Fall into Singles, EPs: The Record Company, The Campbell Apartment, Vanilla, Half Catholic, Funeral Cake, Sugar Fight, and more


It’s cooling off this week on the East Coast. The Record Company isn’t a great name for a band, but these guys have a nice groove and swagger on “I Don’t Dance On Mondays” from their new 4th Album. Love that slide guitar sound! The Campbell Apartment has a new single worthy as a theme for Barbie’s Ken on “Boys Like Driving.” Next, Vanilla continues its slow rollout of Pish Posh one song at a time, this one is “S1 E1,” a march about binge-watching. I was very impressed by Half Catholic, “Pour It On Lightly” is like The Posies meet Pearl Jam and 100% original soaring melodic rock (also out on Kool Kat Musik). Funeral Cake is a little punkier, fans of The Muffs might enjoy them; check out “Sleep Over” and “Fairy Land.”  Next Sugar Fight has a few singles collected with the addition of a few guests (Frank Bango, for example). Finally, with summer over, you should pick up the latest freebie from radio show blogger Ice Cream Man (Wayne Lundqvist Ford,) a massive collection of over 100 songs. Summer never ends with this much music!





Radio Show: Power Popaholic takes over at 11L Radio New York International

It’s a total takeover of the airwaves! Power Popaholic has invaded the studios at 11L Radio New York International and locked out DJ Dave “The Boogieman,” so he could play nearly 3 hours uninterrupted. You can download the show from the 11L server and listen or stream it live Sunday night. Here is the full program:

  • Power Popaholic new picks (30 min)
  • The Beatlesque block (30 min)
  • The Brian Wilson Tribute (30 min)
  • Back to The Future: power-pop from 2014 (30 min)
  • Godley & Creme for 10cc fans (30 min)
  • My favorite Fuzzy Warbles from Andy Partridge (30 min)

Download and Listen

Stream Live on 11L Radio NY International on 8/1/21, 8:00 pm

Brand New Singles: Sunshine Boys Premiere “Infinity Girl”

Chicago’s Sunshine Boys (featuring Freda Love Smith of Blake Babies, Dag Juhlin of Poi Dog Pondering and Jacqueline Schimmel of Big Hello) is releasing the politically-charged single “Infinity Girl” on Friday, Jan 10 and Power Popaholic has the exclusive premiere! Sunshine Boys’ sophomore album, Work and Love, will be released on Friday, May 1 via Pravda Records and follows 2018’s critically acclaimed Blue Music

 

BTW: In case you missed last Sunday’s radio show on 11L Radio NY International – I played a song from each of the albums in my top ten for 2019. Here it is recorded for posterity and your convenience.

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Van Duren “Waiting: The Van Duren Story” Original Soundtrack and more!

Van Duren

Van Duren “Waiting: The Van Duren Story”

Van Duren was part of the 70’s Memphis Power Pop scene, playing with the likes of Chris Bell and Jody Stephens and at one point auditioning as the 2nd guitar player for Big Star just before the band’s demise. While a seminal musician, Van remained an obscure figure, mainly because his 1977 debut Are You Serious? was only reissued in limited quantities and the 1979 follow-up Idiot Optimism was released 20 years too late. But Van has continued making music on small indie labels with a variety of collaborators.

Van’s public renaissance was rekindled by two Australian fans, Wade Jackson and Greg Carey, whose latter-day discovery of Are You Serious? turned into a two-year documentary project about the dogged persistence of his career. The soundtrack stands as a fitting introduction to the artist with some of his best work. The starting track “Grow Yourself Up” has the strong piano melody similar to the style of Todd Rundgren. “Chemical Fire” is another gem with its funky bass and deep chugging guitar that recalled Alex Chilton. The title ballad, “Waiting” and “Positive (Wedding Song)” are soulful themes that ooze emotion. There are live tracks that showcase Van’s intensity on stage and some brilliant tracks from his tenure at 80’s band The Good Question. Overall a solid compilation for an artist long overlooked. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

Power Popaholic On The Air

Thanks to Dave “The Boogieman,” as he hosts a 4-hour show with music and interviews every 2 weeks on Radio NY International. I am given the opportunity to post my favorite music during special show segments:

February’s Featured New Artists
My Favorite Artist feature: Electric Light Orchestra