Category: EPs

October Non-Halloween singles and EPs: Maura Weaver, Corin Ashley, Brad Marino, Late Cambrian, Webstirs, Future Teens

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Maura Weaver’s ‘Strange Devotion’ came out last month, but feels more appropriate for Halloween. Especially the single “The Face,” shown in this video. High quality indie pop that deserves more attention here! Also back is Corin Ashley with his new EP, check out the pop goodness of “Empathy Centre” and my fave here, “Monkey.”  Rocker Brad Marino needs no “Voodoo” to get me interested in his fantastic riffs, always a welcoming sound. Late Cambrian is back with a quirky indie pop gem “Into The Lilac Tree.” It’s got great chord shifts and Olive’s amazing vocal floating behind the swirling melody. John Wlaysewski’s layered composition is really impressive here. It’s been a long time since I heard from Chicago’s Webstirs, but this new tune is a good sign that I will enjoy their new album. Finally, Future Teens have very meme-aware lyrics on “Adjust Failure” about future anxiety and seems perfect for these times. A standout line; “I’m not getting any younger and it’s clear to me now.” Next week, bring out yer dead, or some candy!




Say Goodbye-to-Summer singles and EPs: The High Frequencies, Maple Mars, The Chelsea Curve, Flutter, Bobby Conn, Jared Bond

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Firstly, The High Frequencies (with Lisa Mychols) sings some “Modern Love” for the new Jem Records compilation celebrating David Bowie. Like all the Jem comps, it’s loaded with talent and class. Big Stir Records helps celebrate the 25th anniversary of California pysche-poppers Maple Mars and it “Couldn’t Have Been A Better Time” to put out a single. If you ever need a solid catchy rocker, just ask The Chelsea Curve as “Kindawanna” scratches that itch. This month’s freebie is courtesy of Denver’s cool band Flutter and the “When You Love Somebody” EP. Really great raw power pop without the frills, and you’ve got no excuses–so download it. For true art, check out Bobby Conn‘s “Bobby’s Place” a sonic feast of styles, but I loved the glammy “Sixties Babies” the whole EP pushes all the right pop buttons, so check it out! Finally, Jared Bond‘s “Sugar Rush” has the definitive summer lyric; “I’ll play you something chill, catchy, and cool. Let’s take a little dip in the kiddy pool.” Enjoy this last weekend at the pool, kiddies!




July singles: Bill Lloyd, Sloan, Trolley, Original+, Jonathan Rundman, Mary Strand

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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.




April Showers: Corin Ashley, Chris Stamey, The Lemon Twigs, Geoff Palmer, Rocket Rules, Crossword Smiles, The Supernaturals

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A massive amount of quality music is coming out now: Firstly, check out the return of Corin Ashley with “Empathy Centre,” with it’s guitar crunch and free wheeling lyric, “The Commandant of kindness would like a word with you…” Next the biggest surprise; a super team up of Chris Stamey and The Lemon Twigs doing a gorgeous Beach Boys styled ballad, and the album is expected this summer. Geoff Palmer returns with his punk pop perfection on ‘Kodak Flash’. Each song here is a winner! Next, this month’s freebie is the dense, lush dream pop of Rocket Rules. Give it a listen with headphones. Another new gem is Crossword Smiles latest “Falling All Over Myself” and the consistently good band The Supernaturals with a new pair of tunes destined for the upcoming album “Show Tunes.” Enjoy the sun, popaholics!




April singles, EPs and more: Cristóvam, Falling Stars, Autogramm, Small Yards, Tiny Tiny, Swagger

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No fools joke here. Check out this new single from Cristóvam. “Fever” walks the fine line between struggle and redemption, exploring the delicate balance between “chaos and hope”. For this song, Cristóvam teamed up with Australian indie-folk band Boy & Bear, resulting in a unique and atmospheric sound. Chicago-based four-piece Falling Stars have quietly released the 3-song Garden Variety EP and its great, so take a listen. New wave popsters Autogramm are back with “Randy” loaded with guitars and synths. Next, Small Yards give a punchy performance with “Shake Me Loose.” For indie pop with personality, try Tiny Tiny, a project of Boone Williams and some friends. Some cool listening on “Ultra City” and “Born Yesterday.” As a freebie, you’ve got a brand new Rum Bar Records sampler, Swagger. Loaded with 28 tracks.Enjoy.