Power Popaholic Fest is coming on June 16, 17 (next week) at Bar Matchless in Brooklyn, NY. Each year we have a soundtrack made with songs by some performers and like-minded artists. Your purchase helps fund the continuation of this long-running music festival dedicated to power pop artists. This year’s soundtrack features Somerdale, The Successful Failures, Lisa Mychols, Lannie Flowers, Cirrone, The Brittanicas, Jose Estragos and The Pop-Coop. Note: Limited time! Some tracks will only be available during the month of June.
Tag: Son of Skooshny
King Washington and Son of Skooshny
King Washington “Potential”
Los Angeles-based rock group King Washington is one of the most polished bands today, playing with a soulful passion and solid craftsmanship few can match. While “My Reflection” is a suitably understated opener, it tees up the amazing harmonies in the chorus of “Superman” guaranteed to give goosebumps. This is followed by the grand love song “Evelyn” played with layered guitars and that deep bass, recalling a Brian Wilsonesque majesty.
However, those great moments are settled between lesser songs, like “Love Be Gone!” and “Nowhere’s Hard To Find.” Surprisingly the band excels at slow building epics “Hey Boy” and “I Wouldn’t Laugh About It,” that starts very quiet and builds up into a rich, loud tapestry of sound. “Where You Belong” is a solid gem that draws from folk and alt-country-rock, sounding like they have claimed the mantle once owned by The Eagles. This feeling is reinforced by the slide-guitar closer “Climb Out Of The Valley.” Overall, this band is just too talented to ignore.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9lR33ixzUs
Son of Skooshny “Matchless Gifts 2006-2016”
While I don’t often review “greatest hits” packages, I will make an exception for the underappreciated Son of Skooshny. Son of Skooshny is a spin-off featuring Skooshny frontman Mark Breyer with producer–collaborator Steve Refling, then add the rest of the band; Bruce Wagner (guitar, keyboards, vocals), and David Winogrond (drums).
What sets this band apart from the rest is the modest approach and handcrafted jangle stylings to roots rock that compares well with Tom Petty, REM and Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy. Many favorites are included in the retrospective of the last ten years, mine are “No Ho,” “Dizzy” and “Knee Deep.” But you’d be hard pressed to find a wasted note here. Highly Recommended.
Spider72 and Son of Skooshny
Spider72 “Seven”
Neo-Psychedelic musician Simon Berry is the force behind pop band Beaulieu Porch and Spider72, so for those of you looking to tune in and trip out, you can’t get much better. “Fathermother” oozes sugary pop goodness on par with Olivia Tremor Control or The Pillbugs and each track following gets groovier. “Devolution” sports a layered riff with multiple vocals hitting each region of the speaker. Simon’s vocal isn’t the strongest, a bit too twee with a touch of Lennon but the melodies and guitar rhythms carry each tune. Taken from a variety of influences with lush production, some real standouts include “Thursday Night Revival” which adds a touch of The Who, and the Pepper-ism “It’s Good To Be Bad.” Occasionally the dense composing gets too thick (“Salavador’s Friends”) but if you love 60’s psyche-pop this is a “must buy.”
Bandcamp only
Son of Skooshny “Mid Cent Mod” EP
Skooshny frontman Mark Breyer with producer–collaborator Steve Reflingby returns with a damn fine example of roots oriented pop. Starting with the REM meets Elms like “Dizzy” it displays a memorable melody with a full rich sound. The title track “Mid Century Modern” has a touch of that SoCal sound that flows beautifully from one verse to another and the slow deliberate jangle on “Sorry” is an ineffectual plea “three strikes you’re out… I’m no good at apologies.” Each tune tells a vivid story, the production is flawless and that’s about all you need here. I just wish Mark picked a better band name. Highly Recommended.
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