tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37565914887326170952024-03-13T16:19:33.431-07:00Pop FairClassic Power PopHaperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-2846890972254127302019-07-28T15:32:00.000-07:002019-07-28T15:32:26.734-07:00Rain Parade and Matt Piucci<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tj4wEnf5u6k/XT4iQU8Mo8I/AAAAAAAAoMw/nGRZSZRjCvAIPfrYwYwHKUJJjB9WSxZjgCLcBGAs/s1600/Matt%2BPiucci.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="538" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tj4wEnf5u6k/XT4iQU8Mo8I/AAAAAAAAoMw/nGRZSZRjCvAIPfrYwYwHKUJJjB9WSxZjgCLcBGAs/s320/Matt%2BPiucci.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Loved <a href="https://yeproc.com/3-x-4-the-bangles-the-three-oclock-the-dream-syndicate-rain-parade/">"3 x 4"</a> new the <a href="https://yeproc.com/3-x-4-the-bangles-the-three-oclock-the-dream-syndicate-rain-parade/">Paisley Underground compilation</a> by Yep Roc that came out on record store day last year. It was great to hear some new Rain Parade material, even if the tunes were covers. Wondering what a full Rain Parade album would sound like today, I created <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/ali1wfvllthb1dm/Rain_Parade_-_Winter_Doesn%2527t_Care.rar/file">a compilation of the Rain Parade tracks</a> from "3 x 4" and <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/ali1wfvllthb1dm/Rain_Parade_-_Winter_Doesn%2527t_Care.rar/file">added my favorite Matt Piucci tunes </a>from his post Rain Parade bands, The Hellenes, Boatclub and FIR. Almost satisfied my need for a new Rain Parade album....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 The Hellenes - Beautiful Flower</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Rain Parade - Real World</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 Boatclub - Peace and Quiet</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 Rain Parade - When You Smile</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5 The Hellenes - So Depressed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 Rain Parade - As Real As Real</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7 Boatclub - She's Giving Me a Flower</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 FIR - Winter Doesn't Care</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9 Matt Piucci - Down to the Wire</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 Boatclub - Never Let You Down</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11 The Hellenes - Water</span><br />
<br />Haperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-30046243404775840432018-04-30T15:39:00.001-07:002018-04-30T15:39:43.626-07:00New One By Peter Bruntnell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t_39kAp5Xdk/WueaYOTjFEI/AAAAAAAAYcs/P28ZJttBImI3LbGn4HYmHznFadXyKJ6OwCLcBGAs/s1600/Peter%2BBrutnell%2BLive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t_39kAp5Xdk/WueaYOTjFEI/AAAAAAAAYcs/P28ZJttBImI3LbGn4HYmHznFadXyKJ6OwCLcBGAs/s1600/Peter%2BBrutnell%2BLive.jpg" /></a></div>
There have been a number of well promoted Power Pop albums already out this year. But the new album from blog favorite <a href="http://www.peterbruntnell.net/">Peter Bruntnell</a> came out very quietly, with limited distribution and little fanfare. It is true that Peter can always be counted on to enlighten the ears with his subtle brand of folk and pop. <br />
<br />
This year's effort is a largely acoustic live record entitled "<a href="http://www.peterbruntnell.net/store.php">Live in Firth</a>". It includes sparse re-imagined versions of recent Bruntell classics from his last four or five albums. Really wonderful and well worth your time to <a href="http://www.peterbruntnell.net/store.php">pick up</a>. I've been collecting <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/pb9mc9312dy92gh/Peter_Bruntnell_-_Radio_Sessions.rar">some tunes from appearances by Peter on radio and video promotion shows</a>. It leans in some similar directions and includes some tunes not included on <a href="http://www.peterbruntnell.net/store.php">Peter's great official effort</a>. Consider this <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/pb9mc9312dy92gh/Peter_Bruntnell_-_Radio_Sessions.rar">a taster for the uninitiated and an odds and ends collection</a> for Bruntnell completists - like me. <br />
<br />
Thanks Peter for all of the consistently fine music.<br />
<br />
1 False Start<br />
2 End of The World<br />
3 Long Way From Home<br />
4 The London Clay<br />
5 Another Day<br />
6 Clothes of Winter<br />
7 Dissapointer<br />
8 Black Mountain UFO<br />
9 Sea of Japan<br />
10 Black Window<br />
11 Played Out<br />
12 Here Come The SwellsHaperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-9425247967370925562018-03-11T12:47:00.002-07:002018-03-13T18:31:42.772-07:00New Album from Chris Price<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PS8CQE1Pae4/WqWEA7QafFI/AAAAAAAAXMw/AMsx5jp4hpMWgNJVx2XyjdBW0NnjALB0ACLcBGAs/s1600/Chris%2BPrice%2BShades.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PS8CQE1Pae4/WqWEA7QafFI/AAAAAAAAXMw/AMsx5jp4hpMWgNJVx2XyjdBW0NnjALB0ACLcBGAs/s320/Chris%2BPrice%2BShades.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
I'm loving "<a href="https://omnivorerecordings.com/shop/dalmatian/">Dalmatian</a>" the new album from <a href="http://www.thisischrisprice.com/">Chris Price</a>. Along with "Cabin Life" the new one by Linus of Hollywood, this album shows that 2018 is off to a good start in Power Pop. "<a href="https://omnivorerecordings.com/shop/dalmatian/">Dalmatian</a>" is an odds and sods collection of tracks leftover from Chris's phenomenal sophomore effort "<a href="https://chrispricemusic.bandcamp.com/album/stop-talking">Stop Talking</a>". That fine album made number 4 on my top 25 list of last year and though it was a more coherent effort, <a href="https://omnivorerecordings.com/shop/dalmatian/">Dalmatian</a> is arguably more fun. There is a heavy dose of Motown influenced uptempo pop numbers along some well crafted chamber pop tunes. At current. I can't get the tune "Rollercoaster" out of my head. The most catchy ear-worm of the year so far...<br />
<br />
Through his work with Taylor Locke and Rooney and producing "<a href="https://omnivorerecordings.com/shop/rainbow-ends/">Rainbow Ends</a>" the 2016 comeback album by pop legend <a href="https://omnivorerecordings.com/shop/rainbow-ends/">Emitt Rhodes</a>, Chris has quickly entered the upper reaches of working Power Pop artists. <a href="https://chrispricemusic.bandcamp.com/"> All three of his CDs</a> are stellar and deserve your support. As a completest, I've pulled together <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/58ysj1mooru1cev/Chris_Price_-_Perfect_Portrait.rar">a set of single tracks and band collaborations</a> that complement these great albums. <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/58ysj1mooru1cev/Chris_Price_-_Perfect_Portrait.rar">Tunes</a> include a couple of tracks from Chris's early band Price and a few tracks from his 2016 band <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BopLula/">Bebopalula</a> (I've been waiting for a full album's worth of tunes from that group for a couple of years now). Can't wait to hear what Chris has in store for us....<br />
<br />
1 All Fall Down - Bebopalula demo track<br />
2 Please Read Me - B-side of Emitt Rhodes Bee Gees tribute single<br />
3 Perfect Portrait - Bebopalula demo track<br />
4 Melody Fair - Bebopalula track from Bee Gees tribute<br />
5 Wesley - Bebopalula B-side<br />
6 Bethany - from out-of-print Bethany EP<br />
7 Soft Life of the Typics - Bebopalula demo track<br />
8 Lady Lemonade - Bebopalula demo track<br />
9 Hey Nancy Drew - Price track<br />
10 Take Me Back - vocal guest appearance on Toxic Melons single<br />
11 Don't You Want Me - Human League cover from 1980s compilation<br />
12 Can't Argue With Love - from out-of-print Bethany EP<br />
13 Honeymoon - from out-of-print Bethany EP<br />
14 Birds - from out-of-print Bethany EP<br />
15 I Don't Want a Thing This Christmas - Price track (mono version)<br />
<br />
(By the way if anyone has better fidelity versions of these tracks, please contact me in a posting and let me know the best way to get in touch with you. Thanks!)Haperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-64300514318115127742017-12-24T19:22:00.003-08:002017-12-24T19:22:57.948-08:00Top 25 Power Pop Releases of 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13PmltKZrz0/WkBh6ghKETI/AAAAAAAAWQs/Cgg__zIHovI-_FxAvx_9VTDe-m68OJGugCLcBGAs/s1600/Power%2BPop%2B2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="131" data-original-width="508" height="102" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13PmltKZrz0/WkBh6ghKETI/AAAAAAAAWQs/Cgg__zIHovI-_FxAvx_9VTDe-m68OJGugCLcBGAs/s400/Power%2BPop%2B2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
In 2017, it seemed that Power Pop albums were released in fits and starts throughout the year. Still, after I reflect back on this list, there were quite a lot of great efforts.<br />
<br />
1. <a href="https://www.lojinx.com/releases/pugwash/silverlake">Pugwash - Silverlake</a><br />
The latest masterpiece from Thomas Walsh is actually more of duet effort with Jason Falkner than a full band record.. As such, it benefits from somewhat amped up sound and leaner more aggressive playing. Simply the most consistent and talented Power Pop singer recording today...<br />
<br />
2. <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BillDeMain/">Bill DeMain - Transatlantic Romance</a></u></span><br />
The first full length release from Swan Dive co-leader Bill DeMain is chock-full of sixties pop references to seminal artists like Harry Nilsson and Randy Newman. An unexpected delight of an album.<br />
<br />
3. <a href="https://thenines.bandcamp.com/album/colour-radio-american-transistor">The Nines - Colour Radio (American Transistor)</a><br />
Steve Eggers releases a lot of music and though all of it is worth listening, some releases hang together more than others. This years's album did it for me. Lots of nice studio experimentation. Some sounds like McCartney, others like Stevie Wonder and always great songs. The first tune a passable send up of "Do Ya" by the Move.<br />
<br />
4. <a href="https://chrispricemusic.bandcamp.com/album/stop-talking">Chris Price - Stop Talking</a><br />
LA based pop singer Chris Price keeps some pretty ratified company. He's played with Taylor Locke and produced the comeback release from Emit Rhodes. His first album was a pop masterpiece recorded entirely on an iPhone. This years sophomore release is a beautiful, somewhat more serious affair. Some really gorgeous songs here.<br />
<br />
5. <a href="https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/sitcomneighbor3">Sitcom Neighbor - Shag</a><br />
The third release by rocker John Murphy is the best rocker on this year's list. This album rocks from start to finish with hooks galore.<br />
<br />
6. <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="https://mothboxermusic.bandcamp.com/album/the-secret-art-of-saying-nothing">Mothboxer - The Secret Art of Saying Nothing</a></u></span><br />
The latest Mothboxer starts in a heavier prog mode than prior efforts. However by the back half of the album, leader Dave Ody is back to his tricks planting ear worms deep into your consciousness. This one is worth listening all the way through.<br />
<br />
7. <a href="https://charlesjenkins.bandcamp.com/album/the-last-polaroid-on-cd">Charles Jenkins and the Zhivagos - The Last Polaroid</a><br />
The new one by former Ice Cream Hands singer Charles Jenkins is a return to Power Pop form. Its the most brightest, most rockin' release for a number of years from the talented Mr. Jenkins.<br />
<br />
8. <a href="http://www.corinashley.com/">Corin Ashley - Broken Biscuit</a><br />
There is a dramatic story behind the new release from Corin Ashley. He suffered a stroke while recording it and had to teach himself to play again. This effort is the result his journey back. Its a fine pop release on its own merits. A true return to form for Corn.<br />
<br />
9. <a href="http://www.cliffhillis.com/many_happy_returns/">Cliff Hillis - Many Happy Returns</a><br />
I'm on record as a big fan of Cliff Hillis. This year was a repeat of last year. Another "almost LP" that I surrounded with demos and outtakes Cliff released throughout the year. Some great tunes here as usual.<br />
<br />
10. <a href="https://omnivorerecordings.com/shop/a-world-of-my-own/">Derrick Anderson - A World Of My Own</a><br />
