Tag: Jonny Polonsky

New Singles: LMNOP, Geoff Palmer, Tommy Sistak, Jonny Polonsky, The Reflectors, Drew Beskin

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The one-man band LMNOP has a new album coming called whatNOP dONW7 on July 16, 2021. “The song ‘Nuclear Trust’ doesn’t have anything to do with anything nuclear, just liked the way those two words sounded together. The line “Now I’ve found I don’t know what I’ve found” kinda sums up where I’m at in 2021.” says LMNOP mastermind Stephen Fievet. I agree. Look for an LP review soon!

Geoff Palmer is back with a catchy punk answer to that query when you forget the name of that band. You know, the one that goes…

Canadian Tommy Sistak is back with a new retro-harmony-covered tune. Fans of The Beatles and Monkees will enjoy this comforting music.

Jonny Polonsky is back and he’s sounding much more like himself on this hook-filled single. He certainly has a pulse on the public’s anxiety with COVID. Favorite lyric; “To make me feel like Felix Unger – I have to set myself on fire”

Speaking of retro – The Reflectors are a brilliant 80s-90s styled power pop combo that rocks! Explore last year’s debut for more.

Finally, we have Late Night with Drew Vandenberg introing Drew Beskin singing “Going Alright For You” from his upcoming third full-length solo album, Problematic for the People. It’s a damn good power-pop tune with its crunchy riffs, handclaps, and a killer hook. Enjoy!

Jonny Polonsky and Wes Hollywood

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Jonny Polonsky

Jonny Polonsky “Unreleashed: Demos and Rarities 1996-2018”

For a short time during late 1996 Jonny Polonsky was the next “big thing” in indie power pop. His solo debut was a smash success, like a combo of Jason Falkner and Frank Black he stormed the scene. And then… he didn’t make any new music for 8 years. According to Jonny, “I disappeared into a wine bottle…” By the time The Power of Sound LP arrived, the buzz was gone. Thankfully, he continued to write and record. This collection gathers unreleased material from his entire career.

“Everywhere All The Time” is a great start with a pounding rhythm and rising guitar fuzz, about the chaotic, divisive mean-spiritedness out in the world. “Do You Remember” and “Amazed” are short snippets that also resonate. “What A Wonderful Way To Die” is a mid-tempo mix of T-Rex and Steven Tyler. The other tracks are hit or miss, and the longer jams didn’t really work for me. I liked the quirky “The History of Numbers,” “On The Wire” and “The Auctioneer.” Overall you can pick and choose your favorites from this eclectic selection.

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Wes Hollywood

Wes Hollywood “Dynamite”

Wes Hollywood describes his music as “Ray Davies and Elvis Costello having a punch-up in the front row of a Cheap Trick concert.” This Chicago power popper is influenced by late skinny tie era pop (1978-1980) with a touch of new wave, like The Cars and Bram Tchaikovsky. I didn’t really hear any Cheap Trick influence, but he starts with “Four Pound Twenty,” a catchy gem that sets the tone with its simple lyrics and workmanlike composition.”When Sunday Roll Around” is another highlight, like lost Ray Davies mid-tempo track.

From there several songs have that early Elvis Costello vibe. Hollywood has always been a skilled songwriter and does a great job with the next 5 songs; “Small Talk,” “Dirty Manhattan,” “Nothing To See Here” and “Evelyn.” Honestly, no filler here even if some may see it as too derivative. Hollywood puts his own stamp on these songs and fans of this type of music shouldn’t miss this. In fact, Wes had enough songs for an additional EP, Lipstick. Highly Recommended.

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