So much singles goodness here, starting with the strong riffs of The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club. The Nerd Magnet (from Japan) also delivers crunchy guitar goodness that will attract power pop fans. Squire recalls a bit of the ’80s rhythm with that echoing jangle and a Beatlesque composition. Devon Kay & The Solutions has rich harmonies and a catchy chorus that made me like them “a little bit.” Our EPs feature The Unswept covering some power pop greats and The Dowling Poole has a fitting tribute to our former President. Katie Kuffel is releasing “1999” as a wistful look at parent-child relationships. Enjoy!
Category: EPs
EP Reviews: The Airport 77, The Cheap Cassettes and The Lickerish Quartet
The Airport 77s “Rotation”
The Airport 77s embody the classic power pop spirit of 20/20, Pezband, and The Knack with a modern spin; “When you’re kissing on me do you think of James McAvoy?” is a great tune that simply rocks with both attitude and desperation. “I mean, I get it — he rocks your world…” implores lead singer Andy Sullivan.
The anthemic “All The Way” has a touch of Cheap Trick in its DNA and it’s all about making that special moment memorable. A good cover of the Bram Tchaikovsky hit “Girl of My Dreams” fits right in with the band’s style. “Bad Mom!” is another highlight, with a jagged new wave rhythm, great bass line, and lyrics that obsess about that MILF in the PTA. The band really delivers lyrically and musically. Highly recommended.
The Cheap Cassettes “See Her In Action!”
Punk pop stalwarts The Cheep Cassettes recalls The Buzzcocks and Ramones, with its catchy garage riffs and rough-hewn vocals courtesy of lead songwriter Charles Matthews. The title track bobs along with gusto, and a fantastic guitar break before the final verse. “Only Lovers” and “Lil Bit Everyday” are great in-your-face tunes that stick, especially the latter, with a great hook in the chorus. As a bonus, we get some live tracks including The Replacements “Valentine.” Highly Recommended.
The Lickerish Quartet “Threesome, Vol. 2”
Those ex-Jellyfish boys (Roger Joseph Manning Jr., Tim Smith, and Eric Dover) are back! After the highly anticipated and well-received Threesome Vol.1, the band’s follow up is more of the same. Opening with the spacey “Do You Feel Better?” with sweet
highly recommended.
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More Xmas Presents: Another Sleigh-load of Holiday Singles and More!
Wow! The space under the tree is just packed now. Notable goodies include a full album of music inspired by the classic A Christmas Story by Ralphie’s Red Ryders (a regular contributor to our pages under a new pseudonym) and our annual single by The Slingsby Hornets. Nick Lowe adds his Christmas standards and The Martial Arts do a fine job – check out the brilliant original “Snow Flakes.” Add to this The Decibels, John Dunbar, Stop Calling Me Frank, and The Heatwaves and you’ve got another great holiday mixtape!
A Very COVID Christmas: Ho-Ho-Holiday Singles!
COVID has allowed many musicians to develop holiday music early, and this year boasts a bumper crop of great singles. In fact, it seems everyone had time to record “Jingle Bells” this year. But I enjoy the variety and originality of most of these Christmas tunes here. Grab them quick before they get as stale as Grandma’s fruitcake in January!
Too Many Treats: The Blakes, Emperor Penguin, Trip Wire, Andrew Taylor, AJ Rosales, The Dowling Poole
It’s a Motherlode of FREE Music!
Before the New Jersey power pop band Readymade Breakup emerged in 2003, Paul Rosevear and Gay Elvis were part of a band called The Blakes. The pandemic allowed the group to rework some demos, and here they are; readymade with plenty of guitar crunch, jangle, and strum.
Emperor Penguin is back with an impressive third EP, lots of different style elements here; prog, new wave, and power pop. Slick production and melodies that stick! Each of the three EPs is a FREE download.
San Francisco’s Trip Wire was in the middle of an album when the Pandemic turned it into an EP. Love the mid-tempo ballad “Maps” and the psyche-pop jangle of “Hazel.”
Andrew Taylor continues his musical therapy during the lockdown. Mostly acoustic guitar ballads, with some greatness in the album’s second half starting with “Before I Go,” “Just Let It Happen,” and “The Blue.” And a new album from The Boys With The Perpetual Nervousness is coming soon.
SINGLES:
Willie Dowling’s commentary on the hysteria that surrounds and consumes us all via social media, and the seemingly endless sensationalist news. The Dowling Poole never disappoints.Chicago singer-songwriter AJ Rosales has a catchy single to start his upcoming album.