Corin Ashley “New Lion Terraces”

powerpopaholic 1 Comment

Recorded in Abbey Road Studios Corin’s follow up to Songs From The Brill Bedroom is a finely crafted pop gem full of meticulous compositions. With nods to McCartney, Badfinger and Emmit Rhodes, a  splendid time is guaranteed for all.  The simple keyboard notes of “Geez Louise” build to the sweet multi-tracked chorus. “Sgt. Sunshine” is the Beatlesque mid-tempo highlight with buzzing guitars and “la-la” English styled brilliance.

“Marianne” is very much like a Glen Tilbrook hit, and Ashley hits us with amazing key changes. The hooks in these first three tunes are so good, you can’t believe Corin can keep this up. But he can – the plaintive ballad “Badfinger Bridge” is a baroque gem, and even as Corin settles in, the warmth of each tune shines through. The homespun title track and “On The Ledge” charm you and “Malady” will just rock you. Honestly, this is the best album I’ve heard all year so far. Don’t wait – get it now.

CD Baby | Amazon

The Jac and Picture Day

powerpopaholic

The Jac “Record Store” EP
Just in case you missed out on “Record Store Day” goodies, Joe Algeri (Jack & The Beanstalk, Britannicas) has a gift for you. This is an extended single from the forthcoming album, ‘Whether I’m Arthur or Martha.’ The single is a rocking tribute to the Record Store experience and a great addition to you playlist. Next the punk anthem “F•ck It” is very much in the spirit of The Sex Pistols, and a cover of Neil Young’s “Heart Of Gold” sounds like it could’ve come from Neil’s ill-fated Trans album. Hey this is great free stuff, Joe. Keep it comin’!

20px_spacer

Picture Day “Every day is Picture Day” EP
This St.Louis band has clean harmonies and hand claps, very much in the REM meets The Outfield realm – but it doesn’t stay there. “Madoline” is an impressive opener, full of solid rock riffs and “Immaterial” has a bit of a new wave feel, with a nice interplay of guitar rhythms, until it gets to the bombastic overly dramatic chorus. “One of Us” is more of a hard rock song with multi-tracked vocals very much in the style of Foo Fighters – this is well done, but doesn’t feel natural to the band. Then it changes gears again with “Long Division” the EP’s highlight, with jangling guitars and Jordan Ross’ excellent vocals. The issue seems to be a band in between styles, looking for its place but the potential for greatness is easy to hear. Give it a shot.

Amazon | CD Baby

Happy Record Store Day!

powerpopaholic
Krayolas

Today is Record Store Day.
 It’s a day that retailers hope will draw both loyal and new customers to celebrate the independent record store and all that it has to offer. Kool Kat Musik is not a traditional “brick and mortar” retailer but they do share the same passion and enthusiasm for music and in support of the “indie” guys they will be having a “Virtual Record Store Long Weekend” from Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 21! 

10% OFF all NEW CDs listed in the Power Pop/Alt Country Online Store

———————————

Also check out this new vid from The Connection “Comes and Goes” available on 12″ vinyl at Interpunk Records and on their own Bandcamp site.

The Grapes of Wrath and The Evening Cast

powerpopaholic 1 Comment

The Grapes of Wrath “High Road”
At the request of a Popaholic reader, I sought this album out (thanks, Jonathan!) and boy was it worth it. The Grapes of Wrath is a Canadian trio that’s been around since the 80’s, similar in style to REM with heavy jangle influence. Brothers Chris and Tom Cooper are joined by lead singer Kevin Kane (who btw had a terrific solo LP a few years back). I’ve always liked the band, even though they never seemed to breakout successfully in the U.S. – but High Road is poised to do just that.

The shining harmonies and hook-filled riffs of “Good To See You” are similar to both The Orange Peels and Teenage Fanclub. The Beatlesque “Mexico” is another vivid melody  with Duane Eddy styled twang and hand claps. And without any drop off in quality, “Paint You In Blue” sounds closer to past GoW material, and “I’m Lost (I Miss You)” is a stunning emotional ballad. They go in the other direction and “Make It OK” is like a lost Oasis outtake. Each tune stands out – it may have taken 20 years, but these guys deserve to be on the top ten album list for 2013. Don’t miss it.

20px_spacer

The Evening Cast “Lake”
This Melbourne band is creating quite a buzz down under, started by brothers Joel and Paul Cooper, alongside Joel’s wife Rachel the melodic “Knots and Bows” starts subtle and grows on you like a weed. The glowing synth melodies remind me of Lightships, The Ocean Blue or Keane. “No Stopping” is a great example, with a soulful vocal and strong ambient rhythms that stick in your head.  “Heartbeat” is a lounge-like harmonic melody with booming percussion, and its a real winner here for me. This is a band discovering itself and having a great time doing it. Check it out.

20px_spacer

Scott Miller passes away

powerpopaholic

Sadly, Scott Miller passed away on April 15, 2013.  Scott Miller has released more than a dozen albums with his bands Game Theory and the Loud Family, and his music has been described as “a cross between Alex Chilton, James Joyce, and the Electric Prunes” (Stereo Review) and “smart, funny, and instantly memorable” (Rolling Stone). Miller was a brilliant songwriter who’s biggest impact was during the 80’s, mixing both powerpop and new wave to craft a memorable catalog of albums. Some of these are being made public on the Loud Family website.

In addition to being a musician, Scott was an author of an insightful book Music: What Happened? In the sample chapter he describes how he found Seth Swirsky’s “Watercolor Day” –

“Certainly the Internet has changed how people find out about music, and one novelty there for my methods is what I’ll call canon triangulation. Searching around for the best new songs, I’ll do a web search on several songs that I consider indicators of good ears, and see what else is on those people’s list, and so on. I found “Watercolor Day” that way, I think on a site I want to credit with being associated with Audities, though I see I’m not able to repeat the search today.”

I can only hope that he was talking about Powerpopaholic.com — but aside from that I hope people honor Scott by playing his music today. I know I will.