Tucker Bingo’s new album is reviewed and he answers the Pure Pop Phive

By Henry Lipput

Like a master carpenter building and assembling a sturdy dining room table, Tucker Bingo has been building and assembling a sturdy body of albums and EPs. Working in his Philadelphia basement (I first heard his music on 2021’s The Basement Sessions EP) he’s been using the same rudimentary tools as most DIY solo musicians (his Bandcamp page’s bio includes this information: “Player of guitars, synths, piano, and percussionist)”.

His latest, Cattle & Canes (Bandcamp), continues this trend while also bringing something new to the mix. It’s had not to think the title isn't a nod to Grant McLennan’s Go-Between’s hit. As a result, the new album, more than his other releases, has more of a pop sensibility (and if you’ve read more than a few of my posts on this blog you know what a big thing that is for me). And he’s also more confident in his songwriting, playing, and mixing. For me, Cattle & Canes is a game changer and, if you support indie music (and if not -- why?) this is a good place to continue that support.

The Pure Pop Phive

Tucker Bingo takes the PPP and all the cool kids in Philly are waiting to hear his answers.

How would you describe your music? 

Not sure. It’s all over the place, a bit of this, a bit of that. I still get confused by genres. Just rock and roll.

What/who are your major influences?

Too many to count. Some, off the top of my head, are the Flaming Groovies, Velvet Underground, The Supremes, Iggy Pop (with Bowie), The Nerves, The Clean, The Smiths, The Clash, etc.

Do you perform live? Any upcoming gigs?

Not at the moment. Still looking for musicians who will want to just play the songs.

How do you support yourself so you can continue to make music?

I work in construction.

What’s an album that you can’t live without?

It would be a mix tape. I’m more of a one-hit wonder guy. I get tired of the same stuff. I go through “music phases.” I’m selfish and impatient with tunes. I treat music like a drunk one-night stand. I’ll listen to a song 150 times in two days then forget about it for a year. But it I absolutely had to choose it would be Iggy Pop’s Lust For Life album as I’d never turn it off.

Even odd socks can find pairs

By Henry Lipput

The Odd Sox collection (Bandcamp) of the Leeds UK band Nervous Twitch is composed of home demos, B-sides, and compilation tracks. It has songs that, like the odd socks in your own dresser drawer, are made up of various colors, textures, and shapes. And after five albums into their recording career, the band, made up of Erin Hyde (vocals, bass, and keys), Jamie Churchley (guitars, keys, and backing vocals), and Ashley Goodall (drums), have a lot to share.

Hyde’s vocals on most of the songs have a real don’t-mess-with-me vibe. On “Your Cruel Ways” she and the band’s punk roots are showing; “I Love You Honestly,” has a big beat sound to match.

“This Song About You” relates the story of a song that was written and recorded quickly, it was never considered as a single, and was probably never going to be played live; to my ears it's describing a relationship that was never considered serious (but there are serious. very cool organ fills going on). “Keep On Moving” has a country-rock feel as it gives a friend some encouragement to get their act together and to help them get off their couch and back in the game. The song ends with nearly a minute of an almost mantra-like repeating of the song’s title.

The Odd Sox collection also includes a few instrumentals, some fully formed and others waiting for the right time to blossom. “The Birdman Stomp” is a fab callback to the early ‘60s to bands like The Shadows. “Tarantino Hangover (Acoustic Demo)” is a short piece that would fit nicely as soundtrack music for someone’s next film (but from what I’ve heard he’s not making them anymore).

“Persistent Itch” is a rocking full band workout and although Hyde doesn’t have a vocal on this track her bass is up front and center; in addition, Churchley’s guitars and Goodall’s drums also get their time in the sun.