Tag: The Tomboys

Freebie Friday: Mitchell Adam Johnson, Diamond Hands, Vista Blue and The Tomboys

powerpopaholic

Mitchell Adam Johnson is a Minneapolis artist with impeccable taste in chamber pop, using classical composition and an ethereal vocal on the opener “Through A Mood Indigo.” Akin to Elliot Smith or Bell & Sebastian in approach, the melodic “Keeping Secrets” is a soothing gem that sticks with you through its carnival atmosphere.You are bound to find a favorite ballad here. The instrumentation is also top notch, check out “At Another Stop,” “Losing Sleep” and the rich piano melody on “Tourniquet Love” reminded me of Pet Sounds a little. Highly Recommended and a FREE download.

Diamond Hands made my top album list last year and was definitely one of the best free albums then, so here we go again! Written, performed and recorded by Jon Flynn and Joel Wall, it is a pure pleasure to hear the opener “PCH (Pacific Coast Highway)” with its rich, layered chorus. Hints of The Beatles, psyche-pop and other power pop influences are all over the LP. Great examples are “Now or Never,” “San Francisco,” and “Nowhere” all have lush harmonies and layered rhythms with tinkling piano flourish. And the 60’s styled garage guitar comes out on “Caught Up In A Memory,” it could’ve been a lost hit for The Animals or The Stones. The power pop blast of “Underground” and “Not Sorry” cranks up the energy too. Highly Recommended and a FREE download.

Vista Blue remains a very reliable contributor to our Freebie posts. The band plays sports themed punk-pop in the tradition of The Ramones. They also have a recent single I liked “Why Doesn’t Jimmy Wanna Play?” The new LP “End of The Season” features nine tracks, each representing an inning of a baseball game. You can read the whole story on the band’s Bandcamp page, where you’ll also find a full scorecard from the game as a free download with the music.

For fans of 80’s styled power pop, The Tomboys are back with Vol.3,  download the album free on their website. Check out “Two in Love” and “Tonight.”

Exclusive: Lost power pop release from The Tomboys

powerpopaholic
The Tomboys

The Tomboys “Sessions One”

The Tomboys were young teens when they formed and quickly took to performing and songwriting. Their local popularity spread quickly due to their catchy, melodic songs as the trio performed hundreds of local shows and concerts. They could’ve been considered South Florida’s biggest power-pop band of the ’80s. Now this “lost” band can be heard again with newly remixed and remastered recordings from their first sessions. Best of all, power popaholics the Sessions One EP is absolutely FREE. Get it here: www.thetomboysmusic.com or download through the soundcloud player below.

The Tomboys promo photo


So who were The Tomboys?

Tommy Anthony – Vocals/Guitars

Tommy took a break from music following the band’s breakup, later forming Tommy Anthony & Goza (1991) and the Four O’Clock Balloon (1997). He enjoyed varying degrees of success locally and nationally with both projects. During this time, he had begun doing studio/session work in 1993 as a vocalist and guitarist, which lead to extensive touring. After stints with Jon Secada, Steve Winwood, Gloria Estefan, Carol King and many others, he formally joined Santana in 2005, with whom he still works and tours. He lives in Miami.

Raul Malo – Vocals/Bass

Raul formed the Mavericks in 1990 after the band split up, signing a record deal with MCA and relocating to Nashville, where he still lives today. The Mavericks received various industry awards, strong press, and has been credited with creating a sound often described as equal parts Country, Zydeco, Americana and Tex-Mex. As of this writing, they are currently back together and on tour, after having taken some time off several years ago, while Raul pursued a solo career.

Joe Alonso – Drums

Joe replaced performing for a stab in the music “business”, enjoying an 18-year run following his departure from the band. He ran his own independent labels (one, fostered an Epic/CBS distribution deal and a Billboard Dance Chart hit in 1990). He later owned/operated a very successful CD/music distribution business, with vendors such as CBS/Sony, Universal, EMI-Capitol and BMG Music. Ever ambitious, he inaugurated the first School of Rock franchise in South Florida, enjoying national recognition. Presently, Joe is a direct lender in the residential and commercial sector, and also lives in Miami.