Bird Streets and Lane Steinberg

Bird Streets

Bird Streets “Bird Streets”

It’s been a long journey for New York songwriter John Brodeur. Since his 2000 debut Tiger Pop, he’s been collaborating, writing and performing for nearly two decades, and through it all maturing as a musician. John’s new project is called Bird Streets, and its a collaboration with the producer and multi-instrumentalist Jason Falkner (Jellyfish) that delivers satisfying results. Falkner has notably has brought out the best in his recent partnerships (R. Stevie Moore, Bent Von Looy) and this continues the trend.

The familiar, but fresh opener “Carry On” has got handclaps and guitar hooks, embracing the best of power pop with its layered melody. Falkner’s influence is really strong on the brilliant single “Betting on the Sun” as it mixes a jangling rhythm with its shimmering light chorus and dark lyric. “Spaceship” is a notable metaphor for the musician’s addictive life as Brodeur states “No way of stopping until life had passed me by.”

The bright “Thanks For Calling” is a great song of longing with a bouncy melody and a catchy bass line. “Heal” describes an abusive co-dependent relationship, with soaring harmonies. Most every track hits its mark, with only a few quiet moments. Overall this is easily Brodeur’s best album, and it continues Falkner’s winning track record. Highly recommended and makes my top ten list for 2018. Kudos once again to Omnivore Records for this one!

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Lane Steinberg

Lane Steinberg “Lane Steinberg and His Magical Pony”

Lane Steinberg is a prolific musician often mixing experiments in melodies alongside mini pop symphonies. Sometimes it all comes together (like the brilliant 8×8 projects) and sometimes it doesn’t. This LP gathers many older singles and collaborations. Often I compare him to Todd Rundgren in approach, and the opener “You’re Not Connected To The Internet” has the catchy melody, and crashing percussion. Next, “Another Early Autumn” is a magical Brian Wilson styled composition that showcases Lane’s vocals and savvy production skills.

We do get collaborations with Stevie R. Moore (“Franklin & First”) and David Grahame (“After Taxes”), among others. More highlights include the very Ray Davies-like “Everyone Thinks I’m Happy Now” and the breezy “Portofino.” Overall, a worthy addition to your playlist and it gives the novice listener a good primer to Lane’s musical milieu.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

R. Stevie Moore, Jason Falkner and Matthew Shacallis

Mothboxer

R. Stevie Moore and Jason Falkner “Make It Be” Limited Edition

This hidden LP was a real gem of a find only on Bandcamp. Prolific and iconic DIY musician R. Stevie Moore collaborates with Jason Falkner (Jellyfish, TV Eyes) on this 17 track mix of polished pop and artistic styles. “I H8 Ppl” is a true collaboration, with Jason’s hook filled guitar licks and Stevie’s vocals bringing it home. Being a Falkner album you get his unique melodic DNA in the musing “Another Day Slips Away” a brilliant mantra about the quick passage of time where we “Sleep, Eat, Love, Work and Play.” This fades into the dreamy psyche-pop of “I Love Us, We Love Me,” with its layered production and trippy vocal overdubs. This also being a R. Stevie project, you get plenty of experimental tracks like the instrumental “Gower” or poetry of “Prohibited Permissions.”

Jason’s melodic genius comes through on several tracks like “Sincero Amore” and “Play Myself Some Music.” Then “That’s Fine, What Time?” was a bit like a TV Eyes song. I also loved the thick Cheap Trick riffs on “I Am The Best For You” allow Stevie to yell along with a cacophony of guitars. But I was also totally drawn to the boogie of Stevie’s cover of Huey “Piano” Smith & the Clowns “Don’t You Just Know It” and listing to Stevie’s brainstorming ideas like “Falkner’s Walk.” The title is a smart play on the Beatles title, where you “make it” not “let it” happen. Highly Recommended.
power pop

Bandcamp Only


Matthew Shacallis

Matthew Shacallis “Reach The Stars” EP

Shacallis is from Sydney Australia, and his sound is pure power pop gold. “Summer Sun” and “Tell Me Girl” both have a sweet jangling melody and vocal style similar to Teenage Fanclub.  “Nothing To Show” is a bit rougher, like classic You Am I. “Do You Love Me” is a little more retro sounding, a little like The Animals but with a poppier sound. The title track is a slower acoustic guitar ballad, with some overdubbed harmonies, and overall its very well done debut. I look forward to more from Matthew!
power pop
Bandcamp only

Reissues: Jellyfish “Bellybutton” and “Spilt Milk”

Jellyfish Bellybutton

Jellyfish “Bellybutton” 2-CD Remastered Edition

When it comes to power pop, the band Jellyfish have been the most influential band for the genre in the past 20 years, and is a yardstick by which most other bands from the modern rock era can be judged. Jellyfish captured the melodious qualities of The Beatles in a modern indie rock style, all wrapped up with tight melodies and arrangements.

This new 2-CD set captures the 1990 debut, with a set of live performances and demos adding up to 25 additional tracks. Previously these demos only appeared on the long out-of-print box set. On top of the remastered sound quality, you get expanded artwork and liner notes. More details at Omnivore.
Buy at Amazon

Jellyfish Spilt Milk

Jellyfish “Split Milk” 2-CD Remastered Edition

Once established, the bands driving forces Andy Sturmer and Roger Manning, Jr. increased the intensity on “Spilt Milk” and delivered an updated “Sgt. Pepper” for the new generation. The dream concept incorporated many music styles from the classical strings on “Hush” to the guitar rock on “Joining a Fan Club” to the polka style of “Bye Bye Bye.” This is another one of those desert island discs, and its a shame the band imploded after this masterpiece.

Like the debut CD, the new remaster includes 26 additional bonus tracks that are mainly demos and live performances including the last ever recording from them, Harry Nilsson’s “Think About Your Troubles.” Also included is expanded artwork and notes, including a track by track commentary, and essays from Ken Sharp. More details at Omnivore.
Buy at Amazon

Considering the the long out of print box set “Fan Club” is worth well over $150 in new condition, these new albums are the definitive Jellyfish collection (at a bargain price.)
Also if you have friends that want to know what power pop is supposed to sound like this is the best gift you can give them.