| Good Music For Good People |
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April Update
| AWESOME NEW POP! |
POWER POPPIN' GOODNESS! |
MELODIC SWEETNESS! |
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NUSHU
"Hula"
Flat Out Fact: "Hula" from Nushu is the best female fronted pop band
you`ve heard in many years.
It`s all here - your favorite elements of The Bangles, The Go-Gos,
Voice Of The Beehive, Josie Cotton and
Fuzzbox.
"An intoxicating amalgamation of girl-group sweetness and power poppin`
melodicism...NUSHU`s sound is less frantic and a bit more polished than the
Masticators`, but Hula still brings the guitars out in full force,
particularly on tracks such as the charming, `60s-influenced `Leave Me
Behind` (which sounds not unlike the Shangri-La`s mixing it up with Joan
Jett), the speedy, ridiculously catchy gem `Here`s to Feeling Free`
(which sounds not unlike the G0-Go`s playing aural footsie with the
Undertones)...NUSHU provides the perfect summer soundtrack for power pop boys and
girls everywhere." - John M. Borack, Goldmine.
"This is what The Donnas should have sounded like; Nushu remind strongly
of a chunkier Wednesday Week or The Bangles when they were the less
slick The Bangs, plus bits of The Last, Nerves, The Beat, Dickies,
Muffs, and other great L.A. power-pop/rocking bands that kept the girl
group/Beatles pop magic coming." - Big Takeover
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FARRAH
Righteous Power Pop, the way it`s supposed to be done! This is a new,
2010 studio release from Farrah, who we have not heard from in some
time. This is the type album fans of power pop are waiting for.
Taking the most extreme knack for track-after-track of archetypal power
pop, Farrah deliver up a five-course meal in vibrant, exhilarating power
pop. Move this one to the top of your `must-buy` list. Really.
The band has an unique ability to deliver such accomplished,
distinctively European power pop. There`s the tip-of-the-hat to The
Merrymakers, (early) Jellyfish and The La`s, but fans of Beagle, Grass
Show, Eggstone, This Perfect Day(anotherwords, classic 90`s Swedish
Pop), this is your biggest find in many years.
"4 stars. Impossibly catchy melodies ...a band with sparky charm and a
love for solidly crafted pop classicism". Uncut, May 2010
"4 stars. A latter-day Squeeze... Farrah [are] no slackers when it comes
to crafted pop" -The Independent, April 2010.
"Farrah play with poise and panache, serving up clean power pop of the
highest order. Their well-arranged infectious melodies feature smart
(often wry) lyrics that skewer our world. These three-minute guitar pop
jewels are executed with what seems to be effortless ease
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WHOA - an immediate power pop classic, a perfect fit for a majority of
Not Lamers -no question. Evoking sounds of Swedish power pop bands like
The Merrymakers and Beagle and classic melodicisms of Teenage Fanclub
with vocals that sound like a combination of Badfinger and The Hollies.
"We`ve found the missing link between Teenage Fanclub and The
Replacements. The influences run deep here, and Big Star lies at the
intersection of the two seminal bands referenced above, so there`s that
sound to consider as well....Wonderfully melodic. " Absolute Power Pop blog.
"Starting with the stellar "Those Were The Days", it`s got a jangle
similar to Teenage Fanclub, and the rootsy folk harmonies of The
Jayhawks... The consistent quality of the musicianship and songwriting
are what puts this band over the top. It`s not to be missed." - Power
Pop Aholic blog
"An excellent album full of classic pop songwriting, gentle
country-tinged sounds and wonderful singing." - One Chord To Another.
This CD has pushed a whole lot of great records from 2010 for
place in many pop lovers` Top Of The Year lists.
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Another volume of Beatlesque perfection from Alan Bernhoft!
"5 out of 5. The British Invasion sound from the early sixties made
popular by The Beatles is alive and well on this album. Bernhoft
captures the twangy guitars, the easy flowing harmonies, and simple
drum beats with ease.This album doesn`t take liberties, risks, or get
too adventurous as it simply produces quality song after quality song
that could have come straight out of 1964." - Radio Indy
"Bernhoft`s introspective writing displays a truly uncanny resemblance
to many aspects of The Beatles music, capturing their essence in both
spirit and sound. Fans of The Monkees, The Beatles, and 60`s rock will
find Bernhoft`s music incredibly appealing. His approach is remarkably
reminiscent of the early Beatles style while at the same time fresh and
original, paying homage to the group but spinning the music is his own
creative and unique way. This may be the best Beatles LP since The
Rutles, the Spongetones` Beat Music or Utopia`s Deface The Music.
"-Goldmine.
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SAUL ZONANA
Saul Zonana returns and confirm what most us have known for years - he
has a complete inability to deliver a mediocre album. "Phatso" is
freakin` awesome!
