With a little help from his friends

 By Henry Lipput

Known as the “Collaboration King,” the UK-based multi-instrumentalist Sean Buckley writes “melodic electronica.” In the past he’s worked with Laura Jane (“Games”), Chris James Willows (“Pull”), and Joe Peacock (“Corridors”).

 

Continuing his habit of “working well with others,” Buckley sent his latest instrumental to Carl Mann and Syd Oxlee of The Shop Window to add vocals and guitars. In addition to providing the band’s trademark vocals and Mann’s distinctive guitar sound, they also wrote the lyrics.  

The result of this collaboration, “Forgotten” (available on both digital vendor and streaming sites), is an ode to lost love and forgotten friends. The vocals add warmth to Buckley’s electronica-infused tune that is aided by the addition of Jen Dixon on drums and Chris James Willow on bass. And Mann’s jangle is the icing on the cake as this wonderful mash-up of styles comes together and celebrates the talents of both Sean Buckley and The Shop Window. 

Can I have some more please, sirs?

A Few Of My Favorite Things. 2021 Edition - Part Two: The EPs, SIngles, Reissues, a Compilation, and a Live Album

 By Henry Lipput

I wasted enough of your time in Part One talking about a lot of stuff that had little or nothing to do with the music so let's jump right into the tunes.

EPs

1. The Boo Radleys, A Full Syringe And Memories Of You (thebooradleys.com)

In the Summer of 2021 we were alerted to the exciting news that The Boo Radleys had just released a new single, "A Full Syringe And Memories Of You," their first new music since 1998’s great Kingsize album. Featuring most of the original line-up including the amazing Sice on vocals, Tim Brown on bass, and Rob Cieka on drums, the trio released a digital EP in September that included the single and another three songs (it was released on vinyl for the UK Record Store Day). What’s next? A new album in just days after this part of the year-end overview is posted. (Favorite track: "A Full Syringe And Memories Of You”)

2. Tucker Bingo, The Basement Sessions (Bandcamp)

On his Twitter profile, the one-man band Tucker Bingo describes himself as a “lower-class basement dweller” which makes the title of his debut EP very appropriate. Like a lot of early Kinks songs – not the singles but some of the album tracks – Tucker Bingo’s music on The Basement Sessions is more RnB than pop and there’s also some swing. His voice draws you in a way that Paul Westerberg invites you to listen to what he has to say and how he’s saying it. (Favorite track: “Trust Me”)

3. Silver Haar, Lights Out (Bandcamp)

Is there such a thing as a low-key anthem? The Pure Pop 4 Now People judges agree with me that it's something that U2 got away with back in the day. Low-key anthems are now part of the Silver Haar playbook and it’s all over their debut EP Lights Out. Silver Haar, an indie band from Scotland, is made up of songwriters and long-time friends Tom Brogan (vocals, guitar) and Duncan McCormick (guitar, backing vocals). The title track is the closest thing you’ll get to a musical embrace. (Favorite track: “Lights Out”)

SINGLES

1. SUPER 8, “For My Friends” (Bandcamp)

SUPER 8’s splendid single “For My Friends” is the second “taster” for his next solo album being released in 2022. “For My Friends” is a salute to those people who help you through the tough times (like the last two years) and are there with you to celebrate the good ones.  My alternative title for the song is “All You Need Is Friends” because SUPER 8 has channeled his inner George Martin to create the brilliant arrangements.

2. The Blue Herons, “Take Them Back” (Bandcamp)

Since vocalist and lyricist Gretchen DeVault joined up with tunesmith and the-guy-who-plays-all-the-instruments Andy Jossi back in late 2020, The Blue Herons has been releasing jangle-tastic singles every few months. Because DeVault is based in California and Jossi lives in Switzerland, even before the pandemic they were exchanging words and music across continents and oceans. It’s hard to choose which one I like best but my favorite is their latest, the upbeat “Take Them Back”

3. Karma Surround, "Stars Of The Last Magnitude" (Bandcamp)

Karma Surround is comprised on two brothers, Michael and Darren Roy, from, according to their Bandcamp page, the “old mining country in Fife” in Scotland, The band released singles throughout 2021 and released an album at the end of the year. The songs range from the Dylan-writing-Oasis-B-sides of "Shining Beat" to the glorious jangle of “Stars Of The Last Magnitude,” the first of their songs I heard and still my favorite. 

