Streetcar Conductors and Brian Jay Cline

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Streetcar Conductors

Streetcar Conductors “The Very Best of Streetcar Conductors”

It’s pretty ballsy to label your debut “The Very Best of,” but Streetcar Conductors deliver what amounts to an impressive selection of modern rock singles. The glorious opening track, “Pushover,” is has a Weezer-Cheap Trick feel and an earworm chorus that is full of layered piano and guitar. It’s so good, the other tracks suffer a bit by comparison.

Streetcar Conductors do a good job mixing classic pop influences into the modern rock song structures. “Let’s Not And Say We Did,” is almost a novelty tune; catchy in the tradition of Bowling For Soup. There is an undercurrent of Beach Boys influence on “Throw Your Love Away” and especially on “Summer, What Became Of You” with its earnest harmonies. Another great tune “Pictures Of Ourselves” is a great commentary on today’s selfie culture. Some tunes try to get punkier (“It Sounded Like The End Of The World”) or just plain goofy (“The Absurdity of Life.”) But then it sounds like the guys are trying too hard. The band is at its best with simpler melodies like “You Are The Brightest Star” and “True Love, They Say.” Overall, no filler and more than enough “hits” to be Highly Recommended.

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Brian Jay Cline “Idle Chatter”

Veteran jangle artist Cline shines on this – his most pop-oriented album – opening with the wicked riffs of “Would You Stay?” it’s a strong opener that sticks with you. Brian’s combination of country, pop, and rock elements blend perfectly on the second half of “Sic Transit Gloria,” with its sing-along chorus and steel pedal lead. 

“Latch Key Kid” and “I Get You” are shambling melodic narratives similar to Tom Petty or Marshall Crenshaw.  Other great tunes are “The Ballad of Rosetta Stone,” “Last of The Great Atomic Heartbreakers,” and “Never Saw It Coming.” Cline hits his stride here, with no real duds and plenty of diversity in sound. This is also the best BJC album I’ve heard so far, so yes… it’s Highly Recommended.

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Singles, EPS and Freebies: Vegas With Randolph, You’re Among Friends, Yani Martinelli, The Susan Constant and Scott Brookman

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Vegas With Randolph returns with the power-pop goodness of “Women in Airports” in advance of their next album, Legs & Luggage.

You’re Among Friends are a casual rock band from Cleveland, Ohio. Their music has been described as “rollicking blues at its core with a sugary coating of power pop” by Scene Magazine. check out this FREE download.

Yani Martinelli features some wonderful vocal harmonies and light acoustic melodies. The classical soft-pop style of “Radiohouse 12am” is similar to The Free Design. Simply beautiful and this is a FREE download.

The Susan Constant is a Boston indie band with just plenty of punch to keep power pop fans interested. Check out the solid rant “Constructive Summer,” and it’s a FREE download.

Scott Brookman has decided to go unplugged for good. He’s not going for the polished pop sounds of his past and is now concentrating on low-fi acoustic songs. “How Could I Let It Win?” and “Whatever She Was She’s Gone” have that McCartney vibe. Yani Martinelli,  Mario Pilarte López lend a hand, and it’s a FREE download.

Let’s cap things off with a new single from Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies) called “White Noise’, the first track from Steven Page’s new album ‘Discipline: Heal Thyself Pt. II’ which is coming out on September 14th.

Nick Piunti and Peter Holsapple

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Nick Piunti

Nick Piunti “Temporary High”

Nick Piunti is back and better than ever. Like other power pop contemporary artists (David Mhyr, Rob Bonfiglio) he’s firing on all cylinders here. The opening title track is a great summer anthem with Nick’s distinct raspy vocal and layered guitar riffs. The strong melody lines of “You Invented Hell,” and”If This Was Right” were co-written by Ryan Allen and fit in perfectly.

Nick’s expressive lyrics and jangly guitars on “No Return” are like musical comfort food. The rough edges of some songs are polished just right, like “Blameless” and “Keep Me Guessing.” Nick is amazingly consistent throughout the album, with his all-star band Donny Brown, Andy Reed, Geoff Michael, Plink Giglio and Chris Richards. A joy to listen to from start to finish. Highly Recommended and yes, it’s on my crowded year-end top ten list!

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Peter Holsapple

Peter Holsapple “Game Day”

After 21 years, Peter Holsapple (dB’s, Continental Drifters, REM) returns with his second solo album. I loved Out of My Way in 1997 – it was a classic indie LP with a lot of quirky melodies that stuck. Game Day takes a very different approach. It’s classic freeform musical expression with thoughts that float around to a musical soundtrack. On “Game Day” he wonders “do I still have what it takes to pull this off?” and pays tribute to his road days with “Continental Drifters.”

Holsapple has a lot of space to get weird and wild. “In Too Deep” and “Tuff Day” are great highlights that prove the old man still has it. Another fun track is “I Got High With You” about late nights with friends. The “Inventory” of his life is a long look back at all the possessions he accumulated during his youth. Other notable tracks are the strong “She Handed Him A Pencil” and the Hendrix-like “Them Changes.” This potpourri of tracks is like finding a box of old records — some you will love, others will go in the sale bin. But you’re glad you found them. Check it out!

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Singles, Demos and Freebies

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The Skullers have covered and recorded a version of punk legend  Richard Hell’s single “I’m Your Man” All proceeds will benefit Career Gear, a non-profit organization helping men in need enter or re-enter the workforce.

Joe Algeri is at it again! The Jangle Band returns with an advance single from the second album! And it is a FREEBIE!

Lo-fi goodness from GUMS. It’s a Glaswegian indie band and this freebie compiles the best bits from EPs and singles from 2012-2016.

Kai Danzberg has released a bunch of demos from his critical hit Pop Up Radio. It shows the time and patience needed to put out a solid pop album.

Tom Curless and The Stan Laurels

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Tom Curless

Tom Curless “Songs Of Movement”

Tom Curless (Your Gracious Host) decides to use his real name for this new release of songs for Futureman Records. Curless did not change his approach too much, as the solid “Genesee County Stomp” has a catchy riff leading its chorus. “The Dream is a Lie” is reminiscent of the Posies and The Connells in spots, and the acoustic “Oceans of Love” has those light harmonies before it builds into a more Klaatu-like ballad.

“Always Bloom Forever” has a fuzzier guitar similar to The Well Wishers. So stylistically, it travels all over the place – and maybe that’s the goal here. Curless is trying new things, which is fine. Not everything sticks (“Guilt Free”) but enough does. Curless is very good with aspirational melodies (“Accelerated Moon”) and rocking cynicism (“Washington DC” and “Certain Additions”).  Overall a good album, with a little something for everyone.

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The Stan Laurels

The Stan Laurels “Maybe”

It’s rare to have a band create an original film soundtrack that also functions as a stand-alone album, but John Lathrop (aka The Stan Laurels) has done it. The songs were all used in the indie film “Maybe Shower” and most of the lyrics are about the characters and themes in the film. But you don’t need to see the movie to enjoy this soundtrack. Lathrop’s melodies recall Weezer in spots, but its a completely original sound. That’s jangling rhythms, spacey synths and chunky riffs leading the charge, like the opener “Maybe.”

The big sound grows on you quickly, as “Life, Lemons and An Alien” warn you that life can take an unexpected turn quickly, so be ready. And the full story lyrics are as compelling as the melodies on “Where I Want To Be,” and “Maximum Zen” adds a psyche-pop spin to things. No weak songs here, so its a highly recommended release.

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