“stay close by,” the first single from Tamar Berk’s new album ocd, is reviewed and there’s a video too

By Henry Lipput

ocd is Tamar Berk’s fifth album in five years and like her other four albums this one is self-released. It's out on September 5^th and available to preorder here.

According to Berk, the new album feels like her most personal and intense yet. “It’s raw, loud, messy, sometimes funny, sometimes devastating – just like my mind," she has said. “I called it ocd because I live in loops and overthink everything, but writing these songs helped me make a little sense out of that.”

The first single, and the first track on the album, “stay close by,” explores the idea of all the things we say we’ll do, things we think about but never quite get around to. And for me the fuzz that permeates its sound reflects the inability to move on, to even, as she sings in the song, do the most basic things like “get high” or “go for a ride.”  Lyrically and sonically the song gives on the feeling of being overcome by one’s world. "Stay close," she's singing, as she implores a friend to help her through difficult times.

The video gives an answer of sorts as it's the being out in the world and listening and playing music that gives her the ability to go on. And isn't it music that helps us to get through the fuzz and the brain clouds and helps us to go on? 

Videos from Tamar Berk and The Shop Window

By Henry Lipput

Tamar Berk, "Permanent Vacation"

"Permanent Vacation" is the fourth single from Tamar Berk's third album tiny injuries (Bandcamp) (there’s a PP4NP review for that). The video, directed by Brandon Mosquero, was inspired by Berk’s first vacation since the pandemic along with her fears of traveling, flying, and crowds. Despite these anxieties she hoped the trip would change her and make her a different person. Mission accomplished.

The video, however, reflects the earlier concerns of both the pandemic and travelling as Berk is dressed completely in an astronaut suit even when doing mundane tasks like grocery shopping. (As a side note, fans of Matt Smith-era Doctor Who may recall a similar look during the The Impossible Astronaut episode.)

The Shop Window, "I Run"

“I Run” is the third single from The Shop Window’s forthcoming two-record (16 track) Daysdream to be released in May (you can pre-order here).

Earlier albums and singles highlighted the jangle and shoegaze elements of the band’s sound which are to be even more evident as they are to be split between the two discs of Daysdream. In addition, the 16 songs will showcase co-writers and co-lead vocalists Carl Mann and Syd Oxlee as they expand The Shop Window’s sound (now with a second guitarist!).

It’s clear from the DaysDream Bandcamp page that “I Run” will be leading off the collection and is what my friends from across the pond would call a banger of a tune. Along with the previous two singles (including "It's A High" and yes there's a review for that too)  “I Run” gives a glimpse into what an amazing group of songs will be found on DaysDream.

The video for “I Run” was directed by Darren Stokes, the alternative title for which could be “A Dog’s Life” because although the lyrics can conjure up a lover returning home from a long recording session or a tour like in “A Hard Day’s Night” it might also be from the viewpoint of a lost or wandering dog finding its way home.

A Few of My Favorite Things, 2023 Edition -- Part One, The Albums

By Henry Lipput

Another year, another year-end list. Twelve albums are featured in my round-up of favorites from 2023. Once again there are the bands and artists I've enjoyed for a while as well as new faces and voices and two collaborations. I've reviewed many of these albums last year so I've edited them for this post and wrote new text for the entries I either didn't get to in 2023 or missed until recently.  Part Two of the Pure Pop blog will include my favorite EPs, singles, a live one, compilations, and a reissue.

For each album I've included a link to where you can buy the music (as well as a song from each album) and, as aways, I encourage you to support indie music by purchasing a download, a CD, or a record. 

The Boo Radleys – Eight (BooSTR Records) 

In 2022, following a gap of 24 years, The Boo Radleys released Keep On With Falling, an album I liked a lot. Their new album, Eight, is not only a giant step in the band’s regeneration, it continues their brilliant sonic journey. It’s also where the new album fits in Boo Radleys discography and makes it clear there’s a throughline in the history of a band that before last year had not released an album since 1998 and where the band is now. Favorite song: “Seeker”

Maia Sharp – Reckless Thoughts (maiasharp.com) 

On Reckless Thoughts Maia Sharp builds on the relationships she’s made with the many musicians and songwriters she’s known over the years since her debut in 1995. Sharp’s production on Reckless Thoughts is a low-key affair highlighting each song’s melody with subtle arrangements that wash over you like a warm bath and then come back to revisit you. The literate lyrics for each song are polished to a gem-like finish. Favorite song: “Fallen Angel”

Bill Pritchard – Pritchard Sings Poems by Patrick Woodcock (Tapete Records) 

