"Songs from the Bigtop" Various Artists

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Hurry! Hurry! Step right up and be the first on your block to listen to Devon Reed’s soundtrack to “Songs from The Bigtop.” Not only does he produce a major film, ladies and gentlemen, but he wrote all the songs on the album to be performed by some of today’s greatest indie and power pop artists. Featuring songs performed by Doug Martsch (Built To Spill), Matthew Sweet, The Clientele, The Marbles (Robert Schneider of Apples in Stereo), Tullycraft, and more. Reed wrote each song custom based on the sound of each artist, and it’s sounds pretty good. Most of the album is full of lush ballads that speak wistfully of Devon’s love of circus life. Highlights include Michael Leviton’s “I Only want Sky” and Matthew Sweet’s “Wild” as mid tempo pop songs with just the right touch. Like a good box of chocolates, sweet suprises are to be found, for example the excellent “I Just Can’t Keep Up” by The Owls. A few tunes here didn’t thrill me, but that’s to be expected on a compiled soundtrack of artists with such unique styles. The link that ties it all together is Devon Reed’s songs, and the album evokes warmth and a hint of melancholy. Hopefully the film itself is as well crafted as the soundtrack. It’s only available on itunes. And who doesn’t love the circus?

Devon Reed Main Site | IMDB profile on the movie | Itunes

Listen to Michael Leviton’s “I Only Want The Sky”

Listen to Damien Jurado’s “Ashes”

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10cc Reunion – sort of

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Kevin Godley joins Graham Gouldman’s revamped 10cc at Shepherds Bush Empire, London. They sing “Old Wild Men” which is really appropriate now. Originally the songs was a tribute to The Beach Boys, but now sounds more like a tribute to 10cc. “Old men of rock and roll/Came bearing music/Where are they now?”

Listen to a newer song by Graham, “Beautifulloser.com” sung by Kevin at the same concert. But maybe you prefer….

“The Things we do for Love”

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Small Sins "Mood Swings"

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Small Sins could be classified as indie electronica pop, but with a melodic sense that brings them into the power pop camp. It’s shimmering electronics meets infectious pop guitar hooks. Thomas D’Arcy, the main force behind the band has fashioned a true rock album with elements of electronica. The opening track, “I Need a Friend” has harmonies with an undercurrent of menace that bring to mind 10cc. The Banjo and handclaps of “Morning Face” continue this trend. Fans of Ween or Sparks will appreciate the catchy falsetto of “What Your Baby’s Been Doing.” The hooks in the music are what draw you here, despite the quirky instrumentation of “On The Line” or the electro-synth noodling of “Drunk E-Mail.” Sometimes the songs take a turn into a New Order-styled dance music like on “It Keeps Me on My Toes,” and fans of Sissor Sisters will enjoy that too. The lyrics are often at odds with the sunny electro-pop melodies. The exception is the melancholy “Bullet.” Most of the songs do hit the mark correctly and if you like a bit of something different from usual power pop fare, this is it.

Small Sins Main Site | My Space | Itunes

Listen to “On The Line”

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Marmalade Souls "In Stereo"

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Fans of Rainbow Quartz bands rejoice! The Marmalade Souls are a band that will warm the heart of anyone who loves Beatlesque power pop. Fans of The Spongetones and The Winnerys will gobble this release up. Some critics will attack this kind of power pop as too derivative of late 60’s bands, lacking any originality. That’s like calling all country music derviative of Hank Williams. Coming up with catchy melodies and using this style to do it is not so easy and I appreciate the effort. Many Rickenbacker guitar fans do too. Marmalade Souls add a good female vocal into the mix in Johanna Klemme, and some notable tracks are the excellent single “My Heart Belongs to You” and “Belly Butterfly” – songs which any Beatle fan can relate to. Other songs also are worthy of attention, like the Kinks-like “Fall Into The Sky” and The Byrds meets 10,000 Maniacs in “Daydreams.” Even the faux blues attempt “Baby Come Back” is a welcome track. No duds on this album. A guilty pleasure if ever there was one.

Marmalade Souls Site | My Space | Not Lame | E Music


Listen to “My Heart Belongs To You”

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The Treasury "The Treasury"

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Although this is a new band from Ashville, North Carolina, they are stocked with experienced musical journeymen. The various members have toured with the likes of Brand New and Manchester Orchestra, played at the world famous Cavern Club in Liverpool, England, and opened for bands such as No Doubt and Less Than Jake. Amazing EP debut from a group that has a great sound. From the opening track “What’s forever” to the end track “memory lane” it is near perfect. Clean production and sticky guitar hooks make them stand out from other groups. Every song will surely have you hitting the repeat button. Elements of ELO and the Beatles are mixed with newer alternative bands Spoon and Guster – it’s just incredible. I dare you to not be hooked here, from the Badfinger-like “All for Love” to the Beatlesque perfection of “Running out of Time.” I really want them to come out with a full album soon. This is the best EP debut of the year by a new band. period. Sorry Holy Fields – you come in second. Simply, get this EP if you love great music.

Treasury Website | MySpace | CD Baby

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