Yeah, Chris Richards and The Subtractions made my list last month for Get Yer La La’s Out, but did you know he also put out a bunch of cover tunes that same year? Now you do! Released with a few other bands chipping in (like The Phenomenal Cats) its sure to please. Plus he’s released a quick second volume of covers, all done in that awesome rockin’ Subtractions style. And best of all it FREE, so soak it up, power popaholics! All on Bandcamp.
Eytan & The Embassy “Everything Changes”
This is a band that’s grown up considerably from their debut, Brooklyn native Eytan Oren and his crew add a dose of Motown soul to their buoyant pop. “Everything Changes” is a perfect example, with a great hook and horn accents that remind me of Squeeze. “Do It For Me” is another terrific song that is similar to the new Kurt Baker LP.
The ballad “The Things You’ve Never Done” hits that perfectly emotional note, and Eytan’s croon is like a young Elvis Costello. There is even a collaboration with Locksley on “The Good Life.” Each tune is really good, but “Good Morning Marilyn” is a richly detailed gem that shouldn’t be missed – its simply goose bump inducing. Without any filler, this looks to be the last LP to enter my year end “best of” list. These guys are the next “big” thing, so don’t miss it.
The Susan Constant “Rayonnement”
Boston based Susan Constant is readying a new EP and they’ve released the free single “Locked Up” in advance. The debut from last year is a free download too and a good intro to this indie band with it’s poppy upbeat songs about the dark side of love. Enjoy the sharp lyrics and serious hooks – the band is Paul Sennott (guitar, vocals), Brian Kingsbury (guitar), Jim Bernat (keys,vocals), Mark Veligor (bass, vocals) and Jason Rossman (drums).
Suburban Sprawl Holiday Sampler
Hey! It’s totally the last month of 2012! Depending on whether or not the Mayan Apocalypse happens, this could be the last Suburban Sprawl Holiday comp! If it is, eleven years ain’t a bad run. Zach Curd has given us another treat to listen under the mistletoe. As always a huge variety of artists (most of which I never heard of) donate tracks here. A specific track here not to miss is Andy Dick and Willie Wisely singing “Happy B-Day J.C.” And if you missed samplers of years past, they are available too.
The JAC “I See Things Differently” Greatest Xmas Hits
Joe Algeri (Jack & the Beanstalk, The Britannicas) is a songwriter/producer from Perth, Western Australia who is also know as The JAC. He’s got an off beat sense of humor and an instinct for great rock and roll. Listen to the highlights “Merry Christmas (round the world)” and the surf-syled “Psychotic Psummer.” Lots of great music here, its even better than his recent Faux Pas album. The bittersweet humor of “Santa All I Want (Is Cindy Brady) ” and “Computer Xmas” are also sure to impress. It also includes tracks from his other bands, The Britannicas and Green Beetles.
Joe Giddings “Christmas Morning” Single
Joe has contributed to my Fest soundtrack, so in honor of that I am promoting his new Christmas single “Christmas Morning.” It’s only a dollar and worth every penny as Joe breaks out the sleigh bells and harmonies here.
Bandcamp only
Sunday Sun “III”
After parts One and Two, this is the cherry on top. Collectively, Sunday Sun offers us one of the finest releases in 2012 – like the other EPs it is available as a free download for a limited time. The quartet from Amsterdam features bright cheerful harmonies like Sonic Executive Sessions and the highly melodic ear worms displayed in the chorus of “Better Than That.” Elements of ELO and The Beach Boys mixed with The Jellyfish are stamped on several tracks, my favorites here are “Honest And True,” “Sing” and the Bleu sounding “Light Up The Sky.” If you missed the earlier EPs then get’em on Itunes. Don’t miss this series, it ranks very high on my year end list.
Young Rival “Stay Young”
Indie pop out of Hamilton, Canada, includes Aron D’Alesio on vocals and lead guitar, Noah Fralick on drums, and John Smith playing the bass. “Black Popcorn” and “Nothing You Know Well” are pretty good clones of early Apples in Stereo, so you have a good idea where we’re going here. The band has a bit more grit and you’ll hear the clear influence of The Pixies with “Let it Go” and the raw riffs on”I Don’t Care.” The garage anthem “Two Reasons” is the obvious single here, and just like Locksley’s “The Whip” its just as infectious. Check out the awesomely freaky video below and its a FREE download — so no excuses!
Ex-Norwegian “House Music”
After the “Sketch” LP last year, the band personnel changed leaving leader Roger Houdaille to take the music in a new direction and give us a FREE digital follow-up. It’s less ambiguous, with a tight melodic focus. “Ginger, baby” is a sweet Kinks meets Dandy Warhols song that really rocks. The energy of “Original Copy” and “Not A Mouse” both have touch of grooviness (thanks to Fernando Perdomo).
The album is also more consistent than past efforts, as “Initiative Rock” has some great minor chord shifts. You’ll hear a little Marc Bolan in “Spin Win It” and then soothing harmonies on the California styled “Rearrange It.” Overall a terrific album that delivers superior melodies along with adventurous arrangements. Highly recommended, and after all it’s “name-your-own-price” on Bandcamp, so what’s not to like?
Charlie Maxton “Teletype”
Maxton is a Portland based musician, his buddy John Amadon helps out on this solo LP. “While I Was Away” has a cool Nirvana-like riff, but the melody doesn’t seem to get off the ground. The punkier “Go You One Better” also didn’t sit well either, and thankfully the remaining tracks lean more alt. folk pop. “Deep Water” is a great tune that has a Neil Young meets America tone.
Another standout, “Bullseye Girl” has an REM vibe, with a great lyrical chorus and “Sandy James” is another effective character portrait. The further along the stronger the album gets, my favorite is the cynical “Millionaire” that rails against major label celebrities, “No one wants to hear the music of a millionaire… get in and make a killing while you can.” An effective debut.