REISSUES

1. Lannie Flowers, Home (SpyderPop Records/Big Stir Records)

I admit that I’m coming late to the Lannie Flowers bandwagon. He’s been releasing music since at least 2008 and his Home album came out in 2019. This reissue is the result of the partnership of SpyderPop Records and Big Stir Records. I really like Lannie’s voice and his sound is a combination of power pop and country (he is from Texas after all) and every once in a while he’ll throw a Beatles reference into an arrangement. Flowers writes about regular men and women and the ups and downs of relationships in a way that makes it universal.  (Favorite track: “Home”)

2. Richard Hell and the Voidoids, Destiny Street Complete (Omnivore Recordings)

Punk pioneer Richard Hell has been working for 40 years on a version of his Destiny Street album that he could be satisfied with. This fascinating and comprehensive 2 -CD set chronicles his journey. The collection includes four versions of the album: the 1981 demos, a remastered version of the original 1982 release, the 2009 Destiny Street Repaired, and the 2021 Destiny Street Remixed. (Remixed is also available as a vinyl-only release.)  After hearing all of the iterations I prefer the remastered original; give them all a listen and pick your favorite. (Favorite track: "Time" )

3. Pernice Brothers, The World Won’t End (Ashmont/Bandcamp)

For 20 years, this album has one of my favorite CDs. Back in 2001 in the US it was impossible to go to what was once known as a record store and buy a record; only CDs as far as the eye could see. In response to a query from Joe Pernice as to whether anyone would buy such a thing, 2021 finally saw an official release of the vinyl version of the album, The album has been remastered and it sounds even more wonderful. If you like great music, and if there are any copies left, you owe it to yourself to buy this. (Favorite track: “7:30”)

COMPILATION

Various, V4Velindre: Charity Mixtape for the NHS (Bandcamp)

This incredible collection of 50 tunes was compiled by Welsh journalist Kevin McGrath as a digital-only mixtape to raise funds for the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff. The mixtape is made up of pop, folk, rock, rap, and soul; there are the last three winners of the Welsh Music Prize; and indie acts from across the UK as well as Italy, Finland, and the United States are represented. There are demos, remixes, unreleased tracks, and radio edits. There's a lot to discover and a lot to enjoy and when you buy the mixtape you'll be supporting a worthy cause. (Favorite track: “Yesterday’s Over [Tomorrow’s Where I Want To Be]” by Armstrong)

LIVE

Alex Chilton and the Hi Rhythm Section, Boogie Shoes: Live On Beale Street (Omnivore Recordings)

In 1999 Alex Chilton was asked to participate in a fundraiser in Memphis. Alex said he didn’t have any musicians to bring along so it was suggested he work with the Hi Rhythm Section. The result on this unissued live set, which includes covers of songs by The Supremes, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and KC & The Sunshine Band, is a marvelous feel-good collection. One of the wonderful things about this recording is, unlike his many covers albums, Chilton plays it straight on these songs and there is a real sense of joy in his vocals -- and the band rocks. (Favorite track: "Kansas City")

A Few Of My Favorite Things, 2021 Edition -- Part One: The Albums

 By Henry Lipput

For me, 2021 was a year of debuts. From albums to EPs and singles, the year was full of new voices and new sounds. I found these releases in any number of places including my friends on Twitter as well as regular visits to Bandcamp.

I also find music through the important getting-the-word-out work and sometimes do-it-yourself marketing of the bands, musicians, labels, and music PR companies that send me downloads and CDs. I’d like a moment to apologize to them for my lack of reviews in 2021. It’s been a tough time for several reasons including a brain fog/writer’s block that lasted for a number of months. Thank you for your continued support of me and my little blog as well as your appreciation of the reviews I did manage to post.

So on to my ten favorite albums of 2021. There are not only links to how you can purchase them but also a link where you can listen to a track from the album.

