November Singles and EPs: The Dollyrots, Timmy Sean, CLONE, Wild Arrows, KC Bowman, Wyatt Funderburk


A very big month ahead, we start with The Dollyrots, likely the coolest rock and roll parents, bassist/vocalist/mom Kelly Ogden, and her husband, guitarist/dad Luis Cabezas. They released the Night Owls LP last month, and this cool song, “Hot Mom with the Skinny Pants On,” is likely this decade’s “Stacy’s Mom.” After that, with all the hoopla over the “new” Beatles single, I found someone who covers it better than The Threetles, and that would be Timmy Sean! Next CLONE has it all: Glam guitars and a kick-ass female band. Check out “Queen” on the new EP, Knock Out Drops Vol. II. Next, NYC’s own Wild Arrows has a neat 80s vibe and a strong, catchy group of songs that deserve your attention. Then we get a very cool freebie from KC Bowman (Corner Laughers) and it’s a full album of 16 gems—so much good music I can’t just pick one song to highlight. Finally, in advance of his new LP, producer and songwriter Wyatt Funderburk returns with two singles. “November” is very subtle and light, but the follow-up “You’ll Know” is another gorgeous ballad that Wyatt does so well. More releases, and I’m behind again!




Artist Profile: KC Bowman

Oakland, California multi-instrumentalist KC Bowman has been extremely active recently, to the point that I had to dedicate this entire post to him. He has been described as a studio hermit with Beatlesque tendencies. Comparisons to XTC, The Talking Heads, R. Stevie Moore, and Beck are a good primer for what to expect on his albums, and he’s contributed to many bands including The Agony Aunts, The Corner Laughers, and his own Preoccupied Pipers. A few weeks ago we reviewed his solo masterwork Fresher Tin Villages.

KC Bowman

KC Bowman “Important With A Capital I”

This is a comprehensive “greatest hits” package that covers Bowman’s career from solo works, other bands and rare compilations he’s been in. It opens with some great catchy singles; “The Super Bad Report,” “Mine Called Somebody Else,” and “Palomine Cranes.” It also includes several other bands he’s played with like Vinny’s Vipers and Rhythm Akimbo. With a massive collection of 25 tracks, this is a great “starter kit” for those wanting a good mix of KC in their playlist. It’s one of the best single artist anthologies I’ve heard this year and at $5, it’s a bargain bin special!

Bandcamp

Fireproof Sam

Fireproof Sam and The Network Stars “Get Passive”

KC Bowman gathers a huge assortment of talented friends including power pop favorites like Bradley Skaught, Rhythm Akimbo, The Agony Aunts, Pop 4 and more. Excellent lyrical wordplay highlight “Screwed Over By Stylish Introverts” and “Old Trope Academy.” You also hear some Motown influence on “Tryna Be Bolth” and playful Ska on “Obvious Scarecrow.” “Vaticial Trance” sound like a lost Orange Peels outtake. And with the inclusion of the catchy power pop of “Rev Nine” and “Idiot Rock,” it’s all very good. All sales will benefit Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating stigma and promoting recovery and wellness for people with mental illness.

Bandcamp

The Preoccupied Pipers

The Preoccupied Pipers “Stupid People Going Stupid Places”

In 1992 Bowman began making recordings with members of a pop band called Lawsuit, and shortly afterward collected these homemade recordings and dubbed them The Preoccupied Pipers. Incredibly, this loose collective of friends continues to make catchy eclectic pop. Unstructured but very melodic, the Pipers have amassed a huge collection of music that’s as good (maybe better) than anything Robert Pollard (Guided By Voices) has done.

This latest gem is a fun listen from bouncy opener “Art and Culture” to the multiple lead vocals on “Pirahna.” And the power pop tunes still dazzle, check out “Azalea Divine,” “Truck Bombs” and a crisp cover of Gordon Lightfoot’s “Sundown.” A few silly fillers here, but it’s a FREE download so I won’t complain. In fact, the entire Pipers catalog (ten albums) is available on Bandcamp for FREE. Enough music for ya?

Bandcamp

Michael Simmons and KC Bowman

Michael Simmons

Michael Simmons “First Days of Summer”

Simmons was the guitarist for powerpop band Sparkle*Jets UK and was last heard on The Yorktown Lads. “Do Your Best to Care” is Michael’s promise to give you quality music as a “normal guy,” and he does in a very matter of fact way on the mid-tempo opener. “Get Back What You Put In” is a highlight with a terrific pop melody and great harmonies that deliver a powerful message. “Fuzzy Green Hat” is wonderful quirky Harry Nilsson-like pop gem about writer’s block and “No More Girls” is like a lost XTC gem about getting that “teenage feeling” when you are an adult.

