Supergrass is no more. They were working on “Release the Drones”, their 7th studio album – now who knows if it will ever be released. The band’s statement says, “Thanks to everyone who has supported us over the years. We still love each other but, cliché notwithstanding, musical differences have led to us moving on and of course we all wish each other well in the future.” In my opinion, they peaked with “In It For The Money” and they stayed consistent up till “Diamond Hoo Ha.”
Richard X. Heyman "Intakes"
With all the work on the Doughboys, I just recalled a solo project of that power pop journeyman, Richard X. Heyman. Originally released to fans who bought “Actual Sighs” in advance, it’s now available as a download only album. And, no Heyman doesn’t toke on a hookah, that’s just a clever cover, and the music is like a “best of” bonus tracks. RXH is assisted by notable friends like Ed Stasium (Smithereens), Kurt Reil (Gripweeds), Michael Mazzarella (Rooks), and bandmates Andy Resnick, and Nancy Leigh. There are 17 tracks here of assorted quality but there is plenty to love here, starting with the absorbing “And I Really Don’t Mind” and “Woulda Coulda Shoulda” which sound closer to his “Cornerstone” era. You would expect gems littered all over this collection of leftovers, and that’s true on the lovely “Scars Of A Cat Lover” full of a chorus sung in rounds, the emotional Costello-like “Set Up Town” and Byrdsian janglefest that is “Down In Merry Land.” Obviously fans of Heyman should get this, but any power pop fan who missed it deserves to discover the joys of RXH. He’s currently working on a concept double album next.
My Space | Amazon
Bleu "Four" album preview
Bleu’s latest album “Four” is on it’s way. Jellyfish’s Roger Joseph Manning Jr. and Mike Viola assists here, and it all sounds amazing. Below is a rehearsal by MOGUL (with Bleu, Mike and Roger) on “Everything’s Fine.” The music is on SoundCloud. When these three guys get together, I get the fanboy goosebumps all the time.
The Very Most and Matthew Pop
The Very Most “A Year With The Very Most”
A simple concept album by Boise’s finest indie pop band that is a compilation of the band’s excellent EP collection. Each EP was stuffed with melody, subtle humor and a seasonal theme. In the twee-pop tradition of the Shins and Belle & Sebastian, full of joyful enthusiasm and layered vocals. The mood of each song changes with the seasons, and many of the nineteen songs are under three minutes, just enough to build the atmosphere. With Summer almost here, it’s my favorite section — “A Mid-80s Lower-Middle Class Family Summer Road Trip” opens with castanets, horns and drums in a Beach Boys styled dream suite, perfect for an open road trip. “The Motor-Vu Lights” and “You’re In Love with the Sun” are just plain ear candy, and fans of Cloud Eleven, Gerry Beckley, Jeff Larson will enjoy the smooth arrangements and vocal harmonies. Finally, an album you’d want to hear all year long!
My Space | Very Most website | Amazon
Matthew Pop “Reinventing The Cosmos”
Millions of people have already heard Matthew Pop’s music without realizing it. Matthew has done on-screen music for independent films and hit shows like MTV’s “The Real World” and this is his fourth album. Pop’s sound is a buzzing guitar and big drum beat approach that is contemporary with hard rock overtones. The opener “Without You” is an impressive start, full of Weezer like hooks in the chorus and a warbling lead guitar. Another good power pop track is “Anytime You Say Goodbye” with a driving riff similar to Splitsville. The hard guitar riffs lead “Take Me Home” closer to a typical arena rock sound, but after that the remaining album doesn’t give us much more. It seems to trace contemporary emocore trends in rock with songs like “The Younger Kind” and “Uninspired” which could fit in Taking Back Sunday’s playlist. Thankfully the slower title track has some excellent chord changes and an interesting melody at the album’s end. While I enjoyed the album’s first half, the remaining portions felt too commercial to me. But if you’re into that style it may be fine for you.
The Apples in Stereo "Dance Floor"
“Dance Floor” is the latest single from from The Apples In Stereo, featuring a guest appearance from Frodo himself (Elijah Wood) in the video here. The band’s new album, Travellers in Space and Time, is available on April 20th from Yep Roc/Simian/Elephant 6. To order in advance visit YepRoc.