Tag: andy partridge

Mid-July fireworks: Steve Conte, Andy Partridge, Scott Gagner, Nick Frater, The Goods, The Radio Field, Fallon Cush, Clone

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Steve Conte and Andy Partridge delivered a sweet firework last week, “Fourth of July” and it’s a terrific rocker (cool video too!) Speaking of duos, who can withstand the combined might of power poppers Scott Gagner & Nick Frater? Not me, as “Never Could See Any Other Way” recorded in Abby Road Studios, has that Beatlesque spirit in advance of Gagner’s upcoming album.


On to the EPs, and I was very impressed with a new band called The Goods. Self-produced in the band’s own studio in Oakland, CA, by Rob Good its awesome hooks and guitar riffs are what I look for. German band The Radio Field has a sweet jangle, and “ooh-la-la” backing vocals from Robert Stadlober. It’s been a few years since I’ve heard some new Fallon Cush, as “Grain of Salt” is a contemplative bit of roots pop. I love Glam, and Clone knows Glam with a solid female lead in Juniper Watters on “Queen.” A great freebie this month, as RumBar Records gives you some Swagger – a 35-track sampler of loud rock and roll. Cheers!





The Power Popaholic Interview: Martin Newell

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Martin Newell is a poet, author, musician, gardener and general troublemaker. As the main singer/songwriter from the Cleaners From Venus, he self-released his albums on cassette and did his best to avoid the music industry while building a fan base, becoming an inspiration for many DIY musicians. Martin talks about some advice he got starting out, meeting and working with Andy Partridge (XTC) and his memories of the 1960′s.
I have such a good time chatting with Martin, I pull a Zelig and my own voice starts to unconsciously imitate his accent! Martin also has been adding funny promotional videos for his album “Return To Bohemia” called Mule TV. It’s obviously a Monty Python inspired video series with looney interviews with a tune thrown in.
Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6

Mike Keneally & Andy Partridge “Wings Beat Fantastic Songs”

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Mike Keneally and Andy Partridge are both geniuses, and this album is pure magic. Keneally is a Frank Zappa devotee and virtuoso guitarist. And for XTC fans this album is a delicate treat with Andy in top form on the single “I’m Raining Here Inside.” Keneally is known more as an experimental artist, with Andy being a primary influence – so the duo fits together better than peanut butter and jelly.

“Wings Beat Fantastic” is the most pastoral tune I’ve heard since XTC’s Mummer and the best blend of Keneally’s guitar mastery and Andy’s angular composition is “You Kill Me.” Every song may not have a hook, but the gorgeous passages and chord shifts are impossible to ignore. More gems include the ballad “Your House” and the double tracked vocals of “Miracle Woman and Man.” This is also a very accessible album, and even Keneally’s experimental pop tendencies (“Bobeau”) fall within the Partridge milieu. Clearly one of the best collaborations this year.

Itunes | Amazon