The Weightlifters "O My Stars" EP

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This new EP by ex-Idle Wilds guitarist Adam McLaughlin’s (under the name, The Weightlifters) is another ambitious self released effort that delivers all the goods. Fans of both Big Star and Teenage Fanclub will enjoy these melodic masterworks by a powerful tune smith in the zone. From the opening chords of “Perfect” it puts the listener at ease with smooth atmospheric guitar. The following song “Bygones” is a bit like Elliot Smith and the wonderful “Belle of the Wrecking Ball” is like a lost Fanclub track with a guitar chorus, hand claps and multi-layered harmonies all around. The acoustic strains of “To Be A Killer” is a compelling personal confession of someone wrestling with murderous demons. “O My Stars” is a much quieter album than the first EP Last of the Sunday Drivers which was closer to the New Pornographers styled sound. Between the two, you’ve got a damn fine album. Highly Recommended for sure.

My Space | CD Baby

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Hospital Ships "Oh, Ramona"

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Cynical pop fans take note: Jordan Geiger is a one man band under the name of Hospital Ships. It takes a lead from The Flaming Lips (The group was named after a Lips song) and Arcade Fire or Broken Social Secene. The album opener, “Bitter Radio Single”, is a brief but captivating song with it’s forceful “Screw this fucking city” lyric sung by an angelic chorus. The follow up, “Baby For J” is like a lo-fi indie John Lennon with Geiger’s subtle vocals and piano melody. Fourth track on the album, “The Shots I Drank,” is another warm fuzzy sounding, fully orchestrated confesssional. Throughout the album, the layers of nasally vocals supported by piles of keyboards and organs on top of less dense guitars. Some standouts here are “Sink Your Teeth Into Me” and “Oh, No.” These ballads may be suited to our screwed up times – “Tired Of Growing Old” could be the new theme for a stock broker today “You dwell on all you wanted… it’s all gone, over and done.” Other tracks are just bleak sounding filler here. It’s not for everyone and will turn off those looking for happy bouncy pop music. Listen along with Mike Mazzerella’s folk album for a sobering experience.

My Space | e-music

Listen to the “Bitter Radio”

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Big Kid "III"

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I always liked Big Kid. The first two albums are collections of can’t-miss hooks and feel-good riffs that put the pop squarely back into power pop. The band has always followed the influences of Andy Sturmer and Roger Manning, Jr. to a perfect “T” so many were looking forward to this new release in 2007. The San Diego-based quartet has made one change though, and the new lead singer, Justin Avery has the lead vocal duties. Avery sounds even more like Roger Manning, Jr. than the last vocalist, and Steve Clark’s songwriting is still pretty sharp here. Opening with the uplifting “Gold” it has that energy that makes it easy to enjoy. “Get Up” continues the ride, with organ, guitars and irresistible hooks. Things get into a lower key ballad with “Love’s a Slow Song” with probably the best chorus of the album. The song describes a girl “who listens to old Beatles and Jazz” and the anxious suitor who wants to know more. The next track “Monsters” has a sharp rhythmic bass lead that gives off a Michael Jackson meets Glen Tilbrook vibe. The remaining ballads here seem to take center stage, as the lovely chorus of “Perfect Sunrise” will echo in your head for days. Avery’s vocal dominates on the last few tracks and it’s so sweet and romantic, you could dance your wedding to both “Madly” and “Hollywood Star.” Jellyfish fans and romantics alike shouldn’t let this album pass you by.

My Space | CD Baby

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Jonathan Coulton "JoCo Looks Back"

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Early in 2006, I kind of discovered Jonathan Coulton and he is what I would call the quintessential indie Internet rock success story. He left a software job a year earlier to pursue music full time releasing a song a week on his website. Some became big Internet hits including his biggest hit “Code Monkey” which became a TV show. Now between the internet sales and live performances, he is able to make a living at it. He’s been compared to They Might Be Giants, Barenaked Ladies, Loudon Wainwright III, and other “Geek” musicians, because… well he’s a geek. And he writes damn catchy stuff too. This release goes over all the songs he’s done and like TMBG, it’s mostly short 2 minutes tunes that get to the point. Highlights here include, “Tom Cruise Crazy” which looks back on the celeb’s couch jumping days, and the brilliantly melodic “Skullcrusher Mountain” about a mad scientists passion. With 20 tracks there is a lot of good material here.

Jonathan’s Website | CD Baby

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The Pillbugs "Everybody Wants A Way Out"

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This latest Pillbugs album (always something to look forward to) comes with a bittersweet sense of loss. Vocalist/guitarist Mark Kelly passed away last May and the remaining band members put the finishing touches here with Mark Mikel leading the way. As with past releases, no other band has come close the recreating the spirit and sound of sixties psyche-pop better than the Pillbugs. From the opening riffs on “Life As It Happens” you’ll be sold. If you bleed day-glo colors then you have to own this one. Like a mix of The Byrds and The Now People, “Can’t Get It Right” is full of sophisticated rhythms and harmonies. “Greeting Committee” is a part McCartney, part Cat Stevens and is a classic mid-tempo love song with hand claps and a big fat melodic hook. “Soundman” gets a little harder in sound, a bit like The Who with some Lynyrd Skynyrd guitar riffs thrown in. Parts of this album do address Mark Kelly’s medical condition (“Hard Line”) with grim determination of an classic Jethro Tull song. Another highlight here is “Tragedy Ann” with awesome Roy Wood/Jeff Lynne-era ELO violins and cellos, with the Beatles long shadow over each Sitar strum and horn flourish. Although a few tracks seem indulgent (“Play the Hear Back”) consider me a raving fan here, and after a few listens you will bow at The Pillbugs altar.

My Space | Not Lame | Kool Kat Musik

Listen to “Life As it Happens”

Listen to “Can’t Get It Right (So I’m Loving It Wrong)”

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