Category: EPs

Monday Freebies: The Tonighters, District Attorneys and The Counters

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The Tonighters “Photograph” EP
A while back I let you all sample the new band The Tonighters. Well, Billy Gilbert and his band got enough interest from this blog, so he decided to pass along a new EP. And yes it’s also a FREE download from bandcamp. Seriously the band sounds better than ever – thanks!

The District Attorneys “Basement Sessions” EP
Here’s another hidden gem, Drew Beskin and his band have been prepping a new album, and these are some of the sessions, including a cover of “Wrecking Ball” written by Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings.  It’s also a FREE download from Bandcamp.

The Counters “This Doesn’t Mean We’re Friends”
This is a good combination album with a little power pop, folk and country sprinkled throughout. The London, Ontario band is basically musician Rupert Heath and his friends. Power pop fans will enjoy “When You Come Around” and  “New Orleans,” and if you like a bit of country try “Death Won’t Slow Me Down” and “Cowboy Song.” It proves that you don’t need to be a one-trick-pony as a musician. And it’s “Name-your-own-price” on bandcamp as a digital download.

Mid-Week Mini Reviews

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Sometimes there are just too many good releases and not enough time to review them all. These releases are definitely worth checking out – so I did a few quick reviews here.

Edward Rogers “Porcelain “
Birmingham UK bred Edward Rogers made NYC his home and has put together a great rock and roll album. Part T.Rex and Iggy Pop come across on the opener “The Biba Crowd.” Then on “Nothing Too Clever” we venture into flowery baroque pop, similar to mid 60’s Bowie. Some great slide guitar on the Dylanesque “Love With The World” and back to garage-fuzz greatness on “Separate Walls.”  Equally impressive are the rich and poignant ballads like “Tears Left in the Bottle” and the Ian Hunter styled “Link to the Chain” with Rogers grizzled vocal at his most expressive. Highly recommended.
My Space | Amazon

Little Barrie “King of The Waves”
Searching for that killer riff? Consider it found here. London-based trio whose garage sound is an exciting blend of hard rock, blues, and they get it right on the very first track “Surf Hell.” The pop influence of indie pop stalwart Edwyn Collins is clear on “How Come.” Fans of The Creation, MC5 and Primal Scream will feel right at home here. Tracks like “I Can’t Wait” and “Money In Paper” have a raw energy that’s hard to deny. And lead singer Barrie Cadogan’s swaggering tone makes those famous Gallager brothers sound like amateurs. A few bluesy stoner tracks are thrown in to fill things out, but overall a delicious sonic assault. Check out the great video too.
Facebook | Amazon

Maxi Dunn “The Neglected Gambit”
Maxi Dunn is a singer/songwriter from Liverpool, England who has appeared one of my favorite artists albums (Lauri Biagini) and did tributes to The Jellyfish and The Posies, and while The Neglected Gambit isn’t straight power pop, it does have it’s own upbeat confessional mix of rock and pop folk. Some of the sound has echoes of the 80’s in “Why Do I Want You?” and the catchy “Make it Better” are highlights in a very diverse and emotional album.
Facebook | Amazon

Taylor McMahon “Memory Music” EP
If you’d like charming acoustic pop, give Taylor McMahon’s debut EP a listen. McMahon is from Lake Charles, Louisiana and his music lies somewhere between Jack Johnson and Ben Kweller with an emphasis on catchy and simple melodies. “Rhyme & Rhythm” starts off with a casual strum and “The Donnie Song (It’s All Alright)” has a bit of local color. Both songs have a catchy sing along quality and I look forward to more from Taylor in the future.
Facebook | Amazon

Hurricane Fighter Plane and The NewNo2

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Hurricane Fighter Plane “s/t” EP
Fans of Rainbow Quartz retro bands like the Resonars and Brit-pop bands like Oasis will appreciate this one. Classic influences are easily spotted (The Who, Small Faces, The Beatles) and dutifully applied. The band opens with the Mod rhythms of “Moonlight Through The Norfolk Pines” filled with Who-styled high energy guitar riffs. “Come Back To Me” demonstrates lead singer  Wesley Fuller’s uncanny ability to channel Noel Gallagher and the chiming chords of “It Won’t Last” make it a triumphant pop single that’s sure to linger – it belongs on your ipod now. And the band knows harmonies too, just check out the amazing “Free As The Wind.” Every tune here is filled with short, sharp, hooks guaranteed to please. An great debut and it only costs five bucks – so get it!

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TheNewNo2 “EP002” EP
The second  EP from Dhani Harrison (George’s son) collects several singles including “Live A Lie” featuring Regina Spektor as well as rapper RZA on “Mr. President.”  Fans of his dad’s somber approach will find a lot to like on “Wide Awake.” The track is a slow techno-soul ballad with a solid vocal, slow beat and spacey flourishes. “Live A Lie” is another exotic single with the flavor of a smokey lounge and Ms. Spektor’s cooing background vocal. You can get this single free on The NewNo2 Facebook page. I wasn’t thrilled with the rap, which obviously panders to Obama supporters, but maybe we can expect something more upbeat on the next EP.

