Category: April Fools Day

Easter Eggs: Singles and Covers Galore

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A great bunch of freebies for Easter Sunday. GTG Records sampler with a ton of deep covers from Michigan bands performing select songs by artists they love. The beauty of this is I have not heard of any of these artists before, but they sound great. And the tracks are new discoveries for the most part. Kai Danzberg is also back with a new bossa nova beat on “Only You,” and how I wish I was somewhere tropical. Plus a sweet cover single of Manfred Mann from Cult Stars From Mars, and Rich McCulley delivers a country-pop ballad that hooks you immediately. The Weeklings are also back with a timely “April’s Fool” and Brett Newski gets BNL singer Steven Page to contribute to a snappy gem. Swedish duo Vola Tila’s “I Need My Girl” is a brooding and atmospheric single that makes its mark. I will keep my eye out for these guys. Finally, Reaction‘s single “Keep Movin’ (Don’t Stop)” has a very early 1980s vibe, and similar to the B-52s “Love Shack.”







Friday Freebies: The Black Hearthrobs and Stone Ridge

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The Black Hearthobs “The White Album”
The Black Heartthrobs are a three-piece melodic garage rock band from Culver City. This was a pretty unique cover approach to the Beatles “White Album.” The band re-imagined many of the songs by changing the chords, structures, and melodies around, for example “Don’t Pass Me By” sounds like a Pet Sounds outtake. Some of these songs are so different I wish these melodies contained new original lyrics, on the other hand it makes for really interesting listening. And its a FREE download so don’t complain!

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Stone Ridge

Stone Ridge “The Lost Recordings 1968 -1971”
Hidden in the vaults of Capricorn Records USA for over 50 years, we’ve dusted off the legendary band-that-never-was: Stone Ridge! Next time we’ll leave well enough alone. If you’d like to know more about this legendary band from Brooklyn, we can offer you the first single absolutely FREE for download.  For more you’ll have to Listen to Dave “The Boogieman” on 11L Radio New York International this Sunday April 3rd here.

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Jeff Lynne of ELO and Doug Fieger of The Knack confirmed for Power Popaholic Fest!

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Doug_Jeff_together Jeff Lynne of the famed Electric Light Orchestra is all set to perform with Doug Fieger of The Knack at this summer’s Power Popaholic Fest set for Friday August 29 at The Rock Shop in Brooklyn, NY. A full line up of power pop bands from across the country will also perform, the doors open at 7:00pm.

The live announcement drew a traffic-stopping throng to pack the stretch of 4th Avenue in front of The Rock Shop, Jeff took his place behind the microphone, while Doug stood on his left as Mr. Lynne relished their roles in this one-time-only concert event. “We are overjoyed to be supporting this Festival, and hope the fans will spread the word.” said Lynne. The duo will play selections of hits from both The Knack and ELO at 8:00pm sharp. Click for more details.

The Golden Bubbles “Seventy-Two”

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Happy April Fools Day! Power Popaholic has got disco fever today! No really, this band has slick horns, piano and a disco beat that can’t be beat! Referred by their previous EP as  The Last Disco Band in America it will get you on the dance floor. The best track here is the opener “Above The Rim” with all the musical flourish and compelling melody, very much like Roger Manning Jr. (Jellyfish) or Bleu when they get into disco mode. If you also liked The Xanadu soundtrack, then “Fire Escape” will be another favorite tune with strings, piano and sparkling vocals. Much of the LP is pleasantly low key, like “Infusion” or wedding band themed “It’s Your Night.” The ballad “Moving Day” is sung with earnest and heartbreak making it another standout. Fans of early 80’s period melodic disco will enjoy dancing to this one. At least you can groove along with Jay and Silent Bob…

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