The Weeklings and The Toms

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The Weeklings

The Weeklings “In Their Own Write”

The Weeklings are one of the best Beatlesque power pop bands out there and after three great LPs, they decided to put together a “greatest hits” album. The spin on this is that The Weeklings started life as a live Beatles cover band, so why not record these songs live? Taken from 2 different shows, the band plays a robust setlist and their banter and audience interaction make you feel like you are there.

From the opener “Little Tease,” it’s got all the Beatle “easter eggs” that people enjoy and done with a verve and energy few can match. The new “April’s Fool” is a welcome addition to favorites like “Morning, Noon, Night,” “Little Elvis,” and “Don’t Know, Don’t Care.” Like most Weeklings albums, there are a few choice covers like “Baby You’re A Rich Man,” the Adam Schlesinger penned “That Thing You Do,” and a re-arranged rocking version of “The Word.” Highly Recommended (what else?)

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The Toms

The Toms “Tomplicated”

The Toms (Tom Marolda) has remained an active DIY power-pop force of nature since his debut in 1979. Last year brought us some “lost” songs from those 1979 sessions, but now he’s back with some new material. In a return to the techniques of his early Beatle-influenced recordings, Tom’s masterful use of contrasting sounds (like a deep bass chord over a light acoustic strum) on “Too Many Yesterdays” make a simple melody stand out. In addition,“Three” has a terrific bass groove, with a psych-pop wall-of-sound, and it’s an early highlight in the massive 16 track effort.

However, many tunes feel more like sound sketches and experiments that fell off the Magical Mystery Tour bus, like the title track “Tomplicated” and “You Shot Me Out Of Your Cannon.” Interesting yes, but when the song has a great hook it works even better. Added highlights include the excellent “Hang On” and the jaunty “Sunday Clothes” with cello flourishes that recall The Move. “Somewhere Over This Rainbow” is another gem, referencing The Wizard of Oz in its narrative and the optimistic jangle of “It Doesn’t Matter to Me” is a fitting finale. There are more than enough tracks to rate this one highly recommended.

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Dolour and The Popravinas

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Dolour

Dolour “Origin Story”

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Dolour’s debut LP creator Shane Tutmarc took a selection of early songs and re-recorded them. After the great ‘Televangelist’ earlier this year – it’s interesting to hear some reimagined music that I wasn’t that familiar with. It’s essentially a combination of several EPs, and Shane still has an ear for catchy singles as the bouncy “Cleopatra Eyes” proves to be both light and infectious. “Naive” similarly charms with its layered harmonies in the chorus. The fuzz guitar enters the fray with “CPR” a terrific post-breakup song, and Shane’s approach is similar to Fountains of Wayne on “Before Tonight’s Big Party.”

The ballads have high points as well, with  “Next 2 U” with its flowing verses and melody.  There are also a few experiments that are interesting, like “Suburbiac,” a murder plot between two lovers. Some songs seem a little overproduced, like the dense “Ready To Fly” and the wonderfully written indictment of the music industry “I Smell A Lawsuit.” While not on par with his last LP, this is still a great group of Dolour tracks. Highly Recommended.

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The Popravinas

The Popravinas “Goons West”

The Popravinas (pope-rah-veen-ahs) are back! The California band led by Eddy Sill (The Mutts) is joined by John Adair (guitars, keyboards,) Dean Lyons (rhythm guitar,) and David Rodgers (drums) to create a well-tooled guitar sound influenced by The Rolling Stones, Soul Asylum, Whiskeytown, and The Old 97’s.  While they do have a ’90s garage-pop sensibility with songs like “Do The Creep” and “Minor Resistance,” when they add that country twang it takes them to another level.

“Self Made Derecho” is a distinctive catchy song and Ed’s vocal provides the perfect amount of sarcasm, and the cornpone approach of “Bunkin’ in Reno” is a joyful tale of couch surfing that brings to mind Mojo Nixon. The more traditional R&B, Stones-y tunes are similar to The Connection or Watts, with “Feasibility Holdout” and “Might Want Out” being standout tracks. Overall, a fine album that deserves to be heard.

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September Singles: Ward White, Kurt Baker, It’s Karma It’s Cool, Death Party Playground, Bryan Estepa, Mom, The Well Wishers

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With the fall comes a brand-new premiere single “Dirty Clouds” from LA crooner Ward White, from his upcoming album The Tender Age. The gentle chords give way to space-themed resignation assisted by a terrific guitar break. Kurt Baker is also back with a tight pop track that reminds me a bit of Rick Springfield, meanwhile, It’s Karma It’s Cool gives us a frantic vocal and crunchy punk guitar on “Coffee Cup Circles.” If you love that old-school ’70s rock then check out Death Party Playground, but if you crave a more singer-songwriter vibe, you can’t get much better than Bryan Estepa. Swedish band Mom gives us a nice freebie; a collection of covers and a highlight is Marshall Crenshaw’s “There She Goes Again.” Finally, Jeff Shelton (The Well Wishers) donates his guitar crunchiness to California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund for this sweet track, a worthy song for a worthy cause.







