Captain Wilberforce and Your Gracious Host

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Captain Wilberforce

Captain Wilberforce “Black Sky Thinking”

After a six-year break, Captain Wilberforce (Simon Bristoll) returns with his reputation for compelling melodies. He’s got a smoother, more polished sound here thanks to his new bandmates; Carl Banks (drums), Rob Simpson (guitars) and Massimiliano Borghesi (bass/vocals). Opening with the grand sweep of “The Johnny Depp Memorial Cafe,” it has the feel of classic pop, think Elton John, Crowded House or Squeeze. “Good Times, You Said” is more of a McCartney ballad with heavy guitars punctuating the chorus. The very slow building “Someone To Love” makes good use of a guitar break, with acoustic flourishes or its the trickle of piano on “You Can’t Have Me” that gives the melody real depth.

The comparison to The Finn Brothers really stands out on “Lazarus” with its well-crafted harmonies. But my favorite here is the Beatlesque “King Of Decision” that mixes a wonderful piano bridge with layered guitar rhythm. Stylistically it has a little of everything, but the tone is mellow with an undercurrent of dark psyche-pop. Fans will appreciate all the little subtleties here, Simon’s songwriting is like an American version of Martin Newell.  Highly Recommended. Bonus: While it is a “pay-as-you-wish” download, Kool Kat has the album with a 5 Song Bonus EP included. So worth it!

Kool Kat Musik

Your Gracious Host

Your Gracious Host “Boomerang”

Michigan multi-instrumentalist Tom Curless (aka Your Gracious Host) is back with Boomerang, as a rock tune is followed light pop ballad in alternating order. You will hear influences all over the place from Todd Rundgren to David Gilmour and everything in between. The title track is a catchy melody anchored by solid riffs, and “Never Been So Blind” has a booming drum kit alongside the harmonies and guitars.

I just found the heavier stuff more memorable than the mid-tempo stuff, for example, “Sweetness” is like a lost Bob Mould demo from the ’90s with its wall of fuzz sound and echoing beat. Bob Mervak is an equal partner here with his solid keyboard work, especially on the inspiring “You See Right Through Me.” While not everything sticks here, there are other notable tracks like the jangling melody in “Rest of us in the Third World” and the very Big Star inspired closer “Spritely.” This one is a grower, so stick with it and you will be impressed with these gems.

Kool Kat Musik

 

Paul Collins tickets are now $10

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BREAKING NEWS: The April 22 Paul Collins concert at Glen Cove has lowered ticket prices to allow more fans at attending to enjoy the sounds of great power pop, up close and personal. Tickets at the door are $10.00 – This is the last appearance of Paul Collins prior to his Worldwide European Tour starting in May.

Check the Facebook page to say that you will attend and get advance tickets at MyFathersPlace.com (prices will be changing on the site very soon) or buy at the door of The Light House Water Front Cafe in Glen Cove, NY.

 

Derrick Anderson and The Dolly Spartans

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Derrick Anderson

Derrick Anderson “A World Of My Own”

Bassist Derrick Anderson, known for his work with the Bangles and Dave Davies (the Kinks) is breaking out in a big way on his solo debut. Prior to that his band The Andersons! were a popular LA power pop band, so he certainly has a top pedigree. In fact, he’s got an all-star line-up of past bandmates helping out. His smooth inviting vocals are key in the ear-worm opener “Send Me Down A Sign” full of jangle and harmony as well as the gem “Waiting For You,” with a bit of help from the Smithereens. Anderson knows to shift his style and tempo easily, so the mid-tempo rock “You Don’t Have To Hurt No More,” almost resembles a lost Squeeze hit. The Kinks-like riffs populate “Phyllis & Sharon” and buddy Matthew Sweet gives an assist with the bouncy and crunchy rocker “Happiness.”

Almost every song here hits the right buttons, “A Mother’s Love” and “My Prediction” rely on crisp melodies and brilliant musicianship. It takes a fast-paced live turn on “Stop Messin’ About,” with an energy that recalls Little Richard mixed with Paul McCartney. The Bangles lend their “do-do-do” backing vocals to “When I Was Your Man,” a song that just won’t leave your head. Easily this is one of the best releases I’ve heard in a long time, with a perfect balance of style and song composition. A true example of a “must-get” album that makes my top ten list for 2017.

