Category: free downloads

FOW Tribute and Singles: Ken Sharp, Vegas With Randolph, Hank Idory, François Premiers

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Can’t Shake That Tune: A Tribute to Fountains of Wayne

It’s still hard for me to believe that Adam Schlesinger is gone. As expected, numerous artists have done tributes, including the remaining members of Fountains of Wayne. Now we have a great new collection of covers from Radiant Radish Records. Some artists play the songs faithfully, like American Wood’s “Denise” while others vary the style, like Jonathan Pushkar’s acoustic version of  “Stacy’s Mom.” It’s FREE to download – don’t miss it.


SINGLES

Ken Sharp does a modern power-pop arrangement to The Who classic “The Kids Are Alright.” It’s pretty cool, and if you like that version you should visit the Poprock Record blog to hear a large section artists’ playing this song.

Do you enjoy a friend with benefits? Vegas With Randolph delivers a kick-ass single about living N.S.A. (No Strings Attached) – the band really packs this song with sonic details and it’s a catchy theme!
From Valencia, Spain the talented Hank Idory returns with this bright and sunny single in Spanish which means “For The First Time.” In any language melodic power pop is easy to recognize. Bueno música!

From Le Havre, France we have this melodic rock band with heavy leanings. François Premiers are a little power pop with a touch of prog rock. Plus a cool cover of “Don’t Put Me On” by The Flamin’ Groovies.

FREEBIES, Singles and EPs: The Nap, Andy Reed, Tired Eyes, Packy Lundholm, Bandits on the Run, Zebedee, The JAC, Creamer

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EPs

I found some really cool EPs and they all are “Name-your-price” downloads. Share, please!

The Nap is a band from Gijón, Spain and they have a cool dramatic ’90s pop sound. “Bed Time” is a little like Hootie and The Blowfish. Check out the harmonies on “Corredor,” and the funky guitar on “Little Cat,” it definitely grows on you.

Andy Reed is back with another selection of tunes, following up his 2015 “Relay, Vol.1.” And this set shows off his skill in different genres. “His Love is Gonna Let You Down” is a ‘70s styled rocker with a bluesy guitar that’s just smoking. A cover of Paul Williams’s “Rainbow Connection” is a sweet update of the classic.

Tired Eyes is the alter ego of Liam James Marsh (Kid Chameleon) and Ellie Vincent. Simple guitar tunes with Liam’s double-tracked vocal have plenty of charm on “It’s Late & I’m Tired” and the frustrating emotions of “Grin.”

Chicago musician/producer/songwriter Packy Lundholm does a good job with varied styles in this “Track Sabbath” EP. “Hosanna” is an epic production with a little bit of everything, and a catchy chorus too. “Cocaine Guys” is another winner with a vocoder and sax solo! Not power pop, but there is more to discover here.

SINGLES

Bandits on the Run is a talented group of NYC musicians who’ve had experience on Broadway and other venues. This single is beautiful, catchy, and inspired a short film! Looking forward to full album of those great harmonies.

Brooklyn-based rockers Zebedee have this late 70’s styled single that chugs along with some inspired bass work. This is psych-pop that will get you jumping on the bed playing air guitar.

The JAC is back! Aussie rocker Joe Algeri (The Brittanicas) gives us a rough cut of the frustration being locked up because of a pandemic. “Just punch me out, give me back my life!”

Philip Creamer knows how to do an epic power ballad as well as anyone. Fans of Bowie, Queen, and Marc Bolland will love this. I can’t wait for the next LP!

The Foreign Films and Super 8

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The Foreign Films

The Foreign Films “Ocean Moon (New Songs and Hidden Gems)”

Bill Majoros (aka The Foreign Films) is back after the masterful Record Collector with something a little mellower but no less wonderful. Setting up a nostalgic date circa 1964 on “Dream With Me Tonight” it has echos of early Beach Boys innocence (without sounding anything like them.)  The subtle lead and strings of “Katie and the Crystal Hearts” feels bittersweet, reminding me of Kyle Vincent or Jeff Lynne.

The Rickenbacker strums of the title track make it the most impressive and catchiest song in the group, plus its got a lovely harmonic coda. The echoing piano ballad “Down On The Boulevard (Pinball Kid)” is another highlight that paints a dramatic memory with only a few lyrics. Each song resonates and even though the last three tracks are from Record Collector it matches up nicely with the new material. Another bonus is that this a FREE Bandcamp download, so you can try before you buy. Highly Recommended.

