Videos and Freebies: Coach Hop, Andy Ketch, Gerry O’Keefe, Skeleton Staff

This is a sweet single by a new band called Coach Hop, the brainchild of London musician Charlie Laurence. It’s very much in the Weezer-style and while on the surface its a love song to the titular pop star by a fan, upon closer inspection is an observation on the state of the modern music industry. Get it on Amazon


Andy Ketch of Mooner has a solo LP here with a grungy sounding set of pop tunes. “Oh Summer” and “New Day” would’ve fit nicely on a ’90s rock comp. “Things Fall Apart” is another good one. FREE download.

Chicago-area artist Gerry O’Keefe was part of powerpop act The Hideouts. His melodic style blends classic popcraft with roots- and folk-based elements. “Tenth Round Punches” and “Never Was A Dancer” are standouts on this unusual solo release. FREE download.

Boy, do I miss Skeleton Staff. It sounds like the funk that the band has been in since the Cabaret-like musical KURFÜRSTENDAMMNED remains, as “It’s Murder” is a low key paean to gun culture apathy. But it does have a neat break at the 2:50 mark and it is a FREE download.

Freebie Saturdays: Emerging Artists

This is a little like speed speed dating for the musician and the listener. I get a TON of e-mails from bands, many not suitable for review or even consideration. Then I get the stuff that almost makes it. Maybe I only liked one or two songs, but these artists deserve an outlet once in a while. These artists offer their music as an Bandcamp download for FREE, and who knows you may like a lot of them more than I did.
Quarterbacks
New Paltz kids playing smelly old basement DIY punk pop backed by guitar and a single snare drum. It’s got some charm to it, and songs are under 2 minutes each!


Andy Ketch
Rough as hell Chicago guitarist with a melodic gift, plays both folk and rock.


Daveit Ferris
Irish Musician with a heavy alternative style of power pop offers up a pretty good EP. RIYL: Weezer, Green Day

Slow Buildings
Slow Buildings is the outlet for the songwriting skills of New Jersey singer Jason Legacy. Pretty cool melodic rock – a little like old school Joe Jackson in spots. Just listen to it.