Oakland, California multi-instrumentalist KC Bowman has been extremely active recently, to the point that I had to dedicate this entire post to him. He has been described as a studio hermit with Beatlesque tendencies. Comparisons to XTC, The Talking Heads, R. Stevie Moore, and Beck are a good primer for what to expect on his albums, and he’s contributed to many bands including The Agony Aunts, The Corner Laughers, and his own Preoccupied Pipers. A few weeks ago we reviewed his solo masterwork Fresher Tin Villages.
KC Bowman “Important With A Capital I”
This is a comprehensive “greatest hits” package that covers Bowman’s career from solo works, other bands and rare compilations he’s been in. It opens with some great catchy singles; “The Super Bad Report,” “Mine Called Somebody Else,” and “Palomine Cranes.” It also includes several other bands he’s played with like Vinny’s Vipers and Rhythm Akimbo. With a massive collection of 25 tracks, this is a great “starter kit” for those wanting a good mix of KC in their playlist. It’s one of the best single artist anthologies I’ve heard this year and at $5, it’s a bargain bin special!
Fireproof Sam and The Network Stars “Get Passive”
KC Bowman gathers a huge assortment of talented friends including power pop favorites like Bradley Skaught, Rhythm Akimbo, The Agony Aunts, Pop 4 and more. Excellent lyrical wordplay highlight “Screwed Over By Stylish Introverts” and “Old Trope Academy.” You also hear some Motown influence on “Tryna Be Bolth” and playful Ska on “Obvious Scarecrow.” “Vaticial Trance” sound like a lost Orange Peels outtake. And with the inclusion of the catchy power pop of “Rev Nine” and “Idiot Rock,” it’s all very good. All sales will benefit Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating stigma and promoting recovery and wellness for people with mental illness.
The Preoccupied Pipers “Stupid People Going Stupid Places”
In 1992 Bowman began making recordings with members of a pop band called Lawsuit, and shortly afterward collected these homemade recordings and dubbed them The Preoccupied Pipers. Incredibly, this loose collective of friends continues to make catchy eclectic pop. Unstructured but very melodic, the Pipers have amassed a huge collection of music that’s as good (maybe better) than anything Robert Pollard (Guided By Voices) has done.
This latest gem is a fun listen from bouncy opener “Art and Culture” to the multiple lead vocals on “Pirahna.” And the power pop tunes still dazzle, check out “Azalea Divine,” “Truck Bombs” and a crisp cover of Gordon Lightfoot’s “Sundown.” A few silly fillers here, but it’s a FREE download so I won’t complain. In fact, the entire Pipers catalog (ten albums) is available on Bandcamp for FREE. Enough music for ya?