Some music veterans from the golden age are still producing, Beach Boy Al Jardine gives us a poignant “Wish” and legend Graham Gouldman (10cc) reminds us to seize the day with “We’re Alive.” Technically, Gouldman has a new album ‘I Have Notes’ and it deserves to be heard! The Well Wishers continue to deliver great music too with “Missing Person,” as The Popravinas give a us a new album including “The Girl Who Didn’t Want To Hear Any Tunes.” Sounds like someone I don’t wanna date. John Wlaysewski (Late Cambrian) continues his journey across the pop landscape with a new EP with the help of Brendan Brown (Wheatus) and Dave Hill (Valley Lodge). It’s worth the trip, so check it out. The Cheap Cassettes give us meat-and-potatoes rock and roll, and Squire releases focused soundscape in mono with a brilliant mix of the Big Star classic.
The Junipers and Polite Company
The Junipers “Imaginary Friends”
The Junipers, a band from Leicester, combine psychedelic pop, mid-1960s bubblegum music, and a touch of folk on their most recent album, Imaginary Friends. Starting with “The Swarthy Smith,” a piano-driven melody that veers into bouncy wordless guitar chorus full of “oohs” and “ahhs,” as the sweet “You’re My Sugar and Spice” echoes the Toytown era of pop. “She Looked Up At The Stars” is another gem led by the ever-present mellotron.
The short “Annie Almond” is beautiful example of psych-pop, similar to the singles on Euphonious Trolley EP and “Mary in the Rain” has a McCartney-styled bass line that will stick in your head. The folk-inspired mellow feel of “Red Song” sets it apart, while the groovy, carnival whimsy of “Monkey On My Back” has organ sounds recalling “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!” While not as immediate as I expected, after repeat plays you notice those subtle sonic details that are hidden just below the surface. Highly Recommended.
Polite Company “Please Go Wild”
Alan Gregg (The Mutton Birds, Marshmallow) is trying to make easy listening cool again. And he mostly succeeds on Please Go Wild. A bit like a cross between Cliff Hillis and Andrew Gold, the songs are from Gregg’s POV as he combines pop jangle and with witty lyrics. It starts with “Circulation,” a catchy song about emerging from a self-imposed isolation. Next the piano driven gem “No Time Like Tomorrow” is the perfect theme for taking time to enjoy more life, and less busy work.
“Barefoot Billionaire” feels like a TV sitcom theme to a show I’d gladly watch, and “Buzz Me In” is another song with a chorus that will stick in your head for sure. Not all of it works, but most of it does. For quirky charm you can’t beat “Second Chance Charity Store,” a familiar suburban fixture with multiple meanings. There are more than enough great tunes here to make this one highly recommended.
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Amy Rigby and Colman Gota
Amy Rigby “Hang In There With Me”
Amy Rigby has been a sane musical voice of truth since her debut in 1996’s Diary of a Mod Housewife. Early in her career, she worked with her husband Will Rigby (dB’s) and then collaborated with Wreckless Eric (who she later married in 2008).
Hang in There With Me focuses on mortality, aging, and youthful missteps looking back over the years. “Hell-Oh Sixty” really lays it out plainly, but without bitterness or regret. She explains each decade with verses that define her feelings at the time, all accompanied by a powerful guitar strum. Rigby embraces this “cool” persona throughout the entire album. The theme is that no matter how old you get, the question remains, “Should you quit, or at least slow down?” The music asks again on “Too Old To Be So Crazy” and channels brilliance with “Dylan in Dubuque” as she sings “Sometimes I play the martyr, but I mostly play myself.” Plenty of solid songs here make this definitely music that deserves to be heard.
Colman Gota “Don´t stop playing guitar”
Colman Gota from Spain took four years to create this new album with producer John Pfiffner, which also his debut on Kool Kat Musik. Gota’s energetic guitar work is a supported by a catchy “na na na” chorus on the opener “Big In Taiwan.” The frantic pace continues on “Always Late,” and the title track “Don’t Stop Playing Guitar,” Colman keeps things lyrically simple but remains nuanced. Unlike past albums where he emulated Tom Petty’s style to a degree, here he leans on the big riff and chorus much more.
Another notable track, “Crack the Code” is a question of communication with your partner, and “Paint It White” adds some horns to the mix, and the arrangement is richer for it. His batting average is higher here than in the past, and with 17 tracks this feels like a double album. Other highlights include “Enemy,” “Two Chords and a Lie,” and the twang infused gem “Way Around It.” Overall a very nice representation of Gota’s talents and it definitely is highly recommended.
Freebie Friday! Music that deserves to be downloaded!
These four albums are listed as “name-your-price” downloads. I would encourage you to contribute to these artists, after all, they are spreading a wealth of music.
Yours & Mine “The Shadow You Cast”
Solid New York alt. rock trio with a melodic gift, and “I’m Not Ready to Go” reminds me of a Posies-Gin Blossoms hybrid. “Pushing up Daises” and “Shadow” are more driving power pop. Overall a great little album, and this band is bound for future stardom if anyone with a brain ran a major record label. Get them now, before that happens.
Sparky Bosque “Corkscrew Soul”
The last album Patrick from Sweet Sweet Music blog featured, Sparky Bosque was described by him as a cross between The Eels and Parthenon Huxley. The clean strums of “Do No Wrong” and sweeping “Poor Annie” do have an emotional component similar to P. Hux, and while not everything here works, the sullen atmosphere on some songs are irresistible, like “About You.” Check it out.
Rick Murnane “Summer Fun”
Northampton, Mass musician Murane tells us straight up “why would everybody want to be like everybody” on “Monkey in the Zoo.” He collected a group of songs, and boasts a country ballad on “Rodeo Billy” and suburban angst on “Bring You Down.” In a rough and tumble way, his voice reminded me of Peter Holsapple (dB’s) on “These Days.” Very cool.
Macseal “Permanent Repeat”
Long Island emo-band does good here, “Golden Harbor” will scratch that indie-emo itch, without too much grinding feedback. And the band can get downright anthemic on the great “Four Legs” and “Permanent Repeat.” Also check out “Beach Vacation” and “Hide Out.” Fans of Goo Goo Dolls will enjoy this too. Music that deserves to be heard!
Late August singles: Dany Laj and The Looks, Dust Star, Orchidella, Randy Klawon, The Chords UK