Joe Sullivan and Eytan Mirsky

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Joe Sullivan “Growing Up Schlockstar”

Joe Sullivan returns with a highly anticipated sequel to his 2014 gem Schlock Star. Sullivan has the playful style and guitar buzz all around the opener “Mr. Positivity” that reminded me of an “American version” of Paul Steel. It’s a highly addictive melody that follows a theme of looking back at Joe’s youth through a power pop lens. “Gifted And Talented” boasts an assist from the awesome Brandon Schott, and its got a pop structure is similar to Jellyfish with its harpsichord, minor guitar chords, and heavenly harmonies.  “Secret Weapon” is an ode to the untouchable girl from your class, but better is “Greenfield Acres” a layered guitar gem describing Joe’s hometown with a light Beatlesque touch.

It’s more focused than Schlock Star with less direct homages, but the corniness is turned up as well. The earnest innocence of “Cheerleader” and “The End” are so well played and executed it avoids lyrical parody. He cranks up the riffs on the Raspberries-like “Birthday” and it’s the highlight of the album. A great song that pulls out all the stops, and it’s guaranteed to have you playing air guitar. Overall, it checks all the right power pop boxes and almost every song here hits the mark. Oh, and it’s also got Andy Reed and Donny Brown. This album seems custom designed to make my top ten for 2019 “best album” list. Highly Recommended (of course).

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Eytan Mirsky

Eytan Mirsky “If Not Now… Later”

The lonely troubadour Eytan Mirsky is back with a well written and solid melodic album. “Would It Kill You?” is a catchy opener that basically asks a woman who’s rejected him to “be nice to me,” which seems a tough sell. Unlike Funny Money, the album is a lot more pessimistic in its point of view and the music has more of a rootsy country vibe. Mexican standoff seems the subject of “Lay Down Your Weapons,” led by its slow steel pedal melody. And the fatalistic attitude is also expressed in “When the Ship is Sinking,” asking directly “Are you gonna float or are you gonna drown?” This theme is carried through the entire album.

It doesn’t let up, until the bouncy “Lingerie Pillow Fight,” which is the album highlight for me. It’s a great song with Eytan’s humorous attitude and catchy guitar riffs that would make Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne) jealous.  I also recommend “Last Home Game of the Season” a sad sack theme that’s perfect for your losing baseball team’s video montage. If you’re a member of the Mirsky Mouse Club definitely pick this album up. It’s music that deserves to be heard.

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The Dates and Emperor Penguin

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The Dates

The Dates “Ask Again Later”

Out of Los Angeles, singer-songwriter Garett Goddard (Personal and The Pizzas, King Tuff) created the alter-ego band The Dates. On his debut, he worships at the power pop altar of Big Star, Teenage Fanclub, and The Flaming Groovies. The jangle-tastic “Any Other Nite” would easily fit on Grand Prix. Next, “Star” and “Pictures With Rene” keeps the same feel with more of a tilt toward #1 Record. Hero worship will only get you so far… but Goddard’s production has a deliberate lo-fi rough edge that keeps it fresh. And the hook-filled riffs of “Friday Nite @Vineland” and “Nervous” make this an album that can’t be missed.

The songwriting is basic and to the point; “Love’s Made A Fool Of You” and “Summer Girls” are perfect teen heartbreak anthems, where you “don’t want to go to school… I wanna stay home in my room… all the time” Every song held my interest and encouraged repeat listens, so that makes it an early favorite on my Top Ten of 2019 album list. Obviously, it’s Super Highly Recommended.

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Emperor Penguin

Emperor Penguin “Walnut Fascia”

Nigel Winfield and Neil Christie form the anchor for the UK-based band Emperor Penguin. The band marries power pop with elements of psyche and prog rock. “The Miasma at Euston” is a pastiche of The Beatles, The Jam, The Fall and a touch of King Crimson. Another highlight, “Shaking Spear” is a wicked rolling riff with a Who-like harmonic repeating chorus, and amazing shredding follows. Next, “See Ya later, Sayulita” has a memorable jangling melody, and “Only Love” is another gem that instantly hooks you.

“Sorry Not Sorry” plays heavily into the 60’s sound with its psyche-pop rhythm as a pitch-perfect political protest song. “Hotel Diplomat” has a very “Dukes of The Stratosphere” feel with its harpsichord and descriptive lyric. Then out of left field, the dense “Jensen Interceptor” almost sounds like a Love and Rockets tune. The prog style is dialed up a few notches for the rest of the album, and you get crazy psychedelics like “Brian is Flying Us Off to Mars” and the faux James Bond soundtrack “(The Theme From) Falling Tree.” While inconsistent, it’s never incoherent. Fans of The Grip Weeds, The Pillbugs and 60’s anglophiles you couldn’t do better. They are also scheduled for IPO Liverpool in May — don’t miss them! Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Mike Daly & The Planets and Vinius

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Mike Daly

Mike Daly & The Planets “All It Takes Is One”

Mike Daly plays an unapologetic rock that comes out of the realization that “punk rock fantasies” are long over and playing into middle age offers its own personal rewards. And while Daly’s vocal approach brings to mind Bob Mould mixed with Steven Page and Chris Stamey, he’s clearly comfortable in his own skin.

