Tamar Berk and Brian Ray

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Tamar Berk

Tamar Berk “Good Times for a Change”

California artist Tamar Berk is still emerging from the grief of personal loss. “Good Impression” is a great song out of the gate, with a late 90s pop feel and layered vocals all over the chorus. The heavier guitar of “That’s Not a Lie” is very much in the mold of Matthew Sweet and is another big highlight here. Berk’s songwriting has all this nuance, as she sarcastically states, “I didn’t know we’re keeping score.” The songs become more reflective on “Book of Change” and nostalgic on “Chicago,” very much in the mold of her previous album ‘Tiny Injuries’.

The shuffling melody of “I Don’t Mind” follows Tamar searching for answers to life’s problems, and the guitar solo here is a real treat. The frantic tempo of “You Trigger Me” is a perfect anthem for anxiety and panic attacks. Some ballads get overdramatic, but others, like “I’ll Come to the Rescue,” have a real poignant confessional touch. The closer “Comin’ Around To Me Again” starts very soft and slowly ends with an epic psyche-pop coda. Overall, it’s a great therapeutic album, and I highly recommend it.

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Brain Ray

Brian Ray “My Town”

Guitarist, singer, and songwriter Brian Ray has had several high-profile side gigs (Etta James, Paul McCartney), and his first solo effort, ‘Mondo Magneto’ was this blog’s very first review. Brian has moved off the power pop radar for the past 15 years, getting more toward his garage rock roots with The Bayonets, but this new album has him drifting back toward melodic rock.

As with all Brian Ray, the guitar melodies are front and center. Starting with the radio-friendly “When the Earth Was Round,” it’s a hook-filled cry of disappointment with the casual acceptance of conspiracy theories. “Got a New Thing” is another brilliant tune loaded with harmonies and a sticky riff. “Bad4U” is a tribute to all those memorable movie villains, and on “Pirate Radio,” he embraces his inner Brian May. He still incorporates blues rock into many songs, notably “Spell Breaker” with guest star Michael Des Barres. It can get a little self-indulgent, but after all this time, Brian deserves it. Highly Recommended.

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August singles: The Burkharts, Stray Arcade, Late Cambrian, Hubbell Benson, Strange Neighbors, The Junipers

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August is here, and the heat continues. The Burkharts (from Buffalo, NY) strike California retro pop gold with “Always On The Run.” Another band I recently “found” is Stray Arcade, and I “Can’t Complain” about the music – but I want to hear more. Late Cambrian returns with a compelling pop-rock-prog confection that’s loaded with style. If you’re looking for funky pop freebies, we have Hubbell Benson, a New Jersey artist with serious chops. Listen to the pop with jazz flourishes on “Except for Him” and “Need Someone?” Strange Neighbors continues to impress with the single “Crush.” Finally, The Junipers retro-pop sunshine returns with “She Looked Up at the Stars.” Play this on a hot day, and you too can be cool.




Vinyl Kings and John Larson and The Silver Fields

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Vinyl Kings

Vinyl Kings “Big New Life”

The Vinyl Kings were once a Nashville-based Beatles cover band, that developed a cult following with some of the most Beatlesque power pop you’ve ever heard, releasing A Little Trip in 2002 and the follow-up Time Machine in 2005. The band comprises veteran musicians; Jim Photoglo, Harry Stinson, Larry Lee, Josh Leo, and Michael Rhodes. Fans of The Spongetones and The Red Button will love this.

“Smoke Rings for Renee,” a song that Photoglo wrote in honor of Leo’s late wife Renee, opened the new album in 2023. Michael Rhodes (who played on these songs) also passed away before the album’s release, so there is a possibility that this is the band’s final LP.  The journey of loss and separation served as the inspiration for these songs. “Give It Away” has some serious Weeklings vibes with its quick rhythm. “Sunshine” is a brilliant McCartneyesque ballad that sets the tone perfectly. Most tunes tread the Fab-road without feeling forced, great examples are “Long Way Down,” “Change Is” and “Time To Wake Up.” But it sometimes can veer off into cringe territory with the poorly Lennon cloned “We Are All One” and maudlin soft shoe “Soon.” Overall this album is a wonderful reunion and worth many repeat plays. It is highly recommended.

