Category: Singles Only

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.

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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.

Free Singles and more: Duerte Sanchez, Preoccupied Pipers, Powder Blue Tux and those darn Aussie guitars!

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Duerte Sanchez is the alias of Californian songwriter Jared Lekites (Lunar Laugh) and here is a sweet little ballad that is a FREE download for you all.

Preoccupied Pipers do a nice cover of Guided By Voices “Now To War.” The band is a collective of California musicians like Ned Sykes, KC Bowman, and others. The band also has a slowed down version of Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy.” Both are FREE downloads. Check it out.

Powder Blue Tux is Barney Hurley from Samuel Purdey‘s new project. And if you love Steely Dan — you’ll flip for this. Jazz-pop that rides the coolness wave with ease. Great single here.


Popboomerang’s latest sampler “The Melbourne Divide” is chockful of great music for a mere $5. Guitar pop band Oscarlima, power pop genius Michael Carpenter, Bryan Estepa and The Wellingtons are featured. All will be featured in a show on July 9 at the Yarra Hotel. Not a bad track here, it’s a highly recommended peak at the music down under.

Singles: Burgess Meredith, Big Huge, Swedish Polar Bears and Alicia Rae

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Just a few final singles before the holidays…

Burgess Meredith is a 60’s-influenced rock & roll band located in Austin, TX. The band pays tribute to the late great actor and was formed by Josh King, John Vishnesky and Jesse Hester. These guys sound pretty amazing; a bit like a young 10cc, rumor is they’ve been tapped for next years IPO. All I can say is I can’t wait for the new LP to come out. Proof the future of power pop is bright with these artists!

Big Huge is pop punk band from NYC. I don’t know much about them – but they are unsigned and have a raw energy that’s hard to ignore. Check’em out.

The Swedish Polarbears give us the best Teenage Fanclub song not made by Teenage Fanclub in “Norman Blake.” Although this song isn’t new, the band is working on a new EP for 2016 called The Great Northern.

Alicia Rae is a singer-songwriter from Washington, DC. The self-taught guitarist purchased her first guitar in 2009, and quickly found her knack for songwriting. A little shy, it took some convincing from her loved ones to perform at her first open mic in late 2012. Alicia was quickly recognized for her crisp vocals and catchy lyrics. Pick up her EP at Noisetrade for a mere tip.

Tuesday Goodies: Cliff Hillis, Lee Ketch and Steve Rosenbaum

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As this is a holiday week, I’d love to start giving out the musical goodies in advance of Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for all these artists, so pass the gravy and a few free downloads:

Philly singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer Cliff Hillis has released a new song, “Love Not War,” from a forthcoming EP out in February. Love And War is Hillis’s followup to the power popster’s 2014 release, Song Machine. Download “Love Not War” from iTunes. Visit itunes.apple.com/us/album/love-no…gle/id1055385972

Contorno and The Obleeks – Chicago guitarist Lee Ketch (Mooner) has few musical projects here. His brother Andy plays drums and does vocals too. Check it out – its all a FREE download!

Steve Rosenbaum was a pleasant surprise in the new IPO Vol. 18 compilation. He’s got an three song EP out there “Making A Mess Of Fun” and its a got earnest melodies and plenty of great jangling guitar. It’s not a free download, but it’s easily worth the 3 bucks. Hopefully we’ll see more from Steve in 2016!
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