They Might Be Giants covers a giant influence of power pop, The Raspberries “Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)” for their new upcoming LP ‘The World is to Dig.’ I was glad to find the quirky power pop of Cult Canyon, check out the new EP and songs “Real Sublime” and “A Longing.” Vanilla chugs along with a new addition to ‘Lollygag’ project with the riff heavy “Hardly Surprised.” The biggest surprise is the freebie The Super True, with its own TMGB vibe on “Eyesore.” It’s always nice to get a visit from The Unswept. This new EP has real Fountain of Waynes vibe, and “Almost Always Better” has a Rivers Cuomo reference, so what’s not to love? Finally with Andy Goldberg’s Honeymoon Stallions getting attention, one of his earlier musical efforts Stupid Grin from 1999 is now available on Bandcamp, and it still holds up as timeless power pop goodness. Enjoy!
Category: EPs
The last of March: Rob Bonfiglio, Tamarack, Gooey Cookie, Friends of Cesar Romero, The Linda Lindas, Al Ham
Bob Bonfigio returns with a really strong single, and I know an album review isn’t far behind. Next we have Tamarack, an indie pop band from Michigan, and it’s a freebie. Well they reference Alex Chilton on “Everything You’ve Heard,” so it gets bonus points in my book. It’s also got lots of lo-fi charm and harmonies. Gooey Cookie is a melodic punk grunge outfit, and I really liked “Bored to Tears” and “Wired Weird.” Next a high energy freebie from Friends of Cesar Romero, as part of a trilogy of albums for 2026, so far. These guys are super prolific! Next, The Linda Lindas do a Ramones version of an old cover “California Sun,” originally a hit by The Rivieras in 1963. And finally a special thanks to Joe Giddings for turning me on to this rare slice of 1970s pop, “Move Closer to Your World” by Al Ham. This iconic anthem was created by the same team that gave you the “Buy the World a Coke” commercial at the time. Young adults can look at the last episode of “Mad Men” for the reference.
March singles: The Grip Weeds, TV Sound, Kai Danzberg, The Morning Line, Your Academy, Willis Van Doorn
March roars in like a lion, but I prefer The Grip Weeds! “Spinning The Wheel” is a kick ass song from their last LP, and it makes a great video. New is the band TV Sound from New Jersey, check out the rock riffs on the middle of “No Guarantees” and “Zak” and you will be hooked. Long time fave Kai Danzberg thought it was “Time To Change,” and gets a bit heavier than usual here, but his attitude sells it. More to the point, The Morning Line is back with “90s Pickup” and liking that chorus where we “stare to the right, stare to the left.” Pickup this great freebie! Memphis band Your Academy also is back, and it’s got a “Kind of Love” that sounds like a new romantic classic to me. Finally, Willis Van Doorn from Kansas City, has a bright pair of pop singles here. Expect an album out this summer. Also, next week expects to be much busier for me, so stay glued to this site. More to come!
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!
Feb Freebies, singles, eps: Banda AL9, The Black Watch, Log Flume, High On Stress, John Lebhar, Vista Blue, Left Letters
Now that Banda AL9 is signed to Wicked Cool Records, I am so glad these talented brothers (Matheus Khouri & Thiago Khouri) from Brazil will get more exposure. Here they are doing a classic Kurt Baker & Wyatt Funderburk power pop gem. The Black Watch is back with a new single in advance of an LP, and this is a band that ages like fine Cabernet. Another band that slipped under the radar 2 years ago was Log Flume from Philly, PA. They have a great sound and we’ve got a new single that rocks (and hopefully a new LP on the way). Next I am loading you all up with freebies: RumBar Records delivers a great EP by Minneapolis band High On Stress. I loved the Tommy Keene cover “Nothing Can Change You.” This was a surprise, as Massachusetts musician John Lebhar caught my attention with the hooky “Can’t Quiet Explain,” and he’s got a lot great music (not all power pop) and its worth your time checking out his catalog on Bandcamp. A familiar voice is always comforting, and Ramones like riffs of Vista Blue are no exception. Left Letters are another band that blends indie pop, fuzz core and melody. Enjoy the goodies and remember uncle Frank’s advice; don’t eat the yellow snow!