Rain Parade and Matt Piucci

Loved "3 x 4" new the Paisley Underground compilation 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 compilation of the Rain Parade tracks from "3 x 4" and added my favorite Matt Piucci tunes from his post Rain Parade bands, The Hellenes, Boatclub and FIR.   Almost satisfied my need for a new Rain Parade album....

1 The Hellenes - Beautiful Flower
2 Rain Parade - Real World
3 Boatclub - Peace and Quiet
4 Rain Parade - When You Smile
5 The Hellenes - So Depressed
6 Rain Parade - As Real As Real
7 Boatclub - She's Giving Me a Flower
8 FIR - Winter Doesn't Care
9 Matt Piucci - Down to the Wire
10 Boatclub - Never Let You Down
11 The Hellenes - Water

New One By Peter Bruntnell

There have been a number of well promoted Power Pop albums already out this year.  But the new album from blog favorite Peter Bruntnell 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. 

This year's effort is a largely acoustic live record entitled "Live in Firth".   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 pick up.   I've been collecting some tunes from appearances by Peter on radio and video promotion shows.   It leans in some similar directions and includes some tunes not included on Peter's great official effort.   Consider this a taster for the uninitiated and an odds and ends collection for Bruntnell completists - like me.   

Thanks Peter for all of the consistently fine music.

1 False Start
2 End of The World
3 Long Way From Home
4 The London Clay
5 Another Day
6 Clothes of Winter
7 Dissapointer
8 Black Mountain UFO
9 Sea of Japan
10 Black Window
11 Played Out
12 Here Come The Swells

New Album from Chris Price

I'm loving "Dalmatian" the new album from Chris Price.   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.   "Dalmatian" is an odds and sods collection of tracks leftover from Chris's phenomenal sophomore effort "Stop Talking".   That fine album made number 4 on my top 25 list of last year and though it was a more coherent effort, Dalmatian 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...

Through his work with Taylor Locke and Rooney and producing "Rainbow Ends" the 2016 comeback album by pop legend Emitt Rhodes, Chris has quickly entered the upper reaches of working Power Pop artists.   All three of his CDs are stellar and deserve your support.    As a completest, I've pulled together a set of single tracks and band collaborations that complement these great albums.   Tunes include a couple of tracks from Chris's early band Price and a few tracks from his 2016 band Bebopalula (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....

1 All Fall Down - Bebopalula demo track
2 Please Read Me - B-side of Emitt Rhodes Bee Gees tribute single
3 Perfect Portrait - Bebopalula demo track
4 Melody Fair - Bebopalula track from Bee Gees tribute
5 Wesley - Bebopalula B-side
6 Bethany - from out-of-print Bethany EP
7 Soft Life of the Typics - Bebopalula demo track
8 Lady Lemonade - Bebopalula demo track
9 Hey Nancy Drew - Price track
10 Take Me Back - vocal guest appearance on Toxic Melons single
11 Don't You Want Me - Human League cover from 1980s compilation
12 Can't Argue With Love - from out-of-print Bethany EP
13 Honeymoon - from out-of-print Bethany EP
14 Birds - from out-of-print Bethany EP
15 I Don't Want a Thing This Christmas - Price track (mono version)

(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!)

Top 25 Power Pop Releases of 2017

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.

1. Pugwash - Silverlake
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...

2. Bill DeMain - Transatlantic Romance
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.

3. The Nines - Colour Radio (American Transistor)
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.

4. Chris Price - Stop Talking
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.

5. Sitcom Neighbor - Shag
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.

6. Mothboxer - The Secret Art of Saying Nothing
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.

7. Charles Jenkins and the Zhivagos - The Last Polaroid
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.

8. Corin Ashley - Broken Biscuit
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.

9. Cliff Hillis - Many Happy Returns
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.

10. Derrick Anderson - A World Of My Own
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.

11. Plasticsoul - Therapy
I've written about this one 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.

12. Jesse Terry – Stargazer
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.

13. Ruby Free - Shades
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.

14. Cotton Mather - Wild Kingdom
The second collection of tunes that Robert Harrison recorded as part of his 64 tune Songs for the I Ching series 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.