 1.  Peter Hall, Light The Stars (Bandcamp)

With his talent for tunes and a voice like a choirboy, Peter Hall’s Light The Stars is the most gorgeous pop album you’ll hear any time soon. The new album is a follow-up to 2020 wonderful There’s Something Wrong With Everyone EP and, in both songwriting and production, Light The Stars is a continuation and a step ahead in his musical progression. If Hall wanted to make a “full-on, full-length, melodic electric blanket” (his words) of a collection of songs he has certainly done it in spades with this release. (Favorite track: “Two Twenty Two”)

2. Tamar Berk, the restless dreams of youth (Bandcamp)

Tamar Berk was in bands in the 90s at the same time a number of guitar-driven women were changing the face of indie music. Her marvelous solo debut the restless dreams of youth is an ultra-melodic soundtrack with honest and adult lyrics about the many phases of relationships. Berk plays guitar and keyboards and has assembled extremely talented musicians who get exactly what her songs need. (Favorite track: “In The Wild”)

3. The Show Window, The State Of Being Human (Spinout Nuggets/Bandcamp)

The State Of Being Human is the excellent debut album from The Shop Window. The band is from Kent in the UK and consists of Carl Mann (vocals/guitars), Simon ‘Syd’ Oxlee (vocals/keys), Martin Corder (bass), and Phil Elphee (drums).  Following the release of a batch of singles in 2020, the album brings them all together as well as more songs that add to the band’s 90’s indie vibe showcasing Mann’s jangly guitar work and the vocals of Carl and Syd. (Favorite track: “Flags”) 

4. Maia Sharp, Mercy Rising (CrookedCrown Records) 

  

Mercy Rising is the wonderful new album from Maia Shop, her first solo effort in six years.  It's full of the smart, literate lyrics we’ve come to expect from her and the spare, tuneful arrangements match their tone; Most of the songs are co-writes but it’s fair to say the lyrical tone is from Sharp. Sharp, a native of California, recently moved to Nashville to join a community of like-minded songwriters and musicians many of whom play on the album. (Favorite track: “Always Good To See You”)

5. The Cleaners From Venus, Penny Novelettes (Bandcamp)

The Cleaners From Venus is one of the many band names that the amazing Martin Newell has used to release his music (others have included The Stray Trolleys and The Brotherhood of Lizards). As a solo artist Newell released two musical masterpieces in the 1990s: The Greatest Living Englishman and The Off White Album. I don’t think I’m going out on a limb to say his latest one-man band effort, Penny Novelettes, is just as good. He sounds great, his lyrics tell stories that are full of interesting stories, and his arrangements are backed with lots of jangle (he is known far and wide as the Jangling Man). The album’s real treats include the pop rock of “Goodnite Andromeda” and the love-sick “Decline and Fall.” (Favorite track: “Goodnite Andromeda”)

6. Suburban HiFi, Superimposition (Bandcamp)

Superimposition is the debut album from Suburban HiFi aka Greg Addington, one third of the much-loved, much-missed Michigan-based pop group The Hangabouts. Not a lot has been heard from The Hangabouts since the Futureman Records tribute album Action Now: 20/20 Re-Envisioned released in, er, 2020. Addington brings The Hangabouts' DNA to both vocals and arrangements on Superimposition. The album is a splendid collection of three-minute pop songs and it doesn’t hurt that he had his Hangabouts bandmates John Lowry and Chip Saam contributing to the writing of a few songs. (Favorite track: "Asymmetrical Hair")

7. The Legal Matters, Chapter Three (Futureman Records)

Chapter Three is the third album by those outstanding poptune generators The Legal Matters. The new album showcases the songwriting talents of Chris Richards and Andy Reed. Unfortunately, the third member of the band, Keith Klingensmith (he who contributed “Pull My String,” a personal favorite, to their second album Conrad) plays on the album but doesn’t have a song this time around. The new album alternates songs by Reed and Richards and, as always, the three vocalists provide glorious harmonies to each one. (Need convincing? Check out “Passing Chord.”) Favorite track: “That’s All”)

