I counted an additional 258 albums that I did not even get to fully examine last year, but rather than come out with my Top 10 Eps of 2023 (that’s next week) I will give you some much-needed singles (some are freebies) to keep you company.
Shane Tumarc (Dolour) sets the stage with a great cover of the Zombies’ “This Will Be Our Year,” the energy of Rock Europa’s “Pick at the Scab” is infectious with a commanding melody line. Brower’s “Confrontation” is very much in the mold of early Frank Zappa with its faux 50’s call and response. Next, Rooftop Screamers has perfected the arena rocker single “Dead In The Water,” with a solid vocal by Rob Daiker. It’s been a good year, and The Armoires give us the gentle opening salvo on “Music & Animals,” a fitting theme for the ASPCA. Finally, Mo Troper had a big hand in 2023 with producing others (including himself), so “For You To Sing” includes friends Brenden Ramirez (Bory) and Blue Broderick (Diners). Fear not, as I have another singles post of 2023 songs that deserve to be heard! Stay tuned.
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.”
Musician/drummer Mike Collins (Throwback Suburbia) was very busy during the pandemic, as he’s written a lot of songs and set out to release them. He collaborated with a huge contingent of prominent guest artists, who provided the vocals to make Rooftop Screamers feel a little like a mixtape with a variety of pop, hard rock, etc.
We start with the fine “Buckle Up” sung by Tim Smith (Jellyfish) and it really soars during the chorus. The piano mid-tempo “Our Lucky Night” sung by Keith Slettedahl is a bit more Russian folk styled than I’m used to hearing from him, but it remains a good song. Ken Stringfellow (The Posies) nearly disappears into the rocker “One Wish” and “The Ladder” featuring Rob Daiker sounds like a lost hit from the 1980s.
Cy Curnin (The Fixx) does a great job with “Shifting Tides” and it’s a big highlight. Another winner “After The Fire” sung by Stephanie Schneiderman is a wonderful collaboration. Collins actually does a great job singing “Couldn’t Ask For More,” but it’s his only vocal performance here. I understand that bringing in big “name brand” musicians will often get your album press attention, but Collins’s songwriting is really good, and sometimes the singer doesn’t do the song justice. Overall a good album with some great highlights.
This is a great primer to the uninitiated on the greatness of Bill Lloyd. Many songs go back to his solo recordings over the past 40 years, remastered and still sounding pretty fresh. From his debut Feeling the Elephant (1987) we start with “This Very Second,” “Nothing Comes Close,” and “Lisa Anne.” These songs established Lloyd as a power-pop force alongside Crowded House and The Smithereens at the time. The rising guitar leads continued with “The Man Who Knew Too Much” and the under-rated “Alright” which subconsciously seems to be a comment on his music (“it came out alright this time.”) from Set to Pop (1994).
His lighter pop ranges from the fun “Kissed Your Sister” to the easy-going gem “Better Left Alone,” he penned with Jamie Hoover (of The Spongetones.) The few tracks are remakes of “I Went Electric” and “Out of The Picture” which are much improved, with the latter tune evoking The Smithereens even more. “Mistakes Were Made” is another great song that delivers Lloyd’s philosophy with style. If this is the gateway drug to all things Lloyd, it’s a sweet start. Hopefully, a newbie will be encouraged to indulge in Bill’s past catalog. Great stuff that deserves to be heard and Highly Recommended.
Throwback Suburbia drummer and songwriter Mike Collins gathers a great cabal of pop talent for this pet project. Kyle Vincent sings lead on the opener “Sign Me Up” a dramatic rocker with a ringing guitar hook in the chorus. Not all of these artists are famous names, but they all do a great job singing Collins’ songs.
Geoff Metts cranks up the twang and his grizzled vocal on “Have Mercy” and Ken Stringfellow (The Posies) delivers the wistful ballad “Roses Again.” Andrew Paul Woodworth adds some reverb to the superb “Get Outta Your Way,” full of layered Beatlesque jangle. Kim Wayman’s “Your Ghost” makes great use of spooky slide guitar and her smokey whisper. The remaining tracks don’t hit as high, but come darn close. Highly Recommended.
Ryan Hamilton and The Traitors “The Devil’s in the Detail”
Fresh-faced Ryan Hamilton burst on the scene with his impressive “Hell Of A Day” and then recently changed his entire look (George Harrison?) and teamed up with his new band The Traitors for this LP I missed last year. Thankfully, his fast-paced rocking style hasn’t changed much, as “Smarter” chugs along on its heavy riffs, as he’s “a little bit smarter and a whole lot older.”
“We Never Should Have Moved To LA” is a solid story-themed song with a slick sound, and “Anywhere” utilizes a quick rhyming lyric to contrast the rhythm. “Scottish Mud” turns up the guitars again, with another great hook. The slower songs have a slight country twang to them, “Back In Time” and “Cheaters Never Change” and they are a good break from the hard rockers we heard earlier. Once again, Ryan doesn’t display any filler and other highlights include; “The Gulf of Mexico” and “Strength In Numbers.” A wonderfully balanced album with a profanity-laced rocker hidden at the end. Highly Recommended. And a live EP followed that up. Keep it coming, Ryan!
