Category: free downloads

EP Reviews: Andy Reed, Chris Richards, Pelicans and Their Allies

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Andy Reed “Relay Vol.1”

This is Andy’s first solo release since 2008. This is part one in a series of EPs to be released. Relay Vol.1 is a best of breed EP starting with the slow building theme “Waves” and the California easy melody “Dreaming Of The West Coast” being a big highlight, with its strings and crisp harmonies. The echoing influences of The Beach Boys and Fleetwood Mac are evident in the rich tapestry of “Darlin, You Don’t Know.” It finishes with the finely crafted melody of “I Love A Long Goodbye” and it leaves you begging fore more. This easily is in the running for top ten EP this year. Bandcamp only.


Chris Richards and The Subtractions “3peat”

Chris Richards delivers some covers from their favorite artists. A faithful version of Elvis Costello’s “No Action” is a great start, and continues with songs by Sloan, The Kinks, Cheap Trick, The Rolling Stones and George Harrison. Best of all this is a FREE download, so get it while its hot!


Pelicans and Their Allies

This new duo of Robert Higgs (lead vocal and guitarist) and Dayana Yochim (vocal and multi-instrumentalist) make smart, quirky indie pop with an assortment of instruments from guitars to glockenspiels. Fans of Field Music and Decemberists will enjoy this, especially the bouncy pop hooks in “Just Like July” and the sunny “I Guess You Already Knew That.”

Amazon

Singles: Luke Potter, Ryan Hamilton, The Outryders and The Well Wishers

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https://youtu.be/5TMeG-yje2Y

Luke Potter has been on our radar for a while, this nice Halloween themed video displays “Ready or Not” an original that has plenty of funk, and a catchy chorus that sticks in your head.

Ryan Hamilton – this video of “Records and Needles” is a sweet tribute to rockers of the past. See how many classic LPs you can name being parodied here (it’s pretty easy). We reviewed Ryan’s debut “Hell Of A Day” earlier this year. Also check out the video for “Four Letter Verb.”



The Outryders make no apologies for the fact that they are happily stuck in the period of late 80s and early 90s melodic guitar based pop. The band is the duo of Joe Algeri (Jangle Band, The JAC, Britannicas, Jack & the Beanstalk, Summer Suns) and Paul Colombini (Roadstar, Cherrytones) and no tricks here, these singles are a FREE downloadable treat!



The Well Wishers (aka Jeff Shelton) delivers us an obscure cover of Abba’s “Suzy Hang Around” an album cut from their “Waterloo” LP. This is another goodie for your audio treat bag, being a FREE download.

Wednesday Mini-Reviews: Mooner, Homer Marrs and Agent 13

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Mooner
I saw the potential in Mooner two years ago as a real talented band. Now my instincts have been rewarded with the first single from Mooner’s debut full-length LP “Masterpiece” Available on vinyl and digital October 9th, 2015 via Aerial Ballet Records. Awesome!

Homer Marrs and the Excellent Adventure
Homer Marrs and the Excellent Adventure is a Chicago-based indie rock act that similar to They Might Be Giants but feel a bit goofier – anyway we have a FREE EP download and you can be the judge.

Agent 13
Agent 13 make archetypal rock and roll. It’s classic but its not ‘Classic Rock’, it’s familiar but its not ‘Retro’. But most importantly, its got guitar lead melodies. Kinda reminds me of the The Heartless Devils from several years ago. And for seven bucks you get a big pile o’ music.

More from the Ice Cream Man

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Wayne Lundqvist Ford (Ice Cream Man) strikes again! This new compilation of Power Pop, Mod, Surf, Punk, New Wave, and Northern Soul hits the spot with a whopping one hundred and eight tracks! Not everything may be to your taste, but there are plenty of great songs here, my favorites include; The Click Beetles “Try Girl, Adam Marsland “Something For Nothing,” and Nick Piunti “Heart Stops Beating.” Obviously too many goodies to list here – just listen for yourself. Best of all this sampler is absolutely FREE. Yup, a free download so get it now!

 

Also featured artists Eric Barao “On Holiday,” and The Thigh Highs “Carrol Gardens” will be appearing live at Power Popaholic Fest this September!

 

Friday Freebies: The Foreign Films, Exohxo, The McLovings and The Buzz

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The Foreign Films: The amazing talent of Bill Majoros is back! This is a special preview of 6 full songs from the upcoming double album The Record Collector (side 3). The full album should be out soon, but this taste tells me it could reach my top ten list this year. Enjoy!

Exohxo: a funny name but a great sound. Exohxo is a domesticated five-piece chamber rock band from Seattle that spent their their twenties in lets-take-over-the-world touring bands. Now scattered across their thirties with families, jobs, and mortgages, these seemingly well-adjusted and entirely approachable adults appear unwilling to finish growing up if that means surrendering the music and the camaraderie that has always been integral to their happiness.

The McLovings: I guess there are worse names than a character from the movie Superbad who is a nerd, but the man. The guys are from San Sebastián, Spain and the accents are heavy, but so is the rock.

The Buzz: Washington D.C.’s The Buzz sound a little rough, but the bass lead melodies and impressive musicianship keep this band afloat. I liked the anthem-like “Drunk and Cryin” and mid tempo “Pack it in, Girl” showcase this bands classic rock chops.