May EPs: The Martial Arts, Cliff Hillis, Dropkick, Old Town Crier, Joe Dilillo

The quirky under-rated Martial Arts does what it does best. Brilliant modern pop in “Guilt By Association” and “Bethany” with memorable choruses, and “The Wild Humdrum” is a Sparks-like gem that is just too much fun. Cliff Hillis gathered his “Brunch Sessions” inspired by this past year of social distanced shows, and I just love the acoustic version of Nik Kershaw’s “Wouldn’t It Be Good.” So UK band Dropkick has been super busy this year, dropping a Greatest Hits LP, and releasing expanded editions of their first 2 LPs. A FREE sample of “Obvious” is here for you to pick up. Old Town Crier aka Jim Lough makes us an old-fashioned blues pop EP; “Don’t Go” is a keeper. Unsung heroes are what power pop celebrates, and we should celebrate long-time producer-engineer Joe Dilillo coming from behind the soundboard to the microphone with “Loser Girl,” a great ballad with help from the Lickerish Quartet. More details on Joe at 50thirdand3rd.