Nick Kizirnis and Brandi Ediss

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Nick Kizirnis

Nick Kizirnis “The Distance”

Sometimes I’m just in the mood for something atmospheric and moody, and guitarist Nick Kizirnis (Tobin Sprout) does it right. This is classic Americana mid-tempo balladry, with the ethereal vocals of Kate Wakefield (Lung) delivering perfectly on “Way To Me.” The slow, deliberate beauty of “The Distance” showcases the combo of Kate’s emotional blues, and Nick’s guitar flourishes.

Additional highlights include “Slipping Away,” and “I am Too Blue” which recalls Roy Orbison’s style and “Trail of Tears,” a slow rockabilly burner, gives off such a cool vibe it will chill your drink while you listen. While it lacks anything uptempo, the finely tuned songwriting and musicianship make this one a keeper. Not power pop, but damn fine music that is highly recommended.

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Brandi Ediss

Brandi Ediss “Bees and Bees and Bees”

Massachusetts based Brandi Ediss (rhymes with lettuce) is an indie singer/songwriter with a hypnotic quality. This is atmospheric bedroom pop with simple musical accompaniment and the short title track and “Count To Three” set the stage; a young woman looking for answers to life’s problems with a pep talk (“it’s gonna be great”). “Chicago” is a descriptive story of adjusting to a move in a wintery city, and the story continues on “I Didn’t Try.” As the tempo picks up and those magical harmonies start, Brandi really engages you with her energy and self-deprecating humor.

Other tunes push you away, as “Little Tiny” and “Happy Days” goes on about insecurities and self-pity. Thankfully we quickly get another big highlight, “Stupid Boyfriend” a catchy gem that’s just adorable with its “Ma-Ma-Ma” backing vocal. Hey, even Chris Collingwood (Fountains of Wayne) called this album “lush, lovely, smart and compelling start to finish.” Who am I to argue?

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Bebopalula and Cupid’s Carnival

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Bebopalula

Bebopalula “Bebopalula”

Amazing talent has a way of finding like-minded company. Chris Price and Emeen Zarookian (Spirit Kid) combine forces to create this power-pop supergroup. They have added support from a varied cast; Alex Jules, Ben Lecourt, Corey Perez, and occasionally Probyn Gregory on brass. The songs achieve a balance between candy-colored pop and richly constructed art.

The opener “Coloring Book” starts like Chris Price’s solo work until it gets to the rocking chorus and baroque coda of Bebopalula-land. “Rotten Apple” is an easy-listening pop gem bursting with sweetness and Alex Jules “Gone For So Long” attains a Pet Sounds level of reverence. You also hear influences from The Free Design and Nick Drake in songs like “We Remain” and “So Much To See.” While there doesn’t seem to be a stand-out single here, the sonic details in each song are addictive and it will take a few listens to absorb, like “I Think You Know It.” The album finishes with the loose guitar party of “Rock Two Step.” Similar to Apples In Stereo in approach, its got a freshness and energy that keeps things from merely sounding like slick retro pop. Highly Recommended.

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Cupid's Carnival

Cupid’s Carnival “Color-Blind”

We’ve had a very strong year for Beatlesque power-pop so far (The Weeklings, The Overtures) and Cupid’s Carnival is back to prove you can never have too much of a good thing. Opening with “Working All Day” its everything a Fab fan could want in a catchy mid-period Beatles tune. You’ll also hear hints of other 60’s UK bands (The Bee Gees, Kinks) across several tunes like the very British “Yesterday’s Gone” about “an English girl, from a bygone time, in another world.”

“Happiness” is another standout with some great guitar work that’s almost buried by the echoing percussion, and the grand harpsichord love song “Baby Blue” boasts descending perfect harmonies in the chorus. My favorite here is “I Got It Wrong,” as it’s got Rickenbacker guitar muscle and great slide accents. A bonus here is that the best songs from 2018’s Clapham Junction EP are included (“She Don’t Care” and “Looking For Rainbows.”) While the production mixing isn’t as dynamic as I would like, most of the songs here are excellent. Highly Recommended.

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Nick Piunti and Andrew Taylor

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Nick Piunti

Nick Piunti and The Complicated Men “Downtime”

It’s no surprise that Detroit-based singer-writer Nick Piunti is one of my favorite power pop musicians. His music has always managed to get in my yearly top ten and Downtime is no exception. Nick is joined by a new backing band, The Complicated Men; Jeff Hupp (bass), Ron Vensko (drums), Kevin Darnall (keys), and guests Ryan Allen (Extra Arms) and Chris Plum (Brendan Benson). Piunti’s distinct vocal recalls a less grizzled Bryan Adams crossed with Mike Viola.

Downtime plays a little glossier and cleaner than previous entries, and Nick’s ability to craft a hook remains formidable with the opener “Upper Hand.” The guitar riffs of “Bright Light” are further boosted by a thick bed of rhythm, piano, and percussion. Next, the tone becomes wistful on the mid-tempo “Every High” where each high is measured against life’s low points. Nick’s ballads are just as impressive, with “All Over Again” and “Good Intentions” both looking back wistfully at the past. The energy is kicked up a notch on “Going Nowhere” and “Gonna Be Good.” The band sounds like it’s having fun here too, and there isn’t a note of filler within these ten tracks. Did you expect anything less? Super highly recommended.

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Andrew Taylor

Andrew Taylor “The Lockdown Session: April 2020”

Andrew Taylor (Dropkick) had a bunch of songs written from unused audio clips he’d been saving up over the past year and with the COVID-19 lockdown in April, he started recording and mixed them in his garage in East Lothian, Scotland.

Some of these tunes are simply amazing, like the gentle opener “Life Is Good” with its easy strum, fans of Teenage Fanclub will love it. Other highlights include “Not Running Out,” “Older,” and “When All I Have Is You,” is pure magic. While other songs don’t quite have the hooks to grab you, this is a surprisingly good addition to the Dropkick catalog. Plus it’s a “name-your-price” download, so no excuses to check it out! Highly Recommended.

Kool Kat Musik

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!

Graham Gouldman and Quincy

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Graham Gouldman

Graham Gouldman “Modesty Forbids”

Graham Gouldman (10cc) easily one of Britain’s most successful songwriters, and even at 73 going strong. “Modesty Forbids” is a highly enjoyable album that touches many biographical themes. “Standing Next To Me” is all about playing in Ringo Starr’s All-Star Band, and bonding with him on a personal level. Gouldman’s prowess is on full display with the hopeful “All Around The World” and the jangling mid-tempo gem “What Time Won’t Heal.” Many highlights here, “Wake Up Dreamer” is perfect adult pop and offers some wisdom to the younger generation. And he’s still the master of romantic melody with “Waited All My Life For You.” While you do get some indulgent moments, overall this is a fantastic album. Highly Recommended.

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Quincy

Quincy “35 Years On”

Born in the 1980s New York new wave scene, Quincy was formed by Brian Butler (vocals), his brother Steve (guitar), Gerald Emerick (vocals, bass), Metro (keyboards), and Bob Holden (drums). They released a single album with Columbia Records that was criminally overlooked and promptly vanished. Brian and Steve Butler moved on to form Smash Palace in 1985, but they never forgot their old band.

Despite it all, 35 years later they still rock! “Liberty Bell” is a jangling gem of epic proportions, and the other tracks are just as infectious. “Innocuous” is full of catchy harmonies and the Kinks-like “A Get Well Card From The Devil” will carry you away. The album includes two tracks recorded live in 1979 at CBGB’s. Highly Recommended.

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