The Barbacans - No Hits For The Kids. OUT NOW

Fuzz and Farfisa galore, The Barbacans, from Fano in Italy, really rip it up on "No Hits For The Kids,"  guitars chopping so hard and fast, they could clear a forest in under 3 minutes, which is ideal, as in true 60's garage style, not one song on the album passes the 3 minute mark, short, sharp and great!

The band recorded their debut album, "God Save The Fuzz" in 2009 at the famous "Circus Perrotti Studio" in Gijon, Spain and was released on the excellent "Boss Hoss Records" label, gaining the band media interest and wall to wall positive reviews.

During one of their concerts in Italy, two members of the band were shot by an ex policeman who was angry about the volume, leaving one of the band requiring surgery for their injuries, an experience the band want to forget, but a story that will stay with them for life.  The offender, strangely, served no jail time!

The Barbacans name is derived from local slang, with Barbacan meaning a bad and lazy man, which, when you look at this bands touring schedule, you have to wonder if they chose the right name for themselves?  The band have played extensively in Europe and in the early months of 2012 played Mexico and China.

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

Stream the bands first album here: God Save The Fuzz

Buy the bands album from: Boss Hoss Records

The Riots

The Riots are three young men with an excessive lifestyle, they hail from the Russian city Perm.

After finishing school the lads made haste for London to indulge in the Mod culture of the UK, no doubt taking the 5.15 to the Mod mecca of Brighton during that year, they then returned to Russia and set about making some great music in Moscow.

Originally known as the "White Trainer Community" the band released 2 singles and a long player (all of which are well worth checking out) but, like all good things, the band came to an end after problems with EMI in Russia, but, with a serious passion for music the band rose from the ashes and reformed with a new name and a new drive.

This year, the band have released 3 singles, "Dance on your problems," "Out of control" and "Truncheons, shields and size 10 boots," all which have met very positive critical acclaim, both at home in Russia, their 2nd home, the Uk and all over Europe.

The bands mod sounds hail more from the UK mod revival period rather than the 60's, so what you get is all the energy and excitement of bands like The Jam, added to that is a little of The Clash, which all makes for something special.  If like me you were in the scene back in 79, you were either a Clash fan or a Jam fan, whilst, of course, liking the other band as some sort of guilty pleasure, The Riots bring all that together and save us the need for any guilty pleasures.

The lads have recently enjoyed a small tour of Germany and are planning more tour dates in and around Europe (Don't forget Sweden in there chaps!) and look as though they are going to set the world ablaze with their high octane fuelled take on all things Mod.
Work is well underway on a new album which is due for release very soon and it promises to shake up a sleepy and dour music scene.

The previous incarnation of the band, "White Trainer Community" should also be high on your list to check out, mixing the sound of The Libertines, Secret Affair, The Chords etc, once again high energy music that will be sure to get you in the mood to party like it is 1979 again, and the X-Factor and all that shit is still a long way off in the future, waiting for a certain size 10 boot to kick it where the sun don't shine!

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

7" Singles "Out Of Control" and "Dance On your Problems" available here, you can also pre order the "White Trainers Community album too, which is set for release on the 6th of December:
 Time For Action

The latest release "Truncheons, Shields And Size 10 Boots" available here: Copasetic

As soon as the new album is released, I will put up a review and details of where it can be purchased.

The Smoking Trees - Acetates (2012)

Here is a lovely treat for a Monday morning, some really cool sunshine infused, 60's styled psychedelia.

The Smoking Trees are duo from Los Angeles, California, made up of Sir Psych and L.A Al. Acetates is an all out psychedelic pop album that is decorated & performed in pure 60's fashion. 21 songs with over 70 minutes of music, which is full of catchy hooks, echoed harmonies, backwards guitars, harpsichords, sitars, and pounding drums. All of which that makes up an overall fun release to wind down 2012.

"Acetates" has a really warm sound and the production of the album is excellent, the songs are well crafted using a multitude of instruments and percussion producing catchy pop psyche songs that may well lead you to think we are just drawing into a good summer rather than into winter.

