Willie Wisely and The Vapour Trails

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Willie Wisely

Willie Wisely “Face The Sun”

Veteran musician Willie Wisely releases his eighth studio album this week, since 2012’s True, after a pause from making albums. Wisely has long moved beyond his early Beatlesque power pop in the late ’90s and he’s drifted toward other genres effortlessly. But he still acknowledges the influences with the playful melody of “Sutures Loose” as he sings about rising above pain. And “Cut Your Groove” is another catchy pop gem with layered harmonies, organ, and horns in the chorus. Much of the music was tested “live” in Laurel Canyon Sun Sessions and sounds great with the full studio treatment.

Wisely doesn’t sit still either. He dons a gentle pop-psyche persona in “Illumination” and delivers a fine slide guitar ballad “I Can’t Sleep,” but also he plays a few more country-styled songs that literally offer “No Suprise.” He does better with an impressive vocal performance with on the R&B styled “It’s Better Not to Care” and the soulful gem “Invisible In Love” co-written with Cliff Hillis. Other power-pop faves can be spotted in the credits like Karla Kane & Khoi Huynh (The Corner Laughers) and Kelly Jones. But the music is pure Wisely and it suits him perfectly. It’s great to hear a master back at work. Highly Recommended.

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The Vapour Trails

The Vapour Trails “See You in the Next World”

From the green hills of Aberdeen, Scotland comes a jangle pop band to scratch your Brydsian itch. The band is Scott Robertson (lead guitar, vocals), Kevin Robertson (rhythm guitar, vocals), Nicholas Mackie (rhythm guitar, vocals), Andrew Crossan (bass), and Kenny Munro (drums). Starting with the impressive “Sonic Wave” it’s chiming chords and psychedelic rhythms re-create the California coast circa 1969. Another brilliant gem is the melodic “The Inner Truth” which recalls both CSNY and The La’s combined.

On occasion, the band creates an atmosphere with the instrumental “Indian Reserve,” but other songs are a little too light vocally to make an impact. Fortunately, there are plenty of other highlights including “You, With Love,” “Godspeed It” and “See You In The Next World.” Check it out.

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The Anderson Council and The Galileo 7

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The Anderson Council

The Anderson Council “Worlds Collide”

The Anderson Council jump into the melodic pool with both feet planted firmly into the XTC meets The Beatles section, from psychedelic guitar solos to smart anglophilic lyrics. The celebrated Peter Horvath continues to guarantee a splendid time for all, in fact, this could arguably be his best album ever. Opening literally with an explosion, it goes into the title track with a brilliant bass line melody and layered psyche-pop flourishes with shimmering chords. The slower tempo “Lord Cornellius Plum” is like the spiritual brother to Sgt. Pepper. The influences are all covered, another highlight “Camden Town” is a bit more early Beatlesque in approach with another sing-along chorus.

Horvath dazzles with his period accuracy on “Mrs. Kirkby’s Refridgerator,” then the sounds get modern on the sobering “Amazing,” a biographical essay with buzzing guitars. The power-pop gems flow with the very cool “Santa Clara,” “Your Devices,” and “Grey Heavenly Lane” recalls Material Issue at times. The band pushes its way through the acid rock of “How Much Long” and “When I Fall,” but I feel it does much better with pure psychedelics of “Into The Clouds.” Overall a great album, with the added bonus of legend Peter Noone singing on a version of “Mrs. Kirkby’s Refridgerator,” and so it’s definitely highly recommended. In fact, it’s added to my “best of” list for 2019. Get it today!

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The Galileo 7

The Galileo 7 “There Is Only Now”

The Galileo 7 is one of the best psyche-pop garage bands out there, and on their 6th album, they blast off at top speed. The best example is the opener “Everything is Everything Else” where Allan Crockford’s lyrical compositions take a life of their own. Allan is joined by bassist Paul Moss, organist Viv Bonsels, and drummer Matthew ‘Mole’ Lambert. The band continues to mine the influences of that wonderful technicolor era of late 60’s pop for a new audience. The band’s energy and harmonies sparkle on the title track and also on the solid “Let Go.”

The songs were created and recorded quickly and according to Crockford; “I wanted everyone to sing at least one song on this album.”All the bandmates had a chance to take a lead vocal. In addition, there is a very positive vibe throughout. Lambert does his best Moon-like drum rolls on “Looking Up” and things mellow nicely with the bongo rhythm of “The Last Hours of Aldous Huxley.” However, the crown jewel here is the catchy crisp melody of “Crooked Smile.” Not a bad track or note of filler here, fans of The Creation, The Pretty Things and mod-era Who should check this out for sure. Highly Recommended.

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Weekend Freebies and Kai Danzberg’s “Euphoria” is coming!

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Cleveland, Ohio band You’re Among Friends has a good sampler here. “Name-your-price” download.

