With a new president ready to take office, this video looks back on the Bush years. This song is like a sequel to “Political Science” shown below. Earlier this year I had to show the funniest Newman clip of all time from Family Guy (since removed) and Short People, so Newman’s latest “Harps and Angels” came out in August. The old man still got it.
The Kickbacks, Michael Carpenter and The Davenports EPs
With a big holiday weekend here, I’m getting the 2008 poll ready – here are some great EPs (some free) and new tunes which tell me 2009 will continue to offer great music:
The Davenports “Thinking About You, Maryann”
It’s been way too long a wait for this EP from these NYC favorites. The title track is a gentle McCartneyesque ballad with intricate acoustic picking and upright bass that just hits the sweet spot. The holiday song “Whore for The Holidays” has just a lovely melody and wry wit that recalls Fountains of Wayne and is one of the best new Christmas songs I’ve heard. It’s rounded out by “Don’t Cry Mary” – another winner, if this EP doesn’t perk you up — you’re probably “dead, dead, dead”. Plus on Amazon, you get one song for FREE!
My Space | E Music | Amazon (free song)
The Kickbacks “Even the Blues”
Here’s your chance to get yet another goody this holiday season, The Kickbacks have parts of the new album still available for free download. Tad Overbaugh and Steve Scott, brings quality musicianship to this highly polished rock and roll album. If you are fans of both The Lemonheads and The Gin Blossoms you’ll enjoy these laid back guitar lead melodies. “Figure You Out” has a Westerberg-like growl and steady guitar rhythm. The other songs have a Stonesy feel with a modern twist. The EP is a free download but, I would encourage you to get the whole album.
My Space | Kickbacks website (Download here) | CD Baby
Michael Carpenter and The Cuban Heels “Give the Dog a Bone”
This time we find power pop legend Michael Carpenter has gathered together The Cuban Heels, a loose collective of musicians. The name of the game here is rootsy Americana, evidenced by the Gram Parsons-like “Bad Poetry” and though the guitar and melody of “Wonder Why” is along the lines of Beach Boy song, its got the slide guitar and catchy honky tonk goodness to make it real ear candy. The country shuffle of other tracks (“Bleeding Money”) make me want to suggest he should tour with Gary Louris or Rhett Miller . The sound is as rich as ever and he sounds like he’s having a ball on “Different With You” – you will too with this highly recommended EP!
My Space | Not Lame | big radio
Another Christmas Present
Thanks to the folks at Lojinx, they are offering a FREE mini-album of exclusive Christmas songs by Farrah, Henrik, The Wellingtons, Caroline Lost, Nate Company, The Bad Machines & Nightlights.There are seven new songs from seven different artists on the Lojinx roster especially recorded for this release. There’s sure to be something you’ll enjoy!
Download Now! | Lojinx Page
Bos Taurus "It’s Plain"
Delaware native Steve Chesser has put together a group of songs he describes as “anatomically correct indie pop.” It started as a group of home-grown demos and they are gathered here. The album starts out exceptionally strong with “Anyway, Anyhow” and one can compare the skilled melodies with multi-part guitars to Jeff Murphy or Todd Rundgren. The song tempo speeds up for the excellent “Dead Inside” which is the catchiest song about nihilism I’ve heard since Nillson’s “One” that isn’t a ballad. The guitar work and harmonies are beautifully composed and performed. “Fool” adds a slightly harder edge, and the juxtaposed guitar and vocals on “What Comes Around” are incredible, kind of like if Dave Grohl joined Sugar Ray, instead of Foo Fighters. The mid tempo ballad “The Day You Left” is another standout (although the metronome beat is annoying). Towards the latter end of the album the tone starts to change to more conventional jangle pop, this starts on “Evermore” and continues through “Some Say” where REM and Sebadoh’s DIY feel start to dominate the sound. Chesser also did everything here, all the instruments, recording and engineering. And that is my only pet peeve here, this album would be truly great if a top notch pop producer, like Jason Falkner got a hold of these tracks. The songs are too good for the lo-fi auteur approach. Don’t let that prevent you from hearing this though. Fans of REM, Shoes, and Smog will love this.
My Space | Itunes | CD Baby
Listen to “Some Say”
Listen to “Fool”
The Respectables "Sibley Gardens"
If you could picture the perfect bar band – does a mix of The Replacements and Cheap Trick sound right to you? Well, The Respectables, (Nick Piunti, Joey Gaydos, and Donn Deniston) cover that ground pretty well. The CD starts with the rocker “Charged By The Minute” and it has the piss and sweat pouring out of these guys like classic ‘Mats. This is high powered pop in Detroit “Motor City” style all through it’s 11 tracks. Lead vocalist Nick Piunti recalls a mix of Ryan Adams and Mike Viola. “Could It Be” states “it seems like I know you” with a simple riff and beat track that is both familiar and new at the same time. The Squeeze-like opening guitar jangle of “Spark & Destiny” is my favorite here only because it combines that style with a Tom Petty type of weariness. The group gets a little too cutesy with a bell in “From This Place” and a few tracks seem to coast on a single rhythm. But, you’ll hear nice detailed guitar work from lead Joey Gaydos, where he adds little flourishes to the arena rock sound. Overall an excellent album, if you like bands like The Romeo Flynns, Cheap Trick or The Vines. Very respectable company indeed.
My Space | CD Baby | Kool Kat Musik | Not Lame