The new year is here, but I still have some 2018 music to give you. A few neat full-length albums and several EPs worth your time. Please consider buying the other music on their sites. All these are FREE downloads. Your welcome!
Great find here! Drew Beskin is the former The District Attorneys, Party Dolls, and PURSES frontman. This is his second solo LP. Its solid alt-pop goodness, check out the title track, “The Ice Storm” and “Blue Staging.”
Spacey pop stuff from Gen Pop that reminds me of Wilco with a touch of new wave. Gen Pop is Aaron Swaagman (Wisconsin) and Sam Sterk (California). Check out “Don’t Believe You” and “It’s A Trap.”
Red Bank New Jersey band PoP with an EP titled “3” has a strong beat and riff combo, especially on “The Weight of Something”
Jeremy Fetzer gives us a psyche-pop gem in “Wisdom of the Octopus”
Truly great music from The Metal Babies. this four-piece soft rock band is from Sydney, Aus. Explore and get this!
Jeff Whalen was the lead vocalist for the power pop band Tsar. The group split in 2005, but Jeff is back with an amazing, Linus Of Hollywood-produced, solo debut. The music is a hybrid of bubblegum/glam/power pop with an infectious enthusiasm that’s hard to ignore. “Goofing Around” is an easy going catchy opener, and “Jendy!” is a sugary pop nugget straight out of the Linus playbook. “Ground Game for Worm” is a straight-ahead jangling gem.
The most impressive song on the LP for me was “The Alien Lanes” where the guitars take a more central part of the melody. It’s like a Cheap Trick tune with less bombast and a more layered chorus. “Don’t Give It Up” is another slice of ear candy you can dance to. In fact, I could not find a bad song here – it’s all killer no filler! This released late in 2018, but only in select outlets — it sees wider release in February. If I could shoehorn this into my 2018 top ten list I would but for now, it’s at the top of my 2019 list for best LP. Highly Recommended. As a bonus, I recently did an interview with Jeff Whalen you can read right now.
This was high on David Bash’s list and I had never heard of Yorick van Norden before. He is based in The Netherlands and is very adept at crafting melodies. Having a good sense of psyche-pop influences he starts with the trippy “Forest of The Mind” which sounds like a lost Grip Weeds track. But then he launches into the catchy jangle gem “Train In The Station” and I perked up. His classic pop influences and production techniques are solid as each track gets better than the next. “Another Day in London Town” has a great Beatlesque melody and stream of consciousness lyrics that stick fast.
“More Than Words” is a wonderful sunny mid-tempo gem that recalls Belgian artist Bent Van Looy. He also has 2 musical suites, which use orchestral flourishes to highlight a medley of delicate compositions. “A Song For You” is his own explanation of why he writes music, as the Christmas harmonies of “Winter” bring to mind a warm fireplace. No filler and it’s highly recommended. It definitely would’ve found a spot in my top 20 for 2018.
Each year David Bash, founder, and CEO of International Pop Overthrow sends out his top 125 list on Facebook. I will always go through the list to see if someone highly ranked passed me by. Note that does not include download-only releases because he’s still old school and still believes in the physical product. I post it here for those not on Facebook (?) and also as a quick reference. We did share a few in the top 10 this year.