15. Blinker The Star - 8 Of Hearts
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.

16. Aimee Mann - Mental Illness
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.

17. The Wellingtons - End of the Summer
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.

18. Captain Wilberforce - Black Sky Thinking
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.

19. Richard X. Heyman - Incognito
A new album by Richard X. Heyman is always cause for celebration.  Heyman has released another incite-full set of earnest pub rock.

20. The Lunar Laugh - Mama's Boy
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.

21. Eric Matthews - Too Much World
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.

22. Rob Martinez - Today My Mind...Tomorrow the World
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.

23. Doug Tuttle - Peace Potato
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.

24. Fernando Perdomo - The Golden Hour
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?

25. Shake Some Action - Crash Through Or Crash
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.

The Return of Colin Moulding

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 "Silverlake" the new album by Pugwash with help by Jason Falkner.   Its a stunner and a strong candidate for best Power Pop release of the year. More on that later.... 

I was not expecting new material by XTC co-leader Colin Moulding.   "Great Aspirations" is the new EP by TC&I, the duo project of Colin Moulding and Ex-XTC drummer Terry Chambers.  Its the first new material 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 several additional tracks where Colin has contributed vocals 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...

Great Expectations EP
1 Scatter Me
2 Greatness
3 Kenny
4 Comrades of Pop

Other Recent Colin Appearances
5 Brain Damage
6 The Man Who Died Two Times
7 It's Raining Again
8 Check Point Karma
9 Are We To Believe
10 Take The Money and Run
11 Down a Peg (Demo)

Cliff Hillis - Many Happy Returns Companion

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 "Many Happy Return".   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 another collection of these demos as an accompaniment to the Many Happy Returns EP.  Enjoy these and support Cliff.

Many Happy Returns EP
1 Time An Evangelist
2 Many Happy Returns
3 Superfluous
4 With All the World
5 Hey Pretty Face
6 Never in a Million Years

Many Happy Returns Companion
7 Wake
8 Writing's On the Wall
9 Brilliant Mistake
10 These Days
11 Rachel Maddow
12 Listen To Your Mother
13 Instrumental #43
14 Caution (Rock Opus Mix)
15 Last Train to Nowhere
16 Pretty Little Cemetery

Great New Plasticsoul Album

One of my favorite albums of the summer has been Therapy 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 this fine album.  It will certainly make its way on to my top 25 albums of the year list.

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 number of the unreleased tracks here.   Pick up the the official album and enjoys these demo tracks.

1 No Ordinary Life
2 Build My Invention
3 Caliber Karma
4 Nothing to Write Home About
5 Suicide (The Degradation of Miley)
6 The Good Life
7 Laughing Boy
8 California Blues
9 Cats
10 World Without Ideas
11 Skylarks and Other Birds
12 On A Sunday

KC Bowman - Rose Period

Thanks to Aaron over at the must read "Power Popaholic" blog who reminded me to check in with KC Bowman.   It's been a couple of years since put together my last compendium of KC tracks and since that time I've found that KC has been busy releasing music gratis under a number of names with a number of collaborators.

The tracks on this collection have been released as KC Bowman tracks, Preoccupied Pipers Tracks, Vinny's Vipers tracks and one cover track from the super group Pop 4.  Many of these songs are covers and nearly all of them were released as name-your-price downloads.  As usual I've pulled them together until KC releases his next complete album.
Can't wait.

