and, this is their debut, I for one can't wait to hear what this band have to offer us in the future.

Death Valley Rally.

This CD wil be released on Planting Seeds Records  August 27th, order your copy HERE

Contact, befriend, follow, like and love Death Valley Rally here: Facebook

More links:

Bandcamp - http://deathvalleyrally.bandcamp.com/
Soundcloud - http://soundcloud.com/death-valley-rally
Tumblr - http://deathvalleyrally.tumblr.com/

Phenomenal Cat - Nowhere Town OUT NOW!

Once again the Phenomenal Cat steams into town with another fantastic, sugar baked slice of  delectable power pop, this time in the form of the latest single in the conceptual "Pop Wasteland" graphic novel for which these songs are the rock 'n' roll soundtrack to. 

"Nowhere Town" if taken as a single, without the graphic novel to read along with, bolsters the fact, that, this band is one hell of a band, deserving to take a place in rock 'n' roll history, with their songwriting being compared to The Kinks and Blur with quintessential Englishness.

Get the songs and the graphic novel and you soon realise that this band have embarked on an original concept.  Sure we have had the rock opera and other bands may have attempted this style of scenario, but none of late and none with such style and panache as Phenomenal Cat.

For a very limited 48 hours, you can grab this track for free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain, including your new favourite band.

Read more about the graphic novel and soundtrack concept here: Pop Wasteland ICM

Stream and download the Nowhere Town single free for a limited period here: Phenomenal Cat 

Bandcamp

Contact, befriend, follow, like and love Phenomenal Cat here: Facebook

Be sure to check out last years single a month collection, also on bandcamp.