The solo record by Derrick Anderson, the singer of "The Andersons" is solid Power Pop hit. Some tunes evoke The Wondermints. Others rock like the Smithereens. Not a note out of place on this one.<br />
<br />
11. <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="https://plasticsoulmusic.bandcamp.com/album/therapy-3">Plasticsoul - Therapy</a></u></span><br />
<a href="http://popfair.blogspot.com/2017/08/great-new-plasticsoul-album.html">I've written about this one </a>a couple of months ago. Songwriter Steven Wilson produces out a strong song cycle of John Lennon influenced rock. In the Cotton Mather mode but Plastcisoul puts out the better album this year.<br />
<br />
12. <a href="http://www.jesseterrymusic.com/news/12-27-17/epic-stargazer-album-review-4-stars-blurt-magazine">Jesse Terry – Stargazer</a><br />
MOR Americana crooner Jess Terry surprises with an immaculately produced album that contains several exemplary Power Pop tracks among the well produced Americana. This one has Jeff Lynne influenced strings. Terry's voice is almost too perfect, evokes Kyle Vincent for me. Worth checking out.<br />
<br />
13. <a href="https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/rubyfree1">Ruby Free - Shades</a><br />
The latest effort by Power Pop stalwart Rick Hromadka is a solid album and may be the best things he's produced to date. Not a weak tune on it.<br />
<br />
14. <a href="http://starapplekingdom.spinshop.com/">Cotton Mather - Wild Kingdom</a><br />
The second collection of tunes that Robert Harrison recorded as part of his 64 tune <a href="http://ichingsongs.com/">Songs for the I Ching series</a> is an uneven lot. Not nearly as consistent as the first group "The Death of the Cool". Still, Robert proves he is ever the pop genius. Some wonderful tracks in here.<br />
<br />
15. <a href="https://blinkerthestar.bandcamp.com/album/8-of-hearts">Blinker The Star - 8 Of Hearts</a><br />
Prog Rocker Jordon Zadorozny takes a slight step towards electronica with his latest but in so doing simplifies his song writing. This ends up being the most poppy Blinker The Star effort in a several years.<br />
<br />
16. <a href="http://aimeemann.com/">Aimee Mann - Mental Illness</a><br />
Though Aimee Mann's latest effort doesn't blaze many new trails, it's her first solo album in 5 years. Always enjoy Aimee's output.<br />
<br />
17. <a href="https://thewellingtons.bandcamp.com/album/end-of-the-summer">The Wellingtons - End of the Summer</a><br />
The best "summer" pop music comes from down under. The Wellingtons know how to crank out the hooks and this one doesn't disappoint. Some of the year's best singles came from this one.<br />
<br />
18. <a href="https://captainwilberforce.bandcamp.com/album/black-sky-thinking-2">Captain Wilberforce - Black Sky Thinking</a><br />
Actually this one is the final version of an album that Captain Wilberforce leader Simon Bristoll has been releasing over the last couple years. This version boasts some new tracks and a new order. Really nice effort throughout.<br />
<br />
19. <a href="https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/richardxheyman8">Richard X. Heyman - Incognito</a><br />
A new album by Richard X. Heyman is always cause for celebration. Heyman has released another incite-full set of earnest pub rock.<br />
<br />
20. <a href="https://thelunarlaugh.bandcamp.com/album/mamas-boy">The Lunar Laugh - Mama's Boy</a><br />
This is the second group album from co-writers Jared Lekites, Connor Anderson and Campbell Youngm. This one is a slightly more folky affair. Lekites pop chops shine throughout the album.<br />
<br />
21. <a href="https://ericmatthews.bandcamp.com/album/too-much-world">Eric Matthews - Too Much World</a><br />
This album was actually recorded back in 2008 but finally sees the light of day this year. Its a fine chamber pop effort from Matthews. Nobody really sounds like Matthews and I'm a big fan.<br />
<br />
22. <a href="https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/robmartinez2">Rob Martinez - Today My Mind...Tomorrow the World</a><br />
I enjoyed the sophomore effort by Rob Martinez. More than anything in my list this year, this one recalls the golden days of Not Lame records.<br />
<br />
23. <a href="https://dougtuttle.bandcamp.com/album/peace-potato">Doug Tuttle - Peace Potato</a><br />
Boston based indie rocker produces his third solo release and like the others it has Guided By Voices low fi vibe. But this one leans towards sweet pop hooks as the collection of short tracks progresses. Very nice.<br />
<br />
24. <a href="https://fernandoperdomo.bandcamp.com/album/the-golden-hour">Fernando Perdomo - The Golden Hour</a><br />
I do think that this is Florida based multi-instrumentalist Fernando Perdomo's most consistent effort. It serves up polished hooks with terrific production throughout. I wonder what it would sound like for Perdomo to join forces on with a crooner like Kyle Vincent or Jesse Terry?<br />
<br />
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25. <a href="https://shakesomeaction.bandcamp.com/album/crash-through-or-crash">Shake Some Action - Crash Through Or Crash</a><br />
Always a reminder of how Power Pop can rock. Shake Some Action shows us how its done. Album after album. Great band. Another nice album.Haperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-39316408871439895652017-11-26T17:04:00.002-08:002017-11-26T17:04:51.579-08:00The Return of Colin Moulding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_9hPLV4XG3k/WhtkMcP6KpI/AAAAAAAAV_c/wCewTO1nzxQiwiF2tVrCoqH3A1JkAssIACLcBGAs/s1600/Colin%2BMoulding%2Bshhh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="373" height="317" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_9hPLV4XG3k/WhtkMcP6KpI/AAAAAAAAV_c/wCewTO1nzxQiwiF2tVrCoqH3A1JkAssIACLcBGAs/s320/Colin%2BMoulding%2Bshhh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As the year winds down, there have been two notable Power Pop releases in tradition of XTC; one I expected and the other a surprise. I've been anticipating "<a href="https://www.lojinx.com/releases/pugwash/silverlake">Silverlake</a>" the new album by <a href="https://www.lojinx.com/releases/pugwash/silverlake">Pugwash</a> with help by Jason Falkner. Its a stunner and a strong candidate for best Power Pop release of the year. More on that later.... <br />
<br />
I was not expecting new material by XTC co-leader Colin Moulding. "<a href="https://burningshed.com/tcandi_great-aspirations_cd">Great Aspirations</a>" is the new EP by <a href="https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/tc-and-i">TC&I</a>,<a href="https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/tc-and-i"> the duo project of Colin Moulding and Ex-XTC drummer Terry Chambers</a>. Its the first <a href="https://burningshed.com/tcandi_great-aspirations_cd">new material</a> from Moulding in many years.and even though there are only four tracks, its great to hear Colin back performing. Some fine tracks with trademark XTC hooks on this EP. I've collected <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/y9xjhw317l2kps9/Colin_Moulding_-_Great_Aspirations_Companion.rar">several additional tracks where Colin has contributed vocals</a> to other artist's projects in recent years to help round out my listening. Really glad to hear new material from Colin and hope to hear more soon...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://burningshed.com/tcandi_great-aspirations_cd">Great Expectations EP</a><br />
1 Scatter Me<br />
2 Greatness<br />
3 Kenny<br />
4 Comrades of Pop<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/y9xjhw317l2kps9/Colin_Moulding_-_Great_Aspirations_Companion.rar">Other Recent Colin Appearances</a><br />
5 Brain Damage<br />
6 The Man Who Died Two Times<br />
7 It's Raining Again<br />
8 Check Point Karma<br />
9 Are We To Believe<br />
10 Take The Money and Run<br />
11 Down a Peg (Demo)<br />
<br />
<br />Haperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-89635143294980087062017-10-30T18:01:00.001-07:002017-10-31T18:45:09.899-07:00Cliff Hillis - Many Happy Returns Companion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_afxTwTuy0o/WffLTwhOgTI/AAAAAAAAVWo/Eg0oHQG_maEP314NaU5SkCjkv1NtaRAZgCLcBGAs/s1600/Cliff%2BOutside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_afxTwTuy0o/WffLTwhOgTI/AAAAAAAAVWo/Eg0oHQG_maEP314NaU5SkCjkv1NtaRAZgCLcBGAs/s320/Cliff%2BOutside.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Cliff Hillis has provided a soundtrack to my summer for years - and though its well into fall I'm still listening Cliff's EP from this summer "<a href="https://soundcloud.com/cliff-1/sets/cliff-hillis-many-happy-returns-ep-1">Many Happy Return</a>". As usual, great tunes and terrific playing throughout. The only disappointing thing is the relatively brevity of Cliff's offerings. Still, Cliff continues to release tantalizing demos on SoundCloud and many of them are very fine indeed. I've included <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/lixd7ogmd115ean/Cliff_Hillis_-_Many_Happy_Returns_Companion.rar">another collection of these demos</a> as an accompaniment to the <a href="https://soundcloud.com/cliff-1/sets/cliff-hillis-many-happy-returns-ep-1">Many Happy Returns EP</a>. Enjoy these and support Cliff.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://soundcloud.com/cliff-1/sets/cliff-hillis-many-happy-returns-ep-1">Many Happy Returns EP</a><br />
1 Time An Evangelist<br />
2 Many Happy Returns<br />
3 Superfluous<br />
4 With All the World<br />
5 Hey Pretty Face<br />
6 Never in a Million Years<br />
<a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/lixd7ogmd115ean/Cliff_Hillis_-_Many_Happy_Returns_Companion.rar"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/lixd7ogmd115ean/Cliff_Hillis_-_Many_Happy_Returns_Companion.rar">Many Happy Returns Companion</a><br />
7 Wake<br />
8 Writing's On the Wall<br />
9 Brilliant Mistake<br />
10 These Days<br />
11 Rachel Maddow<br />
12 Listen To Your Mother<br />
13 Instrumental #43<br />
14 Caution (Rock Opus Mix)<br />
15 Last Train to Nowhere<br />
16 Pretty Little CemeteryHaperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-27275764242570547122017-08-15T13:45:00.001-07:002017-08-15T13:45:54.998-07:00Great New Plasticsoul Album<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6OXdUQkc90/WZNdG853SJI/AAAAAAAAUFg/Qo8TK6nNfkUf3rn5PGXgCzTlG8-L6_iEgCLcBGAs/s1600/Plasticsoul%2BLive%2Bsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="290" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6OXdUQkc90/WZNdG853SJI/AAAAAAAAUFg/Qo8TK6nNfkUf3rn5PGXgCzTlG8-L6_iEgCLcBGAs/s1600/Plasticsoul%2BLive%2Bsmall.jpg" /></a></div>
One of my favorite albums of the summer has been <a href="https://plasticsoulmusic.bandcamp.com/album/therapy-3">Therapy</a> by Plasticsoul. Leader and songwriter Steven Wilson has truly produced a strong suite of tunes that channel that mid-period Beatles vibe ala Cotton Mather. The songs are strong and Wilson snarls and spits his way through them with a serious jangle. Strongly recommend <a href="https://plasticsoulmusic.bandcamp.com/album/therapy-3">this fine album</a>. It will certainly make its way on to my top 25 albums of the year list.<br />
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Wilson has been busy posting ideas and demos through the years as he culls his best stuff for the album. Though the official release certainly contains his strongest material, a number of the cast-offs are very good indeed. I've collected <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/1o38km07w4j6z83/Plasticsoul_-_The_Girl_of_Many_Tribes.rar">a number of the unreleased tracks here</a>. <a href="https://plasticsoulmusic.bandcamp.com/album/therapy-3">Pick up the the official album</a> and enjoys <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/1o38km07w4j6z83/Plasticsoul_-_The_Girl_of_Many_Tribes.rar">these demo tracks</a>.<br />
<br />
1 No Ordinary Life<br />
2 Build My Invention<br />
3 Caliber Karma<br />
4 Nothing to Write Home About<br />
5 Suicide (The Degradation of Miley)<br />
6 The Good Life<br />
7 Laughing Boy<br />
8 California Blues<br />
9 Cats<br />
10 World Without Ideas<br />
11 Skylarks and Other Birds<br />
12 On A Sunday<br />
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Haperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-17894630514881122772017-07-02T17:31:00.000-07:002017-07-02T17:31:19.893-07:00KC Bowman - Rose Period<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJYhtK_3gi0/WVmP46sxofI/AAAAAAAATMg/pfVGNORclfAenO1DwLamvmWzG4JswE90gCLcBGAs/s1600/KC%2BBowman%2Bsun%2Bglasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="490" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJYhtK_3gi0/WVmP46sxofI/AAAAAAAATMg/pfVGNORclfAenO1DwLamvmWzG4JswE90gCLcBGAs/s320/KC%2BBowman%2Bsun%2Bglasses.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