8. The Planes, Eternity On Its Edge (Bandcamp)

The Planes, hailing from Brooklyn, have been releasing music for at least 10 years. The current lineup is made up of Stephen Perry on guitar and vocals, Matt Sklar on bass and backing vocals, and Carlo Minchillo on drums, percussion, and Theremin.  On their latest album, Eternity On Its Edge, they bring all of the jangle, fuzz, strong back beat, and bass runs you’ll need. “Little Dream” and “Over Now” are warm sonic washes and the closing track “Unglued” has a monster riff that recalls the ending of “I Want You (She’s So Heavy).” If the mix of noise and melodies reminds you of Dinosaur Jr. you’re not the only one. (Favorite track: "On A Train")

9. Sky Diving Penguins, Sky Diving Penguins (skydivingpenguins.com)

From the Lennon-esque opener “I Don’t Want, I Don’t Care” to the Boo Radley’s pure pop of “Run Boy,” Skydiving Penguins on their self-titled debut album take bits and pieces of their influences to assemble a collection of something original. Led by Gia Iashvilli of Georgia (not the one in the U.S. but the one in Eastern Europe) his band of merry music makers brings to the songs a mix of horns and cellos along with the usual rock/pop band mix of guitars, drums, and keyboards (and I could swear I hear a Mellotron). (Favorite track: "Run Boy")

10. Fernando Perdomo & Denny Seiwell, RAM ON: The 50th Anniversary Tribute To Paul & Linda McCartney's RAM (Cherry Red Records)

Multi-instrumentalist Fernando Perdomo and original RAM drummer Denny Seiwell put together a stellar group of musicians to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the release of RAM, the second solo album from Paul McCartney with a little help from his friend (and wife) Linda McCartney. These were musicians from all over the world who loved the original album including members of Wilco, The Pixies, Jellyfish, and the Elton John Band. In addition to Sewell, the album (which also contains covers of the single “Another Day/Oh Woman Oh Why”) features original guitarist David Spinozza (“Another Day”) and trumpeter Marvin Stamm (“Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey”). How much do I like listening to this album? At the same time I bought this I also bought a 50^th anniversary half-speed master of RAM. I’ve been listening to RAM ON a lot more ( but don't tell Paul, okay?) (Favorite track: "Smile Away")

Suburban HiFi comes in under the wire in 2021

 By Henry Lipput

Suburban HiFi is the nom de pop groupe of Greg Addington, one third of the much-loved, Michigan-based pop group The Hangabouts. Not a lot has been heard from The Hangabouts since the Futureman Records tribute album Action Now: 20/20 Reimagined released in, er, 2020.

Suburban HiFi’s album Superimposition (Bandcamp) was released at the end of last year, a time when many year-end lists were, if not posted somewhere, already decided (but not mine; I’m usually late in posting for any number of reasons and/or excuses and this year is no different). 

So how do you find out about a late-in-the-year release?  It helps to know someone (and I’m not talking about myself). The host of Indie Pop Takeout (Saturday mornings at 8 am EST on Neighborhood Weekly Radio on your Twitter or computer dial) knew me to be a fan of The Hangabouts and having reviewed their 2017 album Kits & Cats and Saxon Wives (a “very fine new album”) and the 2019 single “Who Wants Cilla?’ b/w “Mrs. Greene” (“Cilla” was “a marvelous power pop tune).

Addington brings The Hangabouts’ DNA to Suburban HiFi in a number of ways in both vocals and arrangements. Superimposition is a splendid collection of three-minute pop songs and it doesn’t hurt that he had his Hangabouts bandmates John Lowry and Chip Saam contributing to the writing of a few songs.

“In Her Reverie” is a working woman in a office story, not unlike Paul McCartney’s “Another Day” and The Pearlfisher’s “Love & Other Hopeless Things:” She's late for the bus and "her raincoat moves like a cape as she runs." In the office: "She laughs with the crowd and blends in/The cubicle walls her fortress against the world.” “The Space Between Us” is a double-decker of a listen with the sound of The Hangabouts on top and bass line and vocal phrasing from Squeeze (“Someone Else’s Heart” perhaps?) underneath. 

Written with Sara Addington, “Beamed In” is a wonderful pop tune with backing vocals that recall prime Hangabouts and lyrics about a woman who may be the love interest in “Sparky’s Dream” come back to earth: “Way out beyond the furthest light you’ve ever seen/She appeared with her hair like the milky way/Wide-eyed and prettier than Saturn’s many rings,” “She looks like she was just beamed in/A space girl who’s tired of dreaming.”