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Vegas With Randolph and Ocean Grove

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Vegas with Randolph “Above The Blue”
If ever a band took the banner of power pop and flew with it, it’s Vegas With Randolph. This sophomore album from the team of Eric Kern and John Ratts keep things sharp and avoids boredom with an album-within-an-album concept.  Starting with “The Better Part” it builds a mountain of harmonic layers one at a time, with a duel guitar attack in the chorus. The title track has those soaring chords, and optimistic view, it’s an excellent song similar to The Secret Powers with its dense production. “Sometime To Live” is a fast paced narrative along the lines of Fountains of Wayne.

And they get help from noteable guest stars; “A Lesser Fool” Maxi Dunn adds her lovely vocal to the mix and the awesome Vinnie Zummo adds his guitar to “She Does It For Me”. A cute love song to actress Marisa Tomei and a few novelty tunes are followed by the second “album” called Double Play. Now horns are added to the mix and it adds several musical suites that overlap into each other perfectly. Highlights are “Alone/Wondering” and the climactic “Light of Day.” Overall, this is an excellent album without a wasted note, that hits every mood you could possibly have… even a jingle for a Sippy Cup! And like those great double LPs of the past, this one holds up over its 28 track length.

Ocean Grove “Another Place To Stay” EP
These guys are rumored to be the backing band for the Jonas Brothers! But this quartet lead by John Taylor (vocals/guitar) is simply amazing. John’s highly melodic hard rocking style reminds me of Taylor Locke and The Roughs or Enuff Z’Nuff. “Away” certainly will take you away on a rock and roll trip, like the beginning of summer vacation. The big guitar riffs lead this band along and it just compels you to raise the volume. The harmonies on the bouncy “Take It Easy” are a joy to listen to, and “The Best” is about getting that big record deal in L.A., I’m sure many musicians can identify with these lyrics. Both “So Cool” and the ballad “Won’t Say Goodbye” are also super catchy. Highly recommended and one of the best EPs I’ve heard all year.


Ocean Grove \”I Want You In Love\” from the debut EP.

Wednesday’s Pile of EP Reviews and FREE downloads

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I heard a few worthy EPs and emerging talent these past 2 weeks that deserves some attention from you Powerpopaholics out there. Here are some groups you might want to check out.

Hopeless Passion “Seven Minutes” EP

Part of the continuing solo work of Grant McCracken, and basically it’s Blink-182 inspired punk rock. The title track does a good job of setting up an anthem with loud guitars and a chugging chorus. Not power pop, but passionate self deprecating emo humor in a tight package. And as a bonus you get a download of McCracken’s last full length “Everything You Always Wanted.” Not for everyone, but what the hell.
MySpace | Itunes | DOWNLOAD “Everything You Always Wanted”

The Anderson Council 
“Don’t You Think” b/w “Love Bomb”

The power pop juggernaut that is The Anderson Council has a new single. Lead singer Peter Horvath just knows how to push all the right buttons in my brain here, and the songs are tight guitar based pop that takes no prisoners. “Don’t You Think?” is a peppy number about self-preservation and moving forward in life.”Love Bomb” hopes for the time in the future when we can do more than just get along with each other (wink wink, nudge nudge). Available in limited edition of 500 singles on multicoloured vinyl (cool!)
MySpace | CD Baby

Loomis & The Lust “Nagasha”

Pop-rock four piece, Loomis & The Lust, burst onto the scene in 2009 with an engaging live show, catchy guitar-based hooks, and infectious melodies. With a respectful nod to the past, the group draws from a broad range of styles, blending their own brand of modern pop with a heavy dose of old school rock ‘n roll. The opener “Bright Red Chords” is a winner here, full of those pleasing hooks.
MySpace | Amazon

The Hilarious Posters “S/t” EP

So you’re looking for a real DIY band? Here you go – a group of friends got together and did this little EP. Kind of like The Barenaked Ladies or The Breetles on a really tight budget. The horn based “Absence” is the best track in the pack, although “The Fists & The Fighting” is a close second with a nice little bass line and smart arrangements. Why not give it a shot? Support your local pop musicians!
My Space | Amazon

Chariots of Tuna 

“I’m So Good At Shining”
Once again Ben Morss and company present a wonderful little EP with two shiny gems “A New Beginning” and “Seven Miles Away” – both are delicate pop candy full of falsetto harmonies and club beats matched with a perfectly placed guitar riff in the latter track. Bring on the full length guys, these freebies just whetted my appetite for more Tuna (In a Chariot).
MySpace | Tweetfort Records | FREE DOWNLOAD

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