Thanks to Aaron over at the must read <a href="http://www.powerpopaholic.com/">"Power Popaholic" blog</a> who reminded me to <a href="http://www.powerpopaholic.com/2017/06/friday-freebies-robyn-gibson-ed-ryan-and-kc-bowman.html">check in with KC Bowman</a>. It's been a couple of years since put together <a href="http://popfair.blogspot.com/2015/11/catching-up-with-kc-bowman.html">my last compendium of KC tracks</a> and since that time I've found that KC has been busy releasing <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/kcht5l356dpg3s8/KC_Bowman_-_Rose_Period1.rar">music gratis under a number of names with a number of collaborators</a>.<br />
<br />
The tracks on <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/kcht5l356dpg3s8/KC_Bowman_-_Rose_Period1.rar">this collection </a>have been released as <a href="https://kcbowman.bandcamp.com/">KC Bowman tracks</a>, <a href="https://preoccupiedpipers.bandcamp.com/">Preoccupied Pipers Tracks</a>, <a href="https://vinnysvipers.bandcamp.com/releases">Vinny's Vipers tracks</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBGqyArkUUo">one cover track from the super group Pop 4</a>. Many of these songs are covers and nearly all of them were released as name-your-price downloads. As usual I've<a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/kcht5l356dpg3s8/KC_Bowman_-_Rose_Period1.rar"> pulled them together</a> until KC releases his next complete album.<br />
Can't wait.<br />
<br />
1 Moon Over Marin (KC Bowman covers the Dead Kennedys)<br />
2 Rose Period (KC Bowman Original)<br />
3 My Approach (Preoccupied Pipers)<br />
4 Let's Go Crazy (Preoccupied Pipers cover Prince)<br />
5 Now to War (Preoccupied Pipers cover Guided By Voices)<br />
6 Love's in Need of Love Today (Preoccupied Pipers cover Stevie Wonder)<br />
7 Minor Doorsteps (Preoccupied Pipers)<br />
8 Second Dart (KC Bowman Original)<br />
9 Mayday (Preoccupied Pipers)<br />
10 Prayer Breakfast (Vinny's Vipers)<br />
11 Sir Edmond the Entersplainer (Vinny's Vipers)<br />
12 Help Is On It's Way (Pop 4 cover Little River Band)<br />
13 Shutdown Mode (Demo)<br />
14 Poisonous Peach 2 (Acoustic Demo)<br />
15 Goodbye Minced Oaths (Acoustic Demo)<br />
16 Fountainhead (Acoustic Demo)<br />
17 Rose Period (Acoustic Demo)<br />
18 Second Dart (Acoustic Demo)<br />
19 My Approach (Acoustic Demo)<br />
20 Poisonous Peach (Acoustic Demo)Haperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-70439831703605896172017-05-29T15:11:00.002-07:002017-05-29T15:12:51.064-07:00Scott Sutherland and the Doll Test<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MAx5qi1RWQY/WSybLmqBRGI/AAAAAAAAS6Y/B8ZbumAjg2U4genpguvaiCNT2Y6HKoRGgCLcB/s1600/Doll%2BTest%2BLive%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="570" height="229" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MAx5qi1RWQY/WSybLmqBRGI/AAAAAAAAS6Y/B8ZbumAjg2U4genpguvaiCNT2Y6HKoRGgCLcB/s320/Doll%2BTest%2BLive%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm a <a href="https://www.thedbs.com/">dB's</a> fan and as such, I'm always starved for any new crumbs by <a href="http://halfpearblog.blogspot.com/">Peter Holsapple</a>, <a href="http://www.chrisstamey.com/">Chris Stamey </a>and <a href="https://www.thedbs.com/">the band</a>. I'm enjoying <a href="http://peterholsapple.bigcartel.com/product/don-t-mention-the-war-b-w-cinderella-style">the new single by Peter</a> and I like <a href="https://soundcloud.com/chris-stamey/its-all-too-much">the odd cover</a> leaking out from Stamey central. Still, because of the relative scarcity of material from my heroes I'm excited when I stumbled onto music from bands that sound like they have been influenced by <a href="http://www.holsapplestamey.com/">Peter and Chris</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvbEOtC1gswdGxIRTawlv9A">The Doll Test</a> is perhaps my favorite band in this category. Lead by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUIyQ73PLOG0PlBbLsAX9UQ">Scott Sutherland</a> who spent quality time singing and playing in Seatlle's excellent <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Model-Rockets-113970941979084/">Model Rockets</a> and The Chemistry Set, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvbEOtC1gswdGxIRTawlv9A">The Doll Test</a> released <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHqCHSurBdI&list=PLN9QLWAIn5AR9bIeQmOObfBxSVxuzkbjw">one LP</a> and and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h_m6nnsB9I&list=PLdXaze2fjkSkn4xHXgZp5WRnTYX0iuwIX">an EP</a> before receding into the mists of under recorded bands. The quality of both of these releases is quite good. Listen to "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE5j_HwOvyo">Scared Out of Your Mind</a>" or "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o45n5S_Av9M">Rains All the Time</a>" from the 2006 EP <a href="https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/dolltest">Gasoline and Banks</a> and you'll get the picture. The band does a convincing job of creating catchy songs that sound like they could have been lifted from the dB's second album "Repercussion". Cool hooks well played. In 2008, the band released a fine full length follow up entitled "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHqCHSurBdI&list=PLN9QLWAIn5AR9bIeQmOObfBxSVxuzkbjw">Mosque Alarm Cloc</a>k" and then were heard from no more.<br />
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<div>
in 2013 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUIyQ73PLOG0PlBbLsAX9UQ">Scott Sutherland </a>resurfaced leading a somewhat punkier band called the "<a href="https://greenmonkeyrecords.bandcamp.com/album/ladies-gentlemen-your-king-county-queens">King County Queens</a>". <a href="https://greenmonkeyrecords.bandcamp.com/album/ladies-gentlemen-your-king-county-queens">Their LP</a> is available as <a href="https://greenmonkeyrecords.bandcamp.com/album/ladies-gentlemen-your-king-county-queens">a downloa</a>d. Definitely worth checking out. But Scott Sutherland hasn't been sitting still since 2013. He's been publishing a<a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/ez8b571c6bwr323/Scott_Sutherland_-_Edge_of_the_Map.rar"> series of demos and covers </a>on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUIyQ73PLOG0PlBbLsAX9UQ">his YouTube page</a>. Though in various degrees of finish, there is some fine psychedelic pop here. I've collected <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/ez8b571c6bwr323/Scott_Sutherland_-_Edge_of_the_Map.rar">a series of Scott's originals here as a sampler</a> (he has recorded his share of covers as well). Well worth your while to check out this underappreciated artist. Hope he finishes some of these with full band.</div>
<div>
<br />
1 Holes and Highs<br />
2 That's When I<br />
3 The Kids on the Farm/Mariner's Lament<br />
4 Edge of the Map<br />
5 Leper of the Pack<br />
6 Es Solamente<br />
7 Light in the Window in the Fog<br />
8 Ode to a Bull<br />
9 Tinsel in the Rubbish Bin<br />
10 Nothing is Better Than Right Here<br />
11 Evergreen State Onions<br />
12 Tears and Blood<br />
13 Nobody Could Prove He Was Wrong<br />
14 Greek Fire and Siege Machines<br />
15 Riding With Sam and Dave<br />
16 We Could Have Done Something Else<br />
17 Dolly Jim<br />
18 Macbeth<br />
19 BB Gun Fight<br />
20 A Hard Man<br />
21 I'm Really Together (I Even Think I Should Be)</div>
Haperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-13603178028312802882017-02-05T13:43:00.002-08:002017-02-05T13:43:15.716-08:00New Real Estate On The Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jyt-xQ5WOcQ/WJea96ZMmaI/AAAAAAAASKc/eSTcbbSaFJgtcyt2psZX6lX2_UJxmNylgCLcB/s1600/Real%2BEstate%2Bin%2BStudio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jyt-xQ5WOcQ/WJea96ZMmaI/AAAAAAAASKc/eSTcbbSaFJgtcyt2psZX6lX2_UJxmNylgCLcB/s320/Real%2BEstate%2Bin%2BStudio.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Looking forward to the new album "<a href="http://realestate.dominomart.com/in-mind-cd">In Mind</a>" by the band <a href="http://www.realestatetheband.com/">Real Estate</a> due to drop on March 17. The work of this band along with their lead singer Martin Courtney has turned into a big thing for me recently. Inhabiting the post Velvet Underground school of rock occupied by such bands as The Feelies and Luna, <a href="http://www.realestatetheband.com/">Real Estate</a> has been releasing fine albums since 2009. Early records were more sparse but as they've matured, the melodies have been brought more front and center. <br />
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What vaulted them to the top of my list was the 2015 solo effort "<a href="http://martincourtneyiv.com/">Many Moons</a>" by singer <a href="http://martincourtneyiv.com/">Martin Courtney</a>. I didn't really pick up on <a href="http://martincourtneyiv.com/">this stellar albu</a>m until last year but its been stuck at the top of my list since,. in <a href="http://www.dominorecordco.us/usa/albums/01-09-15/many-moons/">Many Moons</a>, the trademark Real Estate minimalist sound attains a jangly "English Folk" cast and the chord changes and hooks are better than ever. (Reminded me of one of my favorite albums "<a href="https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/canadianinvasion3">Three Cheers for the Invisible Hand</a>" by the Philadelphia band <a href="https://www.facebook.com/canadianinvasion/">The Canadian Invasion)</a>.<br />
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As <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/p0afzruwym8is61/Martin_Courtney_-_In_the_Studio.rar">a taster before the new album drops</a>, I'm posting <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/p0afzruwym8is61/Martin_Courtney_-_In_the_Studio.rar">a compilation of recent radio studio appearances</a> by Martin Courtney along with some cover songs by Real Estate. Love this band. If you don't know them, I'd suggest <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/p0afzruwym8is61/Martin_Courtney_-_In_the_Studio.rar">giving Real Estate a try</a>.<br />
<br />
1 Foto - in studio performance<br />
2 Vestiges - in studio performance<br />
3 Northern Highway - in studio performance<br />
4 Awake - in studio performance<br />
5 Time - in studio performance of Richard Hell song<br />
6 Airport Bar - in studio performance<br />
7 Here Comes Sunshine - Real Estate cover of Grateful Dead song<br />
8 Major Leagues - in studio performance of Pavement song<br />
9 And I Love Her - acoustic performance by Real Estate of Beatles Song<br />
10 Linger - in studio performance of Cranberrie's song<br />
11 Snow Days - acoustic performance by Real EstateHaperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-50440168862755555052017-01-02T18:47:00.000-08:002017-01-02T18:47:12.548-08:00Top 25 Power Pop Releases of 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nbkH7pJYOMc/WGsQJvjR-tI/AAAAAAAARf0/BQ-0ozEKYfUcxe1ANdB9D2o9m8LUSeueACLcB/s1600/Power%2BPop%2B25%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nbkH7pJYOMc/WGsQJvjR-tI/AAAAAAAARf0/BQ-0ozEKYfUcxe1ANdB9D2o9m8LUSeueACLcB/s1600/Power%2BPop%2B25%2B2016.jpg" /></a></div>
2016. What an absolutely bizarre year! Here's hoping that 2017 will make more sense all round. Still there was lots of quality Power Pop produced in 2016.<br />
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1. <a href="http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/paul-steel-april-and-ii">Paul Steel - April & I: Carousel Kites</a><br />
An end-of-year masterpiece by Paul Steel slips in under the wire. Paul has been working on this epic during a difficult year for him, but you wouldn't know it. Those who have followed Paul's past efforts won't be surprised by the Beach Boys and Jellyfish influences. The surprise hre is the trio of Steely Dan influenced tracks in the middle. Wonderful melodies. Sterling production. The best Power Pop album of the year IMO.<br />
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2. <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.seth.com/store_circles_and_squares.html">Seth Swirsky - Circles & Squares</a></u></span><br />
Seth is here with another cycle of new sunshine pop. Though we've heard a few of these as demos on his web site, Seth has woven new versions together into a tuneful tapestry. It's all puppy dogs and summer love. Great album.<br />
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3. <a href="http://starapplekingdom.spinshop.com/Home/details/247981?parent_url=http%3A%2F%2Fstarapplekingdom.spinshop.com%2Fdetails%2F247981">Cotton Mather - Death of the Cool</a><br />