You may think after having written both words and music for wonderful songs on 2016’s Mother Town Hall and 2019’s Midland Lullabies that Bill Pritchard would have little incentive to collaborate with the Canadian poet Patrick Woodcock. But it turns out this is a genius move. Pritchard has lost none of his ability to create brilliant melodies and his vocals and simple arrangements make you stop what you’re doing and listen to Woodcock’s words. Favorite song: “The Lowering"

The Cleaners From Venus – K7 (Bandcamp) 

Since the 1970s, Martin Newell, has released music under many monikers including The Stray Trolleys, The Brotherhood of Lizards, The Cleaners From Venus, and his own name in the 90s when he gave us the wonderful The Greatest Living Englishman and The Off-White Album. For the last few years Newell has released an album’s worth of material each year as the one-man band that is The Cleaners From Venus. His latest, K7, is once again filled with tunes that jangle (he’s known as the Jangling Man) and lyrics that recall the working-class vignettes of Ray Davies. There’s also the gorgeous “Postcard to Heaven” about the loss of a friend and “The Beautiful Stoned” where he cranks up the jangle. Favorite song: “Postcard to Heaven”

The Lost Days – In The Store (Speakeasy Studios SF) 

I’ve been a fan of Tony Molina’s work since his great Kill The Lights album in 2018. A master of short, extremely melodic songs recorded in a very lo-fi DIY way, all of his labels (In The Store is the fourth since Kill The Lights) release his full-size records (about 15 minutes of playing time) that are to be played at 45 RPM for “maximum sound quality.” On In The Store Molina is joined by Sarah Rose Janko of Dawn Riding who provides a wonderful take on his lyrics. The duo is joined by Nick Bassett on drums and keyboards (he also supplied the basement in which the album was recorded) and Jasper Leach on piano and Hammond organ. Favorite song: “For Today”

Lydia Loveless – Nothing’s Gonna Stand In My Way Again (digital: Bloodshot Records/CD and vinyl: lydialoveless.com) 

Loveless has an awesome voice that makes it clear it’s not going to take crap from anyone; she’s also very good on the album’s more emotional turns. Along with her crackerjack band the results are not unlike Carlene Carter on her 1980 Musical Shapes album where she matched her twangly vocals with the lads from Rockpile (just check out “I’m So Cool”). On Nothing’s Gonna Stand In My Way Again, Loveless has songs that alternate between hitting the big time (“Sex and Money”) and leaving behind a bad relationship (“Toothache”). Favorite song: “Toothache”

Robert Forster – The Candle and the Flame (Tapete Records) 

Robert Forster had three years’ worth of songs he had written for a new album before his wife and musical partner Karin Baumler was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. While Baumler underwent chemotherapy, Forster set out to quickly record songs at a local studio in Brisbane. The sessions turned into an extended family affair with their son Louis taking part along with Adele Pickvance, a long-time friend and bass player on the last three Go-Betweens albums (and the Adele of Adele and the Chandeliers). The result is a literate and heartfelt album. Favorite song: “Tender Years

Steve Stoeckel – The Power Of And (Big Stir Records) 

What do you get when you put a musical mix of styles in a blender and hit the puree button? If you’re lucky (and it turns out we definitely are this time) you’ll end up with The Power Of And the debut solo album from Steve Stoeckel. The Power Of And alternates between the Rockpile rockabilly of “Laura Lynn” to the wonderful acoustic treats of “Heather Gray,” “Birds” (a lovely melody as good as anything on a McCartney album), and “Strange Cameo” with its “I’ll Follow The Sun” vibe. Favorite song: “Birds”

Gramercy Arms – Deleted Scenes (Magic Door Record Label) 

The music and lyrics of Deleted Scenes recall the 1970s, a time when young people -- artists, writers, actors, filmmakers – flocked to New York City. Gramercy Arms fits into the zeitgeist of the time as it’s a collective led by Dave Derby who was also a member of another collective of sorts: The Negatives, a band led by Lloyd Cole resulting in 2001’s The Negatives.  Cole, it turns out, is also part of Gramercy Arms and co-wrote and plays on “Yesterday’s Girl,” the first single from the album. Having worked with Cole for more than 20 years, Derby has, especially on this song, picked up some of the former’s vocal mannerisms. Favorite song: “Fucked Up and Beautiful”

Tamar Berk – little injuries (Bandcamp) 

