Joey Molland, the last surviving member of Badfinger gives us a rundown on how the band got its first big hit from Paul McCartney. It includes a filmed performance of Joey’s version of Badfinger. In a related story a new collection of Pete Ham recordings, Keyhole Street Demos 1966-67 is going to be released through Pledgemusic and is featured on our Help A Musician Page.
FREE EP Downloads: Sons of Great Dane and The Susan Constant
Sons of Great Dane “You Can’t Lose It All At Once” EP
Sons of Great Dane have been busy since the last time we reviewed them. Consisting of Brent Windler ( Guitar, Vocals), EvanJohn Nash McIntosh (Guitar), Nolle Bond (Bass) and Brendan Culp (Drums) they are producing some excellent music, showcasing both alt. country and power pop.
The opening track “To A City I Have Known” is a solid example of how they build a riff-filled, harmonic gem. Then the laid back “Love, Desire, Failure”shuffles along to the Big Star like chorus and guitar fill between each verse. “Approximately 18th St.” is a stream of consciousness rant that runs out of breath… and starts again. Look for a new full length soon, as this is an excellent appetizer to make you hungry for more.
Name your own price on Bandcamp | CD Baby
The Susan Constant “Shapes” EP
Boston’s The Susan Constant continue to write impressive indie pop, and the new EP Shapes goes the extra mile, drawing from the live shows they are known for – it building excitement with epics like “Draw Us All” or short rocking blasts like “Locked Up.” The sounds are textbook alt. guitar led goodness similar to REM. It ends with “Midwestern You,” a U2 styled arena ballad that builds to a vocal crescendo. And you can’t beat the price.
Name your own price on Bandcamp | Artist Website
The Sun Sawed in Half and Magatha Trysty
The Sun Sawed In Half “Elephants Into Swans”
It’s great to have one of my favorite bands from the 90’s return to form – The St. Louis based group led by guitar-loving brothers Ken (bass) and Tim Rose (lead). Back in the Not Lame heyday, they were a similar to Crowed House (another brotherly duo) but with a Jellyfish-like sense of melody and pitch perfect harmonies.
Well with Elephants into Swans, the band picks up where it left off, “You’re Into Something” gives us a minor chord melody with glorious horn flourishes. The title track is another jaunty melody with the kitchen sink thrown in – harmonies abound, almost to prove they haven’t missed a step. I did notice many more key changes in these songs, the lively chorus of “Brittle Star” being one example. The songs are great ear candy, but won’t exactly stick in your head immediately. Of course the exceptions are everywhere – the dreamy “Countess I Fear Something’s Wrong” with its chorus “they stole your song” oozing subtext. And the joyous “She Offers Her Heart” and amazing “You’re Getting Warm” are high points for me. Its not all perfect, the ambitious “Hobby Horse” doesn’t quite work. However, the Rose brothers stuff this LP with just enough gems that it merits inclusion into my 2013 best of list. Spend at least a week with this one.
CD Baby | Itunes
Magatha Trysty “Your Clothes Will Wear Themselves”
This Chicago band is the husband-wife team of Catherine Louise and Chris Bevard. This debut is a sure footed indie pop with a shared male-female vocal, that opens with the bouncy “Want To Stay,” with its catchy hummable chorus.
It also reminded me of 90’s bands like Velocity Girl, Til Tuesday or The Crash Test Dummies (without the Brad Roberts bass-baritone). On “Clairvoyant” Catherine really channels early Aimee Mann, and both “Brighter” and “Be Safe” are excellent songs. The group lets loose on “Sunday Dress” with new wave beats and shimmering guitar riffs. Uncommonly strong debut that deserves your attention.
CD Baby | Amazon
Gavin Guss “Riga in The Fall”
One of my favorite songs from Gavin Guss’ sophomore LP On High. This slow melodic ballad has a West Coast feel and is sure to put you in a relaxing mood.
Stephen Lawrenson and Hot Nun
Stephen Lawrenson “OBSCURiOSiTY”
Stephen Lawrenson makes a huge impression here, starting with “Your Karma” it channels early pysche-pop of The Idle Race and The Move. The title track runs at a faster tempo, adding a fantastic chorus worthy of The Pillbugs. Then chiming 12 string Rickenbacker strums greet us on “Words to Say” with George Harrison-style slide guitar flourishes. “Small White House” is a SMiLE-styled character study tribute to Brian Wilson, and the jangley “Ordinary” is like a lost Gripweeds track. Stephen slows down for the moving “Forever And A Day,” with its West Coast feel and banjo backing – very much a treat for fans of The Autumn Defense. It closes out with the early-ELO inspired ” Pale Yellow.” So as you can see from all the links, this becomes a mix tape of power pop influences from across four decades. It’s hard to find fault here, as the songwriting and musicianship are top notch. It’s another addition to my new top ten for 2013.
Kool Kat Musik | Amazon | CD Baby
Hot Nun “Hot Nun”
Jeff Shelton (Spinning Jennies, The Well Wishers) opens up 2013 with more than just a new album. He has a new band called Hot Nun. Still the crunchy riffs and catchy melodies remain the focus, as “Brave New World” the opening track blasts through the headphones. A bit harder rock than The Well Wishers, reminding me of the Posies or Velvet Crush. Lots of great tracks here include “Thank You For That” and “Who Do You Love,” “Queen Bitch” where you’ll hear a distinct glam (Sweet) influence. No ballads to balance things, but its a very short album. Only 8 tracks here but they are all killer examples of great power pop, so crank it up to 11 mate!
Bandcamp Only expect CD release in February.