Robert Harrison releases the first set of songs from his 64 track "Songs from the I Ching" project and the album kicks like Cotton Mather album of old. I played the hell out of this one. It skyrockets right up with Cotton Mather albums of old.<br />
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4. <a href="https://369music.bandcamp.com/album/one-hyde-park">The Dowling Poole - One Hyde Park</a><br />
The second full length collaboration by Willie Dowling and Jon Poole. This one check all the boxes. Beautiful Jellyfish influenced ballads along snotty punk poppy rockers that sound like they could slot into a bid 90s Blur record. Another great effort by the dynamic duo.<br />
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5. <a href="https://starlingelectric.bandcamp.com/album/electric-company">Starling Electric - Starling Electric Company</a><br />
This Michigan band has two releases in my top 25 this year. This one is the rocker of the two. Channeling some of the cues from the shoegazers along side hooks influenced by the Beach Boys. A great album though out.<br />
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6. <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/davidbrookingsandtheaver">David Brookings and the Average Lookings</a> <a href="https://soundcloud.com/davidbrookings/sets/david-brookings-and-the">- S/T</a><br />
David Brookings produces his best effort in years and it rocks hard. No other album invokes the rocking DNA of early Elvis Costello or early Candy Butchers like this. I love David's new band.<br />
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7. <a href="https://erikvoeks.bandcamp.com/album/so-the-wind-wont-blow-it-all-away">Erik Voeks - So The Wind Won't Blow It All Away</a><br />
After years of leaking out singles Erik finally puts out an entire album and it is a fabulous effort throughout. Channeling a more careful take on the mid-west pop made famous by Tommy Keene. This album takes up right where Erik's 1993 epic "Sandbox" leaves off. Keep these coming please Erik!<br />
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8. <a href="http://www.thelegalmattersband.com/store">The Legal Matters - Conrad</a><br />
Another great album by the Michigan Power Pop "supergroup" of Andy Reed, Chris Richards and Keith Klingensmith. I think that this one is actually even stronger than the first.<br />
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9. <a href="http://lookparkmusic.com/">Look Park - S/T</a><br />
OK, so there aren't quite as many power hooks as Fountains of Wayne, but when Chris Collingwood sings highly tuneful songs, it sounds like FOW to me. Some great tracks here on Chris's solo debut.<br />
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10. <a href="https://nickpiuntimusic.bandcamp.com/album/trust-your-instincts">Nick Piunti - Trust Your Instincts</a><br />
This power pop album may have the most "power" of any album in my top 25 this year. It also includes the strongest set of tunes that Nick Piunti has produced to date. Lots of fun to listen to in the car.<br />
<br />
11. <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.bobevans.com.au/car-boot-sale/">Bob Evans - Car Boot Sale</a></u></span><br />
Yet another tuneful solo effort by Kevin Mitchel, the lead singer of Australian alternative band Jebediah. This Bob Evans has more variety than efforts past and contains some absolutely sweet Power Pop songs. Recalls his prior epic "Suburban Songbook", a good thing indeed.<br />
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12. <a href="https://play.spotify.com/album/6sxIBaZBbaU520s74NeSQB?play=true&utm_source=open.spotify.com&utm_medium=open">Peter Bruntnell - Nos Da Comrade</a><br />
The English folk pop artist returns with his third effort that straddles folk, alternative and power pop. As always its tuneful and worth listening throughout. Peter Bruntnell is a criminally underrated and a favorite of mine. <br />
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13. <a href="https://thehoneydogs.bandcamp.com/album/love-cannibalism">Honeydogs - Love & Cannibalism</a><br />
I'll never miss an album by Adam Levy and his band-mates. Though this one feels like a somewhat arbitrary collection of tunes, it still contains some of my favorite songs of the year. Obviously this is a band effort not just another solo project by Adam.<br />
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14. <a href="https://starlingelectric.bandcamp.com/album/castlevania">Starling Electric - Castlevania</a><br />
Perhaps the most personal effort on this list. Starling Electric lead singer Caleb Dillon has been sharing this masterpiece within a select inner circle. He decided to release it for free on Bandcamp this fall so it's available to all of us. Strong shades of Elliot Smith and the introspective side of Robert Pollard. Not to be missed.<br />
<br />
15. <a href="http://www.theexplorersclub.com/">The Explorer's Club - Together</a><br />
Beach boys scholars The Explorer's Club release their latest. It's their best. Full of songs that invoke the blissful days of summer.<br />
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16. <a href="https://bentvanlooy.bandcamp.com/album/pyjama-days-vinyl-incl-cd">Bent Van Looy - Pyjama Days</a><br />
I'm a big Jason Falkner fan and every time I listen to Belgian rocker Ben Van Looy, I have to double check to see if I am actually listening to the great unreleased album by Jason. It makes sense since this is the second album that Jason has produced for Bent. Though, it doesn't say it, I would not be surprised if Jason had a hand in writing some of these songs.<br />
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17. <a href="https://www.mergerecords.com/teenage-fanclub-here">Teenage Fanclub - Here</a><br />
I always will celebrate a new album by Teenage Fanclub. "Here" is not their best its still a solid efforts with a stripped down take on the trademark Teenage Fanclub sound.<br />
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18. <a href="https://microcultures.bandcamp.com/album/fell">John Cunningham - Fell</a><br />
Don't know why I didn't hear more about this return-to-form from British chamber pop artist John Cunningham. This one ranks with anything he's done before. Beautiful tunes. Big Beach Boys influence. Beautiful album.<br />
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19. <a href="https://icecreammanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/arvidson-and-butterflies">Arvidson & Butterflies - S/T</a><br />
The most "Swedish" of Power Pop albums comes from Gothenburg Sweden (as it should) this year and its very good indeed. Roger Arvidson delivers an album that sounds like it could have been released in Sweden in the 90s. Rockin' songs with hooks galore. So sweet it made my teeth hurt!<br />
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20. <a href="https://sheloom.bandcamp.com/releases">Sheloom - The Baron Of The Fjord</a><br />
The second cross-continent collaboration by Blinker the Star singer Jordon Zadorozny, and Italian prog rocker Filippo Gaetani includes an important new member, chamber pop star Erik Matthews. This a beautiful dense album that you should check out if you haven't heard it. Spectacular.<br />
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21. <a href="https://radiodays.bandcamp.com/album/back-in-the-day">Radio Days - Back in the Day</a><br />
Italian rockers Radio Days alternate between mid period Beatles tributes and more updated punky Power Pop tunes. Lots of great songs here.<br />
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22. <a href="https://gregpope.bandcamp.com/album/guiding-star">Greg Pope - Guiding Star</a><br />
The latest album by prolific artist Greg Pope cast a darker more alternative cast than albums past. The hooks are here if you listen and stand up to repeated listening..<br />
<br />
23. <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/cupidscarnival">Cupid's Carnival - Everything is Love</a><br />
I loved this John Lennon-esque collection of pop songs from the band formerly known as "Cherrystone". Perhaps the most unabashedly late Beatles of anything on this last.<br />
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24. <a href="http://www.cheaptrick.com/">Cheap Trick - Bang Zoom Crazy…Hello</a><br />
Another album by Power Pop dinosaurs Cheap Trick. Does it matter? YES is matters. Some of the best three minute Power Pop songs of the year were on this album. Great that these guys are still bringing it.<br />
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25. <a href="https://thenines.bandcamp.com/album/alejandros-visions-music-from-the-motion-picture">The Nines - Alejandro's Visions</a><br />
This is a retro soundtrack concept by the Nines and it sometimes is a bit too fey for my tastes. However, Steve Eggers is a force to be reckoned with and always brings us great songs.Haperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-42975114403547197192016-12-22T14:43:00.001-08:002016-12-22T14:43:27.765-08:00Starling Electric - A Holiday "Re-gift"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GR2mnM9fKOw/WFxWqWxjEZI/AAAAAAAAQWQ/DIDA2nJHRGIGTKR57lKMIHJmD1fFccQKgCLcB/s1600/Starling%2BMugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GR2mnM9fKOw/WFxWqWxjEZI/AAAAAAAAQWQ/DIDA2nJHRGIGTKR57lKMIHJmD1fFccQKgCLcB/s320/Starling%2BMugs.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
It's that time of year - when I take stock of the year in Power Pop and remember some of my favorite moments from the year. "<a href="https://starlingelectric.bandcamp.com/album/electric-company">Electric Company</a>" by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/starlingelectric/?ref=hl">Starling Electric</a> was certainly one of my favorite releases of the year. The band plays power pop as if Robert Pollard from"Guided by Voices" had been listening to a steady stream of Beach Boys - without the attention deficit disorder disease. "<a href="https://starlingelectric.bandcamp.com/album/electric-company">Electric Company</a>" is a really wonderful album and it wasn't celebrated enough in my opinion. If you haven't picked up a copy, then I'd suggest you head directly to <a href="https://starlingelectric.bandcamp.com/album/electric-company">Bandcamp</a> and do so now. One of the best releases of the year for sure. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/starlingelectric/?ref=hl">Starling Electric</a> deserves support for producing great tunes like this.<br />
<br />
In addition to "<a href="https://starlingelectric.bandcamp.com/album/electric-company">Electric Company</a>", Starling Electric lead singer Caleb Dillon has a gift for all pop fans. He has posted an amazing solo record entitled "<a href="https://starlingelectric.bandcamp.com/album/castlevania">Castlevania</a>" for <a href="https://starlingelectric.bandcamp.com/album/castlevania">free on Bandcamp</a>. Caleb has been previewing <a href="https://starlingelectric.bandcamp.com/album/castlevania">this epic album</a> to friends and family over the last album and it is simply superb. Think Elliott Smith meets the shoegazer band Ride. An introverted but drop dead gorgeous record that deserves its own place on my top 25 list for this year.<br />
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In addition, the group has posted a set of "free" set of demos on Bandcamp entitled." <a href="https://starlingelectric.bandcamp.com/album/i-cant-believe-i-hate-the-whole-thing">I Can't Believe I Hate The Whole Thing</a>". Lots of good stuff in there though its of varying fidelity.<br />
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Thanks for the gifts Caleb! They are just what I wanted!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://starlingelectric.bandcamp.com/album/castlevania">Castlevania</a><br /><br />
1 The Fog<br />
2 Silver Lake<br />
3 Death's Door<br />
4 Those Eyes!<br />
5 I Died<br />
6 Let's Try To Keep It Out Of The Papers<br />
7 No One Knows My Name<br />
8 Dark Agez<br />
9 Multiple Murder<br />
10 Scarlet Fever<br />
11 Missouri<br />
12 I'm The Cop That Shot Mal Evans<br />
