Brooklyn’s kings of quirky pop They Might Be Giants have done it all, and now they’re offering you brand new album Phone Power. It another collection of Dial-A-Song quirky tunes and fans will appreciate the new collection. The album features “I Love You for Psychological Reasons” which is the standard catchy TMBG single. Plus you’ve got a pile of 17 more songs, some of my faves here are “ECNALUBMA,” “It Said Something” as well as a live cover of Destiny’s Child’s “Bills, Bills, Bills.” Like most of TMBG, there is a certain ratio of pop experimental songs to ear worms to be expected. Even “I Wasn’t Listening” is a funny self-reference to the whole Dial-A-Song concept.
Category: free downloads
Tuesday Tidbits: The Ritz Club, The Co – Op Communique and Red Cabin
Another highly impressive group of artists that bring you music at a name-your-price point. I used to promote and tag these as “Free Downloads” but I think the artist would appreciate if you threw a few bucks their way. After all — we want them to know you value their music, and I want to encourage them to make more.
The Ritz ClubChicago-based Ritz Club is the work of three brothers–Sean, Ryan and Kevin Jacobi. This unusual pop experiment works really well, and reminds me of The Beta Band in spots. The synth in “Walk Away” borrows a bit from Pink Floyd, and “Fake Laughs” is a real stunner with soaring vocals above a bed of guitars. Highly Recommended!
The Co – Op Communique Volume One
Musician DW Dunphy has compiled a selection of music from up and coming artists, including himself. Like a box of chocolates, you’ll find several chewy goodies like The Click Beatles and the dramatic rock stylings of The Gamble. Only a few tracks here are power pop, it gets into moody indie rock and some experimental pop. Mike Indest and Jeff Elbel were surprisingly good here, so pick it up now!
Freebies: The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club, Matti Jasu and The Four Chords
The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club is back and with another quality power pop single. These guys keep getting better as “Have You Met You” has plenty of energy to spare with strong synths and driving beat. And it’s a FREE download. Check it out!
The Four Chords have a keen pop sense and combine multi-part vocal harmonies with a large dose of power chords and a love of classic pop songcraft. Influences include The Who, Cheap Trick, Beatles, Big Star, Dwight Twilley, Replacements, Tom Petty, Manic Street Preachers, Ramones, Redd Kross and many others.
EP Reviews: Loop Line, Suntrodden and Animal Daydream
Loop Line “Wakes” EP
We covered Loop Line’s debut not so long ago, now Luke and Paul return with another catchy EP. “Nothing About You” features blistering guitar spurts with echoing harmonies which fans of Weezer would appreciate. Next we get the pensive rhythm of “Grin” where the two vocals and instruments (guitar and keys) collaborate uneasily. “Parts Unknown” has a lovely fuzz guitar sound and Beach Boys-like backing vocals, but the lead melody doesn’t quite standout. “Dusty Keys” fares much better, and overall this is worth checking out. Get a “name-your-price” download at Bandcamp.
Suntrodden “Suntrodden I ” EP
Atlanta native Erik Stephansson (aka Suntrodden) delivers minimalist pop of with a light vocal that recalls Elliot Smith or Beach House. “Sunrise To Sunset” uses simple guitar chords, shakers and tambourines to build the warm atmosphere. “Float Away” is a wistful ballad about the loss of control, but hope emerges in “It’s Never Over” a gentle lullaby for Erik’s infant son. The relaxed sounds feel like the calm before a storm brews — and the music has that sense of anticipation. Experience it.
Animal Daydream “Citrus” EP
Animal Daydream is Daniel Fridlund Brandt and Alexander Wahl, a soft rock duo from Gothenburg Sweden. The highly addictive West Coast style of the jangling guitars on the title track are very much like a hybrid of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Teenage Fanclub. “Sun (Turn Around)” has a magical pop-pysche chorus with its cascading bass line and “All That You Can Give” has rich thick harmonies and a deep percussive sound that recalls The Association. “In My Room” gets a little more into spacey folk rock, but overall this is a band to keep your eye on. Highly Recommended.
Weekend Freebies: Nato Coles and Static In Verona
Both these albums are available for a “Name-your-own-price” and fit proudly in my collection. You could also give the artists a little money and get these great power pop/rock LPs, perfect for a snowbound weekend!
Nato Coles “Promises To Deliver”
Nato Coles LP isn’t new, but to me it was and I was super impressed by the talent of the man and his Blue Diamond Band. If Meatloaf played power pop it would sound just like the opener “See Some Lights.” Coles songs are anthems to the unsung – like the catchy “Julie (Hang Out A Little Longer)” is a blue collar rocker on par with Springsteen or Bob Seger.
Elements of country guitar and barroom rock are the primary style and done very well, from the driving odes to his van “Econoline” and the road in “Rudes and Cheaps.” Another standout is “The True Blue Rocker” a catchy anthem reminiscent of the Allman Brothers “Ramblin’ Man.” No filler here and absolutely highly recommended rock and roll.
Static In Verona “Odd Anthem”
Chicago band Static in Verona (aka Rob Merz) has certainly changed over the years, and Odd Anthem is a solid addition to their catalog, but now they bring the high gloss synths to their indie pop productions. This doesn’t always make things better, as it tends to drown the magic of the harmonies in white noise. “Heavy Hands” is an excellent catchy song that could’ve used a lighter touch.
Some songs have a Coldplay-type of feel like “Future Ghosts” and “Shudder to Think,” with dramatic flourish in each chorus. It does have some successful experiments like “Wait, Wait” and “Then A Hush” with its unique percussive structure. “Forgetful” is my favorite song, with its upbeat chorus and successful blend of synths and bass guitar. I would’ve loved to hear the demos for this album. Some have added this LP to best-of lists, so its definitely worth repeat listens.