1 Moon Over Marin (KC Bowman covers the Dead Kennedys)
2 Rose Period (KC Bowman Original)
3 My Approach (Preoccupied Pipers)
4 Let's Go Crazy (Preoccupied Pipers cover Prince)
5 Now to War (Preoccupied Pipers cover Guided By Voices)
6 Love's in Need of Love Today (Preoccupied Pipers cover Stevie Wonder)
7 Minor Doorsteps (Preoccupied Pipers)
8 Second Dart (KC Bowman Original)
9 Mayday (Preoccupied Pipers)
10 Prayer Breakfast (Vinny's Vipers)
11 Sir Edmond the Entersplainer (Vinny's Vipers)
12 Help Is On It's Way (Pop 4 cover Little River Band)
13 Shutdown Mode (Demo)
14 Poisonous Peach 2 (Acoustic Demo)
15 Goodbye Minced Oaths (Acoustic Demo)
16 Fountainhead (Acoustic Demo)
17 Rose Period (Acoustic Demo)
18 Second Dart (Acoustic Demo)
19 My Approach (Acoustic Demo)
20 Poisonous Peach (Acoustic Demo)

Scott Sutherland and the Doll Test

I'm a dB's fan and as such, I'm always starved for any new crumbs by Peter Holsapple, Chris Stamey and the band.  I'm enjoying the new single by Peter and I like the odd cover 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  Peter and Chris.

The Doll Test is perhaps my favorite band in this category.  Lead by Scott Sutherland who spent quality time singing and playing in Seatlle's excellent Model Rockets and The Chemistry Set, The Doll Test released one LP and and an EP before receding into the mists of under recorded bands.   The quality of both of these releases is quite good.    Listen to "Scared Out of Your Mind" or "Rains All the Time" from the 2006 EP Gasoline and Banks 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 "Mosque Alarm Clock" and then were heard from no more.
   

in 2013 Scott Sutherland resurfaced leading a somewhat punkier band called the "King County Queens".   Their LP is available as a download. Definitely worth checking out.  But Scott Sutherland hasn't been sitting still since 2013.   He's been publishing a series of demos and covers on his YouTube page.  Though in various degrees of finish, there is some fine psychedelic pop here. I've collected a series of Scott's originals here as a sampler (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.

1 Holes and Highs
2 That's When I
3 The Kids on the Farm/Mariner's Lament
4 Edge of the Map
5 Leper of the Pack
6 Es Solamente
7 Light in the Window in the Fog
8 Ode to a Bull
9 Tinsel in the Rubbish Bin
10 Nothing is Better Than Right Here
11 Evergreen State Onions
12 Tears and Blood
13 Nobody Could Prove He Was Wrong
14 Greek Fire and Siege Machines
15 Riding With Sam and Dave
16 We Could Have Done Something Else
17 Dolly Jim
18 Macbeth
19 BB Gun Fight
20 A Hard Man
21 I'm Really Together (I Even Think I Should Be)

New Real Estate On The Way

Looking forward to the new album "In Mind" by the band Real Estate 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, Real Estate 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.

What vaulted them to the top of my list was the 2015 solo effort "Many Moons" by singer Martin Courtney. I didn't really pick up on this stellar album until last year but its been stuck at the top of my list since,.  in Many Moons, 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 "Three Cheers for the Invisible Hand" by the Philadelphia band The Canadian Invasion).

As a taster before the new album drops, I'm posting a compilation of recent radio studio appearances by Martin Courtney along with some cover songs by Real Estate.  Love this band.   If you don't know them, I'd suggest giving Real Estate a try.

1 Foto - in studio performance
2 Vestiges - in studio performance
3 Northern Highway - in studio performance
4 Awake - in studio performance
5 Time - in studio performance of Richard Hell song
6 Airport Bar - in studio performance
7 Here Comes Sunshine - Real Estate cover of Grateful Dead song
8 Major Leagues - in studio performance of Pavement song
9 And I Love Her - acoustic performance by Real Estate of Beatles Song
10 Linger - in studio performance of Cranberrie's song
11 Snow Days - acoustic performance by Real Estate

Top 25 Power Pop Releases of 2016

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.

