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.
Category: Singles Only
More singles and album previews: The Dollyrots, The Lemon Twigs, Andrew Deevey, In Loom, Quinn Hawkins, The Spindles, The Donuts
The Dollyrots continue to deliver great rock and roll, and “Attention Span” is a perfect single for our times, and the hook will get you even if you have a short attention span. And that’s not all, as The Lemon Twigs have a new album coming soon. “I Just Can’t Get Over Losing You” is the first bit of ear candy, loving those chord changes btw. Andrew Deevey is a bit more on the simpler side of the melody, but “Money Can’t Buy Me Love” works. In Loom is an experimental pop band from Amsterdam and “Tails” stood out to me, check out that bass line for this freebie. Next, Quinn Hawkins has star potential! The San Francisco artist has a new solo album out and it has a some great songs on it, like the XTC-ish “Souvenir in The Dirt.” Quinn deserves a deeper look! Next some tributes; we start with The Spindles doing a faithful version of The Raspberries “Tonight,” but then The Donuts take things further with legendary power pop/pub rock band Rockpile. The album title, “The Pleasure of Seconds,” signals the idea. The band wrote answer songs to Rockpile tracks, their own second takes on the originals. Rockpile delivered the playful “Teacher Teacher.” The Donuts respond with the flirtatious “Substitute Teacher.” Rockpile asked “When I Write the Book.” The Donuts reply with “Every Book I Never Read.” You get the idea. Check it out.
March of the EPs: Ryan Hamilton, Late Cambrian, Triples, Space Jaguar, Laughing Week, The Dracu-Las
New excellent EPs here! Can I just say that Ryan Hamilton looks nearly unrecognizable with his hairless head and face, but his latest single “Come To Jesus Moment,” has that comfortable melodic hook. Welcome back, Ryan! Next, John Wlaysewski has been mastering the genre mashup with Late Cambrian and his new EP ‘How I Bleed’ is killer! A gutsy combo of funk, rock, pop that would make Lenny Kravitz jealous. Triples is the project of Toronto songwriter, guitarist, and actor Eva Link. Her catchy melodies reflect influences from Guided by Voices, Liz Phair, Courtney Love, and Juliana Hatfield. Space Jaguar is a folk-rock pop combo that got my attention. Check out “Bright Future” and “Go Home,” it’s a little bit like The Lemonheads. LA band Laughing Week has a harder power pop sound with a nostalgic vibe that credits Ultimate Fakebook. I loved “Conspiracy” with the great opening lyric, “You said they poisoned the water and made all the frogs turn gay.” Finally the retro catchy surf guitar of The Dracu-Las. I dare you to listen to the first track and not sing along to all the “doo-be-doo-be-doos.”
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!
Snow day singles: Freddy Monday, Uni Boys, Richard Turgeon, Waterboarding School, Plastic Family, They Might Be Giants
Enjoy the winter wonderland! Yes, Valentine’s Day is long gone, but I thought of this one for my wife’s birthday and Freddy Monday brings me a perfect love song to give her. Uni Boys are coming back and as expected, they have a great new album I cannot wait to review based on the single “I Don’t Want Dream Anymore.” The always talented Richard Turgeon shows his sweet side with “Girl Like You.” Next from overseas, we have Gothenburg, Sweden band Waterboarding School, a bit messy in a cool DIY loose way, and Netherlands Plastic Family delivers the classic power pop sound perfectly! Finally, those dudes from They Might Be Giants have never slowed down and we like to check in once in a while. Loving that “Wu Tang,” too! Okay, enough fun, go back to shoveling that snow.