Tag: Bill DeMain

September Singles, Freebies, and Eps: The Orion Experience, Danny Wilkerson, Canadian Invasion, Geoff Palmer, Bill DeMain, Rooftop Screamers, and more

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It’s the World Premiere of The Orion Experience‘s new single “Moving” is a loving tribute to the 80’s legend Kate Bush. A favorite artist of lead singers Orion Simprini and Linda  XO, they do a killer version with sharp riffs and harmonies. More will be coming, but for now, check out last year’s rich tapestry of danceable pop Fever Dream EP.

Danny Wilkerson (Pengwins) comes up with a sweet love tune “Strawberry Sherry,” and a new album isn’t far behind. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard from the underrated Philly band Canadian Invasion, the new EP features re-mastered tracks from Songs for the Atco Ghost (2006) – it’s a FREEBIE, so pick it up. And Geoff Palmer is back with a tribute to the great Dee Dee Ramone by Standing in the Spotlight. Highlights include “Brooklyn Babe,” “Baby Doll”, and “Emergency” which are just a few gems off this fun EP.  Missing summer yet? This FREEBIE and massive treasure trove from Ice Cream Man Power Pop, Indian Summer is a perfect gift. Plus a few more singles for you; Bill DeMain sings about the “Lone Ranger” with swooning strings akin to Jeff Lynne. Finally, the Rooftop Screamers get the great Tim Smith (Jellyfish, The Lickerish Quartet) to sing about “The Great Unknown.”






Bill DeMain and Green Circles

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Bill DeMain

Bill DeMain “Transatlantic Romantic”

Bill DeMain (Swan Dive) delivers a smartly arranged bit of adult pop that is just full of sweet slice-of-life moments. Several years ago he gave us a Paul Simonesque “Extended Stay” EP that displayed the same warmth and familiarity Swan Dive was known for. On his first full length, DeMain follows the grand tradition of classic Brill Building pop, Philly Soul and Folk influenced artists like Harry Nilsson, Randy Newman, and Todd Rundgren.

In fact, after a gorgeous set of strings and harmonies on the opener “Begin” he pays tribute to Todd on the song “Leroy Boy,” a sort-of-sequel to “We Gotta Get You A Woman.” Next the piano and horn gems “Honey Bear” and “Brewster, IL, April 3, 1952” recalls Newman’s poetic storytelling. The song “Lemon Yellow” is a simple waltz charmer about loving your first car. A great cover of The Beach Boys “Wendy” makes use of co-producer Jim Hoke’s strings behind Bill’s harmonies, and “The Golden Age” is a tune about the love of pure nostalgia, with some sweet sax flourishes. This is a rare treat that will grow on you all summer. Plus Kool Kat is offering a 2-fer of this and Extended Stay for $18. Don’t miss it! 

Kool Kat Musik


Green Circles

Green Circles “No Room For Squares”

Australian garage/psych rockers Green Circles have been around since 1998 and still make music in the retro-garage rock and roll style. No Room For Squares is a collection of odds and sods from throughout the bands’ career. A mixed bag with some great songs here, favorites include the psyche-pop gem “Elevator Operator,” the jangling Kinks-like “Girl in a Morris Minor” and the Who-influenced “Stephanie Comes.”

The album also includes several live tracks where the band rocks much harder,  as the energy of “Five Blue Moons” and “Kneejerk Reaction” could sit alongside classic music by The Pretty Things, The Creation, and The Small Faces. The fast-tempo garage energy is also reflected in brilliant “Long Live Sivananda” with its strong drum work and “Tomorrow Will Be Fine” features a catchy chorus. Enough great music here to elevate it above your average release. Highly Recommended.

Kool Kat Musik | Amazon

Singles: Phil Ajjarapu, Radio Days, Bryan Estepa, Bill DeMain and Lannie Flowers

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I rarely promote singles on Power Popaholic, but enough of my favorite artists came out with new materials this month, so consider this one of those rare times:

Phil Ajjarapu “I Got a Feeling / Kimberly”
“I Got A Feeling” was cut from the final track listing of Ajjarapu’s album Sing Along Until You Feel Better to make room for the title track, which was written after the sessions with Ken Stringfellow. “Kimberly” was recorded in the same session.

Radio Days “I’m in Love With You, Haruka” is a new song and the B-side is a cover of the classic theme “Teenage Kicks” by The Undertones. The band goes on a European tour this summer.

Bryan Estepa “Rattled and Rolled” is a true collaboration between Aussie musicians Bryan Estepa and Michael Carpenter. Profits from the sales of this single will go to The Heart Foundation.

“Leroy Boy,” a song from Bill DeMain‘s upcoming album Transatlantic Romantic is a loving tribute/sequel to Todd Rundgren’s classic “We Gotta Get You A Woman” from 1970. Lots of fun and I can’t wait for the full-length release.

 

Lannie Flowers is back, and not a moment too soon. “Kiss a Memory” and  “Everything a Man Could Want” have everything power pop fans have come to expect from Lannie; a  strong melody and enviable riffs that encourage air guitar play-along.
Get it at CD Baby | Spyderpop Records