With its charming acoustic vibe and gorgeous backing chorus, “Asymmetrical Hair” is much too short. “January Book” is another lovely song about the time spent with a someone special as the year begins; I particularly like this couplet: “You’re the sky among the stars/Lightning in a jar.”

Stuck In Your Head

 By Henry Lipput

On his new album, Earworms (Big Stir Records) Nick Frater has come up with tunes that stick in your head and stay with you for the rest of the day -- and sometimes, if you're lucky, even longer. Frater is a UK-based singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist who specializes in evoking the sounds of ‘60s and ‘70s pop. 

Back here in the U.S. we had AM radio in the ‘70s that played music by bands like Rasperries, Wings, early Daryl Hall/John Oates (I‘m thinking of 1973’s Abandoned Luncheonette), and piano men Elton John and Billy Joel. And although Big Star and Emitt Rhodes weren’t being played on the radio at the time they have become over the years a very big part of our musical DNA -- and Frater is certainly aware of this.

Recordng at his home in Croydon, and prevented by lockdowns from calling on his regular band and studios, Frater instead pulled together an impressive group of home recordists spread across the UK and U.S. including Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (Jellyfish/Beck), Darian Sahanaja (Wondermints/Brian Wilson), Mike Randle (Love/Baby Lemonade), Dana Countryman, drummer-in-a-closet Nick Bertling, and many others. 

The first track on the album, “It’s All Rumours,” is a rave-up that recalls the guitars and lead vocal of Eric Carmen and company. “Buggin’ Out” is a pop treat as well as a mashup of decades with it’s references to ‘50s doo wop backing vocals and  Abbey Road-era George Harrison guitar. 

“What’s With Your Heavy Heart” is both a musical and lyrical tribute to Emitt Rhodes. The line “What’s with your heavy heart?/Love is just another to fall apart/On a second chance/Falling with my face on the floor” makes it hard not to think of the Rhodes track “Face On The Floor” from his 1970 self-titled album.

“Lucky Strike” begins with a Supertramp vamp and although Frater’s fellow pop traveler, the late, great Owsley, wasn't around in the 70s, his influence can be heard on the melody lines of this song as well as Earworm’s “Not Born Again.”

The lovely “Star-Crossed” is the song McCartney never wrote for his albums Red Rose Speedway or Venus And Mars. And the short, sweet “How To Survive Somebody” is another Raspberries callback that starts quietly with its choral-like backing vocals and builds to a musical crescendo.

Frater has said he wanted to “make an album that sounds and feels like a lost treasure from the mid '70s melodic rock scene,” and he delivers the goods. In addition, the amazing album cover by Adam Mallett, an homage to the great Klaus Voormann cover for Revolver, is just icing on the cake.

Light Up Your Ears

 By Henry Lipput

With his talent for tunes and a voice like a choirboy, Peter Hall’s Light The Stars (Bandcamp) is the most gorgeous pop album you’ll hear this year. If Hall wanted to make a “full-on, full-length, melodic electric blanket” (his words) of a collection of songs he has certainly done it in spades with this release.

The new album is a follow-up to last year’s wonderful There’s Something Wrong With Everyone EP (CD: The Beautiful Music/Digital: Bandcamp) and the new album is, in both songwriting and production, a continuation and a step ahead in his musical progression. And except for drums on two songs, Hall plays instruments on every song.

The first indication of how marvelous Light The Stars would be was the release of the first single “Two Twenty Two” in July.  The Beatles aren’t name-checked in the song but it’s clear from the lyrics the song is about falling in love with a song and sharing that feeling with a loved one: “Just turn it over when it fades/Like we used to do/P.S. I love you.”

The next single was the equally lovely “The Best Idea” about a bump in a relationship” On Bandcamp, the single also includes “How Could You?” a non-album track which is reason enough to have two copies of  the song. A father and son conversation concludes with the father, after letting the son know everything he’s done to raise him right, telling him “you’re just like me;” that's not how it was supposed to turn out.

Every song on Light The Stars is a treasure. Some that have stuck with me are the jingle-jangle of the opener “Save Yourself,"  the title song has a bass-driven vibe and guitar solo not unlike mid-period Squeeze as well as a big, bold ending, and the dazzling, acoustic closer “The Last Day” is a twin to “She Fell From The Sky” on last year’s EP. 

