Glad to bring you some new songs, as we close out July. First is a neat freebie, The Morning Line‘s collection of outtakes. The opener “Straight Lines” is a solid single, and the rest aren’t shabby either. Mo Troper‘s freebie is the grinding grungey single “Ballad of Big Nothing” in the best Posies tradition, with a bit too much texture. Voltz from Sheffield, UK gives us a bit o’ glam mixed with pop on “Glitterbomb.” German band Eddie Mooney & The Grave has an 80s-styled pop gem with the catchy “Telephones.” I was also impressed with this debut EP from Seattle’s BPM Collective; “Adelaide” hooked me right away, and “Mr. Congeniality” has fantastic chord changes. I so much missed the music of Andy Bopp, and his single “Camera” is worth the wait. The first song I ever heard from Michael Carpenter gets a remix treatment, and Sofa City Sweetheart does a sweet Brian Wilson cover. Vista Blue‘s Ramones-styled pop returns with an Olympic-themed freebie and Reno Bo rocks both “Count Your Karma,” and a Todd Rundgren cover. Quiet a nice mixtape we have here.
Tag: Vista Blue
More Xmas Presents: Another Sleigh-load of Holiday Singles and More!
Wow! The space under the tree is just packed now. Notable goodies include a full album of music inspired by the classic A Christmas Story by Ralphie’s Red Ryders (a regular contributor to our pages under a new pseudonym) and our annual single by The Slingsby Hornets. Nick Lowe adds his Christmas standards and The Martial Arts do a fine job – check out the brilliant original “Snow Flakes.” Add to this The Decibels, John Dunbar, Stop Calling Me Frank, and The Heatwaves and you’ve got another great holiday mixtape!
A Very COVID Christmas: Ho-Ho-Holiday Singles!
COVID has allowed many musicians to develop holiday music early, and this year boasts a bumper crop of great singles. In fact, it seems everyone had time to record “Jingle Bells” this year. But I enjoy the variety and originality of most of these Christmas tunes here. Grab them quick before they get as stale as Grandma’s fruitcake in January!
Happy Labor Day Singles and EPs! Erik Voeks, Brent Windler, Vista Blue, The Junior League, Ken Sharp, Lisa Mychols & Super 8
Enjoy these fresh singles for the long weekend.
Erik Voeks has been one of my favorite DIY rockers for years, but this timely political gem is one of the best singles I’ve heard in a long time. His new band The Ghosters have bumped up his stock quite a lot here!
Brent Winder the singer/songwriter for “Sons of Great Dane” is back working on a new solo album, and this single “Around The Bend” is a richly arranged gem. It’s a FREEBIE that shouldn’t be missed.
The ever-present Vista Blue is back, saying goodbye to summer in a mashup of Ramones and Beach Boys glory. Speaking of the Beach Boys, are you a fan of Brian or Mike?
The Junior League (Joe Adragna) kicks major ass here with Scott the Hoople on this Monkees meets Dylan single “Summer of Flies.” Great summer tunes on this EP.Ken Sharp gives us “Halyx Rising (Lora’s Song).” It is a Queen-like gem that dazzles with the effects and guitar riffs. Inspired by a new documentary, “Disneyland’s Forgotten Sci-Fi Rock Band.”
Lisa Mychols and Super 8 dropped some “bonus” session tracks from their latest album. These sessions are a glimpse into the recording process and “unplugs” these cool songs.
Freebies and EPs: Liars Club, Batteries Not Included, Vapour Trails, Peter Baldrachi, Richard Turgeon, Mammals, Vista Blue, Sandy McKnight
We know many artists and labels have been hit especially hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, very possibly including you. Some musicians are offering their very best to you for a “Name-Your-Price” point. Please give generously!
A gift from Jayson Jarmon (Vanilla) who was in this band Liar’s Club from 1989 to 1995. This album has many great songs and the most un-politically correct Christmas song ever.
BNI is Batteries Not Included, a Chicago band that jangles and jams with the best of them. A full album FREEBIE! Best track: “Winning Ticket”
I love the chord shifts on this tune by The Vapour Trails. The harmonies are great too.
I’ve been waiting for some for Peter Balderachi‘s new music. And yes it’s worth the wait! “Change” is what we are all going through now. I vote this as the anthem for these self-quarantined times. All these tunes seriously rock!
This trio from Chicago is called Mammals – fans of The Jam and the Nerves will enjoy this style of power pop. I really liked “In The Darkness”.
Sandy McKnight is a veteran NYC indie rocker in the vein of Elvis Costello, and he’s got Fernando Perdomo helping! “Facing the End of the World” is the lead song and another contender for the Covid-19 theme of the month! Music that deserves to be heard! Get it on Amazon