As usual, there`s plenty of displays of Beatles, Jellyfish and other pop
greats` fetishisms. All Zonana`s music is filled w/ the splendorous
guitar, high energy hooks and expressive vocals found, the music falls
into the schooling of such artists like aforementioned, as well as
Matthew Sweet, Todd Rundgren, Rick Altizer, Michael Penn and The Candy
Butchers.
It`s the type of power pop that would be right at home on most FM
rock-oriented radio stations if radio played decent music. But it`s
highly intelligent music at all corners. Every song here is full of
rich, melodic steam, filled with superb twists of the wrist or
surprising and delightful eruptions of harmony, while the production is
stunning.
In a perfect world we`d be thinking of this guy right along the bands
that he was raised with. Extremely Highly Recommended!!
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LOLLIPOP FACTORY
"Eat Cake" -(Deluxe Edition EP, 10 Tracks)
10 songs on this "Deluxe Edition EP", which is a Not Lame exclusive(you
can only get it here or at their live shows) featuring 4 excellent new
songs from the band along with 6 live tracks recorded at various venues
in 2009. The new songs build on the momentum of 2010`s "Away In The
Trailor" and, in many ways, are more immediate and accessible and along
the lines of material from "Soon". The band is just BUSY these days and
not messing around anymore after a long recording lull earlier in the
decade - this is their second release in 3 months and it feels like it`s
not stopping anytime soon.
So what does Lollipop Factory sound like? Well, simply, `like no other`
but we`ll try: "If Queen married Queens of the Stone Age and they
honeymooned with a circus, they might sound like Lollipop Factory -- an
audacious duo that plays near-pompous, high-powered, harmony-laced rock
with a winking sense of humor and madcap glee." - Erie News-Times.
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The Mailibooz are a long-running project of Walter Egan and
John Zambetti. A totally new school look at the old school. The tunes
on "Queens` English" feature the authentic British vocal and guitar
sound and there is even an instrumental, a salute to The Shadows,
called "Venture into the Shadows" with guest artists from The Ventures
and The Shadows.
That, though, is just the beginning of a long list of guest appearances
here - Andrew Loog Oldham, Tony Hicks(The Hollies) and members of The
Troggs and The Quarrymen share their talents. The material here is new
British Invasion-style songs done....British(and American) Invasion
style!
"Given their 60`s roots, the sound here is classic British Invasion
material, and they manage to pull off the sound without sounding too
slavish...If your pop proclivities extend to the mid60s Invasion sound, this may
well end up your disc of the year."-Absolute Power Pop blog.
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The totally kick-butt second album from Blue Ash`s Frank Secich and
which gives complete, total proof how veteran rockers can arrive to any
party and totally take it over.
This is stellar material, beginning to
end. That simple, that clear.Sonically thrilling. Lyrically
tantalizing. Twelve tracks that will mesmerize and leave you at once
feeling like you have just "experienced" an "album". The way albums
used to be experienced. It tells a story from the start to the finish.
It will draw you in and take you on a journey to a place that is oh so
real... Circus Town. A place where song craft matters.
"Every second of this very entertaining second record is injected with
vibrant, driving and muscular rock dynamics, with their stylistic
blueprint drawn from somewhere in rock`s colourful past...Anyone who has ever enjoyed Teenage Fanclub, Tom Petty, The Hold
Steady, The Only Ones and the Lemonheads have much to enjoy here." -
AmericanaUK.
"These songs are all highly polished rock gems that pack plenty of
imagery in the lyric, and makes repeat listens necessary."- Power Pop
Aholic blog.
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SMASH PALACE
YES! Simple GREAT! Smash Palace return - with their best album in a
large catalog of excellent releases!
Speaking of that song - click above and get listening! It's one of my favorite tracks I`ve heard in the past months but,
fortunately, as "Attack!" plays from beginning to end, each and every
song stands right up alongside the wonderfulness of that first song
because this is a feast of really rock `n roll filled with
Memphis-styled roots on display, embedded in every special groove here.
Think Beatles, Kinks, The Smithereens, Diesel Park West, Yardbirds meet
XTC, New Pornographers and Tom Petty. It`s a big rumble of sound,
combining soaring vocal harmonies and melodic guitar riffs.
Get listening to Track #1 at this link and turn those computer speakers UP!
Heartland, jangle rock does not get any better than this, folks. It`s
crunchy Brit-influenced guitar pop and it`s pretty darn spectacular.
That simple. Take in a dose of the post-Beatles perfection on sample #2 here, too!
