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!





The Kingdom of Mustang and Terry Anderson and the Olympic Ass Kickin Team

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Kingdom of Mustang

Kingdom of Mustang “Glad Days”

Charlottesville’s indie pop-rockers, Kingdom of Mustang, are back! The songwriting duo Mark Roebuck and Tim Ryan, along with the adept backing of Michael Clarke and Rusty Speidel, have crafted a distinct, consistent-sounding power pop style. Across fourteen tracks, it showcases the band’s workman-like attitude and authentic approach. Influences are easy to spot; Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello, and The Beatles. Fans of indie bands like It’s Karma It’s Cool or Vegas With Randolph will enjoy this too.

Starting with the catchiest tracks; “More Than They Deserve” and “Talk Talk Talk” it highlights Mark’s punchy guitar lines and cutting lyrics. The latter song tells you about a party that’s worn out its welcome, as you “drink up that Kool-Aid they serve to you.” They get a bit stronger riffs on the highlight “Say Hey To Blue,” along with a killer solo during the break between verses. “Don’t Count Me Out”  also boasts strong energy, but if I nit-pick I felt that the sound could have used a little more variety. That said, there are no duds here – and this is music that deserves to be heard.

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Terry Anderson and the Olympic Ass Kickin Team

Terry Anderson and the Olympic Ass Kickin Team “Got To Be Strong”

With his first new LP in 12 years, Terry Anderson & The Olympic Ass-Kickin’ Team (Dave Bartholomew, Greg Rice, Jack Cornell) continue to lean into their blue-collar roots rock. Their brand of melodic garage rock and handyman humor waste no time on the opener “Chainsaw Repair Shop.”

Similar themes are here, much like in country music — with odes to “My Bandana” and its multiple functions (” I can wipe off the spit and blood when I get hurt”) and the fun lovin’ song “Best Day Ever.” The subjects are mainly about broken relationships with his “Dilapidated Heart” and mistakes made on “Regret Avenue.” While nothing here is a dud, the songs don’t always stick with you until the rousing car tune “Ride Along,” with its harmonies and “Hey, hey, hey” backing vocal. It’s a fun and accessible album everybody should check out. Take a look.

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Power Popaholic Interview: Peter Holsapple

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Peter Holsapple (dB’s, REM, Continental Drifters)

I had an extended interview with Peter Holsapple ( The dB’s, REM, Continental Drifters, etc.) about the newly remastered dB’s album “Stands for Decibels.” We get into many subjects; from his time with The dB’s. And we answer these questions: Will “Repercussion,” the second dB’s LP, be remastered too? Will the rest of the catalog get remastered? Is a new solo album coming? What happened when you left the band, REM? What new stuff is coming out? Get the newly remastered dB’s here!