Amazon


Pop Co-Op

Super 8 “Head Sounds”

UK artist Paul Ryan is certainly prolific and unique. He’s got a homespun pop aesthetic and a poppy-hippy charm that can be quiet infectious at times. The opener “Dragonfly” layers several sounds to great effect, creating a nice jam melody before it shifts to an easy-going shuffle asking “If you could only live one day/What would you do?” Very disarming and charming.

Using jangling rhythms very much in the spirit of Elephant Six collective bands, “Love Like Ours” catches you and doesn’t let go. “Sweet Norah” slowly devolves into a psyche-pop jam and really takes off when that bassline begins. “Millionaire” is a funny tune about songwriting gone wrong, and “I Just Wanna Be Me” also moans about the unfairness of the music business. The second half of the album doesn’t quite carry it over the finish line, with covers of “Across The Universe” and “In My Room.” But this is definitely the most engaging Super 8 LP to date and it’s certainly music that deserves to be heard.

Amazon

Freebies and EPs: Liars Club, Batteries Not Included, Vapour Trails, Peter Baldrachi, Richard Turgeon, Mammals, Vista Blue, Sandy McKnight

powerpopaholic

We know many artists and labels have been hit especially hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, very possibly including you. Some musicians are offering their very best to you for a “Name-Your-Price” point. Please give generously!

A gift from Jayson Jarmon (Vanilla) who was in this band Liar’s Club from 1989 to 1995. This album has many great songs and the most un-politically correct Christmas song ever.


BNI is Batteries Not Included, a Chicago band that jangles and jams with the best of them. A full album FREEBIE! Best track: “Winning Ticket”


I love the chord shifts on this tune by The Vapour Trails. The harmonies are great too.

I’ve been waiting for some for Peter Balderachi‘s new music. And yes it’s worth the wait! “Change” is what we are all going through now. I vote this as the anthem for these self-quarantined times. All these tunes seriously rock!


Richard Turgeon wrote this single for a documentary about the positive impact of competitive athletics. Inspiring!

This trio from Chicago is called Mammals – fans of The Jam and the Nerves will enjoy this style of power pop. I really liked “In The Darkness”.

Vista Blue has reliably delivered free music for years. “I think Cathy is Crazy (About You)” is a keeper here.

Sandy McKnight is a veteran NYC indie rocker in the vein of Elvis Costello, and he’s got Fernando Perdomo helping! “Facing the End of the World” is the lead song and another contender for the Covid-19 theme of the month! Music that deserves to be heard! Get it on Amazon

Singles and Freebies: The Empty Hearts, Ex-Norwegian, Kai Danzberg, Chris Catalyst, Richard Turgeon, Rozwell Kid and the TM Collective

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What can I say? The Empty Hearts are a kick-ass power pop band and they’ve got a Beatle on the skins for this nostalgic look back. It’s awesome to see Ringo here, but I liked the B-side “Tell Me Reasons Why” even better. Can’t wait for the album!

Ex-Norwegian is back after his greatest hits LP from last year, and we’ve got this sweet marching tune to chew on.

Kai Danzberg is joined by Drake Bell on this slick pop tune. It’s got some nice orchestration, a cool guitar break and worth a listen. Maybe it’s part of an upcoming album?

UK musician Chris Catalyst gives us a good example of teenage angst played into a positive theme that is really catchy. “Happy” will make you smile for sure, and its a FREE download.

Richard Turgeon gets into Jackson Browne territory with this mid-tempo guitar song. Another FREE download, and totally worth it.

Rozwell Kid is more punk-pop, check out the Weezer-like “Letterman” is loaded with melodic fuzz and  “Let The Spider Chill” is cool and the brilliant closer “Dr. Doom” is another winner. This EP is a FREE download.

Atlanta based TM Collective has been creating a lot of cover albums over the past few years, just a group of musicians getting together to sing and play favorite artists and soundtracks from Devo, Amy Winehouse, to Rocky Horror. The Beach Boys tribute caught my eye and its got plenty of charm. A big FREE download — explore the band’s catalog!