Tag: John Wicks

Tributes: John Wicks and Australian Wildfires

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John Wicks

Assorted Artists “For The Record: A Tribute to John Wicks”

The great John Wicks (The Records) sadly passed away in 2018 while he fought a lengthy battle with cancer. During that time he continued to write music and was planning to release a final album. He was gone before he could finish it all himself, but producer Jamie Hoover (The Spongetones), pop journalist Richard Rossi and Kool Kat Musik made sure John’s final songs saw the light of day. Each contributing artist involved had a personal connection to John.  They gave generously of their time and talents, as a tribute to the man who dazzled us with the power-pop hit “Starry Eyes.” Proceeds from all sales go to John’s son Perry and to the American Cancer Society. Highly Recommended.

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Assorted Artists “Pop! Fights The Flames (benefit album for the people of Australia)”

A special digital benefit album, whereby every artist on this compilation has donated a song to help support the people of Australia where many have been ravaged by the awful bushfires during the Australian Summer. 90% of sales from this album will go to the RFS NSW (Rural Fire Service). Some brilliant music is part of this massive 34 track benefit album; including power pop favorites: Nick Frater, Chris Price, Dana Countryman, Lisa Mychols, Wyatt Funderburk, Eric Barao and many more. Highly Recommended.

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RIP John Wicks of The Records

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Singer-guitarist John Wicks of the British power-pop band The Records, who were best known for the classic 1978 pop gem “Starry Eyes,” passed away in a Burbank hospice on Sunday morning, Oct. 7, 2018.

Born in Reading, England, he moved to Los Angeles after relocating to the United States in 1994. Wicks, who had been battling cancer for several years, nonetheless was able to tour and perform locally until not long before his death with other notable artists like Paul Collins and Bangles drummer Debbi Peterson.

The Records, like other pioneers of the late 70’s (Shoes, 20/20, Blue Ash) was part of a great power pop revival that continues to resonate today. John’s skill for crafting gorgeous melodies continued long after The Records career and he had several great solo power pop LPs including 2008’s Rotate. It is a must-have for true power pop aficionados. You will be missed John — Rest In Peace.

John Amadon and The Records

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John Amadon “The Bursting Sheaf”
Portland based guitarist extraordinaire, Amadon gives us a quick reminder on the opening instrumental “Saltwater Crocodile,” so fans of guitar gods (Vai, Satriani, etc.) take note. But this is a minor diversion. “Walking The Shoulder” goes in the opposite direction, with a folk rock strum and an earnest vocal similar to Steve Forbert or Al Stewart.

“Set Stone” follows a similar path, with a delicate piano and guitar melody dripping with defiance, it starts “If I’m going to hell at least its a short march…” The West Coast feel and brilliant bass riffs on “Sisters of the Blue Horizon” bring to mind Thunderclap Newman and makes it one of the best songs here too. So no filler either; each song is well written and contributes to a cohesive whole LP. If this doesn’t make you an Amadon fan I don’t know what will.

The Records featuring John Wicks “Works In Progress”
John Wicks opens up the archives for this this 12-song collection of demos, rare and unreleased recordings from 1982-2012.  This exclusive CD-R from Kool Kat Musik is a must for any  Records fan, and while there aren’t any big hits here, you get some very interesting songs. I loved “Union Jack,” a rocker in the style of The Who, that totally busts on the UK.

Kool Kat Musik exclusive