1. Paul Steel - April & I: Carousel Kites
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.

2. Seth Swirsky - Circles & Squares
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.

3. Cotton Mather - Death of the Cool
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.

4. The Dowling Poole - One Hyde Park
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.

5. Starling Electric - Starling Electric Company
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.

6. David Brookings and the Average Lookings -  S/T
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.

7. Erik Voeks - So The Wind Won't Blow It All Away
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!

8. The Legal Matters - Conrad
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.

9. Look Park - S/T
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.

10. Nick Piunti - Trust Your Instincts
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.

11. Bob Evans - Car Boot Sale
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.

12. Peter Bruntnell - Nos Da Comrade
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.  

13. Honeydogs - Love & Cannibalism
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.

14. Starling Electric - Castlevania
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.

15. The Explorer's Club - Together
Beach boys scholars The Explorer's Club release their latest.  It's their best.  Full of songs that invoke the blissful days of summer.

16. Bent Van Looy - Pyjama Days
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.

17. Teenage Fanclub - Here
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.

18. John Cunningham - Fell
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.

19. Arvidson & Butterflies - S/T
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!

20. Sheloom - The Baron Of The Fjord
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.

21. Radio Days - Back in the Day
Italian rockers Radio Days alternate between mid period Beatles tributes and more updated punky Power Pop tunes.  Lots of great songs here.

22. Greg Pope - Guiding Star
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..

23. Cupid's Carnival - Everything is Love
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.

24. Cheap Trick - Bang Zoom Crazy…Hello
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.

25. The Nines - Alejandro's Visions
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.

Starling Electric - A Holiday "Re-gift"

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.  "Electric Company" by Starling Electric 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.   "Electric Company" 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 Bandcamp and do so now.  One of the best releases of the year for sure.  Starling Electric deserves support for producing great tunes like this.

In addition to "Electric Company", Starling Electric lead singer Caleb Dillon has a gift for all pop fans.   He has posted an amazing solo record entitled "Castlevania" for free on Bandcamp. Caleb has been previewing this epic album 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.

In addition, the group has posted a set of "free" set of demos on Bandcamp entitled." I Can't Believe I Hate The Whole Thing".  Lots of good stuff in there though its of varying fidelity.

Thanks for the gifts Caleb!  They are just what I wanted!

Castlevania

1 The Fog
2 Silver Lake
3 Death's Door
4 Those Eyes!
5 I Died
6 Let's Try To Keep It Out Of The Papers
7 No One Knows My Name
8 Dark Agez
9 Multiple Murder
10 Scarlet Fever
11 Missouri
12 I'm The Cop That Shot Mal Evans
13 Wear Your Love Like Heather

Duncan Matiland and Robyn Gibson are Future Harmonies

Oncoming Classic Power Pop Alert!   I'm extremely excited about the new covers collaboration project between Duncan Maitland and Robyn Gibson, leader of the Junipers. Duncan Maitland, 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 "Lullabies For The 21st Century", a lovely purple vinyl version of which was recently released by Sugarbush.  If you haven't heard this great album, then you owe it to yourself to check it out ASAP.

Robyn Gibson is the leader and vocalist of the Leicester based psychedelic pop band the Junipers.  Their release "Red Bouquet Fair" is a lovely chamber pop epic, on track to be on my best of the year list.   Together Robyn and Duncan call themselves Future Harmonies 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 "Lullabies For The 21st Century" in this compilation.  Listen to this and get excited about the oncoming Future Harmonies 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.

