Category: free downloads
The Mommyheads and Stephen Clair
The Mommyheads “One Eyed Band”
The Mommyheads are a Brooklyn band with a long history and a unique indie pop sound that revolves around lead singer songwriter Adam Elk and the band members: Dan Fisherman, Jason McNair, Michael Holt and Barry Pollack. Both experimental and meticulous, the album opens up with “Chicken Soup” the most conventional song here, with its extraterrestrial cues. The thought-provoking funk on “Life is A Dream” wanders across different melody lines. The hooks are here, although it may take a few plays to uncover them.
Melodic and angular “Season of Our Sound,” and “One Eyed Man” follows contrasting rhythmic patterns, something Andy Partridge (XTC) was known for as well. The beautiful acoustic melody of “Human Being” is a deep and moving song, I wish it “opened up” to a layered production — but it stays acoustic. The band plays flawlessly here and the melody lines are never predictable. “Junk” is a perfect example of this, as it stitches together a patchwork of classic pop, jazz, folk, and theatrical themes. While not power pop, it is thinking man’s pop. Check it out. You can even download this at a “name-your-price,” so what’s stopping you?
Stephen Clair “Transmissions”
Stephen Clair’s new studio effort is a tightly composed bit of americana rock. The simple instrumentation masks the complex songwriting and distinctive attitude. The influences here are similar to Alex Chilton, Patti Smith, and Lou Reed. Starting with the pensive “Waiting Around” it sets the stage and its a great start. Clair’s storytelling style, evident on “Vegas Sunrise” is akin to Ray Davies (The Kinks), and it also goes into a vintage pop mid-tempo area (“Blue and Red Lines”).
“Cigarette! Cigarette!” and “Naomi’s Phone Is Dead” are easily relatable to an audience that enjoys the music of The Velvet Underground, or Brick by Brick-era Iggy Pop. While not everything works, there is enough here to recommend and you should check it out, as it’s music that deserves to be heard.
November singles: Ken Stringfellow, Bleu, Vanilla, Dolour, The Boathouse, Captain Wilberforce
More Treats for you: Jette Planes, Bye Bye Blackbirds, Corner Laughers, Bill Swan, Pop 4, KC Bowman, Vista Blue, Dazy, Randy Klawon, Rich Restaino
Yes, more Halloween music is here. But first the Philly band Jette Planes! These guys have both spirit and energy! Get the single on Bandcamp, and enjoy the rooftop concert video. Next a compilation of Halloween freebies, and I’m lovin’ the Bye Bye Blackbirds, Corner Laughers, Bill Swan, Pop 4, KC Bowman, and more. Each song is quality, its the best holiday EP I’ve heard so far this year! If you’d like a more punk pop in the Ramones style, check out Vista Blue especially “Let’s Scare Jessica to Death” named after a classic 70’s horror flick. Dazy returns with its uniquely gritty power pop sound on “It’s Only A Secret.” And fresh off his excellent Half Cubes record, Randy Klawon does a great DIY Raspberries styled gem “Tonight.” Finally Rich Restaino gives us a spooky sounding “Ear Worm!” as part of his Mixtape. Enjoy the power pop and don’t fill up on too many sweets!
Freebie Friday! Music that deserves to be downloaded!
These four albums are listed as “name-your-price” downloads. I would encourage you to contribute to these artists, after all, they are spreading a wealth of music.
Yours & Mine “The Shadow You Cast”
Solid New York alt. rock trio with a melodic gift, and “I’m Not Ready to Go” reminds me of a Posies-Gin Blossoms hybrid. “Pushing up Daises” and “Shadow” are more driving power pop. Overall a great little album, and this band is bound for future stardom if anyone with a brain ran a major record label. Get them now, before that happens.
Sparky Bosque “Corkscrew Soul”
The last album Patrick from Sweet Sweet Music blog featured, Sparky Bosque was described by him as a cross between The Eels and Parthenon Huxley. The clean strums of “Do No Wrong” and sweeping “Poor Annie” do have an emotional component similar to P. Hux, and while not everything here works, the sullen atmosphere on some songs are irresistible, like “About You.” Check it out.
Rick Murnane “Summer Fun”
Northampton, Mass musician Murane tells us straight up “why would everybody want to be like everybody” on “Monkey in the Zoo.” He collected a group of songs, and boasts a country ballad on “Rodeo Billy” and suburban angst on “Bring You Down.” In a rough and tumble way, his voice reminded me of Peter Holsapple (dB’s) on “These Days.” Very cool.
Macseal “Permanent Repeat”
Long Island emo-band does good here, “Golden Harbor” will scratch that indie-emo itch, without too much grinding feedback. And the band can get downright anthemic on the great “Four Legs” and “Permanent Repeat.” Also check out “Beach Vacation” and “Hide Out.” Fans of Goo Goo Dolls will enjoy this too. Music that deserves to be heard!