Gerry OKeefe and Andy Stone

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Gerry O’Keefe “Whatever Suits You”
Chicago musician Gerry O’Keefe was lead vocalist of the power pop band The Hideouts. This solo effort enables Gerry to explore several styles of pop. The simple guitar melody of “Your Brand New Beginning” is a catchy folk pop tune with nice laid back harmonies. Vocally O’Keefe resembles Cat Stevens, and it works well in the Country melody of “Darlin’ Divine.”

Many of the songs are mid-tempo gems but the slow ballads really stand out, “Lovingly” is a touching song by a dying man who serenades his “precious one” and “Dream Like I Used To” is a wistful acoustic surrender. The pop jangle of “In Your Closet” is another highlight sure to impress and “The Road That Doesn’t End” reminds me of Richard X Heyman‘s recent work. This refreshing collection ends with “We’ll Call It Hope,” and I hope we hear some more from Mr. O’Keefe in the future.

Bandcamp | CD Baby  | Amazon

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Andy Stone “This Giant Awoke”
Andy Stone returns with his third LP, very much like his last one. Starting with the very bouncy piano tune “Another Rainy Day,” very much in the McCartney/Emitt Rhodes mold. “I Am The Adopted Kid” is clearly trying to be Andy Partridge, with quick changes in tempo and melody. When he goes into Ray Davies mode on “Topsy Turvy” and “Understanding Me” things definitely click.

Clearly Stone is an excellent songwriter, with clear hooks and strong lyrics, but his vocals just fall short on “The Couple Sitting Next To Me” and “Welcome To Your Love.” But the melodies are adventurous and compelling enough that fans should give it listen.

CD Baby | Amazon

Shake Some Action! and The Junipers

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Shake Some Action! “Full Fathom Five”
More than previous efforts, James Hall has remained consistent in his love of guitar oriented power pop. He’s touched on the Manchester sound in Fire and Ice and the garage elements in Sunny Days Ahead.

Now with Full Fathom Five, James continues with his 60’s Brit pop style. The unmistakable Rickenbacker 12 string jangle greets us on the opener “Lost In Space.” Without missing a beat the magic continues on “Nothing Can Stop Me Now.” “Soul On Fire” is a fantastic single with its goose bump inducing chorus, rivaling Supergrass or Oasis (at their peak). Even the mid tempo “Lost Without You” has great big hook, and no filler anywhere. The Merseybeat ” I Didn’t Know What To Say” is so good, it sounds like a lost track from those Liverpool lads. It also varies its sound enough to prevent falling into a rut, making each of those 14 tracks fly by. More than other albums, the vocals are better and the songwriting is rock solid. It’s a retro treat and a definite contender for best album in 2013.

Bandcamp | Soul on Fire single only

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The Junipers “Paint The Ground”
 The Junipers are a psychedelic pop group with a new line up following 2008’s Cut Your Key. Paint The Ground is one of the best sunshine folk pop LPs ever with sweet harmonies and shimmering guitars similar to Curt Boettcher and Millennium. “Willow and The Water Mill” is a song that paints a vivid picture of a summer day in the country.

The gentle “Phoebus Filled The Town” is a heartbreaking melody with a prog-folk sound that will remind many of Steve Hackett era Genesis.  Each song seamlessly blends into a perfect tapestry of mood, as in “Antler Season,” the ethereal chorus rides along an acoustic melody. The only issue is that these songs tend to be indistinguishable from each other. Using a full load of instruments from Mellotrons to Zithers, it perfectly evokes the sunshine pop era without blatantly ripping it off – a true musical treasure.

CD Baby | Amazon

Concert Connection: Robbie Williams

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* English pop superstar Robbie Williams tagged along with Oasis during the 90’s but moved out of the Brit-pop shadow by the turn of the century. He’s moved more towards dance pop starting with 2002’s Escapeology and then hit #1 with Rudebox, a group of originals and covers that went double platinum in 2006. Recently he finished Take The Crown last year, a career revival with with big hooks and huge stadium sized melodies. Currently touring with Olly Murs (who has  developed quite a viral fan base), if you are interested in Robbie Williams tickets then now is the time to see him.

Catching up with… Jamie and Steve

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Jamie and Steve “The Next Big Thing” EP
When we last heard of Jamie (Hoover) and Steve (Stoeckel), formerly with The Spongtones, they had become a duo with a English Afterthoughts. After much acclaim the two decided it was time for more, and in 2011 it was their Next Big Thing. The guys still have that Beatleseque style and it opens with the XTC-like “Seaside Sparrow,” full of pastoral plucking. “Can We Start Again, Girl?” once again is classic ‘Tones with an amazing middle eight. “Dancing On Ice” has a breezy chorus, but then the guys take a few chances on “Half A Mind” – where an angry rant contrasts with the singers sweet thoughts. An excellent group of songs, that’s followed up by…

Amazon | CD Baby

Jamie and Steve “Imaginary Cafe” EP
“Imagine a place,” Jamie said, “where our guitars are always in tune, our voices in great shape, the audience smiling after every song…the perfect gig. What would we call it?” That’s the premise of the title track, with a few Pepperisms thrown in. “Gold Mine” has a country rhythm, with fantastic beat and banjo picking. The gentle “Tokyo Sleeping” has some sweeping Brian Wilson styled harmonies at the song’s end. But unlike the previous EP experiment, “A Dangerous Man To Know” doesn’t quite work. They redeem themselves with “We Two,” a creative song that should be theme music for the duo whenever they take the stage. A highly enjoyable EP that makes a perfect pair.

Amazon | CD Baby

Keith LuBrant and Mooner

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Keith LuBrant “Who I Am”
If you weren’t sure who LuBrant was based on his last album, “Wide Awake and Alive” leaves little doubt. Energetic drums and driving riffs bring to mind Cheap Trick with a touch Bon Jovi, but underneath all the flash is a good hook. “She Always Finds A Way” and “Call Off The Search” are a good follow ups with some inventive song writing and amazing guitar touches along the way.

His clear vocals allow a good mid tempo number like “Breathe” to shine, sometimes the pop gloss is thick as “Good For The Girl” reminds me of The Gin Blossoms. Keith does have some Jellyfish like moments on the title track, and then adds some nice bluesy guitar flourishes on “Sunshine In The South.” Not every song has a hook, but enough do to make this a solid melodic rock entry.

CD Baby | Amazon | Kool Kat Musik | Jam Recordings

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Mooner “Unpronounceable Name” EP
Chicago based Mooner has a terrific sound on this short EP. Thanks to brothers Lee and David Ketch, they share a love of both power pop and alt. country – which means they emulate early Wilco, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. Joined by joined by drummer Adam Bonich and bassist Dann Morr they give us some meaty baseline riffs  on “Shapeshifter” and a slow build to a steady ramble on “White Lines” about truckin’ down the highway (fans of Bob Seger would be proud). This is a talent band that we look forward to hearing more from.