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2010 Release! "Driven by tight, punchy rhythms, their fifth full-length might just be
their most rocking, powerhouse effort to date. All 11 tracks burst from
the speakers with a sonic assault of crunchy and jangly guitars, soaring
melodies, and harmonies that recall the best of artists like the
Posies, Nada Surf, Bob Mould, Redd Kross, and Cheap Trick." - Absolute Power Pop
The Well Wishers are easy to enjoy for genuine power pop fans with
chugging, melodic rhythms, powerful hooks, angelic vocals, verses that
tickle `n hint at `the great money shot of a classic chorus and a
respectful homage to pop peers. Those inspirations include the Shoes,
The Posies, Nada Surf and Matthew Sweet.
The album`s rich, melodic tracks are driven heavily by acoustic guitars;
warm, ringing electric guitars, and cascading vocal harmonies that
punctuate Shelton`s penchant for elaborate pop arrangements.
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ART HOUSE CINEMA
Art House Cinema starts off with a jangly Nesmith-penned Monkees like
number called "Melodies" and, indeed, there`s plenty of strumming jangle
all over but the heart of the material here owes itself to a myriad of
styles of music from the last 40 years. What makes Art House Cinema
such a strong effort is its effortless charm, a laid-back, but confident
delivery of the notes and classic pop melodies that envelop the easy
spirit found on all the material here.
In fact, jump down to soundbite #1 at this link and check out "If You Only
Knew", one of my favorite songs I`ve heard in the last few months.
Can`t get it out of my head - reminds me(as do other songs here) of a
number off of "Present Tense" from Shoes. The combination of acoustic
and electric guitars create an ambiance and backdrop to that really
dials the melodies up on the impact chart, letting leader Brent Daniel`s
soft NeilFinn-like tenor come to the fore.
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CHARLES RAMSEY
One of the strongest examples of 70s singer/songwriter tuneage I`ve
heard in a few years.
Blind test and drop the digital needle on most of these songs, you`d be
hard pressed (in a most expressively positively manner) to say this
record was recorded in 2009. Such is the nature of timeless,
well-written songs adorned with great piano-based melodies and a
soaring, passionate vocals. Fans of Todd Rundgren, Jackson Browne, Billy
Joel and more modern day tunesmiths like Jeff Larson listen up!
"If `Good Morning & Good Night` didn`t have a 2009 copyright date on
it, you`d think this was a long-lost gem from the `70s. Pennsylvanian
Ramsey clearly reveres Todd Rundgren, Harry Nilsson, and especially
Emitt Rhodes...scratches a pop itch that few artists these days are interested in
satisfying. That he does it without once becoming cloying is a
remarkable achievement.` - Big Takeover.
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Fans of Del Amitri, Ice Cream Hands, The Mutton Birds and Keane, A
Balladeer are going to turn you ears upward and make your hearts skip a
beat.
It`s a bit ironic that lead singer of Del Amitri, Justin Currie
has released a great solo album the same time "Where Are You, Bambi
Woods" is up for discussion here at Not Lame because the more I listen
to A Balladeer, the more I realize that it`s the great, lost Del Amitri
album from 1991! That is a high compliment - the songs here have a
strong, moving emotional core, powerful, impacting melodies, intense
arrangements, sweetly serious lyrics, soulful harmonies, and a standout
lead vocalist. The always catchy, poetic tunes make an impression and
leave you filled up with moving emotion. A winner that may end up
sticking around in your collection for many, many years.
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THE GRIPWEEDS
"Strange Change Machine"
2010 New Studio Release! A 2 CD set, Strange Change Machine is a 24 song
tour-de-force which is a mighty bold statement for a band with a large
catalog of outrageously awesome releases(not a bad or half-duff one in
the bunch!). It`s an ambitious work drawing on a broad spectrum of
influences -- acoustic, electric, psychedelic -- running the gamut from
Clapton, Hendrix, vintage 70s Fleetwood Mac and even Yes, all brought
into the 21st century.
Remaining firmly in place are psych-pop leanings along w/ the sounds of
The Creation, The Who and The Zombies. More? Okay, a smidgeon of Led Zep
blended into a few shots of The Smithereens on a Nuggets Box fix,
okay?! Diverse and dynamic in scope, the sound of the band has expanded
and is more dynamic and diverse in scope. THIS is The Gripweeds, folks.
This is how it should be - not just one single disc of new tunes from a
great band, but TWO.
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Red Edmund make an impact from song #1(which is sample #1 at the above link), a
powerful pure pop blast that blends classic pop harmonies and bakes a
bit of fluffy Elbow and Coldplay into the mix. In fact the band,
mention one of these bands when they describe their sound - `If you were
to take bands like Elbow, Ben Folds, Maroon 5 and The Cardigans and mix
them all together, you would end up with aRed Edmund song`. Hmmm, that
is pretty accurate but since we here in Not Lame land are pop purists
and fans of many sub-genres of music genres, I have to add fans of
Swedish power pop are going to find a lot of material to their strong
liking as much of reminds me of the classic 90s bands like Beagle and
The Merrymakers. Always going to be a grabber to these ears.