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John Larson and The Silver Fields

John Larson and The Silver Fields “Constellation Prize”

John Larson returns after his brilliant turn in 2022’s ‘Mile A Minute.’ “Don’t Look Too Fast,” is a memorable song about embracing one’s true self and savoring each moment, but the lack of guitar crunch is immediately apparent. “Guilt By Association” is another great tune, but John’s vocal is too unpolished here. John’s lo-fi, basic approach works on several tunes; “Learning To Love,” “Everything’s Easy Until You Try It,” and “Margot’s Gone Dancing.” But too many other songs feel half-baked. Thankfully the guitar crunch shows up on the fun “Stay Outta My Trash.” For Larson fans, it’s music that deserves to be heard. But newcomers might want to start with the earlier album first.

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Start me up! Rolling Stones tributes

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The Rolling Stones have cemented their position as one of rock history’s most iconic and consequential bands with their timeless albums and singles. The Stones have remained rock & roll legends for more than 60 years. They have shaped the sound and manner of innumerable musicians and bands, influencing decades beyond their own. So it’s only natural that we have many tributes. The danger of a tribute is that if that band is good enough, and the songs are close to the original arrangements, then what is the point? I may as well take out my Stones records. Luckily, we have two tributes that mostly avoid this issue:

Kingdom of Mustang

Assorted Artists “Jem Records Celebrates Jagger & Richards”

The musicians from JEM pay tribute to Mick and Keith’s compositional skills while giving their songs a fresh coat of paint. It follows the previous “Jem Records Celebrates..” template, and it’s loaded with highlights.

Midnight Callers put a stamp on “Jumpin Jack Flash,” loaded with more energy than the original. The Anderson Council makes “Citadel” sound like their own, and the Cynz’s rock the sleazy “Star Star.”

The Grip Weeds let loose a sonic psych-pop avalanche on “We Love You.” Paul Collins, the King of Power Pop, is on board with a fantastic rendition of “Tell Me,” while the Weeklings rock out on “Rocks Off,” blending Stonesy swagger with Beatle guitar crunch. The other tunes don’t stand out as much, but this remains a top-notch collection. Highly Recommended!

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Punk Me Up - a Tribute to the Rolling Stones

Assorted Artists “Punk Me Up – a Tribute to the Rolling Stones”

Punk music shares similarities with rock and blues through its raw energy, straightforward song structures, and emphasis on attitude and emotion. So in taking on the Stones catalog, punk’s DIY ethos and focus on simple, direct musical expression echo the spirit of Jagger and Richards’ work. But it’s not easy:

The Good: Peter’s version of “Mother’s Little Helper” is a killer version with a punk growl that works perfectly. Reagan Youth’s “Rocks Off” and JFA’s “Midnight Rambler” also do a great job here. Anti Nowhere League is also impressive, with “Sympathy for the Devil” and Skids effectively turning “Wild Horses” into an 80s goth punk ballad.

The Bad: Nah Wobble is a rant without the singing on “Start Me Up,” UK Subs were too close to the original on “Paint It Black,” and the anemic vocals of The Members do a forgettable version of “Angie.” But overall, it was a decent package of covers, some of them very memorable. Check it out.

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Great EPs and more: Tamar Berk, Fernando Perdomo, Summer Salt, Joe Di Zillo, Richard Turgeon

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Tamar Berk is following up on her successful ‘Tiny Injuries’ album with ‘Good Times for a Change’.  Check out the advanced single “Good Impression,” which indicates Tamar is not slowing down. Fernando Perdomo’s album “Self” is a masterful blend of introspective lyrics and lush, melodic arrangements that showcase his multi-instrumental talents. Perdomo’s intricate guitar playing and soulful vocals serve as highlights, check out “Optimist Prime.” Summer Salt has the mellowest vibe I’ve heard this summer, and “Ribbons” is a light, sunny, easy-listening gem. Chicago musician/singer-songwriter Joe Di Zillo is “Bringing It Back” with his garage style. Check it out. Finally, Richard Turgeon returns with a Nirvana-inspired single, “Song of Discontent,” and it’s pretty cool. Enjoy!