Formed in Seattle, smack in the middle of the grunge movement Harvey Danger’s melodic rock came of age with “Flagpole Sitta” from the album Where Have All The Merrymakers Gone? in 1998. From that point on the band seemed to fade from public memory despite some excellent material getting released. Well the band officially broke-up last year and you can download the final single “The Show Must Not Go On” and an album of B-sides (“Dead Sea Scrolls“) on their website here. Please donate to keep these tracks free.
Miracord “In Water”
Psychedelic band from Oklahoma City that compares well to The Mother Hips and has a variety of sixties influences, from The Beatles to the Animals. Miracord is lead by guitarist/vocalist Dean Avants and assisted by Dave Spindle (bass), Ryan Jones (organ and backing vocals), Rob Martin (drums) and Jeff Richardson (backing vocals).The swirling guitar riff on “New Religion” opens the album and sets the tone. The lone guitar strum and spacious sound on “Song of a Mason” is a trippy ballad that will impress most pysche-pop fans. “In Water” was released exactly one year later on the 4th anniversary of Syd Barrett’s death, whose influence can be heard throughout the album. It really comes through on “Corporate Coward” and the power pop of “To Mary and Mandy” is a riff-filled good time in the style of The Who. Even more impressive, this album is a FREE download at CD Baby for a limited time.
The Hot Toddies “Get Your Heart On”
This is an Oakland based collective of melodic women set to neo-surf beats, kind of a lo-fi version of The GoGo’s or Pippettes. The songs are deceptively simple and infectious. Heidi, Erin, Jessica and Sylvia have been playing music, drinking whiskey and writing songs together since 2005. The sweet harmonies and oft funny lyrics of “Max’s Mankini” will get your attention. The vocals have an innocence, but the lyrics are mainly about boys and drinking best heard on “Only With You.” It’s like Malibu Barbie had a few beers, got up on the table and started dancing. The irreverent lyrics touch on gluten-free lesbians (“Celiac Love Songs”) and the lead singer of Alkaline Trio (“Matt Skina Sandwich”). On the latter tune and “Keep On Running” the song is fleshed out with a strong lead guitar. More highlights include “Rain or Shine” and the ukulele lead “Summertime Dream” with it’s weaving angelic vocals. As the Japanese say it’s all so “kawaii” so how can you resist.
Berlin based Seaside Stars are playing their first shows in the US this September, going from Chicago to the Nebraska Pop Festival. The Stars have a distinct west coast jangle to their sound, like sunshine after a rainy day. The new album is due early 2011. In the meantime, enjoy the FREE single “Summers On My Way”
This is a huge amount of FREE music for your ipod. R. Stevie Moore has compiled a huge list of artists, many of them power pop favorites doing a bunch of covers. The massive project is posted on the blog Sick Of The Radio and spread out over 2 massive posts and a mind blowing 47 tracks. Many of my favorites are represented like Lane Steinberg, David Gregory (XTC), Jason Falkner, Martin Newell, Eric Matthews, and The New Pornographers. Note: The quality of the music varies from artist to artist so listen to the track before you download. ENJOY!
Vol. 1 – “Copy Me, Treat Me” by RStevieMooreTribute
Vol. 2 – “New Wave Moons” by RStevieMooreTribute