But nothing quite prepares you for the glorious sound of “Firefly.” With it’s soaring backing and vocals, it’s the best song on what is clearly one of the best albums of the year.

It's Always Good To Hear Maia Sharp

 By Henry Lipput

Mercy Rising (Crooked Crown Records) is the wonderful new album from Maia Shop, her first solo effort in six years.  It's full of the smart, literate lyrics we’ve come to expect from her and the spare, tuneful arrangements match their tone. 

Sharp, a native of California, recently moved to Nashville, not, it seems, for the country music scene as much as for the community of like-minded songwriters and musicians. And except for some pedal steel guitar Mercy Rising is in no way a country album.  The basic tracks were recorded at Joshua Grange’s Resistor Studio in Nashville with Ross McReynolds on drums, Will Honaker on bass. and Grange on electric guitars. Sharp then brought those tracks back to her home studio where she performed and engineered acoustic guitars, piano, Wurlitzer, and her vocals as well as the vocals of her friends and co-writers. 

Most of the songs on Mercy Rising are co-writes but if I was to guess I’d say the lyrical tone is from Sharp.  My favorite song on the album, "Always Good To See You," is a bonus track (it’s on the CD but I’m not sure if it’s on the vinyl) that Sharp wrote for the SongWriter podcast and inspired by “The Ordinary Miraculous” essay from Cheryl Strayed‘s book Tiny Beautiful Things. 

This title of this post is a reference to the title of that song, a beautiful and yet sad gem. As you get older, more and more partners, friends, and family members are no longer with us. So it seems even more important that through luck or the fact these people have never really left us we see or hear something that reminds us of them:  “I am still amazed at your ways of checking in/A cardinal on a wire, a yard sale dress/It’s always good to see you.” 

The lyrics in Sharp’s songs are straightforward and she doesn’t seem to have much time for metaphors. However, she uses one on “Back Burner” but it’s clear what she’s singing about: “It’s a hell of a way to pay for my desire/It’s a hell of a way to say turn the flame up higher/I try to put you on the backburner/When I put you on the backburner/You set the place on fire.”

There’s no question of what the sexy “You’ll Know Who Knows You Tonight” is about; it’s about a hoped-for seduction and there‘s more than a little funk in the arrangement: “Slow dance slow in the kaleidoscope glow of a lava lamp light/Thermostat down, sip of Crown and if I get this right/You’ll know who knows you tonight.”

“Things To Fix” is a classic Sharp song. It makes the connection between what has to be repaired around the house with what needs to be fixed in a relationship: “I can work on something ‘til it shines like new/But I just couldn’t bring myself to shine for you/What I should’ve said and should’ve done/Yeah, I keep skipping over number one/On my list of things to fix.”

And “Not Your Friend” relates the pent-up feelings you have for someone who doesn’t see you as more than a friend when you want so much more: “I’m not your friend/Friends don’t pray their friends undo another button/I’m not your friend/Friends don’t lose their breath all of the sudden/You might say that you never want to see me again.”

"Lay Of The Land:" New single from The Shop Window

By Henry Lipput

“Lay Of The Land,“ (Bandcamp) the new single from The Shop Window, is the band’s first new music since their excellent debut album The State Of Being Human was released earlier this year.  The band has said the new song is a taster of what can be expected on their next album which was recorded in August after rehearsals in June and July.

The swirling psychedelic vibe of "Lay Of The Land" is darker in both music and lyrics than earlier compositions; in some ways it’s the band’s “Tomorrow Never Knows.” As songwriter Carl Mann put it: “It’s about experiencing dark times along the way, getting lost down a few rabbit holes, meeting the wrong people, and getting oneself back into a better place. Eventually figuring out what this is all about: Love!” 

Like an afternoon that alternates between clouds and sunshine, the verses lay out life's dark corners while an uplifting chorus provides answers. In addition, the superb interplay of the band members also casts a bright light on the song’s sometimes menacing tone. 

