Category: Singles Only

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!

Singles and FREEBIES: The Hendersons, Dave Kerzner and Fernando Perdomo, Watts, Kai Danzberg, The Dahlmanns, Tommy And The Rockets

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Here’s a band from Fort Worth, Texas called The Hendersons and they’ve got this neat little gem “Grandson,” we all know someone like this at work. Lots of beautiful textures here, from Queen-like riffs to psyche-pop harmonies.

Holy crap, this is freaking amazing. Dave Kerzner and Fernando Perdomo combine to create this true epic 7-minute pop opera. It’s a psychedelic Beatles pop / Pink Floydian progressive rock amalgam. Try not to drool and get this now!

I was just asking what happened to one of my favorite bands on Rum Bar Records, Watts. It’s so nice to hear this single “Seventeen” a rocking gem with such guitar mastery. A FREEBIE that rocks the house.

Kai Danzberg realized he needs to “Stay Home” and play this Covid-19 theme. It’s a FREEBIE. Looking for a little more hope? Listen to “Don’t Give Up The Ghost” and if you want a little more pop bounce, check out “Waiting For You.” Wonderful pop as per usual from Mr. Danzberg.



Another familiar pair of power pop bands are back! Tommy And The Rockets give us the irresistible “You Don’t Know What You Got” and then The Dahlmanns “Party Girl” is a throwback to early 60’s Girl Groups.

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

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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

EP Reviews and Singles: Danny McDonald, Popular Creeps, Zach Jones, Vanilla, Arthur Nasson

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Danny McDonald

Danny McDonald “Modern Architecture”

Danny McDonald is skilled in several genres. “Cordyline” bursts from the speakers with authority, very much in the mold of Paul Westerberg and it hooks you right away. Unfortunately, it’s only a minute long. Next, “The suburb I grew up in” is a country-style duet with Anna Burley, and its a nice jangling slice of roots-pop.

Then we get about a minute of punk and another minute of power pop. “Keeping The Dogs At Bay” is another catchy chorus, and thankfully it’s over 2 minutes long. I like short songs, but most of this was just way too short. However, the sampler just made me want more McDonald, so it is successful in marketing his talent.

Amazon

Popular Creeps Detroit

Popular Creeps “Bloodshot Red”

A motley crew from the Motor City, Popular Creeps do a good job playing fast and loose rock and roll, and the opening track “Out of My Head” is a super-catchy tune that will get you following along with handclaps and a kick-ass guitar solo. The sound is a little like The Replacements, with a barroom vibe similar to The Connection. “Down & Out” builds a solid core riff and keeps you interested with its well-written lyrics and melody. “Metal Kid” is a good vignette about a kid who “smells like smoke on a Friday night.” Lots of great tracks, and highly recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik


Singles

“Like The Tide” boasts a solid twang and Zach’s soulful lead keeps this sounding like a hit single Neil Young might have done back in the day. The bonus here is that Zach has an audio “behind-the-scenes” feature in addition to the song demos. Sweet!


Jayson Jarmon and those dudes from Vanilla are back with a heavier rocker. It’s got some cool riffs — check it out.

Arthur Nasson is back, and he’s “Unglued” – This is a catchy theme that reminds me a little of Roy Wood.  Get this on Amazon