The American Professionals “The Specialist”
This San Francisco band lead by singer/guitarist Chuck Lindo reunited with guitar player Mike Corcoran (The Ampros) in 2007, then hooked up with drummer Steve Moriarty (The Gits, St. Bushmills Choir) and Cheryl Hendrickson on bass to produce this sweet EP full of large loud guitar riffs that would make Cheap Trick fans proud. Unlike the last full length effort in 2004 “Faking It” this rocks a lot harder and faster. The title track balances the loud riffs and and gentle harmonies just right. Another great track “Jump This Train” is similar to the band IKE with a bouncy beat and fuzzy guitars leading the way. The remaining tracks are also just as catchy and will leave you craving for more. Hopefully a full length release is coming soon.
Four O’Clock Balloon “s/t”
Newly re-mastered, this 1997 classic album is being reissued by the Killer Music Group (with the promise of a new follow up album soon). This is unadulterated retro power pop in it’s purest form, pulling the techniques from the late sixties and wrapping it up in a sugary melodic package. The Four O’Clock Balloon album is chock full of bright catchy melodies, strong hooks, and brilliant musicianship. Carlos Santana bandmember Tommy Anthony (Guitar/Vocals), alongside John Allen (Guitars/Good Karma), Michael Quinn (Bass), and Omar Hernandez (Drums), have garnered rave reviews from heir first offering and have earned a cult following for this lost classic. The band first appeared on Yellow Pills, Volume 4 with the ELO-inspired “Stood In The Rain.” Added gems here are “So Wrong,” “Real,” and “Ripley.” Fans of The Move, Smithereens, Raspberries and Jellyfish will flip for this if you never heard of them before. It’s been out of print for a long time, so this re-issue is most welcome. So far I didn’t see any bonus tracks, but if If you would like a free track download, you can visit the Killer Music Group website. Any long time power pop fans who missed this when it was released, then you have no excuses anymore.
MySpace | Killer Music Group | Amazon (original)
