Greg Pope and Edward O’Connell

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Greg Pope

Greg Pope “Rise of the Mythical Creatures”

Greg Pope’s rich guitar sound is distinctive, and he journeys down a more traditional rock sound on this latest LP. “As You Love” reminds me of Matthew Sweet with its chugging guitar rhythm. Pope crafts rock opera-styled drama in under 3 minutes with “Words No One Can Say.”It’s as if Queen and Blue Oyster Cult are combined on “Smile, Nod and Slowly Back Away,” The songs are musically consistent with just enough hook to draw you in. “Savior of The Local Rock Scene” is another love letter to the golden age of Rock, with glammy riffs and energy.

While the immediacy isn’t as pronounced as in past works, Pope knows how to tell a good story. “Sorry I Wrote This Song” is about having your partner realize your songwriting cuts a little too close. “Traditions” bounces along, and is also very inviting. All the songs are good, but the standout to me is “Holding On To A Sunny Day,” a classic hook-filled melody shining with optimism. Overall very highly recommended.

Kool Kat Musik


JellyFox

Edward O’Connell “Feel Some Love”

Veteran musician Edward O’Connell returns with a new album 8 years after Vanishing Act. With a full studio band, and guest backing from vocalists Parthenon Huxley (The Orchestra), Thomas Walsh (Pugwash), and more, this proves to be a solid effort. “Golden Light” echos Tom Petty in style, and its solid hook carries you through the song effortlessly. The title track “Feel Some Love” and “Buddy Crocker” recalls mid-tempo Elvis Costello with their wry humor and bittersweet lyrics.

The album’s second half is more reflective, “As No One Once Said” is a compelling ballad, and another effective standout is the soulful pop “Who’s Watching Your Baby,” which shows parental worry with a bluesy guitar break. While the songs here are not as catchy, they keep the same “Costello meets Petty” style, and that’s better than most music out there. Definitely, music that deserves to be heard.

Kool Kat Musik | Amazon

IPO Vol.23 and This is Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio compilations

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Why compilations? There is no better way to get an “instant” power pop collection in your head than with these 2 terrific collections from trusted curators with years of experience. If you are looking to keep up with all the new music that’s out there and don’t have the time and money to know “who’s good?” then these power pop compilations are essential shorthand for the rest of us.

Dana & Carl Present: This is Rock 'n' Roll Radio Vol. 5

Various Artists “Dana & Carl Present: This is Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio Vol. 5”

These guys are still at it?… This Is Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio” hosts Dana & Carl’s newest compilation (Volume 5) does not disappoint. From the sunny surf harmonies of Laurie Biagni’s “Hey Mr. DJ” to the alternative rock buzz of Jeff Shelton’s Deadlights, this collection has a big range of styles and sounds. Some traditional power pop stalwarts, like Chris Von Sneidern’s “Goodnight Sailor,” are a welcome treat, along with newer bands like In Deed with “Peace & Quiet.” A solid 27 tracks and a few station IDs make this one a keeper.
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Kool Kat Musik

Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs

Various Artists “International Pop Overthrow: Volume 23”

Every year David Bash takes great care to introduce new musical talent with his IPO festival and companion soundtrack. With Volume 23 (!) you get a 3-CD set with 68 tracks. Start with disc one and the 60s sunshine pop of The Tambourine People, it’s a sugary pop gem, akin to The Peppermint Rainbow. The Vinylos uses horns to deliver “The Rain Comes” very similar to the recent Ken Sharp, and Black Mail House has a similar horn-led tune “There’s Only One Way Out Of This.” Other standouts here include Golden Richard’s “Shake Your Hair” and Blake’s “Vinyl Junkie” which is a fitting bio of a music geek.

On disc 2, there is more of an alternating structure between seasoned pros like David Brookings (“One of Us Is Crazy”) and newcomers like Elphonic (“Rapid Transit”), and it’s literally hit or miss with the newer bands. Luckily, the batting average is high. Standouts for me were Lisa Marie Claire’s folky “Paper Letter” and Andrew Stonehome’s “Heartbreaker.”

Disc 3 is the most diverse of artistic styles, starting with the Beach Boys-like “Summer Camp” by Fredrick Julius, and the Beatlesque Sunbourne Rd’s “Dear Jo” and Parlophonic’s lovely “Feel The Light.” The most out-there track this year is the rap (!) by Morty Shallman “Party All Night At Sunset,” and I think LMAFO better watch out! Standouts include Glowbox’s “Test of Time” and Barmudas “Dry January.” Overall, there will be faves for everyone on each disc. Enjoy!