James Henry and The Mommyheads

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James Henry

James Henry “Pluck”

Liverpool-born James Henry has been on the periphery of the music scene for many years, so it’s nice to discover someone who really “gets it” when it comes to melodic pop. Opening with the strong single “A Girl Like You,” it rocks along akin to Squeeze’s Glenn Tilbrook with tight guitar hooks and a forceful beat. It’s followed by the meticulously constructed “Cinema Haze” which reminded me more of Crowded House with its prog-like synth bridge that incorporates several styles. The jangling “Available for Selection” is another gem that will stick to your head fast. And it’s more than pretty, catchy melodies —  “I Never Loved You More” is all about an abusive relationship. The violent lyrics directly contrast with the bouncy, happy chorus!

With so many inventive songs, it takes a few listens to find all the sweet details in the production. The Beatles are a not-so-hidden influence that’s present in many tunes, but it doesn’t take over the musical identity that Henry has crafted. No filler here and many great songs; “So Many Times Before,” “Afterthought,” and “Only Find Love.” After multiple listens, this gets a nod to my top ten of 2021 list. Highly Recommended!

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Mommyheads

Mommyheads “Age of Isolation”

The Mommyheads have been in and around the music scene since 1988. Led by Adam Elk and a variety of players they’ve sporadically been releasing music for years, and they’ve been one of the few bands that have been consistently listenable, improving over time. After a breakup in 1998, and dropped from Geffen Records, the band reformed in 2008 with a core group (Adam Elk, Michael Holt, Dan Fisherman, Jason McNair) and a more mature indie rock sound with a strong progressive influence.

The Age of Isolation comments on the new reality we are all living in and quietly starts with the gentle “TV Dinner” as it builds up to a memorable chorus. The angular riffs open “Last Silver Dollar,” it’s an elaborate arrangement that reflects the anxiety of earth’s fate. The music gets more pensive with the title track and “Statues (Paintings, Poems, and Books)” boasts some atmospheric guitar about removing supremacist imagery from culture. It’s a controversial stance that goes against pop culture, “where do we draw the line?” Elk asks. That questioning narrative runs through the album, like on “Am I Too Comfortable?” While these songs aren’t as immediate, and a few are dull (i.e. “Don’t Ignore The Air”) they are especially compelling musically and lyrically, like the final track “Amnesia Collective.” Check it out. Also, The Mommyheads are one of the few bands I’ve seen that has their entire catalog at a “name your price” point on Bandcamp.

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The Harmony Motel and Diamond Hands

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The Harmony Hotel

The Harmony Motel “Topical Depression”

Stanton Hall (The Zags) takes a detour from his band to this wild diversion. Starting with the electro-funk instrumental “The Plan” it goes into “Played By The Game” a compelling slice of piano pop akin to Ben Folds combined Bowie and add in some prog-pop elements. Next is the chugging beat of “Gettin’ Started Late,” it’s another winner that delivers a strong chorus before it leads to the sleepy synths of “Faces” which reminds me of Godley & Creme’s arty pop. “Mushrooms” is a bit of filler (with Hazel H rapping) but better is the impressive composition of “Comment Comment” and “Topical Depression” with its western slide guitar that morphs into a waltz. Some of these songs work, and a few don’t, but overall the experience proves that Stanton’s Harmony Motel is worthy of a visit. Come and stay awhile.

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Diamond Hands

Diamond Hands “Thank You”

After three retro gems and some solo work, the duo of Jon Flynn (“Citrus”) and Joel Tyler Wall (“Green Wave”) join forces again for Thank You. And the retro-pop influences of previous entries are more in the background here, as Diamond Hands creates a more timeless sound. Similar to those Elephant Six bands of the late ’90s, they include elements of psych-pop and baroque folk.

From the start “The Magazine,” has a hook that keeps you engaged and a chorus that hums along, and  “She’s An Alien” enjoys a crunchy jangling lead and its fascination with beautiful women. There seems to be no single track that stands out as it’s all consistently good from top to bottom. From the aching vocal of “Out of My Head” or the slide guide chord progressions of “Runaway,” it’s a treat. It does get heavier (glam?) with “Ziggy,” and the tempos slow down towards the album’s second half. Overall a highly recommended album that further solidifies Diamond Hands as one of the best power pop bands around.

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