Category: Singles Only

Singles: Phil Ajjarapu, Radio Days, Bryan Estepa, Bill DeMain and Lannie Flowers

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I rarely promote singles on Power Popaholic, but enough of my favorite artists came out with new materials this month, so consider this one of those rare times:

Phil Ajjarapu “I Got a Feeling / Kimberly”
“I Got A Feeling” was cut from the final track listing of Ajjarapu’s album Sing Along Until You Feel Better to make room for the title track, which was written after the sessions with Ken Stringfellow. “Kimberly” was recorded in the same session.

Radio Days “I’m in Love With You, Haruka” is a new song and the B-side is a cover of the classic theme “Teenage Kicks” by The Undertones. The band goes on a European tour this summer.

Bryan Estepa “Rattled and Rolled” is a true collaboration between Aussie musicians Bryan Estepa and Michael Carpenter. Profits from the sales of this single will go to The Heart Foundation.

“Leroy Boy,” a song from Bill DeMain‘s upcoming album Transatlantic Romantic is a loving tribute/sequel to Todd Rundgren’s classic “We Gotta Get You A Woman” from 1970. Lots of fun and I can’t wait for the full-length release.

 

Lannie Flowers is back, and not a moment too soon. “Kiss a Memory” and  “Everything a Man Could Want” have everything power pop fans have come to expect from Lannie; a  strong melody and enviable riffs that encourage air guitar play-along.
Get it at CD Baby | Spyderpop Records

 

Singles and Previews: Spirit Kid, Nicole Atkins, Chris Merritt, Lisa Mychols and more.

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Some of my long time favorite artists are coming out with new material, so I figured I’d break protocol and share some singles and videos:

It’s been too long, but Spirit Kid is back with a kick-ass single “To My Romeo,” and hopefully a new album cannot be far behind.

Nicole Atkins has been touring a lot lately and after some notable collaborations, she’s started a funding effort for a new album Goodnight Rhonda Lee.

Chris Merritt is a classically trained pop wunderkind and after a series of innovative albums, he took a career break. But now he’s working on”Be Minor” from the upcoming album Time Is Real. Give a listen.

The lovely and talented Lisa Mychols always seems to have something cooking. Her great vocals are featured on the new single “He’s Got Me Dreaming” and it’s available on CD Baby.

I predicted it and it came true! R. Stevie Moore and Jason Falkner backed by the British indie band Happyness at SxSW 2017

EP Reviews: 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco, The Roaring Juniors, Cinema Star and Son of Skooshny

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The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco is a UK band with an uncanny resemblance to Steely Dan, but with an ability to travel beyond simple sound emulation. All these tracks are cool as hell, especially the opener “Kiki vs. Alice From The Breakers” as they mention my hometown in the first opening words of the lyric.

The Roaring Juniors are an energetic Michigan band we’ve heard before and leader Ronnie Riggar frantically jams to the fast tempo “Manzanita,” and does an equally  good job on a cover of The Beatles “Hard Days Night.” Check it out on Bandcamp or Amazon

Son of Skooshny is Skooshny frontman Mark Breyer with Steve Refling. The band has slowly built up its collection of singles into a EP for you to enjoy. Fans of Tom Petty and The Traveling Wilburys will love this music. Get it on Bandcamp or Amazon

Video Spotlight: Cinema Star


Cinema Star has been making power pop music since around 2000, this is their latest “Attractive” single. Get it on Bandcamp or Amazon!

Power Pop Singles: The Perms, John Faye, Automat and The Tories

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I  rarely highlight singles, but these bands are all classic power pop artists that deserve to be heard — enjoy!

The Perms new single — very cool! Get it on Amazon.

John Faye (IKE) gets patriotic. I miss America too. Get it on Amazon.

Is it too early to think about the Christmas holidays? Automat is back with a cool holiday single “Here comes Xmas!”! Not sure when its available.

The Tories are back with “We Still Shine.” Its been a long time since we’ve heard from this band (over 15 years) and it seems like the mature sound agrees with them. Get the single on Amazon.

Mark Bacino and Erik Voeks are back!

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Mark Bacino

Mark Bacino “Not That Guy”

Its been over six years since Mark Bacino had an album out, he’s been busy producing and mixing for various artists, composing for television-film-advertising and writing for publications such as Songwriter’s Market and Guitar World.

Now, Mark finally returns to his post as power pop, singer-songwriter with the release of a new single, “Not That Guy.” Its a bouncy tune about the guy who will always be stuck in the “friend zone.” I hope this single is the beginning of a new album, because its great to hear some fresh new Bacino.

Amazon

Erik Voeks “Grey Rain Town”

Another artist I’ve been a fan of for a long time is singer-songwriter Erik Voeks. He’s continued to produce music albiet on a smaller scale this year with a series of A-B singles through bandcamp. “Grey Rain Town” has a great orchestral sweep, anchored by a Beatlesque guitar rhythm. And “Delivering Rocks” has a nice chorus with sleigh bells. I would encourage you to see the other singles on his Bandcamp page.