1 Two of a Kind - Syd Barrett cover by Duncan
2 All I Ever Wanted - Kirsty McCall cover by Future Harmonies
3 Lucky You - early version of "Lullabies For The 21st Century" track
4 Mary Anne With the Shaky Hand - Who cover by Future Harmonies
5 Handbirds - instrumental version of "Lullabies For The 21st Century" track
6 Funny How Love Can Be - Ivy League cover by Future Harmonies
7 Terry The Toad- early version of "Lullabies For The 21st Century" track
8 Cry Me To Sleep - solo version of "Lullabies For The 21st Century" track from "Declan Session"
9 Your Century- solo version of "Lullabies For The 21st Century" track from "Jungla Sonora"
10 Starman - Live Bowie cover by Duncan
11 Insect Under the Stone- solo version of "Lullabies For The 21st Century" track from "Jungla Sonora"
12 Two of Us - live Beatles cover by Future Harmonies
13 Baby's In Black- live Beatles cover by Future Harmonies

Grant-Lee Phillips - Sunday's Best

Grant-Lee Phillips 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 "The Narrows" is a solid  rocking album.  It alternates between strong roots rockers and Grant's trademark world-weary crooning ballads.

Today's post is a collection of rare non-album compilation, B-side and bonus tracks that emphasize Grant's pop sound. All of these rarities 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).

Enjoy these great tracks.

1 Hugo's Theme - bonus track from "Mobilize"
2 Sunday's Best - bonus track from "Mobilize"
3 Smile - from "Gilmore Girls" soundtrack
4 Itchin' - from "Arctic Tales" soundtrack
5 Buckaroo - B-side of "Spring Released"
6 Sarah - from "Witchblade" soundtrack
7 Me and This City - compilation track from "The I-10 Chronicles"
8 Ashes to Ashes - Bowie cover with the Section String Quartet
9 Song of the North - from "Arctic Tales" soundtrack
10 Mother of Exiles - download single
11 Hit Parade - single
12 Here Comes The Sun - Beatles cover from compilation
13 Ballad of Catain - unreleased track from "Witchblade"
14 Winterglow - single
15 Snow Flakes - bonus track from "Ladie's Love Oracle"
16 We Three Kings - unreleased Christmas track

Peter Holsapple - Back Blogging!

Thanks to Rob over at The dB's Repercussion blog for spreading the news that Peter Holsapple one of the two creative forces behind the dB's is back and blogging again.  In Peter's blog, 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 Holsapple is one of my absolutely favorite singer songwriters, however its been a waiting game being his fan. There had been no new tracks from Peter since his days with the Continental Drifters until 2009 when Peter and Chris Stamey released the excellent duet record  "Here and Now".   This was followed in 2012 by "Falling Off the Sky" by the reformed dB's, a wonderful return to form for the legendary band.  Since that time only the odds and ends of tracks left off of the "Falling Off the Sky" were released and then...nothing.

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 my second compilation of Holsapple material "released" on the Radio Free Song Club blog.   That blog has gone dormant recently but for a while was releasing monthly compilations of alternative folk performances recorded live in studios around NYC.  Peter would regularly send in songs he recorded in his home in North Carolina.   in 2011, he briefly released a CD of the first batch of those songs.  That release appears to be out of print 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 the second batch of Holsapple tracks culled from the Radio Free Song Club.   Some great Holsapple material here served up with a very DIY aesthetic.  Can't wait for new material from Peter.

1 Goodness Gracious

2 All Hail

3 The Devil You Know

4 Real Tears

5 Cinderella Style

6 Game Day

7 Happy The Drunk

8 Morning Train

9 Didn't You Used to Be

10 Bluesy Mama

11 The Donkey Song
12 Don't Ever Leave

The Milk and Honey Band

Summer brings to mind a number of great bands that helped defined those times and Brighton's excellent "The Milk and Honey Band" is such a band for me.   Lead by singer songwriter Robert White, 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 Ape record label

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 here). I also included an acoustic live set to round out this compilation.  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.