1. Sloan-12 (Yep Roc)
2. In Deed-Everest (Open Mind)*
3. The Grip Weeds-Trip Around The Sun (JEM)
4. Danny Wilkerson-Wilkerson (SpyderPop)
5. Caper Clowns-A Salty Taste To The Lake (Self-Released)
6. Kai Danzberg-Pop Up Radio (Self-Released)
7. Yorick van Norden-The Jester (Excelsior)
8. Linus of Hollywood-Cabin Life (Magic Beach)
9. Jeff Whalen-10 More Rock Super Hits (Supermegabot Music Concern)
10.Chris Price-Dalmatian (Omnivore)
11. David Myhr-Lucky Day (Lojinx)
12. Starbelly-Four (Tallboy)
13. Groovy Uncle-Meanwhile Back In Medieval Britain…(Trouserphonic)
14. Pikal-Music For Girls (Self-Released)
15. William Duke-Quatro (Familiar)
16. The John Sally Ride-Nothing Doing (Snoopenned Music)
17. Greg Pope-A Few Seconds of Fame (Octoberville)
18. Nick Frater-Goodbye Kayfabe (Kool Kat)
19. Rob Bonfiglio-Trouble Again (Damask)
20. Michael Simmons-First Days of Summer (Crab Apple)
21. The Shellye Valauskas Experience-History of Panic (Self-Released)
22. Tim Smolen’s Iss.-It’s A Girl (Self-Released)
23. Fireproof Sam and The Network Stars-Get Passive (Timber Trout)
24. Bill Lloyd-Working The Long Game (SpyderPop)
25. The Essex Green-Hardly Electronic (MERGE)
26. Green Seagull-Scarlet Fever (Mega Dodo)
27. Lisa Mychols-Sugar (Strataplastic)
28. Nine Violets-The Crazy Trilogy (Self-Released)
29. Mothboxer-Open Sky (Self-Released)
30. Richard and The Young Lions-Volume 1 (Wicked Cool)
31. Valley Lodge-Fog Machine (Tee Pee)
32. Ken Sharp-Beauty In The Back Seat (Jet Fighter)
33. The Well Wishers-A View From Above (That Was My Skull)
34. Ex Norwegian-No Sleep (Think Like A Key)
35. The Cherry Drops-Good To The Last Drop (Pyramid Music)
36. Cullen Omori-The Diet (Sub Pop)
37. Belle Adair-Tuscumbia (Single Lock)
38. The Spindles-Past and Present (Self-Released)
39. The Stan Laurels-Maybe (Kool Kat)
40. Scot Sax-Drawing From Memory (Self-Released)*
41. Tim Knol-Tim Knol (Excelsior)
42. Oberon Rose-Tell Me All About It (ThouART)
43. Three Hour Tour-You Never Know (Martian Record Corp)
44. Bird Streets-Bird Streets (Omnivore)
45. Fernando Perdomo-Zebra Crossing (Forward Motion)
46. Zombies of The Stratosphere-The Physical Kids (Self-Released)
47. Rooftop Screamers-Vol. 1 (Mirasongs)
48. The Connection-Wish You Success (2 Win Disc)
49. Kidd-Where Are The Strange People? (Self-Released)
50. Diamond Hands-II (Kool Kat)
51. The Junior League-Eventually Is Now (Kool Kat)
52. The Peewees-Moving Target (Rum Bar)
53. St. Paul & The Broken Bones-Young Sick Camellia (Red Music)
54. Neil Sturgeon & The Infomaniacs-Geography & Luck (Buzzwagon Beat)
55. Soft Candy-The Luvers & The H8ers (Self-Released)*
56. Jim Wilson with Phil Jones-Now Playing (Swinging Pipe)
57. Dot Dash-Proto Retro (Self-Released)
58. Goodfellows-10 Bites (Rock Indiana)
59. The Decibels-Scene, Not Heard (Screaming Apple)*
60. The Most-Beat Beat Boom!!! (Self-Released)
61. The Occasional Orchestra-Urban Foxes (Self-Released)
62. Paul Steel-Carousel Kites (Raygun)
63. Dana Countryman-Cabaret of Love (Sterling Swan)
64. The Turnback-Spinning The Earth In Reverse (Kool Kat)
65. Anchor & Bear-Raincoats and Gold (Self-Released)
