There is just so much music out there that I can get to, but I will make it as easy as I can to pick worthy stuff. An easy pick is Pop Boomerang‘s Marching Out Of Time compilation – a name-your-price download. The label is closing soon, so this is one of the last comp LPs they will do, and its a damn good one; check out the opener Little Murders “Wait ’til Summer,” The Wellingtons “Soda” and the fantastic Her Majesty’s Finest (feat. Kate Duncan) “Shake Yer Popboomerang.” Denmark’s own Tommy and The Rockets give a tribute to Record Store Day with “The Hottest Store In Town,” fans of the Ramones will eat it up. The Chords UK gives us a sorrowful “White Van Man” while Jack Skuller changes his sound with a dynamic beat on “Watercolor Rain.” Gordon Micheals channels Billy Joel a bit on the memorable “Hey Doreen.” Finally, the talented Kai Danzberg will finally “Get It Right” a terrific hook-filled single.
Looking to hear the best new musical talent Australia has to offer? Then check out Popboomerang. Once again its compiled by label head honcho, Scott Thurling. It’s 36 tracks chock full of goodies, some of the bands are familiar like Even‘s brilliant “The Memory,” or the new-to-me artist The Umbrella Man‘s “The Likes of You.” Both these tracks hook you early on, other artists you should check out here: The Kariannes, Livingstone Daisies, Halfway, Danny McDonald, The Golden Rail, Vicuna Coat, Bryan Estepa, and the always classic DM3.
Since it is the entire label’s talent here, its not just power pop. You get some punk (Glomesh,) some indie-goth (The Glory Box, Wild Meadows,) classic pop (Charles Jenkins and the Zhivagos, Blackbirds FC,) or even sleepy balladry (Four Hours Sleep, Ryan Ellsmore). The batting average is good with this compilation. Bandcamp only
The Co-Op Communique “Volume 5”
Artist and producer DW Dunphy has once again delivered another “Communique” and its the strongest compilation yet. Caddy’s strong “Miracle Turn” sets the bar pretty high, but the lesser-known artists meet the challenge. Jerry Wood’s “When You Were A Child” is a real hidden gem and Science Park’s “Dot of America” is a catchy surprise. I recognized many power-pop faves here; The John Sally Ride, The Vapour Trails, Car City, Super 8, Tommy Sistak, Mick Terry, The Click Beetles, Everet Almond, Joe Sullivan, Nick Frater, Pop Co-Op and The Turnback.
You get the rare track that makes you scratch your head, but almost everything here is worth exploring. Dunphy has a lovely duet with Lindsay Murray (Gretchen’s Wheel) and Orbis Max original “Love Will Keep Us Together” is closer to George Harrison than Captain and Tennille. Then add a few metal tunes (Deliverance, Haven) and there you have it. An instant summer music collection. Get this now while it’s still a FREE download. Bandcamp only.