It`s timeless, really, as all good pop music should be: fully of the
moment and current, yet lasting, appealing to a wide range of ages and
social circles." - St. Louis Sound. This is Not Lamey all the way
through and NOT TO BE MISSED!!
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SHAKE SOME ACTION
2010 release from Shake Some Action, their 4th album! Recalling an era
when jangly guitars and rich vocal harmonies fueled melodic pop songs,
the band`s influences are such luminaries as the La's, Hoodoo Gurus,
the Kinks, the Beatles, You Am I, Stone Roses, Big Star, the
Hummingbirds, the Small Faces and Teenage Fanclub. Power pop is the
realm where Shake Some Action! exist: finely crafted songs you can dance
to with a bittersweet edge that make them perfect for any guy or gal
who likes to rock but has, you know, feelings. "Yah" for feelings!
"There is no doubt "Fire and Ice" will satisfy fans of Shake Some
Action! and find some new recruits as well. I am a huge fan of Hoodoo
Gurus, and Shake Some Action! is my new Hoodoo Gurus..."Fire and Ice"
follows the sophomore effort, "Sunny Days Ahead", a truly radiant power
pop affair with influences from Flamin` Groovies to Teenage Fanclub
(review here)." - Bill's Music Forum. "8 out of 10. The sound of this band has evolved in the process from the
earlier rough garage jangle sound to a sophisticated studio effort. " - Power Pop Aholic blog
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Per Bergkvist returns as does his band, The Virtues. Sweden`s Virtues
have been around for sometime releasing 3 CDs carried on this site.
Yet, none of them match the accomplishment of "Beautiful Game". This CD
towers above their previous work. It`s an affair that has a
grace-filled, gentle spirit that soothes and subdues with a stunning
reaction.
"Soft singer/songwriter pop reminiscent of Jeff Buckley and Grant Lee
Buffalo and sometimes you can hear The Posies and Big Star in the
happier songs"-Ettnollett. "Melancholy Swedish jangle rock. The band
has a familiar friendly sound. Comparisons to Crowded House and
(especially) Del Amitri are apt." - Fufkin.com.
"This is beautiful, the pure and genuine Swedish way with the American
singer/songwriter tradition; emotional power pop." - Dalarna.
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MARK BACINO
Mark Bacino returns after 7 years gone! He describes this CD as `a melancholy love-letter to NYC & life in its
outer-boroughs`. With its eclectic mixture of pop, rock, ragtime-y music
hall and orchestral fare, `Queens English` seamlessly blends its
palette of tack pianos, acoustic guitars, horns, strings and things into
concise, two and a half minute blasts of hook-laden songcraft
reminiscent of Nilsson, Newman, solo Macca and `Muswell Hillbillies`-era
Kinks.
"4 stars. Bacino is the sort who has assimilated pop in all its forms, from Burt
Bacharach to Squeeze, and his first two albums aren`t lacking in
sparkling melodic moments, but Queens English proves that it`s possible
to introduce actual maturity into pop with no adverse effects. " - AMG
"Keeping the great hooks, melodies, and pop sensibility, this album
seems thematically more mature than the previous albums, and is an
amazing set of awesome songs. I got the chance to ask Mark a few
questions, and I thought I would share them with you here."- Pop
Underground.
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AARON FOX & THE RELIABLES
Plenty winners continue to flow from there revealing a band who will
strongly appeal to fans of Gin Blossoms, the work of Michael Carpenter,
BoDeans(and other heartland rock bands from the late 80s), Los Lobos,
E-I-E-I-O and Tom Petty.
"Influences here are REM, Wilco, Crowded House, and Tom Petty and the
album takes off with the jangle pop of "Over Again" similar to the Gin
Blossoms. "False Alarm" continues the catchy standard rock vibe and "Get
Down" sounds closer to those nineties indie college bands I loved back
in the day. The production and musicianship are both first class here." -
Power Pop Aholic blog. Very Highly Recommended!
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THE ROMEO FLYNNS
Hard stomping Detroit rock, laced with British Invasion melodies and
harmonies and a few ballads thrown in for good measure.
"They continue to write songs that merge classic 60s British Invasion
songwriting structure with the signature rock sound of the Motor City." - Rock And Roll Report.
"8 out of 10. It starts with a timely British radio address mentioning
the country`s huge financial defcit and launches into the title track
with rocking precision similar to Cheap Trick or Off Broadway...Like a breath of fresh air, you`ll certainly enjoy this latest
collection from The Flynns." - Power Pop Aholic blog.