1 Flowers - acoustic live
2 Disappear - acoustic live
3 No World At All - acoustic live
4 Maryfaith Autumn - acoustic live
5 Just You - acoustic live
6 Cut The Line - acoustic live
7 Lilly White's Party - Robert White solo
8 Everything is Free - Robert White solo

Tam Johnstone - The General Store

This month's post is dedicated to another classic album from a rarely heard artist - Tam Johnstone, the son of Elton John guitar player Davey Johnstone. Tam released his first album "Local Honey" under the moniker "The General Store" on Not Lame records in 2002 and to my ears it was an instant classic. The album 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.

In 2008, he released another fine General Store album and began work as a videographer.   In 2011, he took on a concentrated video project called the "Song Explosion" releasing a new song and video every week for that year.  He culled an albums worth of material from that project to create "Fantastic Animals" 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 the compilation below.   It's fine listening.  I defy anyone to produce a better or more clever song than the second track "Complicated Girl".   One great song among many.

Since 2011, Tam has issued a newer collection of old timey torch songs but he has turned his energies to video production.   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.

1 Somewhere Down the Highway
2 Complicated Girl
3 Back To You
4 Miss World
5 Beautiful Day
6 Alien Abroad
7 Homeward Bound
8 Polygraph
9 The Creeper
10 She's Not The One
11 Wake Up
12 Any Other
13 When The Sun Goes Down
14 Everything is Awesome
15 Unicorn Lady
16 Sway
17 The Reunion
18 Sgt. Factory
19 Paralyzed
20 You're So Beautiful

Rediscovering Erik Voeks

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 "Sandbox".   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 that album in digital form.  If you have don't have this classic, you owe it to yoursef to download a copy now.    

Over the last three years, Erik has been relatively active, releasing a series of singles and EPs through Bandcamp. I recommend heading over there and supporting Erik by downloading 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.

To drum up interest in Erik, I'm posting a set of hard to find singles and demo tracks from early in Eric's career.   There is absolutely some great material here.   Give these tracks 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.

1 Grey Rain Town
2 I'll Be The One
3 Up Periscope
4 Reasons
5 Throw Me Out A Line
6 When Will It All End
7 Cruel Tide
8 Queen of Cans and Jars (Guided By Voices Cover)
9 Christmas Singles
10 Pristeen
11 Girl
12 Descending From a Daydream (Live)

Cliff Hillis - Love Not War Companion

Cliff Hillis's latest EP "Love Not War" 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.  

Just as I did for his last EP  I've pulled together some additional demos that Cliff posted on his two Soundcloud accounts in a compilation that complements his official EP.   Buy the EP and add these additional 7 tracks 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.

Love Not War EP
1 Love Not War
2 The Buddha's Belly
3 Don't Drown the Wind
4 A Boy Downtown
5 Suicide Doors
6 Mayor of Midnight
7 Too Many Songs

Love Not War Companion
8 Fresh As Tomorrow
9 Truth Be Told
10 Cindy is Serious
11 Fourth Stone From the Sun
12 David Crosby
13 Grosser than Gross
14 Seven Seas

Owsley - Changes (Repost)

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 rarities collection I put together of demos and non album tracks by Will Owsley in 2010.   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.  

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.   The tracks I've collected here include a pair of songs issued as a single in addition to a series of demo tracks that have leaked out over the years.   

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 demos late in his life.  Below, you'll find the latest track listing.   Will, we miss you.

1 Fountain of Youth - Demo with Ethos Music
2 Psycho - A-side of single released in 2005
3 Changes - EP Track from Christian Band "Blue Sky Secret", co-written with vocals by Owsley
4 Endlessly - Demo
5 Far From Me - Demo with Ethos Music
6 Mess With Me - Japanese bonus track from self titled first album
7 Leave It All Behind - Demo for Amy Grant
8 Upside Down - B-side of single released in 2005
9 Take Me To The Place - Demo with Ethos Music
10 When Lonely Comes Around - Demo by Owsley and Vince Gill
11 Feel No Pain - Demo
12 Got a Lot On My Head - From "Substitution Mass Confusion" Cars tribute