Staring with “Slack” its heavy power chords punctuate each verse of him “Polishing my Grammys that I’ll never win.”  The great guitar riffs open “Come Along” and leads to a head-bopping chorus about an old rock and roll fan’s life. “Find The Pleasure” is another standout and “Nonsense” has a little Lou Reed styled lyric. while not everything hits the mark, Daly has enough goodies here to keep you coming back for more listens. As an added bonus, this album is a name-your-price download. Highly Recommended.

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Vinius

Vinius “Heart and Bladder”

Vinius is the alter-ego of San Francisco-based TV/film composer Devin Farney. His influences stick to piano-based indie pop with cinematic and orchestral elements. Opening with “The Blame Game” it’s like a combination of Ben Folds and Andrew Gold with a slowly rising verse and a great chorus. His soft vocal fits the rich orchestration and moody atmospherics on “Caricature of Characters” and synth ballad “Probably Not Going To Happen.”

While many tracks have their moments, they don’t always tie into a compelling hook or chorus. The lush mid-tempo “How Much Would It Take” is another demonstration of Farney’s skill and ability to build an emotional melody. Some tracks are wonderful piano sketches, like “If You Ever” and the rousing chord progressions of “Offerings” with its whimsical tuba line. Overall a fine debut that deserves to be heard.

Amazon | CD Baby

Weezer and KiDD

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Weezer

Weezer “Black Album”

Weezer had been pegged as one of the last commercially successful power pop bands, but Rivers Cuomo is not one to play it safe. As fast as he rediscovered his power-pop roots on  Everything Will Be All Right in the End and The White Album, he has drifted into distractions with an album of cover tunes (The Teal Album) and with The Black Album, he’s once again pushing against his fan base. Cuomo just wants to get your attention, even if it pisses you off. So if you’re expecting another “Pork and Beans” skip this one.

But interestingly enough, the album is pretty decent.  The lead track, “Can’t Knock the Hustle,” is classic pop songwriting with some faux Spanish flavoring, the chorus “Hasta luego, Adios” will stick in your brain for days.  The highlight here is the earnest “High As a Kite” whose video is a parody of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.  A few additional standouts include “Piece of Cake,” “Byzantine,” and the T-Rex influenced “The Prince Who Wanted Everything.” But you will suffer through electro-dance pop like “California Snow” and “Living In L.A.” Hardcore fans will definitely want to get this, but others will feel better with the earlier material.

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KiDD

KiDD “Chance Weekend”

Scottish bedroom-pop singer-songwriter KiDD is back. As part of several bands (The Wellgreen and Doctor Cosmo’s Tape Lab), he’s had a distinctive Nilsson meets Kinks influence on past works. With Chance Weekend, he gets more organic and sober with the downbeat opener “A Picture I Don’t Want To Paint.” He gets a little more optimistic on “Little One” and “Forget Me Not” with its soft-shoe beat, kazoo, and banjo accompaniment.

KiDD still has an eye toward simple compelling melodies, from the gentle folk tune “Tomorrow Sky” or the acoustic “Crazy George” with a myriad of effects against a sparse chorus. The catchy “Like A Bullet” sounds like an early Paul Simon hit, and another standout is the psyche-pop gem “Where Have They Gone.” In some respects, it feels like a collection of demos — but occasionally we get some gold. Check it out!

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Holiday Ghosts and La Fille

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Holiday Ghosts

Holiday Ghosts “West Bay Playroom”

Falmouth, UK band is a wonderful amalgam of The Clash and The Modern Lovers, with a youthful energy that recalls a primitive rock ’n’ roll sound. Originally starting out as a solo project from Sam Stacpoole, the band evolved into a partnership with Katja Rackin. The opener “Low Flying Bird” you’ll hear the Strummer-like shout, “wee-hoo” backing vocal and catchy guitar riffs. I was sold right away and then Katja adds her touch to “Thinking of You” with its infectious rhythm.

The songs are mostly short and sweet, and the playing style is loose and fun. The traditional rock style of “B.S. Porche” and “Cobra” wouldn’t be out of place alongside The Kingsman’s “Louie, Louie” from 1963. The band gets creative on the catchy “Stuck Here” and “Take Heed.” It’s like having an old soda shop jukebox in your playlist. Check it out!

 

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La Fille

La Fille “Alright Already”

La Fille (pronounced la-fee) is a Seattle band whose music has been described as indie-rock and power-pop. Frontman Jay Louis met drummer Joe Oakes via a Craigslist and then added Tom
Moskal on bass and Jackson Fahey on lead guitar. The bands’ sound reminded me of those Elephant Six bands of the early aughts (for example, Apples in Stereo) but with a connection to today’s modern pop.

The opener “Letting Go” boasts powerful chords on with Jay’s honest vocal and self-deprecating lyrics. “I’m Movin’ On” is a laid-back punk track, with a thick drum beat, and it follows with the slow tempo of “Everyday Feels Like I’m Getting Older.” Jay explains “This song reflects on past anxieties and realizations that came at a turning point in my life. It’s a recognition of my new perspective and how I want to move forward and stop wasting time.” We do get some dance-pop with “Skyline,” but the guitar punches through on the title track and then “Piff” boasts a great bassline. It does flirt with some slowcore/shoegaze heaviness at times but as a whole, this is a compelling album. It definitely deserves to be heard!

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