13 Wear Your Love Like HeatherHaperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-59250385863534661742016-10-30T13:25:00.002-07:002016-10-30T13:36:01.193-07:00Duncan Matiland and Robyn Gibson are Future Harmonies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQoXCw1s1JM/WBZWajW-C4I/AAAAAAAAO1Q/KbYU8J-zscwC1IJbB7DJhcItrG7P5jyjQCLcB/s1600/Future%2BHarmonies%2BLive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQoXCw1s1JM/WBZWajW-C4I/AAAAAAAAO1Q/KbYU8J-zscwC1IJbB7DJhcItrG7P5jyjQCLcB/s320/Future%2BHarmonies%2BLive.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Oncoming Classic Power Pop Alert! I'm extremely excited about the new covers collaboration project between <a href="https://www.facebook.com/duncanmaitlandmusic/">Duncan Maitland</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/robyn.gibson.351">Robyn Gibson</a>, leader of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thejunipers/?pnref=lhc">the Junipers</a>. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/duncanmaitlandmusic/">Duncan Maitland</a>, for those of you who don't know, is a well respected studio musician who is at the core of the Irish Power Pop scene. He has featured prominently on all Pugwash releases and in 2010 released a phenomenal solo record <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/maitland2">"Lullabies For The 21st Century",</a> a <a href="http://www.sugarbushrecords.com/2016/02/new-orgone-box-duncan-maitland-lps-from.html">lovely purple vinyl version</a> of which was <a href="http://www.sugarbushrecords.com/2016/02/new-orgone-box-duncan-maitland-lps-from.html">recently released by Sugarbush</a>. If you haven't heard this great album, then you owe it to yourself to check it out ASAP.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/robyn.gibson.351">Robyn Gibson</a> is the leader and vocalist of the Leicester based psychedelic pop band <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thejunipers/?pnref=lhc">the Junipers</a>. Their release "<a href="https://thejunipers.bandcamp.com/album/red-bouquet-fair">Red Bouquet Fair</a>" is a lovely chamber pop epic, on track to be on my best of the year list. Together Robyn and Duncan call themselves <a href="https://www.facebook.com/futureharmonies/">Future Harmonies</a> and they are working on an all cover effort to be released later this year. They have been leaking out some tracks on SoundCloud that are truly beautiful. I've combined those tracks so far with some alternative versions of songs from Duncan's 2010 masterpiece "<a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/maitland2">Lullabies For The 21st Century</a>" in <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/waxdviasyd97xx0/Future_Harmonies_-_Two_of_a_Kind.rar">this compilation</a>. <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/waxdviasyd97xx0/Future_Harmonies_-_Two_of_a_Kind.rar">Listen to this</a> and get excited about the oncoming <a href="https://www.facebook.com/futureharmonies/">Future Harmonies</a> album. Duncan rarities are hard to find. If anyone has a copy of Duncan's rare "2006 Live Alien EP" can you let me know? I've had one back-ordered on Amazon for months.<br />
<br />
1 Two of a Kind - Syd Barrett cover by Duncan<br />
2 All I Ever Wanted - Kirsty McCall cover by Future Harmonies<br />
3 Lucky You - early version of "Lullabies For The 21st Century" track<br />
4 Mary Anne With the Shaky Hand - Who cover by Future Harmonies<br />
5 Handbirds - instrumental version of "Lullabies For The 21st Century" track<br />
6 Funny How Love Can Be - Ivy League cover by Future Harmonies<br />
7 Terry The Toad- early version of "Lullabies For The 21st Century" track<br />
8 Cry Me To Sleep - solo version of "Lullabies For The 21st Century" track from "Declan Session"<br />
9 Your Century- solo version of "Lullabies For The 21st Century" track from "Jungla Sonora"<br />
10 Starman - Live Bowie cover by Duncan<br />
11 Insect Under the Stone- solo version of "Lullabies For The 21st Century" track from "Jungla Sonora"<br />
12 Two of Us - live Beatles cover by Future Harmonies<br />
13 Baby's In Black- live Beatles cover by Future Harmonies<br />
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Haperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-91652048539303037972016-10-01T13:32:00.002-07:002016-10-01T13:44:36.512-07:00Grant-Lee Phillips - Sunday's Best<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7icXKosW1rY/V_AdQP6P8YI/AAAAAAAAOjI/hudY1MktEFsq9Xlyp7YTq82-CnXyoI9ywCLcB/s1600/Grant%2BLive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7icXKosW1rY/V_AdQP6P8YI/AAAAAAAAOjI/hudY1MktEFsq9Xlyp7YTq82-CnXyoI9ywCLcB/s320/Grant%2BLive.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.grantleephillips.com/">Grant-Lee Phillips</a> is a long time favorite of mine and though much of his output could be characterized as Americana, there are strong pop elements throughout his large catalog. His latest effort "<a href="http://www.grantleephillips.com/album/the-narrows-2016">The Narrows</a>" is a solid rocking album. It alternates between strong roots rockers and Grant's trademark world-weary crooning ballads. <br />
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Today's post is <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/1iotwujbm4gc4p4/Grant-Lee_Phillips_-_Sunday%27s_Best.rar">a collection of rare non-album compilation, B-side and bonus tracks </a>that emphasize Grant's pop sound. All of <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/1iotwujbm4gc4p4/Grant-Lee_Phillips_-_Sunday%27s_Best.rar">these rarities</a> are from Grant's post Grant Lee Buffalo period. (I'm currently looking for at least two tracks that know of "The Goodnight Horse" and "Hold Me". If anyone has these or any other Grant rarities, I'd appreciate letting me know).<br />
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Enjoy these great tracks.<br />
<br />
1 Hugo's Theme - bonus track from "Mobilize"<br />
2 Sunday's Best - bonus track from "Mobilize"<br />
3 Smile - from "Gilmore Girls" soundtrack<br />
4 Itchin' - from "Arctic Tales" soundtrack<br />
5 Buckaroo - B-side of "Spring Released"<br />
6 Sarah - from "Witchblade" soundtrack<br />
7 Me and This City - compilation track from "The I-10 Chronicles"<br />
8 Ashes to Ashes - Bowie cover with the Section String Quartet<br />
9 Song of the North - from "Arctic Tales" soundtrack<br />
10 Mother of Exiles - download single<br />
11 Hit Parade - single<br />
12 Here Comes The Sun - Beatles cover from compilation<br />
13 Ballad of Catain - unreleased track from "Witchblade"<br />
14 Winterglow - single<br />
15 Snow Flakes - bonus track from "Ladie's Love Oracle"<br />
16 We Three Kings - unreleased Christmas track<br />
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Haperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-80170818227865502922016-08-30T12:40:00.001-07:002016-08-30T12:55:29.600-07:00Peter Holsapple - Back Blogging!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-slv3qOMFvlw/V8XgeKb_FsI/AAAAAAAAN1s/3-i9J9Etk10MrK9oWIue5Z5_NcGqJT7rACLcB/s1600/Peter%2BWorld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-slv3qOMFvlw/V8XgeKb_FsI/AAAAAAAAN1s/3-i9J9Etk10MrK9oWIue5Z5_NcGqJT7rACLcB/s320/Peter%2BWorld.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
Thanks to Rob over at <a href="http://dbs-repercussion.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-year-that-broke-peter-h.html">The dB's Repercussion blog</a> for spreading the news that <a href="http://halfpearblog.blogspot.com/">Peter Holsapple</a> one of the two creative forces behind the dB's is back and blogging again. In <a href="http://halfpearblog.blogspot.com/">Peter's blog</a>, he reports that he is recording for a new effort and I couldn't be happier. As recently as a year ago it sounded like Peter had hung up his song writing pen, so that he is back in the studio is excellent news. Long standing readers of Pop Fair know that <a href="http://popfair.blogspot.com/search?q=Holsapple">Holsapple is one of my absolutely favorite singer songwriters</a>, however its been a waiting game being his fan. There had been no new tracks from Peter since his days with t<a href="http://www.continentaldrifters.com/">he Continental Drifters</a> until 2009 when Peter and Chris Stamey released the excellent duet record "<a href="http://holsapplestamey.com/">Here and Now</a>". This was followed in 2012 by "<a href="http://www.thedbs.com/">Falling Off the Sky</a>" by the reformed dB's, a wonderful return to form for the legendary band. Since that time only the <a href="https://thedbs.bandcamp.com/album/revolution-of-the-mind">odds and ends of tracks left off</a> of the "<a href="http://www.thedbs.com/">Falling Off the Sky</a>" were released and then...nothing.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
So Peter might be "back" and writing again and that's great....but if past performance is a predictor, it may take a while until we get to hear new material. To hold me over, I've been listening to <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/download/ppt6vdysq98s581/Peter_Holsapple_-_Game_Day.rar">my second compilation of Holsapple materia</a>l "released" on <a href="http://radiofreesongclub.com/">the Radio Free Song Club blog</a>. <a href="http://radiofreesongclub.com/">That blog</a> has gone dormant recently but for a while was releasing monthly compilations of alternative folk performances recorded live in studios around NYC. <a href="http://peterholsapple.bigcartel.com/product/songs-from-radio-free-song-club">Peter would regularly send in songs he recorded in his home in North Carolina</a>. in 2011, he briefly released <a href="http://peterholsapple.bigcartel.com/product/songs-from-radio-free-song-club">a CD of the first batch of those songs</a>. That release appears to be <a href="http://peterholsapple.bigcartel.com/product/songs-from-radio-free-song-club">out of print</a> at present I've been waiting, but I've seen no evidence of a second CD. Until Peter releases a CD of this stuff, please enjoy <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/download/ppt6vdysq98s581/Peter_Holsapple_-_Game_Day.rar">the second batch of Holsapple tracks</a> culled from the Radio Free Song Club. <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/download/ppt6vdysq98s581/Peter_Holsapple_-_Game_Day.rar"> Some great Holsapple material here</a> served up with a very DIY aesthetic. Can't wait for new material from Peter.</div>
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<div>
1 Goodness Gracious</div>
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2 All Hail</div>
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3 The Devil You Know</div>
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4 Real Tears</div>
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5 Cinderella Style</div>
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6 Game Day</div>
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7 Happy The Drunk</div>
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8 Morning Train</div>
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9 Didn't You Used to Be</div>
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10 Bluesy Mama</div>
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11 The Donkey Song<br />
12 Don't Ever Leave</div>
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Haperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-78446193854728741682016-07-31T14:29:00.001-07:002016-07-31T14:30:06.650-07:00The Milk and Honey Band<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VyN3--sF87A/V55qzknVMII/AAAAAAAANqw/hRGUM2OE4fQnCrYZVmj00ngfpV9w-yd9gCLcB/s1600/Milke%2Band%2BHoney%2BBlack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VyN3--sF87A/V55qzknVMII/AAAAAAAANqw/hRGUM2OE4fQnCrYZVmj00ngfpV9w-yd9gCLcB/s320/Milke%2Band%2BHoney%2BBlack.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Summer brings to mind a number of great bands that helped defined those times and Brighton's excellent "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Milk-Honey-Band-7463161473/">The Milk and Honey Band</a>" is such a band for me. Lead by singer songwriter <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Milk-Honey-Band-7463161473/">Robert White</a>, the band put out 4 albums starting with 1994's Round the Sun. Most of the band's output comes out after 2000 with 2001's Boy From the Moon, 2004's The Secret Life Of The Milk And Honey Band, 2009's Dog Eared Moonlight, 2010's In Colour. The band has a sound that straddles a solid center line between Crowded House and XTC with occasional Beach Boys influences popping through. Interesting that thier last last two albums were released on Andy Partiridge's <a href="http://www.ape.uk.net/">Ape record labe</a>l<br />
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I'd love to hear more by this fine band however they haven't put out any new material since 2010. There have been a couple of tunes released solo by Robert White (included <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/download/29mdwxp4z1tukpt/The_Milk_and_Honey_Band_-_Flowers.rar">here</a>). I also included an acoustic live set to round out <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/download/29mdwxp4z1tukpt/The_Milk_and_Honey_Band_-_Flowers.rar">this compilation</a>. I am still looking for the tracks that were briefly released in 2006 on "Crumbs Parts 1 and 2" the digital download compilation if anyone has those tracks. For those who don't know The Milk and Honey band, you are in for a treat.<br />