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NRWO
I`ll tell you what is NOT a struggle? Putting NRWO`s "The Happiness
Struggle" and just letting it fly and soar by. Listen to soundbite #1, a
song I can`t get enough of. Aspects of Del Amitri, The Church, U2 and
The Proclaimers. Bundles of excellent songs are strewn all over here,
gliding comfortably into each other, making it a complete album - one
that you can put in for a long early morning drive south and swallow in
whole. Much of the material reminds me of "Rock And Roll" by Ryan
Adams, which is a huge compliment as it is one of my favorite albums
from one of my favorite songwriters.
These are rock anthems designed to play to arenas but make their impact
one-on-one to Not Lamers like you and I. Take a careful listen below
and let your spirit be moved - Very Highly Recommended!
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WOODWARD
"...But Your Kids Are Gonna Love It"
Order Today -- $12.00
In a time when emo and pop-punk acts rule the airwaves, there`s a
new sound in Detroit. Driven by memorable melodies and uplifting
harmonies, Woodward`s catchy and exciting new brand of indie rock has
taken the Detroit scene by storm.
"Creating pleasant harmonies and catchy pop influenced rock, Woodward
use their 90s alt-rock influences to meld something unpretentious and
far from somber"-Detroit Buzz.
"One might hear the inherent commercial appeal that such a fun, tight and
hook-driven band like this one has, as Woodward has carved out a sound
all their own. Their combination of late 50s and early 60s melody with
mid 90s ska-ish rhythm and attitude is undeinably unique, as Woodward
have carved out a sound all their own. One might hear the inherent
commercial appeal that such a fun, tight and hook driven band like this
one has. "- Real Detroit Weekly.
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THE DAHLMANNS
The Dahlmanns, from Oslo, Norway feature the husband and wife team of
Andre Dahlmann (The Yum Yums, Vibeke Saugestad, The Twistaroos, The
Graves, The Trashcan Darling (with Marky Ramone)) and Line Cecile
Dahlmann.
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Short, sharp and sweet - this four track EP from The Dahlmanns is a
blast ofcrunchy pop bubblegum." - Dr. Bristol`s Prescription.
"Leaving you with bated breath for the album that is coming sometime in
the latter part of the year. These kids get it. In addition they`e got
it. And you better grab this while you can. A CD will be available soon
but I`m not sure that it`ll include all these songs so maybe better grab
both. Safety copies of great singles should always be considered as an
option." - Next Big Thing.
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GREEN
Finally - a mini power pop classic from the 80s released on CD and
featuring a ton of rare, never before on CD, bonus trax! 21 songs
total.
One astute reviewer said: `The band darts through decades of pop history
as impatiently as the Spiral Scratch-era Buzzcocks, with band leader
Jeff Lescher`s voice ranging from Princely falsetto to gravel-tinged
field holler, but most often sounding as though someone stepped on Paul
McCartney`s toes in 1965.` And as another reviewer quite rightly said,
`his is such a flawless pop masterpiece that I`m not even ashamed to
trot out terms like `flawless pop masterpiece.`
Green may be the bee`s knees for anglophile power poppers, but they
deserve more notice than that; they were the kind of all-embracing band,
with a taste for punk, glam rock and soul`and with a twitchy sort of
energy`of the sort that burbled around in the late-80s, pre-grunge
underground.
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PERNCE BROTHERS
Joe Pernice's first band album since 2006!
"A versatile album thats trademark Pernice. The record is akin to a `Best
Of` compilation, inasmuch as the ten well-crafted songs contain
elements of Pernice past and Pernice present, all underpinned by
intelligent lyrics and a knowledge of the recipe for the perfect pop
song." - Platform Online.
"4 stars. This music sometimes feels spontaneous and casual, but the craft of Joe
Pernice`s songwriting remains as literate and melodically absorbing as
anyone working in indie pop today, and Goodbye, Killer confirms he and
his collaborators haven`t lost their touch, and have even gained a bit
or edgy nerve along the way. "- AMG.
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OUTRAGEOUS CHERRY
Wanting to capture the energy and vibe of their recent live performances
in a semi-controllable studio environment, it was recorded on a
reel-to-reel 8-track in a house in the same neighborhood, (and with the
same architectural dimensions) as the old Motown studio.
"At first, the intro to "Recognized Her," the lead song on the new LP,
comes at you like something off T. Rex`s Electric Warrior. But then this
ghostly evocation, if you want to call it that, quickly disappears and
is replaced by nutty piano and squirrelly guitar runs and a chorus of
sha-la-las, all curiously catchy and lovable...and "Outsider," a drowsy, midtempo, countrified bubblegum psych-garage
smash that conjures Love`s Forever Changes and drinking dandelion wine
on the eternally sun-drenched hillsides of an imaginary 1967." - Metro
Times.