The rhythm section of  Martin Corder on bass and Phil Elphee on drums bring a solid foundation to the proceedings. The vocals of Mann and Syd Oxlee are like the singing of Lennon and McCartney on early Beatles recordings in which their voices meshed into one sound. And, as always, Mann’s stellar contributions on guitar, from the treated opening to the jangle pop sounds he brings throughout, are the band’s secret weapon.

Vince Meloney's rock and roll super group has an official name and a new single

 By Henry Lipput

The rock and roll super group that accompanied Vince Melouney on his “Women” single last year (in my review I called it “a crash course in garage rock”) was made up of members of Blondie, the Jigsaw Seen, and Strangers In A Strange Land. It now has an official name and has released a single.

"Come Some Christmas Eve (Or Halloween)," the single from Tall Poppy Syndrome (Bandcamp), was written by Vince’s former bandmate Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees in 1968 for that band’s Idea album (it wasn’t included in the original album but is part of the 2006 reissue). Vince, as you know, is an Australian guitar legend and was a member of the classic Bee Gees lineup from 1967 to 1969.

 

"Come Some Christmas Eve (Or Halloween)" isn’t a seasonal song despite the mention of those two almost holidays. The song concerns a long-lost love and perhaps those two days had a special significance for the lovers (dragons also seem to figure in the relationship).  

The new version is a completely different animal than the original. Tall Poppy Syndrome’s version grabs mid-60s influences and puts them into a melting pot to serve up a steaming plate of prime rock and roll. Vince brings his signature crisp, clean guitar sound to the song, drummer Clem Burke of Blondie channels his inner Moon man, Jonathan Lea of the Jigsaw Seen adds more guitars and an Indian-sounding mellotron wash, and Strangers In A Strange Land’s Alec Palao’s bass playing is very much in the McCartney Revolver-era vein while his bandmate Paul Kopf lays down a terrific vocal on top of it all.

A Most Excellent Mixtape And An Excellent Cause

 By Henry Lipput

Lovingly compiled by Wales journalist Kevin McGrath, V4Velindre: Charity Mixtape for the NHS (Bandcamp), is the amazing digital-only mixtape that will raise funds for the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff.

When I began working on this post there were 42 tracks. As of today, when the mixtape is released on Bandcamp, there are 50. And what an a great collection of tunes. There's pop, folk, rock, rap, and soul. There are the last three winners of the Welsh Music Prize and indie acts from across the UK as well as Italy, Finland, and the United States. There are demos, remixes, unreleased tracks, and radio edits. And rhere are songs from some of my current favorites and songs from musicians who it appears will become my new favorites. There's a lot to discover and a lot to enjoy.

 

If you're someone (like me) who buys digital singles on Bandcamp you know that they cost about £1 or $1 each. V4Velindre: Charity Mixtape for the NHS, with it's 50 tracks, has an asking price of  £7 or about $10 (you can always give more). There's about three hours of music and half a dozen exclusive tracks donated to the project which can't be heard anywhere else in the world.

I've included a link to one of the many songs on the mixtape that I enjoy And because it was so difficult to choose a song I'm going to try to change the tune every day or so. And if you'd like this to be more interactive after you download your own copy of the mixtape you can make a request in Comments and I'll try to include it on the next go-round..

The Pure Pop 4 Now People Singles Club Volume 3

 By Henry Lipput

Here are three more recent singles along with some short and (hopefully) sharp appreciations although it looks like there are a few more words for each of the entries this time around. A good step forward I say!

MARVELINE

Marveline is the solo project of Australia’s Pete Marley.  Marley, along with John Encarnacao, was half of the songwriting team behind The Nature Strip (currently on hiatus).  Marveline’s dreamy new song, “Fly By Instruments” (Bandcamp), is the second single since 2020’s Savoury-Toothed Tiger album (which I described as a “pure pop delight“). In some ways the new song is a return to the sound of Marley’s contributions to  The Nature Strip, especially the amazing “Store Of Tomorrows” on the 2018 Past Pacific EP which he co-wrote with Encarnacao. 