Amazon | Omnivore Recordings | Kool Kat Musik

Halloween Hoedown: The Seven and Six, Amplifier Heads, Dolph Chaney, It’s Karma It’s Cool, Vegas With Randolph, The Fatal Flaw

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It’s that time of year again. Some stuff has the fun spooky theme, others not so much. The Seven and Six start us off; Lisa Mychols, Tom Richards, and Mike John Altier give us a cool surf-rock instrumental. Sal Baglio’s newest Amplifier Heads EP Rectifier is so heavy it’s good.  Sal growls out “The Man Who Invented Rock and Roll,” channels Mick Jagger on “Maniaxe” and the wild “Rock Rules.” The holiday-themed ballad “Zombie Moon” is a real keeper as well, so pick up this treat. Dolph Chaney’s novelty “This Halloween” is goofy, but tragic fun and It’s Karma It’s Cool dazzles with “Old Bones” rich guitar chorus. Vegas With Randolph brings the catchy lovelorn theme “Don’t Stop Your Love” loaded with sax, handclaps, and guitars, and it’s another chewy treat. Finally, a new Kinks Tribute is taking shape, and I really liked the opener, a cover of “Victoria” by The Fatal Flaw.




Steve Robinson & Ed Woltil and Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs

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Steve Robinson & Ed Woltil

Steve Robinson & Ed Woltil “Shadow Play”

A plucky follow-up from 2015’s Cycle the folk duo of Steve Robinson & Ed Woltil continues to craft fine artisan music. The contemporary pop of “Chasing Angels” has layered acoustic guitars, and a workmanlike approach to open things off. The mood shifts with “Kickstart,” with its inspired melody and two-part harmonies in the chorus. Joined by XTC stalwart Dave Gregory, “Life on A Trampoline” is pure joy and an album high point.

The album plays between songs with a weary, ethereal touch and the occasional bursts of pop beauty. Highlights include the bouncy and catchy “The Way You Love Him” and “On Your Side,” and the beautiful warmth of “Make Amends.” The production here is crisp and this is definitely an album worth checking out.

Amazon

Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs

Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs “External Combustion”

If Mike Campbell sounds familiar you should know, he played with Tom Petty for most of his career as the Heartbreakers’ lead guitarist and launched The Dirty Knobs after Tom’s passing. Campell’s skill and talent keep the spirit and sound of Mr. Petty alive and well.

Campbell has the edge over any cover band as he is the real deal and the sound is uncanny. He opens with the rousing “Wicked Mind.” Mike is joined by Ian Hunter on “Dirty Job” and Margo Price on the ballad “State of Mind.” This is classic Petty, played with flair, wit, and precision. “Lightning Boogie” is another keeper, and overall this is an album that deserves to be heard.

Amazon

Jim Basnight and Marc Jonson & Ramírez Exposure

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Jim Basnight

Jim Basnight “Early Years”

Where did it all begin? Jim’s bohemian existence as a musical artist is chronicled and remastered as a series of early solo singles and some with his band The Moberlys. His energy is palatable on the 1977 openers “Last Night” and “Leave The Past Behind,” after being robbed in NYC. Songs like “I Return” scream “hit record” and Iggy Pop clearly influences “Sexteen.”

For fans of the early ’80s, the styles run from power pop, punk, and new wave. Basnight and The Moberlys have an edge few could claim at that time,  as “Country Fair” and “I Trust You” are both catchy gems. The Bo Diddley guitar on “Show Who You Are” and the bouncy sweet “Love is Beautiful” showcases Basnight’s many moods. Overall a 20-track lo-fi, fun listen and highly recommended.

Amazon

Marc Jonson, Ramírez Exposure

Marc Jonson & Ramírez Exposure “Turning On The Century: Volume 1”

Marc Jonson teams up with Ramirez Exposure and the long-awaited results do not disappoint. “Tape Recorder” opens with glorious harmonies worthy of Brian Wilson, and Curt Boettcher, and the songwriting has a melodic ethereal quality like the band America. From the light jangle of “Titling At Windwmills” to the expansive echoing vocal of “Sour Lemonade Sour.”

California sunshine is strong with the duo, and songs are mostly short mini-symphonic scaled gems – a great example is “Rain, Rain, Rain,” as it conjures visions of wide open spaces. The two alternate lead vocal duties and Marc sounds most comfortable on the breezy “I Don’t Know Your World.” The only pet peeve here is the hooks aren’t as strong in the album’s second half but that doesn’t take away from the superb musicianship here. Highly Recommended. Currently singles are on Amazon, and the full album is on Bandcamp.

Kool Kat Musik |Tape Recorder | Sound of the Real World