66. Ben Pirani-How Do I Talk To My Brother? (Colemine)
67. Athanor-Hills of The Universe (Kool Kat)
68. Paul McCartney-Egypt Station (Capitol)
69. Custard Flux-Helium (Self-Released)
70. The Tearaways-Anthems and Lullabies (Alternative Music)
71. Michael Roberts-There Is No Blue (Digitalis)
72. P Hux-This Is The One (Self-Released)
73. Amoeba Teen-Selection Box Vol. 1/The Appleyard Sessions (Kool Kat)
74. Rob Bonfiglio-Acoustic Trouble (Damask)
75. Caddy-Ten Times Four (Kool Kat)
76. The Coral-Move Through The Dawn (Ignition)
77. Emperor Penguin-Rum Pop Engineer (Savage Frenzy)*
78. Addison Love-Thoughts On Lunch (Big Stir)
79. Bennett Wilson Poole-Bennett Wilson Poole (Aurora)
80. Sha La Das-Love In The Wind (Dunham)
81. Nick Eng-Nick Eng (Beatnick)
82. Lane Steinberg & His Magical Pony-Lane Steinberg & His Magical Pony (Self-Released)
83. The Jeremy Band-Joy Comes In The Morning (JAM)
84. Billy & Dolly-Five Suns (Shitkrystal)
85. Streetcar Conductors-The Very Best of Streetcar Conductors (Self-Released)
86. The Decibels-Big Hits! (Screaming Apple)*
87. Gilbert O’Sullivan-Gilbert O’Sullivan (Grand Upright Music)
88. The Monkees-Christmas Party (Rhino)
89. The Innocents-Teardrop Kiss (Public Opinion Music)
90. Nick Piunti-Temporary High (JEM)
91. Popdudes-Maximum Rock Stupidity (Not Lame)
92. Mick Terry-Days Go By (Emptyhead)
93. The Genuine Fakes-Issues (Rock Indiana)
94. Ash-Island (Infectuous)
95. The Resonant Heads-What You Don’t Know (Self-Released)
96. Ruler-Winning Star Champion (Self-Released)
97. Richie Parsons-Black Throated Blue (Lawless)
98. Fernando Perdomo-Out To Sea (Forward Motion)
99. The Cherry Bluestorms-Whirligig! (Roundhouse)
100. The Fratellis-In Your Own Sweet Time (Cooking Vinyl)
101. The Hanging Stars-Songs For Somewhere Else (Crimson Crow)
102. The Magic Gang-The Magic Gang (Warner Bros.)
103. The Bottle Kids-Let Me In On This Action (Rock Indiana)
104. Dragon Rapide-See The Big Picture (Freemount)
105. Tommy Lorente-Stupefaction (Rock Indiana)
106. Hajimepop-Hajimepop (Good Melody)
107. The Supahip-The Two Sided Face (Self-Released)
108. Tom Curless-Songs of The Movement (Futureman)
109. Daniel McGeever-Cross The Water (You Are The Cosmos)
110. McPherson/Grant-Song (Self-Released)
111. Deaf School-Let’s Do This Again Next Week… (Cava ?)
112. Chris Richards and The Subtractions-Peaks and Valleys (Futureman)
113. Blank Pages-Before Your Summer Fades (Self-Released)
114. Matthew Sweet-Tomorrow’s Daughter (Honeycomb Hideout)
115. Alfa 9-My Sweet Movida (Blow Up)
116. Minky Starshine-Dirty Electric (Thistime)
117. SMASH Fashion-Rompus Pompous (Self-Released)
118. The Hungry Onions-She’s A Mod (Deep Eddy)
119. The Sick Rose-Someplace Better (Area Pirata)
120. The Chills-Snowbound (Fire)
121. Kayak-Seventeen (Sony)
122. Blake Jones and The Trike Shop-Make (Big Stir)
123. Nathan Hall & The Sinister Locals-Mute Effigies Soundtrack (Hip Replacement)
124. The Jayhawks-Back Roads and Abandoned Motels (Legacy)
125. The Davenports-Don’t Be Mad At Me (Mother West)
Note: Those marked with an * are vinyl-only releases. Those marked with an ** are cassette-only releases.
