Tag: Minky Starshine

Minky Starshine and The Heats

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“Minky

Minky Starshine “Boozers Gloom and a Pinch of Anxiety”

Rob Anastasi’s Minky Starshine returns with a long overdue album that starts out with a song about loss of the indie music ecosystem. On the opener “Kids on the Verge” as he opines “Once you get old, you will never be young again” but its got a strong melody set to a mid-tempo beat. Next is “Our Father,” with its catchy chorus, harmonies, and layered guitars. It gets more optimistic with “I Want Tomorrow To Come,” one of my favorites here, a great riff is running the rhythm, and the stadium sized vocals give it a sense of depth.

From here, the album takes a toned down quality. There is more introspective pop balladry, and less rock but the songwriting remains well done, on “Devil’s Bargain” and “Whisper.”  The production here is slick, similar to REO Speedwagon if I’m looking for a reference. “Pride” is another impressive song, with the guitars more in the background and the overlapping vocals and thick percussion up front. While to some this may feel more like AOR (adult oriented rock) than power pop, it’s still highly recommended.

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“Minky

The Heats “The Heats”

Eventually, we all get old. It had been 40 years since a Seattle band called The Heats had played, and they were one of the best Northwestern power pop bands back then, part of John Borack’s Greatest Power Pop albums list. In late 2023, the Heats got back together with the intention of recording a new album and doing some limited shows. Jon Memolo (guitar, vocals) joined the band alongside co-founders Steve Pearson (guitar, vocals), Keith Lilly (bass guitar), and Ken Deans (drums). Old or not, here they come.

The opening riffs of “I Hope You’re Wrong” prove the band still has the goods musically, although Pearson’s vocal delivery is an acquired tasted here, a little like Tom Petty mixed with Bob Dylan. The band struts out the melodic rock on “You Know,” and most of this wouldn’t be out of place with artists from Rumbar Records. Other impressive songs include “The Life of The Party” and “She Belongs To Me.” It leans more toward hard rock than power pop, but there is still enough here to satisfy. Jon Memolo’s “You Know” and “Never Be The Same” showcase the bands depth of style and helps make this one highly recommended.

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Halloween singles: Muse, Drool Brothers, Liteweight Champion, The Jack Rubies, Minky Starshine, Hidden Pictures

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So I could not find a new Halloween video, but Muse certainly has a ton of horror movie references in their video of the single “You Make Me Feel Like It’s Halloween.” The Drool Brothers have a more traditional rocker, “Halloween Teen.” I also liked the dense melody of “Everyone is Wrong Most of the Time” by an Ohio band called Liteweight Champion. From our friends at Big Stir Records, we have The Jack Rubies with “Phantom,” with plenty of spooky vibes. I’m happy to report Minky Starshine is expected to return with a new LP, so here is the advance single “Our Father,” and Hidden Pictures turns up the twang for the gem “Hayward Hall of Justice.” The band’s sound very much reminds me of The Honeydogs. At last, a sentimental pop song by Alex Dominish and Carlos Morales that reminds me of how much I used to like a particular orange, white, and yellow colored treat. Enjoy the goodies, campers!





Minky Starshine and Kurt Baker

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Minky Starshine

Minky Starshine “Dirty Electric”

Rob Anastasi’s Minky Starshine has a new LP produced by Ken Stringfellow and has enlisted the support of Mike Musburger, Ducky Carlisle, Corin Ashley, Fernando Perdomo, and Phil Aiken. The album starts with the laid-back “Art School” as the lead lyric seems pessimistic; “I went to school for art but ended up pushing papers” however it comes around to the upbeat “everywhere is going to lead somewhere.”  But the darkness creeps in on “Everybody Loves to Party” despite the catchy chords and “London Metropole” focuses on the pain of loneliness.

The notable “Good Company” is a bright spot, with its hopeful melody and layered guitars. The production is artfully done, as Anastasi’s songs are emotional and resonate, but the edge seems much softer now. Especially on the apprehensive “Go!” which mixes a fast paced verse with a big arena-friendly multi-tracked chorus. Unfortunately, many other songs just didn’t stick in my head, which seems a long way from the brilliant Womanity. This is still music that deserves to be heard, and Anastasi is a world-class talent. Check it out.

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Kurt Baker Combo

Kurt Baker Combo “Let’s Go Wild”

The irrepressible Kurt Baker continues to pump out party records since his move to El Puerto de Santa María, Spain. With his combo, they specialize in the raucous garage rock and roll with a melody.”So Lonely” is a dirty gem that sounds straight out of the cellars of the Cavern Club. The other songs follow a similar pattern, like the quick tempo booming drum kit on “No Fun At All” or the Gary Glitter-like chords of the title track.

But after a while, these tunes blend into each other and nothing stands out. The fuzz chords increase on “A Girl Like You” which sounds closer to Watts than Kurt Baker’s Combo. “Yesterday Today” adds some Motown elements, but the percussion is too loud in the mix. Fans will still enjoy this, but beginners should check out the earlier albums.

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