On tiny injuries Berk hits the ground rocking and then opens up to include heart-felt and heartbreaking ballads and, with the addition of horns, she’s building on her musical palette. Berk plays the quiet, acoustic card when she needs to and she and her band know how to bring the loud guitars. Berk has a songwriter’s gift for collecting the important parts of overheard conversations between lovers and friends especially the ones that signal the end of relationships. Favorite song: “sunday driving”

SUPER 8 – HOOPLA (The Beautiful Music) 

HOOPLA is a cornucopia of musical delights. Written and performed by the super-talented one-man band Paul Ryan, also known as Trip, he’s been releasing high-quality tuneage since 2018 (including the amazing hat trick of three albums of all new material that year). The new album not only continues his streak of presenting technicolor melodies (the title of his first 2018 album) but the time he’s spent since then, tinkering in his shed, has given his songs more textures, sounds, and arrangements. Favorite song: “Out of my Head”

The New Fools – seashells (Bandcamp)

On seashells, The New Fools adds trumpet and saxophone to the mix and the result is a rousing blast of sound. It’s their first “full-length” album (being more than the eight songs of previous ones) and their best yet. The band shares duties on creating lyrics and tunes for seashells. For example, bassist Dave Seabright was asked to write a theme song for the band which could be used to open shows. The resulting instrumental “Mr. Grimsdale” opens the album with a burst of sound. It’s both an overture and a statement of intent.  Favorite song: “Nice One Pete”

Tamar Berk’s new album is reviewed and she answers the Pure Pop Phive

By Henry Lipput

tiny injuries

Tamar Berk’s new album tiny injuries (Bandcamp) hits the ground rocking and then opens up to include heart-felt and heartbreaking ballads and, with the addition of horns, she builds on her already extensive musical palette. Berk plays the quiet, acoustic card when she needs to and she and her band knows how to bring the loud guitars.

Berk has a songwriter’s gift for collecting the important parts of overheard conversations between lovers and friends especially the ones that signal the end (my favorite line is from the ballad “what’s become of me, my friend” with its feel of a self-created breakup “be what I want and maybe I’ll stay”).

Now living in California and having grown up in Chicago, Berk has written what might otherwise be throwaway lines but instead illustrate how she also uses her own life and memories in her songs.  On “if you know, u know” she sings “and I haven’t seen snow in over three years” and in “sunday driving” it’s not clear whether the trip is to or from Chicago but “then you’ll say ‘you’ll be okay 3000 miles away.’”

Perhaps even more importantly, Berk creates the melodies to those lyrics that conjure up the feelings her words have. “if you know, u know” starts with the line “The sun comes up and I’m already down” and the music reflects the feeling of knowing it’s not going to be a good day. The music of the piano-based ballad “cash out” has a sense of resignation as things come to an end in a relationship and there’s anger in both the words and music of “another drop in the bucket.” And if you’re looking for a positive message from a strong woman who’s had enough just take a listen to “gonna call it,” Berk’s version of Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing” (it certainly sounds like he’s playing piano on the track).

The Pure Pop Phive

Tamar answers the PPP, the questions all the cool kids are talking about:

How would you describe your music?

I’ve heard indie pop, pop rock, power pop, alt pop. I don’t know…what do you think?

What/who are your major influences?

Beatles, Classical, Elliot Smith, early Liz Phair, Lana Del Rey, David Bowie

Do you perform live? Do you have any upcoming gigs?

I do perform live and currently I’m working on booking some shows, but I am more of a loner and prefer being in my studio writing and recording rather than playing live…so I really have to push myself to get out there!

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

Sell music, sell paintings, freelance VoiceOver and composing, and using my savings! Yikes!

What’s an album you can’t live without (that's not one of yours)?

The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust by David Bowie

Not the kind of bucket list you were hoping for

By Henry Lipput

The angry, rocking new song and video from Tamar Berk, “drop in the bucket,” is the first single from Berk’s upcoming album tiny injuries. The single is available to buy and download right now on Bandcamp where you can also pre-order the album before it comes out on August 18^th.

“I know what you said to me/I know what you meant,” she sings, “Why am I always feeling like I’m failing someone?” The song reflects the frustration in a relationship that stems from the hurt feelings that build up over time: “It’s just a drop in the bucket, everyday.”

Here's the video:

A Few Of My Favorite Things, 2022 Edition – Part One: The Albums

By Henry Lipput

My favorite albums in 2022 were a great mix of old favorites, recent favorites, and brand-new favorites. In the following paragraphs I’ve spotlighted the releases that tickled my ears the most, added links to where you can find them, and chose my favorite tracks from each of them (where available I’ve included links to where you can hear the songs). As in the past this list of albums is only Part One of my 2022 year-end review; Part Two, with singles, EPs, live releases, compilations, and reissues, will hopefully be posted by the middle of February (since for some reason my blog doesn’t let folks subscribe if you follow me on Twitter or Mastodon you’ll see Part Two as soon as it’s posted).