Rob Anastasi’s Minky Starshine has a new LP produced by Ken Stringfellow and has enlisted the support of Mike Musburger, Ducky Carlisle, Corin Ashley, Fernando Perdomo, and Phil Aiken. The album starts with the laid-back “Art School” as the lead lyric seems pessimistic; “I went to school for art but ended up pushing papers” however it comes around to the upbeat “everywhere is going to lead somewhere.” But the darkness creeps in on “Everybody Loves to Party” despite the catchy chords and “London Metropole” focuses on the pain of loneliness.
The notable “Good Company” is a bright spot, with its hopeful melody and layered guitars. The production is artfully done, as Anastasi’s songs are emotional and resonate, but the edge seems much softer now. Especially on the apprehensive “Go!” which mixes a fast paced verse with a big arena-friendly multi-tracked chorus. Unfortunately, many other songs just didn’t stick in my head, which seems a long way from the brilliant Womanity. This is still music that deserves to be heard, and Anastasi is a world-class talent. Check it out.
The irrepressible Kurt Baker continues to pump out party records since his move to El Puerto de Santa María, Spain. With his combo, they specialize in the raucous garage rock and roll with a melody.”So Lonely” is a dirty gem that sounds straight out of the cellars of the Cavern Club. The other songs follow a similar pattern, like the quick tempo booming drum kit on “No Fun At All” or the Gary Glitter-like chords of the title track.
But after a while, these tunes blend into each other and nothing stands out. The fuzz chords increase on “A Girl Like You” which sounds closer to Watts than Kurt Baker’s Combo. “Yesterday Today” adds some Motown elements, but the percussion is too loud in the mix. Fans will still enjoy this, but beginners should check out the earlier albums.
Countryman has been accurately described by John Borack as a “One-man Brill Building.” His influences go from the ‘50s to the early ‘70s and often cross the line into retro-kitsch. But its done with such skill and fine musicianship that it’s a guilty pleasure (without the guilt). And an array of guest talent is here; Terry Draper and Dee Long (Klaatu), Jamie Hoover (The Spongetones), Probyn Gregory (The Brian Wilson Band), Scott McPherson, and Kai Danzberg.
The bossa nova and trumpets start things quietly with the subtle title track and from there the sunshine pop of “I Never Knew” bursts forth like a “lost” Carpenters hit. Kai Danzberg adds his harmonies to The Beach Boys-styled “If I Had A Girl” and “Summer Sand.” Then Jamie Hoover’s Beatlesque guitar leads the catchy “Just See If I Care.” More highlights include “That’s Why I Love Her” As the album progresses, the shmaltz level increases, some of it the Four Freshmen-like “The Night I Fell In Love With You” and others so sweet (“You Better Watch Out”) you’ll get a toothache. Highly Recommended.
Palmyra Delran and The Doppel Gang “Come Spy With Me”
While it’s been a long time since pop siren Palmyra released a new LP, but she certainly picked a top-notch group of friends to help her along. Special guests include Steven Van Zandt, Debbie Harry (Blondie), and John Carlucci (Fuzztones).
The opening title track has Palmyra in fine form with a “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” garage pop melody loaded with harmonies and distorted guitar hooks. “Happy Birthday Middle Child” is boosted by Harry’s backing vocals and its eye-rolling sarcasm. Then “Tape A Nickel To The Tonearm” is a throwback to the swivel-hipped dance craze era. The R&B gem “I’m Satisfied” is a cover of hard rock combo Fanny’s deep cut from 1973 and Paul Collins adds his guitar to “(If You’d Like To Make A Call) Please Hang Up.” The latter is almost a musical answer to Collins hit “Hangin’ On The Telephone” with The Nerves. “I Thought You Said You Were Gonna Kill Yourself” is classic Palmyra and another standout. Overall a terrific LP that would’ve made my top 40 list.
