Big Star “Nothing Can Hurt Me” and Concert Tribute in NYC

BIG STAR: NOTHING CAN HURT ME is a feature-length documentary from Magnolia Pictures about legendary Memphis power pop band Big Star.  The film opens in New York at the IFC Center on July 3 and will also be available that same day on iTunes and via most on demand video services.

New York City – The Central Park Concert on June 30th: the show will include Sharon Van Etten, Richard LloydKurt Vile, Marshall CrenshawPete Yorn,  Reeve Carney (Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark),  Jonathan Donahue (Mercury Rev), The Uptown Horns and Becky Stark (Lavender Diamond). The core band will once again feature Mike Mills (R.E.M.) on bass; Mitch Easter (Lets Active) and Chris Stamey (The dB’s) and Ken Stringfellow (The Posies, Big Star) on guitar; Charles Cleaver on keys; Django Haskins (of The Old Ceremony), Brett Harris and Skylar Gudasz on harmony and guitar; and original Big Star member Jody Stephens on drums, all backed with a twenty- piece chamber orchestra including the famed cellist Jane Scarpantoni. Details here.

The film’s soundtrack was just released too:
Buy it at Omnivore Recordings or Amazon

Power Pop Classics: Lisa Mychols and Starbelly

Lisa Mychols “Sweet Sinsations”
Lisa Mychols (The Masticators) got her influences from both the 60’s and 70’s and got her start with a holiday album produced by The Wondermints. Word of mouth spread fast, and her funky pop beats on “Turn On The Radio” are one of many memorable songs. Her vocals have been compared to Jill Sobule or Gwen Stefani. Not only an accomplished performer, but a great songwriter as well Lisa is one of the few female mega-stars in power pop.

Get the expanded edition on Futureman Records

 

Starbelly “Lemon Fresh “
One of the strongest albums from 1998,  Lemon Fresh is a best of breed in power pop, a trio where each member contributed equally. The band led here by the amazing Cliff Hillis, included bassist Dennis Schocket.  It’s fully stocked with memorable hooks, melodies, and melt-away background vocals. Andy Bopp (Myracle Brah) produced this masterpiece. If you don’t have this in your classic power pop collection – where have you been?

Get the expanded edition on Futureman Records