Category: Album Preview
Jim Basnight and The Junior League
Jim Basnight “Under The Rock”
Jim Basnight has been active since the late 70s, first with the Moberlys and later as a solo artist, helping shape Seattle’s pre grunge indie rock scene. His new album, ‘Under The Rock,’ began in 2023 with sessions in Athens, Georgia, organized by bassist John Carlucci. Back in Seattle, Basnight and longtime co producer Garey Shelton expanded the recordings with new harmonies and guitar work from his current band. Inspired by the results, they cut more tracks in 2024 and 2025, rotating players and building a deep pool of material.
As a longtime fan, I hear the spark of his early records paired with the control of a seasoned writer. He opens “All Summer Long” with the feel of a lost John Fogerty tune, driven by Basnight’s steady swagger. “Get It Out” hits fast and hard, and the country tinged “Other Woman” and “So F’ed Up” lean into sharp storytelling and hooks that stick after one listen. The solid “Think Of Me,” and the heart felt ballad “Ones That Got Away” are also highlights here. If you care about strong songs, tight playing, and records you will spin more than once, this one delivers. Highly recommended.
The Junior League “The Moon Neither Noticed Nor Ignored”
Joe Adragna returns as The Junior League with another batch of melodic guitar rock that hits the mark. He has built a track record for consistency, and this set keeps that streak intact. “Sunset Park” and “A Matter of Time” feel like instant staples, built on clean jangle, strong melodic lines, and Adragna’s weathered vocal, which gives the songs lived in credibility.
“Just As Long As I Have You” leans into earnest mid tempo territory, layering guitars around a direct love lyric. “The Naked Lunchbox” taps into the smooth, harmony rich sound of Eagles in their late 70s prime, without sounding retro for the sake of it. “Never Quite The Same” raises the bar with a more detailed arrangement, subtle backing harmonies, and tasteful slide guitar that adds depth.
Adragna pushes harder on “I Hate To Break It To You,” where distorted guitar and punchy percussion give the track a blues punk edge. He pivots back to bright, guitar driven pop on “Until You Get It Right,” proving he knows how to balance grit and melody. The emotional core runs deepest on the extended “Forget Forget Me Nots,” which closes the album with weight, reflection and great guitar riffs. This stands among his strongest efforts and deserves your attention. Highly recommended and an early nominee for 2026.
Video premiere and more stuff: The Smug Brothers, Ridel High, Pop Boomerang, The Happy Somethings, Sr. Pez, Pop Boomerang
The Smug Brothers are back with a new album, due in May titled ‘Gravity Is Just A Way To Fall’ check out the premiere of a new video by skate legend Dave Ackels. You can pre-order the album here. Now some FREEBIES! Next before Tsar became a big Hollywood power pop band, Ridel High was there, and here is a new digital EP of remastered ’90s demos. Next, UK band The Happy Somethings deliver happy folk pop that have us “Thinkin’ ‘bout good times.” and from Elche, Spain this psychedelic pop band Sr. Pez is just “Walking In Circles.” Finally, I am happy to report the return of Pop Boomerang Records compilations, this new one is ‘Electric & Eclectic Rarities Volume 2.’ It bundles up previously unreleased songs, demos, live versions, rare B-sides and a huge array of covers. Enjoy the snow melt!
More August singles: DB Edmunds, It’s Karma It’s Cool, Natalie Sweet, Brad Marino, Crossword Smiles, Vanilla, Freya Josephine Hollick, Electric Lecture
No more weather-related puns. Just great new music. DB Edmunds is a welcome sight after all this time. As a member of power pop greats The Gladhands and The Stars Explode, he’s back with a solo effort that sounds excellent. UK band It’s Karma It’s Cool has a new single out with the help of Peter Holsapple(dB’s. R.E.M. and Hootie & The Blowfish). Another notable collaboration is Natalie Sweet and Brad Marino (The Connection), the first single has Sweet singing the rocker “Second Time.” And yet another pairing with Michigan indie pop veterans Tom Curless and Chip Saam combine to form Crossword Smiles, they sing “Parallel Lines” in advance of their new album. And power pop band Vanilla decides to go full disco for its upcoming ‘77′ album, with the teaser “Ka-Bang!” sung by Ava Adams. I randomly came across Freya Josephine Hollick, and her tune ‘Me & Mine’ is for all the misfits, the ousted, those who live on the fringes of society trying to make ends meet, and finally a video from an eclectic group called Electric Lecture. The band is the brainchild of Greg Ansin, Bronson Taalbi, and Anthony J Resta, and the band is influenced by XTC, Tom Petty, and Beck. Can’t wait to hear more from them!
Early August singles and premieres: Kerosene Stars, Lily Frost, Vegas With Randolph, Matt Steele, Sharp Class, Phil Thornalley, Late Cambrian
Toronto singer/songwriter Lily Frost releases “Seagull,” from her upcoming LP Decompression, and it’s impossible to ignore with its driving beat and layered harmonies. Power pop favorites Vegas With Randolph is back with the compelling “Shake The Cage” and love those horn flourishes! Matt Steele has a deceptively catchy bedroom pop hit here with “Vintage Photo Filter,” which just grows on you with each chorus. Nottingham blokes Sharp Class kicks some ass with “Tales of A Teenage Mind,” as it marries the buzzsaw riffs with Oliver Orton’s cheeky punk vocals. And we have some neat video singles too; Phil Thornalley‘s “Fast Car” is a loving homage to Jeff Lynne’s style that sticks in your head, and Late Cambrian is back with a skater’s perfect theme “The Last Wave” is off the upcoming LP, Future Snacks. Mmm, Tasty!