<br />
1 Flowers - acoustic live<br />
2 Disappear - acoustic live<br />
3 No World At All - acoustic live<br />
4 Maryfaith Autumn - acoustic live<br />
5 Just You - acoustic live<br />
6 Cut The Line - acoustic live<br />
7 Lilly White's Party - Robert White solo<br />
8 Everything is Free - Robert White solo<br />
<br />Haperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-67576867680254214762016-06-26T15:02:00.002-07:002016-06-26T15:05:07.148-07:00Tam Johnstone - The General Store<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlxTD5JVXrs/V3BPoZekN0I/AAAAAAAANXA/Y8l_9lkTt3EzA4ZIRB9JyE8OJoMG6u5xwCLcB/s1600/Tam%2BJohnstone%2BGrey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlxTD5JVXrs/V3BPoZekN0I/AAAAAAAANXA/Y8l_9lkTt3EzA4ZIRB9JyE8OJoMG6u5xwCLcB/s1600/Tam%2BJohnstone%2BGrey.jpg" /></a></div>
This month's post is dedicated to another classic album from a rarely heard artist - <a href="http://tamjohnstone.com/">Tam Johnstone</a>, the son of Elton John guitar player Davey Johnstone. Tam released his first album "<a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/notlame15">Local Honey</a>" under the moniker "The General Store" on Not Lame records in 2002 and to my ears it was an instant classic. <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/notlame15">The album</a> contained a concentrated blast of Big Star/Badfinger ballads with beautiful playing and production. In an alternate universe, this release would have rocketed him to instant stardom, but alas, things don't work out that way.<br />
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In 2008, he released <a href="http://tamjohnstone.bandcamp.com/album/mountain-rescue-the-general-store">another fine General Store album</a> and began work as a <a href="http://tamjohnstone.com/videography/">videographer</a>. In 2011, he took on a concentrated video project called the "<a href="http://tamjohnstone.com/projects/">Song Explosion</a>" releasing a new song and video every week for that year. He culled an albums worth of material from that project to create "<a href="http://tamjohnstone.bandcamp.com/album/fantastic-animals">Fantastic Animals</a>" his first solo record. Though a fine record in its own right (and well worth picking up), a number of fine songs from the Song Explosion remain un-issued to this day. I've collected my favorite in <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/download/268741ha54q8788/The_General_Store_-_Song_Explosion.rar">the compilation</a> below. It's <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/download/268741ha54q8788/The_General_Store_-_Song_Explosion.rar">fine listening</a>. I defy anyone to produce a better or more clever song than the second track "Complicated Girl". One great song <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/download/268741ha54q8788/The_General_Store_-_Song_Explosion.rar">among many</a>. <br />
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Since 2011, Tam has issued a newer <a href="http://tamjohnstone.bandcamp.com/album/cockatoo">collection of old timey torch songs</a> but he has turned his energies to <a href="http://tamjohnstone.com/videography/">video production</a>. He is producing a documentary on the early days of Elton John. He is a real talent and I hope we haven't heard the last of Tam as song writer. <br />
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1 Somewhere Down the Highway<br />
2 Complicated Girl<br />
3 Back To You<br />
4 Miss World<br />
5 Beautiful Day<br />
6 Alien Abroad<br />
7 Homeward Bound<br />
8 Polygraph<br />
9 The Creeper<br />
10 She's Not The One<br />
11 Wake Up<br />
12 Any Other<br />
13 When The Sun Goes Down<br />
14 Everything is Awesome<br />
15 Unicorn Lady<br />
16 Sway<br />
17 The Reunion<br />
18 Sgt. Factory<br />
19 Paralyzed<br />
20 You're So BeautifulHaperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-36017151642146214282016-05-30T12:50:00.002-07:002016-05-31T20:08:01.614-07:00Rediscovering Erik Voeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RUcxSsfg8v8/V0yYlwbJqFI/AAAAAAAANIs/Qceia-1w1YATrPX4O1AUQwbrHFCGgIFFQCLcB/s1600/Erik%2BVoeks%2B-%2BRecord%2BStore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RUcxSsfg8v8/V0yYlwbJqFI/AAAAAAAANIs/Qceia-1w1YATrPX4O1AUQwbrHFCGgIFFQCLcB/s320/Erik%2BVoeks%2B-%2BRecord%2BStore.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This month's post celebrates the quiet career of pop rocker Erik Voeks. Though not that well known, Erik has put out a sparse catalog of top quality Power Pop over his 15 year career. Erik grew up in Australia, moved to the states where spent time in St. Louis. He has been living for years in Kansas City. His earlier 1990's output as tangentially associated with the Champagne, Illinois power pop movement - since Adam Schmitt and friends played on his album "<a href="https://futuremanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/sandbox">Sandbox</a>". That album is a classic with crystal clear production and great songs throughout. Keith Klingensmith's Futureman label has done a great service by rereleasing <a href="https://futuremanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/sandbox">that album in digital form</a>. If you have don't have <a href="https://futuremanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/sandbox">this classic</a>, you owe it to yoursef to download a copy now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Over the last three years, Erik has been relatively active, releasing <a href="https://erikvoeks.bandcamp.com/">a series of singles and EPs</a> through <a href="https://erikvoeks.bandcamp.com/">Bandcamp</a>. I recommend heading over there and supporting Erik by <a href="https://erikvoeks.bandcamp.com/">downloadin</a>g those tracks. You won't be disappointing. Uniformly excellent work there. I recently completed a compilation of those recent tracks and I'm convinced that if these were issued as an album, they would easily end up on my best of list.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To drum up interest in Erik, I'm posting <a href="https://www.mediafire.com/?qy024c94j0p8lem">a set of hard to find singles and demo tracks from early in Eric's career</a>. There is absolutely some great material here. Give <a href="https://www.mediafire.com/?qy024c94j0p8lem">these tracks</a> a listen and please let me know if you have any additional rare Erik tracks (I know that I am missing the double sided single, "Desire Me and Die" and "Or What?" as an example). I would appreciate the chance to complete my odds and ends collection.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 Grey Rain Town</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 I'll Be The One</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3 Up Periscope</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4 Reasons</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5 Throw Me Out A Line</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6 When Will It All End</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7 Cruel Tide</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8 Queen of Cans and Jars (Guided By Voices Cover)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">9 Christmas Singles</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">10 Pristeen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">11 Girl</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">12 Descending From a Daydream (Live)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Haperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-27689568755850380052016-04-30T14:28:00.000-07:002016-04-30T14:28:02.377-07:00Cliff Hillis - Love Not War Companion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PlR2jNZSeMk/VyUjQgsF8bI/AAAAAAAAM-A/QYqXtHjeSussfwoHCCG1FcP9UqvLFyttACLcB/s1600/Cliff%2BHillis%2BLive%2Bagainst%2BBlack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PlR2jNZSeMk/VyUjQgsF8bI/AAAAAAAAM-A/QYqXtHjeSussfwoHCCG1FcP9UqvLFyttACLcB/s1600/Cliff%2BHillis%2BLive%2Bagainst%2BBlack.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cliff Hillis's latest EP "<a href="http://www.cliffhillis.com/music/love_not_war___ep/">Love Not War</a>" is on the top of my playlist at the moment. As always Cliff deliver's with terrific well constructed tunes that get wedged into your consciousness. The 7 songs that comprise "Love Not War" fly by and I was always wanting more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://popfair.blogspot.com/2014/11/cliff-hillis-song-machine-companion.html">Just as I did for his last EP</a> I've pulled together <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/download/rmrmw31jbro4v7n/Cliff_Hillis_-_Love_Not_War_Companion.rar">some additional demos</a> that Cliff posted on his two Soundcloud accounts in a compilation that complements his <a href="http://www.cliffhillis.com/music/love_not_war___ep/">official EP.</a> Buy<a href="http://www.cliffhillis.com/music/love_not_war___ep/"> the EP</a> and add <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/download/rmrmw31jbro4v7n/Cliff_Hillis_-_Love_Not_War_Companion.rar">these additional 7 track</a>s and you have something that more approximates a proper "album". Enjoy and don't forget to support one of the US's best Power Pop recording artist.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cliffhillis.com/music/love_not_war___ep/">Love Not War EP</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 <a href="https://soundcloud.com/cliffhillis/love-not-war">Love Not War</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 The Buddha's Belly</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 Don't Drown the Wind</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 A Boy Downtown</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5 Suicide Doors</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 Mayor of Midnight</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7 Too Many Songs</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/download/rmrmw31jbro4v7n/Cliff_Hillis_-_Love_Not_War_Companion.rar">Love Not War Companion</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 Fresh As Tomorrow</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9 Truth Be Told</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 Cindy is Serious</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11 Fourth Stone From the Sun</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 David Crosby</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">13 Grosser than Gross</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">14 Seven Seas</span><br />
<div>
