The band Shake Some Action started recording their third album and this time you can follow the bands progress on their blog. It’s a facinating process behind the music, and after it’s done the band will post a free download. Take a look at the band’s blog.
The Perms "Keep You Up When You’re Down"
If you want a great rockin’ head boppin’ pop album, Winnipeg’s The Perms latest “Keep You Up When You’re Down” will fit the bill. In fact this album pushes The Perms as a major player in the power pop genre. The opening single “Give Me All Your Lovin” is a catchy high energy song that sounds a bit like KISS meets Sloan. This is followed by the gem “As You Were” with a driving chorus and roaring guitars along the lines of the Posies or Velvet Crush. Both “Running Away” and “World To Me” continues to kick things up with harmonious guitars and vocals. The band flirts with a bigger arena sound on “You Don’t Know” but stop short of Bon Jovi/Def Leppard territory. Another slew of gems follow with the great melodies in “Nightshift” and the gentle vocal harmonies on “Who are you Fooling” recalling Weezer. The album is pretty consistent, with a bunch of good mid-tempo rockers like “Big Mistake” and “It Won’t Hurt Us At All.” I do hear a 70s rock element here with Thin Lizzy styled guitar licks, and Chad Smith’s deep vocals do seem to be channeling Paul Stanley. Every track is good here, and it ends just as strong as it begins with the excellent “Salvation.” If the Perms were not on your radar before — now is the time to pay attention.
My Space | CD Baby | Itunes
This is a studio update on The Perms sound.
Morrissey "Years of Refusal"
Few artists are as timeless as former Smiths frontman Morrissey. On his ninth solo album, he’s as sharp as ever. Lyrically not too many people can get away with lines like “It’s not your birthday anymore, there’s no need to be kind to you.” There is not so much a single standout track (although “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris” comes close), as this is a solid consistent album. Unlike earlier works, his optimism is on full display here. He even mentions “It’s a miracle I made it this far…” in the first track “Something Is Squeezing My Skull.”
He swoons and croons many concepts here, from the fuzz rock of “All You Need Is Me” to the familiar and somber “It’s Not Your Birthday Anymore.” Producer Jerry Finn brings Morrissey’s torchy voice to the forefront here, as opposed to earlier albums emphasis on gloomy atmosphere. “Sorry Doesn’t Help” is another single-worthy fast paced track. If you never liked him before, this is at least his most accessible album. Even the last track “I’m OK By Myself” states an upbeat affirmation, and it’s a personal statement that puts an exclamation point on all the old stories about his personal life. Didn’t Michael Jackson do this when he made the single “Leave Me Alone?” In any case, “Years of Refusal” is a welcome addition to the Morrissey/Smiths catalog. For fans and non-fans alike.
The Poor Richards "The Poor Richards"
Well here’s some insanely creative and eccentric pop. With Beatlefest kicking off in New Jersey this year on March 27th, we present a group that certainly has a Fab fetish. The Poor Richards are R.A and J.A. Richard with an 18 song debut that recalls both The Pillbugs and The Spongetones, with a vast array of pop hooks. Opening with the bass lead “Remember, Remember” gets the celebration going, with enough well placed riffs and make it’s repetitive lyrics tolerable. One of the best songs here “Don The Suit,” is a Magical Mystery Tour era treat. The duo takes bits from different Beatles eras for “La La Love” with a touch of those DIY harmonies, that recall Chris Breetveld. “Mr. Travers” has a killer riff and structure, similar to “Day Tripper” and makes it easy to enjoy. Other tracks get a bit dodgy, as “All His Falling Downs” which plays off-sync until the wonderful chorus, in a clear nod to XTC. But for every miss, there are at least two charming tracks, for example “Norwegian Friend” guitar and piano recall Emmitt Rhodes. Some songs are clearly demos, and some are fun experiments (“Every Single Day”) that would be real gems if taken to the next level. If you noted all the bands I referenced then you’ll find this album is worth inclusion on your playlist.
CD Baby | Emusic | Lala
La La Love – The Poor Richards
Mr. Travers – The Poor Richard…
MItch Friedman and L’Avventura Interviewed
After a long and tedious process I have migrated the interviews section to a new server. If you have any links to these interview pages, update them, as I have 2 new interviews. It’s always nice to speak with new bands. I spoke with Jeff Davis from L’Avventura, one of the early bright spots of power pop this year. Read the review of the debut album “Your Star Was Shinning” here. You can read the interview with Jeff Davis of L’Avventura over here.
I got a lot of good information from a conversation with Mitch Friedman who’s album “Game Show Teeth” is proving to be a one of my quirky favorites to listen to. Mitch had a long list of music celebrity friends and great experiences, including a period in his life when he worked for Howard Stern! Read the interview here or click on the “Artists Interviews” button on the right column to see all the artist interviews. I plan to add the audio interviews to this section very soon.