Ballard is always a mixed bag, but I dig the Kinks-like “Tracksuit Man.”

Support Dana and Carl’s Rock and Roll Radio with this Kinks tribute album

Kai Danzberg’s “Euphoria” is coming! But he needs your help.

One of the best young power-pop artist to emerge in the past five years has been Germany’s Kai Danzberg. I’ve really enjoyed his last albums Not Only Sunshine and Pop Up Radio. The new Euphoria is a 7-track-EP full of brand new songs. This CD will be limited to only 200 copies click on the link below to reserve your copy!

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Shake Some Action and Ulysses

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Shake Some Action

Shake Some Action “Thirty Nine”

Once again James Hall (aka Shake Some Action) continues to prove his melodic skills as he moves beyond the familiar jangle pop. Thirty Nine is a psychedelic noir soundtrack about crimes, starting with “Mr. Memory,” with a richly layered chorus flanked by fuzz guitars. The song has great textures, as it intones the biblical “Only the truth will set you free.” Next, the plot thickens on “Walk With Danger” as the slow organ chords remind me of The Doors. The guitar chimes in again on “Hide Me Disguise Me,” a neat tune about a guy having a clandestine affair.

The echoing bass and ominous atmosphere of “The Crofter’s Wife” recall an Oasis ballad at times, and “Stranger In The House” has this awesome echoing surf guitar that’s almost goth (fans of Bauhaus take note). Another catchy highlight, “Hard Act To Follow” has a smart hook that deserves multiple repeats. Hall does a great job as usual and makes each song a compelling listen, including the blistering closer “Can’t Get Her Out Of My Mind.” It’s been a while since I heard a really well-done concept LP — Bravo, James! Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik


Ulysses

Ulysses “On Safari”

From Bath (UK) there comes a multi-talented band called Ulysses. The band is Luke Smyth (vocals, guitars), Jimmy Peppers (bass, vocals), Denny Peppers (guitars, vocals) and Shane Maxymus (drums/vocals). Stylistically the band runs from power pop, glam, hard rock, and all psychedelic points in between. Opening with the guitar-sitar-raga “Looking For A Guru” includes buzzing riffs, mantra-like rhythm and offbeat humor similar to early 10cc. This style follows on the funky “Doctors and Nurses,” and then it goes all out glam on the big highlights “Bad Tattoo” and “Dragon,” guaranteed to get your head bopping.

It takes a lighter turn on “This Useless Love” that makes use of harp-like acoustics and harmonies. But this break yields for more 70’s-styled guitar gems on the fuzz-covered “She” and the ELO meets Thin Lizzy buzz of “Let’s Move.” The shifting psychedelics of “Married Woman” and quirky boogie of “Why Aren’t These People My Friends?” are pure delights to listen to. The band can do these just as well as the pure power pop of  “Fuzzy Lion,” and it’s the variety and versatility that is a huge strength for Ulysses. Definitely Highly Recommended!

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The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club and The Bobbleheads

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Onesie

The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club “End Over End”

Chicago’s own The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club’s releases the album that will put them on the map. While the influences are very recognizable, the band’s compositions are catchy and original. The wicked riffs on “Get Up Get Up” are comparable to mid-70’s Cheap Trick and the retro-synths keys on “Starpower” bring to mind The Cars. The thick bass progressions and cowbell on “The Henry Norman Hotel” are so addictive, you don’t notice that the tune is nearly five minutes.

“Lifeguard” and “Burndown at Sundown” channel Sloan, and it’s truly old school rock and roll at its best. Next, “Here is Today” has some echoes of Matthew Sweet. And “Christine You’re Mean” is another stunner that rocks hard, in fact almost every song here hits the mark and this album deserves inclusion in my year-end best-of list. I will not waste another word — this is a “must-get” super highly recommended album!

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Bobbleheads

The Bobbleheads “Myths and Fables”

The Bobbleheads are an indie pop-rock band, based in San Francisco, led by John Ashfield (guitar/vocals) and includes Pat Ennis (Bass), Rob Harford ( Guitar) and Rob Jacobs (drums, vocals). They proudly wear the “power pop” moniker and have been rocking since 2003. I really enjoyed the exuberance of Make Yourself Happy and looked forward to more of those bouncy brilliant melodies.

Ashfield’s vocals resemble Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies) a bit on the understated “Like Oxygen” with a wonderful jangling chorus. But after that, the band seems to coast along. “I Really See You” has some nice vocal harmonies and the strong lyrics of “Holding On” showcase the dangers of clinging to a bad relationship and it’s “not always a happy ending.” A strong riff emerges on “Do You?” and it will have you singing along. But these moments aren’t often enough. We still have some highlights, like the shimmering jangle of “Anne Murray Centre” and “Feel This Way.” But unfortunately, the hooks are lacking on many songs. Fans will still enjoy this, but beginners should check out the band’s earlier work first.

Amazon | CD Baby