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Haperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-71958208089842783712016-03-27T14:02:00.000-07:002016-04-07T05:21:34.657-07:00Owsley - Changes (Repost)<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RLgurEJbj4U/VvhJrL5JoDI/AAAAAAAAM5w/t-pa1WmUjg42A7ouW41lpHYCn-xZI7FOQ/s1600/Owsley%2BChanges%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RLgurEJbj4U/VvhJrL5JoDI/AAAAAAAAM5w/t-pa1WmUjg42A7ouW41lpHYCn-xZI7FOQ/s320/Owsley%2BChanges%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During the nine years, I've been writing this blog, I've never reposted something that I previously posted. Today I'm going to make an exception and repost <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/download/za1rhhdbs3asmuy/Owsley_-_Changes_2.rar">a rarities collection</a> I put together of <a href="http://popfair.blogspot.com/2010/05/owsley-singles-bonus-and-compilation.html">demos and non album tracks by Will Owsley in 2010</a>. I've been requested to do this far more than any other item that I've posted here and there is probably good reason - because of the scarcity of material from this essential Power Pop artist. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During his short career Owsley produced two classic albums, 1999's self titled debut and 2004's "The Hard Way" His prior band "The Semantics" produced one hard to find debut album which also ranks as a must have for Power Pop fans. Will Owsley's career was cut short when he took his own life in 2010. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/download/za1rhhdbs3asmuy/Owsley_-_Changes_2.rar">The tracks I've collected here</a> include a pair of songs issued as a single in addition to a series of demo tracks that have leaked out over the years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For those who downloaded the original version of this compilation, I've made several changes. I removed Owsley's great version of "Band on the Run" which was actually a hidden bonus track at the end of the second album "The Hard Way". In it's place I've included 4 additional tracks that Will recorded as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ethos1/posts/4847559468225">demos late in his life</a>. Below, you'll find <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/download/za1rhhdbs3asmuy/Owsley_-_Changes_2.rar">the latest track</a> listing. Will, we miss you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 Fountain of Youth - Demo with Ethos Music</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 Psycho - A-side of single released in 2005</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3 Changes - EP Track from Christian Band "Blue Sky Secret", co-written with vocals by Owsley</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4 Endlessly - Demo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5 Far From Me - Demo with Ethos Music</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6 Mess With Me - Japanese bonus track from self titled first album</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7 Leave It All Behind - Demo for Amy Grant</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8 Upside Down - B-side of single released in 2005</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">9 Take Me To The Place - Demo with Ethos Music</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">10 When Lonely Comes Around - Demo by Owsley and Vince Gill</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">11 Feel No Pain - Demo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">12 Got a Lot On My Head - From "Substitution Mass Confusion" Cars tribute</span>Haperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-91439270421542113162016-02-28T14:16:00.001-08:002016-02-28T14:16:54.025-08:00Captain Wilberforce - Demos and Radio Tracks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_keLvzhmhiQ/VtNxreuwsoI/AAAAAAAAMmk/Buz1DFLK8SY/s1600/Captian%2BWilberforce%2BLive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_keLvzhmhiQ/VtNxreuwsoI/AAAAAAAAMmk/Buz1DFLK8SY/s320/Captian%2BWilberforce%2BLive.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leeds based singer songwriter Simon Bristoll has been hard at it for the last 12 years. As <a href="https://captainwilberforce.wordpress.com/about/">Captain Wilberforce</a> he has released 3 full length albums and two EPs. Bristoll does a great job mixing in a biting lyrical snarl within rich dramatic songscapes. Every tune tells a story and takes the listener through a forest of melodic twists and turns. The musicians that have helped Bristoll over the years are pros and his albums rock and sound great as well. Since 2014, they've released <a href="https://captainwilberforce.bandcamp.com/album/distance-ep">two EPs</a> <a href="https://captainwilberforce.bandcamp.com/album/the-late-captain-wilberforce">on Bandcamp</a> available as "<a href="https://captainwilberforce.bandcamp.com/album/the-late-captain-wilberforce">name your price</a>" downloads. They are two parts of a three part album. The third part is evidently writen and recorded with a potential june release for the completed album. Very excited and based on the earlier two ep's I'd expect the CD to end up on my based of the year list.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In anticipation, I've put together <a href="https://www.mediafire.com/?pp82r4b9a76pd8r">a compendium of demos and radio tracks</a>. The first three songs are from the extremely hard to find 2004 Demo EP "Dreams of Educated Fleas" If anyone has the complete CD at a better bit rate, I'd appreciate if they'd let me know. I've also included <a href="https://www.mediafire.com/?pp82r4b9a76pd8r">several live and studio sessions</a>. Enjoy. Here's to wishing Captain Wilberforce the overdue success they deserve</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Making Apple Juice From Oranges - From "Dreams of Educated Fleas" Demo EP</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Born Again Brand New Man - From "Dreams of Educated Fleas" Demo EP</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 Dark Clouds - From "Dreams of Educated Fleas" Demo EP</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 Confetti Champagne and Roses - From Grain Division Acoustic Show</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5 Teaching You To Swim - From Grain Division Acoustic Show</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 Vaselined Eyes - From Grain Division Acoustic Show</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7 No Guarantees - From Grain Division Acoustic Show</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 Excuses - From Grain Division Acoustic Show</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9 Algebra Take Me Dancing - From Grain Division Acoustic Show</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 The Incredible Commuting Mole - From Grain Division Acoustic Show</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11 A Very British Earthquake - From Grain Division Acoustic Show</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12 A Beautiful Waste of Time - Acoustic Track from Dermit O' Leary Show</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">13 Blue - Jayhawks cover from Dermit O' Leary Show</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">14 Someone To Love - Live Track from 2013 Galtres Parklands Festival</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">15 The King of Indecision - Live Track from 2013 Galtres Parklands Festival</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">16 Good Times, You Said - Live Track from 2013 Galtres Parklands Festival</span>Haperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-75139711557953114432016-01-31T13:07:00.000-08:002016-01-31T13:07:16.453-08:00Saul Zonana - Live From Studio Z<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01U7BM4EBz4/Vq52L9IVSuI/AAAAAAAAMgM/i8q0I6erYbo/s1600/Saul%2BUpload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01U7BM4EBz4/Vq52L9IVSuI/AAAAAAAAMgM/i8q0I6erYbo/s320/Saul%2BUpload.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Every January I look forward to combing through the "Best Of" lists from my favorite blogs. It's always exciting to discover Power Pop releases you missed (even if its a bit discouraging that you missed them). I particularly love combing through the "Best of" lists from <a href="http://absolutepowerpop.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-absolute-powerpop-top-100-of-2015-1.html">Steve at Absolute Powerpop </a>and <a href="http://www.powerpopaholic.com/2015/12/the-top-25-power-pop-albums-of-2015.html">Aaron's Powerpopaholic blog</a> and I always appreciate <a href="http://www.powerpopaholic.com/2016/01/dave-bashs-top-125-albums-of-2015.html">Aaron's posting of David Bash's expansive Top 125 list</a>.<br />
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This year, I've particularity been enjoying a couple of 2015 releases I missed. I'm loving <a href="http://albumstreams.com/albums/pop-electropop/a-fragile-tomorrow-make-me-over-p4969">"Make Me Over" by A Fragile Tomorrow</a>. Quite a step for that young band. I'm also loving the latest album from <a href="http://www.saulzonana.com/home">Saul Zonana</a>, <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/saulzonana3">"Devolving"</a>. Saul is a favorite of mine and his latest album is just great. It should have easily made into <a href="http://popfair.blogspot.com/2015/12/top-25-power-pop-releases-of-2015.html">my top Power Pop albums last yea</a>r, had I not missed it. Only nine tracks this time but eveyone a gem. <br />
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I've loved every release Saul's made in his <a href="http://www.saulzonana.com/home">15 year recording career</a>. He always manages to weave in great chord progressions into smart pop songs. In recent years, he's incorporate some prog elements but he hasn't lost his pop smarts. I'd recommend every album he's released. Saul does <a href="http://www.saulzonana.com/music-store">a great job of distributing his music </a>and you can purchase almost every track he's released on his web site. I've compiled just <a href="https://www.mediafire.com/?d1qdoyccgp4qrz4">a few tracks he hasn't officially released</a>. These are t<a href="https://www.mediafire.com/?d1qdoyccgp4qrz4">he audio from several "live in the studio videos" that he recorded in his home studio in Nashville last year</a>. Great tracks. If you don't know <a href="http://www.saulzonana.com/live-from-studio-z">Saul's music</a>, consider these <a href="https://www.mediafire.com/?d1qdoyccgp4qrz4">a taster</a>. You'll want to <a href="http://www.saulzonana.com/music-store">purchase the rest of this talented artist's catalog</a>.<br />
<br />
1 Boogyman<br />
2 I Gotta Go<br />
3 Foreverandever<br />
4 Shame Of It<br />
5 What I'm Lookin' For<br />
6 Notice (Live)<br />
7 Will You Down (Live)Haperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-78382379372211998432015-12-27T14:59:00.000-08:002015-12-28T16:41:00.992-08:00Top 25 Power Pop Releases of 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aIIbQK4IDXQ/VoBrNdgs6XI/AAAAAAAAMIU/cZflloIzF74/s1600/Power%2BPop%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aIIbQK4IDXQ/VoBrNdgs6XI/AAAAAAAAMIU/cZflloIzF74/s320/Power%2BPop%2B2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Well this year flew by and so did December. I'm taking a chance that I'll miss a great one squeaking in under the wire in the last few days of the year, none-the-less, here is my first pass at the top 25 for 2015:<br />
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1. <a href="https://www.lojinx.com/releases/taylor-locke/time-stands-still">Taylor Locke - Time Stands Still</a><br />
A remarkably coherent record from start to finish. Taylor Lock's first solo record is an homage to 1970's pop. Great songs throughout. I played this all year. My favorite this year.<br />
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2. <a href="http://shop.koolkatmusik.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=KKM&Product_Code=Caddy_1&Category_Code=">Caddy - The Better End</a><br />
The latest effort from Norwegian popper Tomas Dahl is a stunner and transcends his previous punkier efforts. This one slows down and takes us beyond the Teenage Fanclub references to an album that stands up to constant listening. Beautiful songs with great arrangements.<br />
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3. <a href="http://omnivorerecordings.com/music/play-this-intimately-as-if-among-friends-2/">Pugwash - Play This Intimately as If Among Friends</a><br />
The latest by Thomas Walsh and the crew is wonderful even if it was unexpectedly mellow. Still Pugwash seems to be able to do no wrong. One of the years best - as usual!<br />
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4. <a href="http://www.thinkpiecepublishing.com/tpp_album/naubinway/">Adam Levy - Naubinway</a><br />
The first solo effort from the Honeydogs singer songwriter Adam Levy is dedicated to his son, who took his own life. But to be sure Naubinway is a wonderful life-affirming record. Great melodies abound even as Levy works through the tragedy.<br />
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5. <a href="https://renobo.bandcamp.com/album/lessons-from-a-shooting-star">Reno Bo - Lessons From a Shooting Star</a><br />
The sophomore effort by Nashville based singer Reno Bo is a classy rocker with good variety. At different times, the album sounds like Dave Edmunds, Tom Petty or Tommy Keene. Loved this one.<br />
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6. <a href="https://steverobinsonedwoltil.bandcamp.com/">Steve Robinson and Ed Woltil - Cycles</a><br />
The duet record from former Ditchflower Ed Woltil and British guitar player Steve Robinson is a triumph, full of pastoral songs that recall late era XTC. Great throughout.<br />
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7. <a href="https://michaelcarpenter.bandcamp.com/album/the-big-radio">Michael Carpenter - The Big Radio</a><br />
I don't get why this record is supposed to be Michael Carpenter's "last" album. He is still in top form and this one is one of his best.. Solid roots rock with poppy touches at a new high level. Say it isn't so Michael!<br />