WILLIE NILE

Willie Nile’s new album (out last week!!) The Day The Earth Stood Still (River House Records) is a pandemic-themed collection and a stark contrast to his joyous, love-stuck 2020 release New York At Night. On the title track Nile looks out in disbelief at the empty streets of the city he’s lived in for over 40 years. And on “Blood On Your Hands” (available from digital vendors), featuring Steve Earle, Nile and his top-tier band still rock like nobody’s business but now there’s rage in their playing and righteous anger in the voices he and Earle bring to the song. 

KARMA SURROUND

Karma Surround is comprised on two brothers, Michael and Darren Roy, from, according to their Bandcamp page, the “old mining country in Fife.” The band has been releasing songs since the beginning of the year (with plans to release an album at the end of 2021) and one of the first I heard, “Stars Of The Last Magnitude,” really caught my attention. A recent release is “Do You Wonder” (Bandcamp) with it’s jangle-pop groove, a bit of snyth strings, and a tight, clear guitar solo, the song is a more than promising indication of what’s in store.  All of the band’s songs are being offered as free downloads or “name your price” but, if you're able, the band certainly deserves your support.

The Pure Pop 4 Now People Singles Club Volume 2: The Big Stir Edition

By Henry Lipput

Unfortuately, the brain fog continues (or the blog fog as I've started to refer to it because it just seems to affect my ability to wrtie a full album review [see Volume One of the Singles Club for more info]).

So today we dedicate Volume Two to the California-based label Big Stir Records. They've been releasing terrific singles on nearly a weekly basis (and excellent albums almost as often), some in connection with albums and some that they compile on their Wave collections which is currently out as number twelve in the series.

Here are three recent singles from Big Stir tbat were released in anticipation of forthcoming albums. All of them are available on Bandcamp for a mimimal cost for a download so you don't have to empty your digital wallet to support indie music.

LANNIE FLOWERS

Big Stir started releasing music by Texas-based singer-songwriter Lannie Flowers when the label began a collaboration with Syderpop Records earlier this year. Flowers is a real find and his Home album is wonderful. The "Home" single's B-side is the "Nashville version" of the album track "My Street." (Big Stir Single No. 141) 

 

ANTON BARBEAU

After releasing albums on a number of labels, Anton Barbeau seems to have finally found a permanent home with Big Stir. He has a unique, "Lucy-in-the-sky" view of the world and his music has a quicky yet very melodic sound. His single "One Of Her Super Powers" (Big Stir Single No. 138) is a song from his  Oh The Joys We Live For album. Describing the song Barbeau has said: "You know, 12-string guitars and Hofner bass -- the stuff of life." (Beatles '65!) And, like Barbeau, we all love a nice jangle. 

 

SORROWS

Love Too Late...the real album (released today!), is the album the power pop band Sorrows wanted to make in 1981 but couldn't because of label interference (by, among other things, replacing the lead singer), Now after four decades and a prolonged legal battle the band, three of the four original members, went into the studio to make the album they always wanted. "Christabelle" is the lead-off single from Love Too Late...the real album.

The Pure Pop 4 Now People Singles Club

 By Henry Lipput

It seems that this format for my blog will be in effect for the time being. I know that I''ve been out of action here for more than a month but I've had brain fog/writer's block/fully-vacinatted-but-still-scared-of-COVID funk. I've seen my primary care doctor and in the coming weeks I will be seeing my therapist and an allergy specialist/immunologist so maybe someone can help me figure this out. 

I'm still really enjoying music but have only been able to come up with Tweet-like descriptions and I understand that a review would need another 300 words or so. So it's short bursts of words for new singles. Here's volune one of the singles club.

Just one more thing: Singles are a great way to get introduced to new music and an inexpensive way to support indie music. Which is pretty much what this blog is all about so I've included links to where you can buy a download.

PETER HALL

"Two Twenty Two" (Bandcamp) is an absolutely gorgeous song about falling in love to a new band and their new song and just falling in love in general.

SUBTERFUGE

"Stephanie Says," (Bandcamp) the band's first recording for more than a few years, is a wonderful Country-tinged tune.

THE BOO RADLEYS

The Boo Radley's last album, 1998's Kingsize, was one of my favorites of their albums and also one of my favorite albums of all time (wish I had it on vinyl!). So it was surprising that a few weeks ago, out of the blue, they released a new song, "A Full Syringe And Memories Of You," (digital vendors) with most of the original lineup. Great to hear Sice again!