The second half slows down with the calming Beach Boys-like title track, then out of nowhere “EP’s Are Weak” delivers a rap that answers the question “Why is this fat old white dude spittin’ out rhymes?” Well, it turns out to be great advice for the young artists out there and a good argument for the full-length long player. The album does wander a bit into cheesy 80’s moments like “Let’s Fall In Love” and “It’s My Fault.” I liked the more guitar oriented “Bucket List” with its honky-tonk beat and the grungy shredding on “Dirt Nap.” What makes this album really work is that you see the humor in Michael’s lyrics and his day job philosophy (as a teacher) in the music. In addition, the skilled production and composition are also great. Highly Recommended.

Bandcamp only


KC Bowman

KC Bowman “Fresher Tin Villages”

KC Bowman is involved in many groups (Agony Aunts, The Corner Laughers, Preoccupied Pipers) but in 1997 Bowman’s Fresher Tin Villages was a huge feature in Bruce Brodeen’s Not Lame catalog. And for good reason.

Bowman delivers a power pop classic here with piano gems (“Palomine Cranes”), guitar brilliance (“Cuban Illness Anxiety”) and each tune flows into the next. Fans of Emitt Rhodes, XTC, and Ben Folds will love this, but if this is new to you — wow, you struck music gold here. The twenty songs pass by so fast, you will be compelled to repeat it over and over. The original CD is a high priced find on Amazon, but I recommend this remastered version on Bandcamp. Proceeds from all sales will benefit Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating stigma and promoting recovery and wellness for people with mental illness.

Amazon (original) | Bandcamp

Friday Freebies: Robyn Gibson, Ed Ryan, KC Bowman and Vista Blue

Bob of The Pops Vol.2 – The Juniper lead singer Robyn Gibson did such an impressive job with Vol.1, he decided to make more covers. Vol.2 was recorded from January to May, 2017 at the sofa studio in Leicester and at the Junipers’ studio, while the band weren’t watching. FREE download everyone, so sing along to The Monkees “The Girl That I Knew Somewhere”

Ed Ryan decided to give us a bonus track from his well-reviewed Roadmap album. It’s a new recording of a song he wrote with his old band The Rudies. Enjoy the crashing drums and quick riffs!

KC Bowman (Gigolo Aunts, Corner Laughers) is an undisputed pop talent that we hear from all too infrequently. It’s been ages since he’s done a solo album, but he delivers us two excellent pop singles here I am happy to share. Keep your eyes and ears open for more! KC – if you are reading, we would love a new full-length album, please.


Vista Blue is back with a selection of covers that’s sure to warm a power pop fans heart. From Big Star’s classic “Thirteen” to a rocking garage version of Depeche Mode “Dreaming Of Me.”

The Corner Laughers “Poppy Seeds”

In the liner notes it asks “Who is immune to the charms of airy female vocals and ukulele, with lyrics full of pith (but not vinegar)?” Not me (that’s for sure). Led by the harmonies of Karla Kane, with bassist Khoi Huynh, drummer Charlie Crabtree, and guitarists KC Bowman and Angela Silletto, the indie band’s latest features a who’s who of indie power pop guests (Allen Clapp, Anton Barbeau, Mike Viola). The irresistible melody of “Grasshopper Clock” is full of weaving harmonies sure to please and the “Bells of El Camino” is a little more twee pop, think The Essex Green meets Saint Etienne. This approach follows the next several songs here, and standouts include “Laughing Stars” and the solo ukulele ditty “Twice The Luck” is such quirky fun, you expect it to be the theme song for the next Zooey Deschanel show.

And then it shifts to more catchy themes, all based around San Francisco. The piano led theme to area’s tallest skyscraper “Transamerica Pyramid” is a perfect summer tune with handclaps and Beach Boys styled harmonies. The sunshine-pop melancholy of “8:18” is full of anticipation, and even “Chicken Bingo” has fun with the band’s West Coast image. “They asked us where we came from, we said “San Francisco” –They asked again we said “Outer Space,” and the ending track “The Perfect Weather” is a long love letter to the city by the bay. Fans of The Agony Aunts will also love the composition and tight arrangements. Rarely does such a beautiful pop album arrive, it deserves to make my top ten list this year for sure.