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THE YOUNG VEINS
"At work on Take a Vacation! is a formula which has practically become
standard for new indie bands of the day: mix equal parts Phil Spector,
The Beach Boys, and 60s garage rock, stir gently and sprinkle with
California sunlight. "-AtlantaMusic Guide.
"Clearly influenced by early British Invasion era pop/rock, particularly
the crunch and melodic sense of the Kinks, the graceful energy of the
Hollies, and the tuneful smarts of the Searchers. While there are
flashes on Take a Vacation! where the Young Veins seem to view this
music through revisionist glasses in the manner of Big Star or Shoes,
for the most part, this sounds and feels like an honest and heartfelt
homage to both the style and the era. " - AMG
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DAVE RAVE
"Live With What You Know"
All rock and all power pop, "Live With What You Knows" is, by far, the
strongest solo release of Dave Rave`s long solo career.
"A collection of power pop gems by a true master
of the form. Like his closest contemporary, the late Alex Chilton, Rave
has had a tendency to be too spontaneous over the years, but on Live
With What You Know, his focus is as sharp as it`s ever been. Even at 16
tracks, the album never lags; for every jangly rocker like "Anne-Marie"
and "Rain Song" there`s a soaring, McCartney-esque ballad like "Siren
Song #2" and "Station Road." This is easily the best work from a true
unheralded Canadian legend."- Exclaim. Some of the proof is right here,
below - dive into these soundbites and revel in the pop glory from a
seasoned, uber-talented veteran showing the young guns out there, how to
get it done - right! VERY Highly Recommended!!
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THE JETSET
"The Best Of: Swings & Roundabouts" (2 CDs)
Order Today -- $22.00
UK 2 CD set. 50 songs! The Jet Set were one of the oddest footnotes in
British pop music history.
"4 1/2 stars. The Jetset turned out guitar pop and unabashedly
worshipped `60s pop -- not just the music, but the kitsch and culture.
In short, they were an anachronism in the mid-`80s, and they sound even
more so years later.Ultimately, this is pretty slight stuff, but its circumstances and
surrounding story make it interesting. And, truth be told, its
insulation, self-conscious reverence, and miniature pop tunes really are
eerily prescient of the indie pop underground of the `90s." - AMG.
"One disc of distinctly 60s pop where the musical reference points from
sunshine pop, Monkees, Beatles, and mod pop tumble over each other is
followed by the second, where they attempt to reflect the more
meaningful end of McCartney`s late 60s output. " - Record Collector
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TEENAGE FANCLUB
Excellent return from The Fannies in 2010! Five long years since their
last album "Man-Made" was released to universal acclaim, Teenage Fanclub
release "Shadows" to keen anticipation. Pitchfork calls Scotland`s
Teenage Fanclub "the standard-bearers of modern power pop." Continued,
"no one comes close to their mastery of the genre." While most bands are
lucky to have one great songwriter, Teenage Fanclub are blessed with
three, hence Shadows is overflowing with the kind of gorgeous,
harmony-driven classics you`d expect to find on a greatest hits album.
"4 stars. Shadows is a sparkling and reflective follow-up to the band`s stellar
2005 effort, Man-Made...f the day is as sun-drenched and relaxed as the songs on Shadows
implies, then may it and Teenage Fanclub go on and on. "- AMG.
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WE ALL TOGETHER
"We All Not Together"
Brings together an abundance of rare tracks recorded at MAG studios
in Lima, Peru between 1968 to 1974 by members of We all together along
with various musician friends of the time (and a few relatives too).
Some of the songs are originals, others are covers what they all have in
common is the musical skill that Carlos Guerrero, Sal Cornejo, Manuel
Cornejo, Ernesto Samam Felix Varvarande and Carlos Salom brought to
these varied projects`some recorded prior to, some after the creation of
their great band. Eight different groups of musicians (Illicit, Smog,
Carlos Guerrero & Nilo Espinosa orquesta, FE 59, Cerro Verde, Beto
Villena & We All Together, and Monik) produced rich and varied music
of uniform excellence!
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WE ALL TOGETHER
"We All Together"
GERMAN ONLY
IMPORT!! Amazing find! ONLY A FEW COPIES! The Peruvian band We All
Together, though unknown beyond a core cluster of cultists, was among
the prime exponents of Beatlesque pop/rock in the early `70s. Fashioned
after the lighter side of the late-`60s Beatles, particularly in the
vocal harmonies, melodic tunes and sophisticated arrangements blending
keyboards, acoustic guitars and electric guitars in a graceful manner.
Although Lennon, McCartney, and for that matter, Harrison`s influence,
show up in We All Together`s work, they had more of an affinity for
McCartney`s engaging melodicism than for the other members of the Fab
Four, to the point of covering some obscure, early McCartney solo
tunes.
