Now this album has some fantastic harmonies and tunes, I can't help thinking of Fountains of Wayne when listening to Sunday Sun, and that can only be a positive thing. Having the word "Sun" in the bands name is perfect, if I close my eyes and listen to this, I can pretty much feel the warmth of the sun on my back, this is music for summer days kicking back, hanging with friends and enjoying a long cold beer and whilst summer is but a distant memory now, this should help to keep those winter blues at bay.
Sunday Sun hail from Uterecht/Amsterdam but have a sound that will make you think of Californian beaches and sun kissed days, happy days!
The Dutch, famed for their canals, bikes, tulips windmills and clogs now add surf to their attractions, not just any old surf, super cool surf music that will have you flocking in your droves to Amsterdam with your longboard and hanging ten along the stretches of the Prinsengracht and Herengracht canals.
Ok, maybe not, but, The Biarritz Boys play surf music that will move you into a state of mind that will make you want to grab your board and head for the nearest stretch of beach.
Founded in 2001. Played wet 'n wild surfshows all over Europe. Just finished a smashing new album. Ready to shoot curls on stages all around the globe.
- Enjoy the hip, slick, ultra-violent and supersexy surfsound of The Biarritz Boys -
The album is available for download for a "Name Your Price" fee, as always, with this option, please consider making some sort of donation to the band, this will ensure that they are adequately funded to make more great music in the future.
39th and The Nortons serve up a very tasty slice of 60's garage, with a side helping country and a large splash of psyche, they then put it into a blender and serve up the Soup de jour!
Fans of The Seeds, Count Five, Music Machine etc should be all over this band like a rash, listening to these guys and these songs, you would be hard pressed to believe that they weren't there treading the same stages as the aforementioned bands.
Contact, befriend, follow, like and love 39th and The Nortons here: Facebook
Listen to the full album here - Soundcloud Buy the Cassette from Evil Hoodoo Records here - Bandcamp Contact - thirtyninthandthenortons@hotmail.co.uk Blog - http://39thandthenortons.tumblr.com/
Crusaders of Love remind me quite a lot of The Exploding Hearts which sits just fine with me. The band are from Lille in France and kick out a real punchy blend of Power Pop and Punky Garage and in their own words, "Make a delicious gooey mess of it!" Delicious for sure, a mess, no, this is really great music!
The band list their only interest as fun and it certainly sounds as though they are having plenty on this album.
Photo by Janicks
Stream and buy the album on the best format in the world, vinyl...here: Bandcamp
Contact, befriend, like and love The Crusaders Of Love here: Facebook
Be sure to check out the bands over long player "Never Grow Up" over on bandcamp too!
I have been waiting to shout about this album since receiving a promo copy a couple of weeks back from the band, I have really fallen in love with this band after featuring their self titled debut album on the blog.
Once again the album the album is recorded entirely in Spanish and despite my ability to just about manage to order a cerveza (beer) or cafe con leche (coffee with milk) in Spanish, nothing is lost on me with the album, the songs are bouncy, upbeat, danceable even and bring a huge smile to my face, I wonder just how much more I would love this band if I understood them?
"Lo Que Quiero" which translates as "What I Want" (see, I am getting good at this!) is released today and I am sure that they will win over a fair few new fans with this album, both within the Spanish speaking countries and beyond.
Los Autonautas will certainly be landing in my top albums of the year without any shadow of a doubt, this album, like their debut is an absolutely brilliant affair, there is not a single low point on this album, no filler tracks, this is an absolute rocker from start to finish BUY IT!!!
The album will be available from Bandcamp to stream and download sometime today: Bandcamp
(The debut album will also be available too) Physical copies of the album can be bought by placing an order to the band via facebook or by e mailing the band at somosautonautas@gmail.com
Contact, follow, befriend like and love Los Autonautas here: Facebook
Conceptus from San Diego released "Trebly Feelings" last year and I can't believe I missed out on this until now! From the very first track "At Sea" it was like being back home in Brighton, England in the late 80's and watching one of the Sarah Records bands that seemed to be in town every weekend with their infectious blend of Indie Pop, some quite twee, some not quite so, it also reminded me of The La's "There She Goes" with the riff. Conceptus, quite possibly intentionally, have managed to capture the essence of that era perfectly and then built upon it with a flourish of Power Pop, some 70's college radio and have created a wonderful sound of their own.
This is a really great debut album with some of the most jangly guitar sounds I have heard since those days back in the late 80's, the lyrics are well crafted and delivered from the stance of a sensitive guy and whilst I bang on about the late 80's, I should point out that the bands sound is far from dated, these are timeless tunes in as much as T-shirts and Jeans are timeless clothing....your favourite ones of course!
This is an album that you will want to listen to again and again, one that will sit comfortably with fans of 70's College radio, Sarah Records, Power Pop and 90's Brit Pop/Pop and those that just love great music!
Stream and download "Trebly Feelings" here: Bandcamp
Contact, befriend, follow, like and love Conceptus here: Facebook
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.