Freedy Johnston, Back on the Road to You (Forty Below Records)

Although it’s been seven years since Freedy Johnston’s Neon Repairman, from the opening notes of his great new album Back on the Road to You it’s clear he hasn’t missed a beat. My favorite songs on Back on the Road to You recall the things I’ve liked in his past work like the glorious pop of “There Goes a Brooklyn Girl” made me think of Never Home’s “I’m Not Hypnotized” and the five-minute long instant classic “Somewhere Love” has the same melancholy vibe of his masterpiece Blue Days, Black Nights. The first song, “Back on the Road to You,” and the last, “The I Really Miss Ya Blues,” bookend the album and express the feelings of long-time Johnston fans who, for nearly a decade, have had the really miss him blues. Favorite track: “There Goes a BrooklynGirl”

Karen, Karen (Old Bad Habits Label)

Karen is a British supergroup made up of musicians who have worked with other bands: Davey Woodward on vocals and guitar (The Brilliant Corners, The Experimental Pop Band, Davey Woodward and the Winter Orphans), Hugo Morgan on bass (The Heads, Loop), and Tom Adams on drums (Beatnick Filmstars, Secret Shine, The Total Rejection). Karen released an EP, Filwood Broadway in 2018 and the self-titled release Karen is advertised as their first and only album. Woodward’s songs chronicle working class Brits (“Carrier Bag”) and rocky romances (“Too Late”). I’m a sucker for Woodward’s broken-hearted, yearning vocals as well as his lyrics whether it’s for a love song or a story song. Favorite track: “Estuary”

Lannie Flowers, Flavor of the Month (Spyderpop Records/BigStir Records)

One of my favorite discoveries of 2021 was the reissue of Lannie Flower’s album Home. In 2018 Flowers was working on the songs that would become Home but also coming up with some that didn’t fit his vision of the album. Rather than putting those tunes aside he decided to issue them as free monthly downloads as a March to Home series. Flavor of the Month contains theses songs (remixed by Flowers) but also the new single “Summer Blue” and is the first physical release of these songs (and if you buy the vinyl for Flavor you’ll get a CD containing the original March To Home tracks). The album is a masterful collection featuring straight-up rock and roll with some power pop thrown in for good measure. Favorite track: “What Did I Know”

The Shop Window, A 4 Letter Word (Bandcamp/Spinout Nuggets)

Love is all over the new album, A 4 Letter Word from The Shop Window: there’s love in the lyrics and love in the playing of the songs. Band is also a four-letter word, and this love is best shown in the way the four members of the band (at the time of the album’s recording) love playing together. This is clear as soon as the needle hits the vinyl on the album’s first song, “Eyes Wide Shut,” it’s clear from Mann’s opening licks and jangles, the solid background provided by Martin Corder’s bass and Phil Esphee’s drums, Syd Oxlee’s keyboard washes, and then the intertwined vocals of Mann and Oxlee. Favorite track: “Lay of the Land”

Josh Rouse, Going Places (Yep Roc Records)

I’ve been a fan of Josh Rouse’s music since 2005’s splendid Nashville album. His latest, Going Places, is almost as good. Rouse spent the last few years his family in Spain, writing songs to be played in a small club; I had a ticket to see him in a small club here in Pittsburgh but wasn’t ready yet to be out in a group of people (my loss). With its tune-heavy songs (“Henry Miller’s Flat” and “Hollow Moon”), his gentle vocals (“Indian Summer”), and arrangements that feature the use of horns and some cool old-school organ fills (“Apple of my Eye”), Going Places is made to be heard live (but equally excellent on your stereo or headphones). Favorite track: “Apple of my Eye”

Tamar Berk, start at the end (Bandcamp)

Singer-songwriters can be a serious bunch and Tamar Berk is no exception. On her second solo album (a strong follow-up to 2021's the restless dreams of youth -- no sophomore slump for Berk), she once again writes honestly about adult relationships. Perhaps not intended as a concept album, the album opener, “Your Permission,” opens the door for her to put on various moods and attitudes in her songs: “Can I ask your permission/To be someone else today/To say what I want to say/In a different sort of way.” The songs range from rockers (“real bad day”) to piano-based confessionals (“you already knew”) and dancing-around-the-living-room pop (“alone tonight”). Favorite track: “tragic endings”