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WE ALL TOGETHER
"Singles"
Peru`s answer to the Beatles and Badfinger!
"4 stars. The 2007 compilation Singles rounds up the 13 tracks that
never appeared on We All Together`s two proper albums. This description
suggests that Singles has a motherload of rare material, which isn`t
quite true: the two LPs were reissued on CD and were graced with bonus
tracks that happened to be taken from these singles....maintain the group`s high standards, offering wonderful evocations of
Paul McCartney and Badfinger. That`s enough for the devoted to pick this
up, but anybody who has yet to fall in love with We All Together will
find this a good introduction to their charms. "- AMG.
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WILLBURN
"Willburn"
Fans of roots-pop and thematically fashioned Americana, Willburn is a
breath of late summer night air. The project has a casual ease that
sifts into all the songs here - this is material created organically and
for the benefit of participants with nary a concern for reaching
potential markets or a particular demographic. It stands on its own,
for its own sake - which makes it all the more impactful. Fans of John Hiatt, Terry Anderson, Jason & The Scorchers and
Drive-By Truckers need to investigate
SUCCESSFUL FAILURES
"Three Nights"
Third album from The Successful Failures, who further refine their
really cool brand of rock, mixing Replacements-styled blasts of
indie-rock with Americana and jangly pop influences - more super-melodic
tunes, big beats, and ringing guitars. "The Successful Failures are
definitely an original band that has a lot to offer. This is exactly how
pop punk/ garage rock is suppose to sound: Songs that are aching to get
you out on the floor, no matter where you are, stompin` up a storm like
the devil in the blue dress slacks! "-JerseyBeat.
PAINTED HILLS
"Painted Hills"
Led by former Beachwood Sparks guitarist, singer & songwriter Josh
Schwartz who was also a member of The Summer Hits and Further early on
and more recently Northern Lights and The Tyde. Think pastoral psych-pop
and starry-eyed Cosmic Americana, influenced by the 70s Laurel Canyon
scene and the 80s Paisley Underground in L.A.
GREEN PAJAMAS
Original 1987 psych-pop masterpiece release, out of print for twenty
years, on CD for the first time, with all the tracks from the original
American album as well as tracks released on the Australian, German and
Greek LPs. The Green Pajamas are consistently referred to as Seattle`s
most underrated and under-heard musical combo.
JUSTIN CURRIE
"The Great War"
"4 stars. Those expecting a continuation of Justin Currie`s work with
Del Amitri were likely disappointed by his somber 2007 solo debut. While
the album was professionally crafted, its overriding melancholy mood
was quite a reversal from the bouncy, jangly pop that put Del Amitri on
the charts for a short while. Now that it`s out of his system, Currie
returns to the sound he`s best known for on his sophomore solo effort." - AMG
THE NEIGHBORHOOD BULLYS
It`s obvious that the Bullys are the embodiment of authentic rock and
roll, right in line with predecessors including the Rolling Stones, the
Knack, the Ramones, and the New York Dolls. "Encountering the Bullys`
talent and enthusiasm, Mike Chapman - legendary producer of Sweet, Suzie
Quatro and Blondie - was inspired to capture it in the studio. The
result is the band`s potent, rollicking debut album: the
provocatively-titled What? The Neighborhood Bullys touch a number of
rock and roll cornerstones from soul to punk to early Stones swagger to
post-modern Knack power pop, tight-fit songs that burrow into your ears
and stick with you for weeks. " - Rock And Roll Report.
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VIEW ALL 80 NEW RELEASES FOR JUNE AND JULY - CLICK HERE!
HOODOO GURUS
"4 stars. In short, 27 years after Stoneage Romeos, the Hoodoo Gurus are not only
still around, alive, and kicking, they still know how to make a great
record, and Purity of Essence is the proof. " - AMG. "Proves that the band aren`t just making the rounds on the greatest hits
circuit. It`s an admirable feat for any band to bring itself back from a
hiatus of any length, and the Gurus up that ante by releasing an album
that defines their career just as strongly as the albums of their
heyday."- Ugly Rumor.
FREE ENERGY
Fans Of The
Shazam, listen up! This album evokes earlier musical eras, blending big
sounds with snippets of glam, power pop, bubblegum and arena rock. The
tracks on the album are propelled by cowbell and carbonated guitars,
mixing vintage with the contemporary for an all around feel good record
with sing along hooks that can`t be beat! "4 stars. There are nods
to Thin Lizzy, T. Rex, and mainstream AOR of the `70s, influences taken
from power pop, soft rock, and epic metal, and, most importantly,
they`re great songs from top to bottom."- AMG
THE SINCEROS
This second album from The Sinceros plays a LOT stronger than I recalled
from so many years ago - caught me by surprise. Some excellent songs
sprinkled on "Pet Rock" that represent the new wave sounds of the early
80s as well as some of the better known acts of the time. Here`s, for
"Pet Rock", it`s the first time on CD for this solid 1981 sophomore
album from the British Pure Pop quartet including 14 bonus tracks-25
tracks total!