Amazon

Dolly Spartans

Dolly Spartans “Time Sides With No One” EP

Few young bands survive the cards The Dolly Spartans have been dealt. Their debut cracked the top 10 in CMJ, were awarded Record of the Month and Artist of the Month, in The Deli Magazine. Then in 2015, Dolly Spartans 22-year old guitarist Christopher Elmer died suddenly of a drug overdose. The band has channeled that loss into more music, as lead singer Michael Eliran described the new EP as “…about coming to terms with the idea that the passing of time can bring joy one day and pain the next.”

The opening track “When The Wheels Stopped Moving” recalls early Coldplay or Radiohead with its dynamic chorus. The frantic guitar rhythms of “Hangin’ Out” are tied to solid emotions about trying to break out of the funk that accompanies a loss. “I Hear The Dead” is chugging-alt rock theme that brings to mind The Smiths and the title track is a dramatic mantra to live each day because “I’ve given up a lot to be myself.” A solid alt. rock EP that deserves to be heard. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

Greg Ieronimo and Robyn Gibson

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Greg Ieronimo

Greg Ieronimo “Never Leaving California”

I’m glad we finally have a new full-length album from Greg Ieronimo, as his debut Bipolar Love several years ago was a favorite and he’s been teasing us with tracks leaked out on IPO compilations. Greg’s sound emphasizes the “power” in power pop with heavy riffs leading the way on each song, comparable to Extreme or Green Day, but with a melodic emphasis and lush production technique similar to Jason Falkner. And unlike the debut, his style is very consistent here.

Opening with “Rewind” its hook-filled bass lead is layered with verses and backing harmonies that make Ieronino’s music so compelling. “Never Leaving California” is a slow building heavy rock standard about his home state, and then “You Love Me” is a piano-led gem with a cascading hook in the chorus. One of the catchiest songs here is “Best Day Of Our Life” brimming with ADD-fueled optimism. In fact, it’s a challenge to find a bad song here from the bouncy gem “Outta Sight” to the mid-tempo rock ballad “Make It Out” it’s all good. One critique you can say is that there may be too many songs (14) to digest very quickly, so take your time savoring each one with headphones. Easily this one is a top 10 nominee for my 2017 best-of list. Super Highly Recommended!

Amazon

Robyn Gibson

Robyn Gibson “Bob of the Pops Vol . 1”

One of the best young voices in pop music Robyn Gibson (The Junipers) created this covers album over a series of six years, produced by Boryng Bison. Gibson’s song selection is especially good, as he provides a perfect male version of Kristy MacColl’s “They Don’t Know” (a big hit for comedian Tracey Ullman).

The album consists of popular rock standards (The Beatles “Nowhere Man”) with more obscure singles (The Rutles “With A Girl Like You.”) The production is crisp and Gibson’s smooth vocal is multitracked for great harmonic moments like Teenage Fanclub’s “Did I Say.” Overall a great audio treat for lovers of great power pop. And hey, it’s a FREE download so pick it up and sing along with Robyn. Hopefully, Vol.2 isn’t that far behind.

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Singles and Previews: Spirit Kid, Nicole Atkins, Chris Merritt, Lisa Mychols and more.

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Some of my long time favorite artists are coming out with new material, so I figured I’d break protocol and share some singles and videos:

It’s been too long, but Spirit Kid is back with a kick-ass single “To My Romeo,” and hopefully a new album cannot be far behind.

Nicole Atkins has been touring a lot lately and after some notable collaborations, she’s started a funding effort for a new album Goodnight Rhonda Lee.

Chris Merritt is a classically trained pop wunderkind and after a series of innovative albums, he took a career break. But now he’s working on”Be Minor” from the upcoming album Time Is Real. Give a listen.

The lovely and talented Lisa Mychols always seems to have something cooking. Her great vocals are featured on the new single “He’s Got Me Dreaming” and it’s available on CD Baby.

I predicted it and it came true! R. Stevie Moore and Jason Falkner backed by the British indie band Happyness at SxSW 2017