SUPER 8, Universal Journey (Bandcamp)

Universal Journey from SUPER 8 aka Trip aka Paul Ryan is an out-of-this-world delight. The album is the first since 2020’s collaboration on the Lisa Mychols and SUPER 8 album (Mychols provides guest vocals on many of Universal Journey’s songs).  The opening and closing tracks on Universal Journey (“Universe,” “Feel,” and “The World Is Happening”) make up a soundtrack to a viewing of the incredible Webb telescope photos. And “Galactic 9,” with vocals from Mychols, is the sexy sound of space travel with visions of a ship full of mile-high-and -a-half members. Favorite track: “Cracks in the Pavement”

The Jazz Butcher, Highest in the Land (Tapete Records)

I knew little to nothing about the band The Jazz Butcher when its leader Pat Fish died in 2021. But the people whose musical opinions I respect on Twitter had a lot to say about the importance of his music to their lives. As a result, I've been listening to, and enjoying, their final album and the first in nine years, The Highest in the Land. The album is full of wonderful tunes and there’s a block of gorgeous ones in the middle of the album: “Sea Madness,” “Don’t Give Up,” “Amalfi Coast May 1963.” It has certainly given me a good reason to take a deep dive into the band’s back catalog (founded in 1982 they had an 11- album run in the first 13 years of their career). Favorite track: “Never Give Up”

The Vague Ideas, New York Letters (Trouserphonic)

New York Letters is set during the period John Lennon lived in New York between 1971 and 1980 and this unique idea is the result of a collaboration between US-based musician and writer Mare Rozzelle and UK-based songwriter and musician Glenn Prangnell. The songs take the form of letters and messages both to and from Lennon. “Bread and Jam (Letter to Julian)” fittingly recalls Double Fantasy’s “I’m Losing You” as John writing to his young son and the amazing “Revolution 9”- inspired “Prelude to the Lost Weekend” is Prangnell’s look at Lennon’s state-of-mind as he leaves Yoko. The last two songs on the album are the saddest as well as the most beautiful. “When You Turn Five (Lullaby for Sean)” is the future that neither of them will see together. And “No More Crying (Message to Paul)” is a love song to McCartney; it’s his version of “Here Today” and even begins with the same chord.  Favorite track: “No MoreCrying (Message to Paul)”

Armstrong, Happy Graffiti (The Beautiful Music/Country Mile Records)

With the release of his radiant third album Happy Graffiti Armstrong (Julian Pitt) has made it clear, with his trademark DIY use of vocals, acoustic guitars, and synths, he doesn’t sound like anyone else because he has a sound all his own. One of the themes in Armstrong’s work is the idea of walking with a friend or partner and having a conversation to work out problems. In terms of musical themes “Keep on Walking,” for example, is one of Happy Graffiti’s songs in which upbeat arrangements bump up against melancholy lyrics. “Eyes Open Wide” and “In a Memory,” however, are straight-up gorgeous sad songs. Favorite track: “Songbird”

Caleb Nicols, Ramon (Kill Rock Stars)

Ramon is not only the album’s title but also the last name Paul McCartney took when The Beatles had their first real gig in 1960 as the backing band for Johnny Gentle on a tour of Scotland. On “Ramon,” Nichols borrows the line “Ram on, give your heart to somebody soon” from McCartney’s RAM. Nichol’s take is just as lovely and melancholy. The centerpiece of the album is the relationship between Mr. Mustard and Captain Custard. “Mustard’s Blues” recalls McCartney’s “Let Me Roll It” and the neatly six-minute “From a Hole in the Road” (or is it a hole in the heart?) with its repeated line “I’ve been dreaming you” and then “I still dream of you” becomes a mantra. The final song on Ramon (and my new favorite Christmas song) is “I Fell in Love on Xmas Day.” Favorite track: “Ramon”

Crossword Smiles, Pressed & Ironed (Big Stir Records)

Ringing guitars, short sharp bass lines, wonderful close harmonies, and tunes a-plenty, that’s what you get on Pressed & Ironed, the debut album from Crossword Smiles. The band is a brand-new collaboration between Detroit, Michigan, pop stalwarts Tom Curless (guitar, drums, and vocals) of Your Gracious Host and solo efforts and Chip Saam (bass and vocals) of The Hangabouts as well Curless’s backing band The 46% (and Neighborhood Weekly Radio’s Indie Pop Takeout).  Inspired by the sound of 80’s and 90’s college radio, Curless and Saam dip into their musical grab bags to create songs that both reflect and build on what they’ve grown up listening to. Favorite track: “Feet on the Ground”