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8. <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj-_K6Siv3JAhUHzWMKHR0dDMQQFggcMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdbaby.com%2Fcd%2Fcloudeleven5&usg=AFQjCNEYOD-1N1te4GEcnSAoeNR4xYzhTg&sig2=ZCnMywtm8md_7QUNEAk4aA&bvm=bv.110151844,d.cGc">Cloud Eleven - Record Collection</a><br />
It's been 9 years since the last record from Rick Gallego. Just like each of the four efforts that precedes it, this one is full of smooth poppy tunes that sound like summer (think the beach boys). Glad to hear a new one from Rick.<br />
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9. <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=12&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiOuJWliv3JAhVBU2MKHWNUAFIQFghEMAs&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsecrettrees.bandcamp.com%2Falbum%2Ftill-we-find-ourselves&usg=AFQjCNElMN715N3kBkj3gz7auXbNEPWq8A&sig2=zxbckdfnrFi_3C_B43cizA&bvm=bv.110151844,d.cGc">Secret Trees - Till We Find Ourselves</a><br />
I always love to come upon new albums by new artist and this album is a jewel The group checks an obvious influence by covering Tears for Fears. Amazing production for a such a new band.<br />
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10. <a href="https://jaredlekites.bandcamp.com/album/five-separate-lives">Jared Lekites </a>and <a href="http://thelunarlaugh.com/album/apollo">The Lunar Laugh - Apollo</a><br />
The new duet project by Jared Lekite and partner Connor Anderson is a step change from the earlier efforts from Lekites. The songs are great and recording is stellar. I added the singles that Jared released this year to fortify the short album.<br />
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11. <a href="https://themaureens.bandcamp.com/album/bang-the-drum">The Maureens - Bang The Drum</a><br />
This second album by the Dutch pop gains unexpected depth. The first album sounded like a Swedish Power Pop album from the 90s. This one adds lots of harmony vocals and evokes a 70's soft rock vibe. Very nice.<br />
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12. <a href="http://www.gripweeds.com/store/store_HIWTW/store_HIWTW.php">The Grip Weeds - How I Won the War</a><br />
The latest album by prolific New Jersey psych popsters rocks. This band keeps getting better and better.<br />
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13. <a href="http://yeproc.11spot.com/chris-stamey-euphoria.html">Chris Stamey - Euphoria</a><br />
Stamey's last album "Lovesick Blues" was a quiet chamber pop affair but this latest one is as nakedly poppy as anything he's done in his long career.<br />
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14. <a href="https://cokebelda.bandcamp.com/">Coke Belda - Nummer Zwei</a><br />
The most "Swedish" of Power Pop albums comes from Germany this year. Coke Belda solicited help from former Merrymaker David Myhr. A very good idea and a very good album.<br />
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15. <a href="http://secondmotionrecords.com/albums/laugh-in-the-dark-258.html">Tommy Keene - Laugh In The Dark</a><br />
I don't know how often we say that "Tommy Keene is back" but this album is as good as anything he's ever done. Great classic Power Pop from Tommy as usual.<br />
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16. <a href="https://goldenstatemusic.bandcamp.com/album/crayons-angels">Brandon Schott - Crayons and Angels</a><br />
Brandon Schott has produced a great album that channel his pure chamber pop vocals in a number of settings.<br />
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17. <a href="https://thenines.bandcamp.com/album/night-surfer-and-the-cassette-kids">The Nines - Night Surfer and the Cassette Kids</a><br />
Interesting direction by Steve Eggers. It sounds like he's been listening to his old copy of XTC's Black Sea. Punkier than before, Egger's can't help but pen great songs whatever the setting. I also liked the two EPs that The Nines put out.<br />
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18. <a href="https://kurtbaker.bandcamp.com/album/play-it-cool">Kurt Baker - Play It Cool</a><br />
Our favorite Maine based rocker has a new collection of 3 minute gems - and its very good. No one does this type of thing better.<br />
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19. <a href="https://michaelsherwoodchristiannesmith.bandcamp.com/album/groovy-lemon-pie">Michael Sherwood & Christian Nesmith - Groovy Lemon Pie</a><br />
Evidently this album has been in process for several years. It is dense and full of dramitic Power Pop. Very ambitious through messy at times, this one tries to channel Jellyfish.<br />
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20. <a href="https://elvyn.bandcamp.com/album/valley-of-the-kilowatt-hour-2">Elvyn - Valley of the Kilowatt Hour</a><br />
Though its been 5 years since Elvyn's last album the Canadian band is in fine form. This one has a Fountains of Wayne vibe.<br />
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21. <a href="https://soundcloud.com/popmonster/01-new-beginning?in=popmonster/sets/greg-pope-fanboy">Greg Pope - Fanboy</a><br />
A new one by Greg Pope promises rockin' pop fun. This one does not disappoint.<br />
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22. <a href="http://www.martianrecordcorp.com/">Three Hour Tour - Action and Heroes</a><br />
It's great to hear a new one from Champaign Illinois rockers. This album rocks hard though the chord patterns recall the Beatles less this time.<br />
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23. <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jimmyhaber2">Jimmy Haber - Joy Acid Pact</a><br />
I really liked this psychedelic rave up. Lots of fun. A new power pop dance party by a Beatles and Who fan. This one shows some real development compared to his last.<br />
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24. <a href="https://thejuniorleague.bandcamp.com/album/also-rans">The Junior League - Also Rans</a><br />
Though I wasn't expecting such a rockin effort from Joe Adragna since his last effort was more subdued. A true return to form. Nice effort with novel chord patterns.<br />
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25. <a href="http://ryanhamiltonshop.com/collections/hell-of-a-day-presale/products/hell-of-a-day-cd">Ryan Hamilton - Hell Of a Day</a><br />
Though Wyatt Funderburk issued an odds and sods compilation this year, we didn't get any new material. However Wyatt used his talents to produce the solo effort by Ryan Hamilton. "Hell of a Day" has a similar vibe to Wyatt's work with slick production and Fountains of Wayne tongue and cheek pop tunes.Haperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-33736232816340517982015-11-24T20:32:00.000-08:002015-11-24T20:37:51.699-08:00Catching Up With KC Bowman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_fQl_CLbzuk/VlU4SBVhtTI/AAAAAAAAL9w/oHaUBE_Xyh0/s1600/KC%2BBowman%2BCrop%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_fQl_CLbzuk/VlU4SBVhtTI/AAAAAAAAL9w/oHaUBE_Xyh0/s200/KC%2BBowman%2BCrop%2B2.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Time to check in with <a href="http://popfair.blogspot.com/2009/07/there-lot-of-people-who-havent-yet.html">Blog favorite</a> <a href="http://popfair.blogspot.com/2010/07/kc-bowman-pioneer-playfaire.html">KC Bowman</a>. KC has spent the last four years involved in a new set of projects; the Agony Aunts, Pop4 and the Corner Laughers. in those projects KC writes and performs but often takes a back seat on vocals. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Even as he has supported these other projects, KC has continued to cut his own tracks, recently concentrating on covering tunes by others. He's been kind enough to post these as a series of <a href="https://preoccupiedpipers.bandcamp.com/music">free downloads</a> but I've included <a href="https://www.mediafire.com/?q8tq2waw18cc5b7">a compilation of the tracks</a> for <a href="https://www.mediafire.com/?q8tq2waw18cc5b7">a concentrated listen</a>. Dive into the special world of KC Bowman. Always great fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 Optimist John</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 Old Trope Academy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3 Geishas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4 Don't Be Shy (Cat Stevens Cover)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5 Twenty-Four Meransers (Twirl Radio Mix of Agony Aunts Track)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6 The Brakes of Your Brain</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7 Smothered in Hugs (Guided By Voices Cover)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8 Delusions</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">9 Super 8 (Jason Isbell Cover)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">10 Ponciest Pilot</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">11 Somebody Wants to Love You (Partridge Family Cover)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">12 The Super Bad Report (Soft Buttrock Reboot)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">13 Medical Time</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">14 Fool in the Rain</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">15 Talk "Til It Rhymes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">16 Let's Be Still (The Head and The Heart Cover)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">17 Helium (Does The Rest)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">18 Enlightens Sevens</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">19 Canada USA</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">20 Tractor Rape Chain</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">21 Joy (Phish Cover)</span><br />
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<br />Haperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3756591488732617095.post-91138430891390962542015-10-29T19:14:00.001-07:002015-10-29T19:14:44.105-07:00The Acoustic Mann<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9_YCo3pUTw/VjLSUaFruKI/AAAAAAAAL5g/PTlXLe9BKcM/s1600/Aimee%2BMann%2BLive%2BAcoustic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9_YCo3pUTw/VjLSUaFruKI/AAAAAAAAL5g/PTlXLe9BKcM/s320/Aimee%2BMann%2BLive%2BAcoustic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My October post is <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/download/idkc6gccm5579bm/Aimee_Mann_-_The_Acoustic_Mann.rar">a compilation of acoustic tracks by Aimee Mann</a>. Most of <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/download/idkc6gccm5579bm/Aimee_Mann_-_The_Acoustic_Mann.rar">these tracks </a>were recorded early in Aimee's solo career during the early 1990s, a time when she was co-writing songs with Jon Brion and Jules Shear. In my opinion, they are some of Aimee's best and benefit from these stripped down arrangements. The initial bunch were taken from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whatever_(Aimee_Mann_album)#Whatever.C2.A0.E2.80.94_An_Exclusive_Collection">a bonus CD</a> that accompanied the German release of Whatever. Waiting for the next Aimee Mann release....<div>
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<div>
1 I Should've Known</div>
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2 Say Anything</div>
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3 Stupid Thing</div>
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4 That's Just What You Are</div>
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5 The Other End (Of The Telescope)</div>
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6 Sugarcoated</div>
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7 I've Had It</div>
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8 Put Me On Top</div>
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9 Voices Carry</div>
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10 Fifty Years After The Fair</div>
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11 Save Me</div>
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12 Freeway</div>
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13 Ghost World</div>
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14 4th of July</div>
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15 Little Bombs</div>
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16 Could've Been Anyone</div>
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17 Girls Talk</div>
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Haperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829917994426927711noreply@blogger.com2