THE MOVE
2009 25 song collection from the great British `60s band led by the
uncompromising talent of Roy Wood. The Move`s career comprised a
remarkable seven year run of near-perfect chart classics as well as some
of the most diverse work undertaken by a successful pop act - from that
or any other era. This particular collection takes in all the big
hitters, from `Night Of Fear` in 1966, which anticipated the Psychedelia
of the following year, via elusive B-sides, live cuts and choice album
tracks to the rousing Rock `N` Roll revivalism of `California Man` in
1972.
FOXY SHAZAM
"4 stars. With a love for the musical excess of Meat Loaf and Queen,
Foxy Shazam storm flamboyantly into the night with their third album,
the eponymously titled Foxy Shazam...With such a classic combination of pop and rock, this is an album
that's just dripping with crossover appeal, with big hooks for the
radio and enough rock and emotion for the post-emo crowd to sink its
teeth into." -AMG." the band jolt between soul, Queen-esque arena rock, big band, hardcore
and even a showtunesy vibe" - And This Makes A Heartbeat
CUFF THE DUKE
Bringing to mind, early Eagles, early 70s Neil Young, CSN&Y, The
Youngbloods and Tom Petty, Cuff The Duke is an album blissfully encased
in histrionics. "There`s an After The Gold Rush vibe on the disc right
from the start, (and) virtuosic guitar solos that would make [Neil]
Young proud. Yet despite its obvious influences, Way Down Here doesn`t
sound overly derivative. It`s a refreshing listen in a world where
people have forgotten how albums used to be made." - Chart Attack.
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MARK SCHEER
"Car Stereo"
In August of 2008, Mark Scheer decided to record some new music. He
asked brother, Mike Scheer (of the Blues Junkies and Jumpin`Jack Flash)
if he would play guitar. He also asked friend, Steven E. Adams if he
would play bass. Happily for Mark, they both agreed. The result is
another pop gem. A mixture of pop, hard rock, country and even a touch
of R&B.
ROONEY
"Eureka!"
"New ROONEY record! "Recommended If you Like: Weezer; California, circa
1969; the Beach Boys; Phantom Planet`s The GuestShould please anyone who
might yearn to see Brian Wilson filling in for Rivers Cuomo as Weezer`s
vocalist someday. it back, grab some tasty waves, cool buds...and you`ll be fine "-
Absolute Punk.
THE LIKE
"Release Me"
Collectively their mission was to create the lost 60`s girl group record
of their dreams, and yours. "4 stars. New member Annie Monroe`s wheezy old Vox organ adds to the Standells in
eyeliner vibe and overall the band sound energized and nothing at all
like their previous record. It feels like they are having a blast
running through a set of witty and powerful songs that sound perfect for
`60s dancefloors, rec rooms, and late nights alone in front of the
mirror." - AMG
RANDY MASSEY
There`s a strong sense of this being strongly rooted in the 70`s radio
feel to these ears. I hear Journey, Survivor and for those informed
geeks, a band called 707 from the early 80s. Like `power pop`, "AOR" is
a sub-genre that is ignored here in the United States but over in
Europe, it`s a type of music that has never gone out of style, with
hundreds of bands making the rounds. Massey`s songs could be benchmarks
for many of them to bring into their set lists.
THE DOITS
Swedish import. Reminds me of The Plimsouls` debut, The Shazam and some
early Jim Basnight(as in the Moberlys) with a bit of the classic
Swedish rock/pop edge we hear from bands like Soundtrack of Our Lives
and a bit of Radio Birdman thrown in for good melodic punk
measure. "You don`t hear power pop done like this these days
unless you are listening to power pop done back in the late 70`s. Yet,
The Doits pull off sounding nothing like a retro skinny tie band, only
an modern rock band with a bunch of 12 string Rickebackers in their
musical arsenal. Their music is straight, soulful rock n roll with a
pure pop heart." - Hang Overhard. The band has spent plenty of time
listening to The Posies, Big Star, Reigning Sound, Buzzcocks, Stiv
Bators, The Plimsouls, The Vibrators, The Flaming Groovies and The
Barracudas to name but a few.
THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS
Playing to all the New Pornographers strengths, Together combines the
freewheeling, glammy spirit of their debut Mass Romantic with the very
personal, emotional songwriting of their most recent material. As a
result, it`s an album that aims to please, as exciting for the New
Pornographers obsessive as for casual new listeners. "4 stars/ more
than any other of the New Pornographers` albums, this feels like a group
effort, each element united to create uniquely cerebral power pop. " -
AMG.
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