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.