The official release date for the album is 27th November and you can stream and buy the album here: The Smoking Trees. Bandcamp

Contact, befriend, follow, like and love The Smoking Trees here: Facebook

Suzi Chunk - Girl from the neck down.

A while back I ran a feature on the brilliant "State Records" and some of their artists, I briefly mentioned Suzi Chunk then, but this very talented young lady really deserves a feature of her very own on the blog, Suzi's songs will make you want to smile and dance and return to them time after time.

Teesside born Suzi moved to Cardiff in the late 90's where she began her singing career providing backing vocals for a wide variety of bands/artists. These included Tigertailz, Syd Kitchen,Then Came The Wheel, Alan Thomson All Stars, Frank O'Hagan, Rhian Benson, Angel De Lux, Leighton Jones, Angel Farringdon and the John Martyn Band. In the mid-Noughties she worked with rock/funk outfit Dark Chunk (from where she took her surname and became Suzi Chunk) who were named as Best Newcomer at the Glastonbury Festival in 2004 and went on to record an album-"Multi Speed Stimulator" -in 2005. She went on to work and record with Omega66 and still regularly plays live gigs with Monkjack.

It was Suzi's lead vocal work with Omega66 (the track "Celebrity Burn Out" to be precise) that caught the attention of songwriter Glenn Prangnell (of Groovy Uncle)and prompted him to ask Suzi if she'd be interested in recording lead and backing vocals on a Groovy Uncle album. Suzi was receptive to the idea and travelled to Sandgate Sound Studios in Kent to record 3 songs written especially for her. By the end of the session it became obvious to all that this album should be a Suzi Chunk album and everyone got to work on what would become the "Girl From The Neck Down" album. During one of those sessions it was decided that a single was needed and "Look Back And Laugh"/"Tripwire" became Suzi's debut solo release in April 2012. Both album and single were released by State Records on vinyl.

Suzi's track "Look Back And Laugh" has been short listed for Little Stevens "Coolest song in the world 2012" so if you like what you hear and want to show your support go over and click on her song to vote for her, no registration or anything needed to participate and you can vote once every 24 hours too, I know I will be!

Little Stevens coolest song in the world 2012

The album is available on cd format here: www.groovyuncle.co.uk

Vinyl format here: State Records

Downloads are available here: itunes and amazon

Contact, befriend, follow like and love Suzi Chunk here: Facebook

Sunday Sun - III FREE DOWNLOAD

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!

Sunday Sun are:

  Yoshi Breen Vocals/Guitar/Keys

Koen-Willem Toering Vocals/Guitar 

Jan Teertstra Bass/Vocals 

Wouter Rentema Drums/Vocals

Go grab your Free Download here: Bandcamp

(Be sure to check out the other amazing releases by the band too!)

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

The Biarritz Boys - Enjoy the hip, slick, ultra​-​violent and super sexy surfsound of​.​.​. (Name Your Price Download)

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.

Download and Stream the album here: Bandcamp

Contact, befriend, follow, surf, like and love The Biarritz Boys here: Facebook

39th And The Nortons - On Trial

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 - Take It Easy....But Take It!

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!

Los Autonautas . Lo Que Quiero OUT TODAY

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 - Trebly Feelings

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 

The Seasongs - Out of the City EP FREE DOWNLOAD

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" makes a rare DJ appearance in Gothenburg!

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!

Ginger Brown - Who Scared Who

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)

Stream and buy the album here:  Bandcamp

Contact, befriend, follow, like and love Ginger Brown here: Facebook

The Clocktower - Days of Rosey Row. OUT NOW

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

Hear more on Youtube Channel: Youtube

Official Website: http://www.clocktowerofficial.com

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.

Nick Capaldi - Stanley Arms. Limited Edition 7" OUT NOW

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

Listen to more songs here: Soundcloud

POWER POPAHOLIC FEST ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK

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.

Download and stream the album here: Bandcamp

Visit our friends at http://www.powerpopaholic.com

Larabee - Expose a Little Wire & Sunset Drive

 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

Stream and buy Larabee's music here: Bandcamp

Official Website: http://www.larabeetheband.com

Phenomenal Cat - World of Secret Pleasure FREE DOWNLOAD

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