July is hot and rainy, but the music keeps on coming. First a really cool AI video from my buddy Bill Lloyd on “Miles Behind” with the moody jazz sax, and lounge percussion, it’s a smooth instrumental, very different from the usual country or power pop. But hey, we are a power pop blog, so let’s not forget it. Sloan returns with
something cinematic as well, “Live Forever” is a typical gem with a great chorus from the upcoming album. Another dramatic preview is Trolley and “A Carnival of Grey and White” that boasts a great song with a cool synth and bass rhythm. The guitars punctate each verse here and it sails. New Jersey band Original+ has an energetic EP just check out “Can’t Hang” and “Fraidy Cat.” Jonathan Rundman’s new single is kinda like vintage Mojo Nixon, about getting fireworks. Finally, Mary Strand gets to the point of it all with “Does any of it really matter?” Sometimes I ask myself the same thing. Enjoy.