Enough snow for you? Here’s a bigger shovelful of great music. I am really liking what I hear from MaveriX. They’re responding to a world of phoniness with a visceral, high-voltage song designed for sweaty nights and unrestrained revolt. Look forward to more from them. On a similar vein, Vegas With Randolph is back with a new single, “Let’s Fool Around” and I dare you NOT to sing along with that “doo-doo-doo” chorus. Next up, Joe Pernice adds a soulful touch to “The Black and The Blue” in advance of his new album. Love those Pernice Brothers and those “bittersweet stories.” The Corner Laughers have a more folk pop approach on their new Big Stir Records single. Girl for Samson also has some folk mixed with that indie pop, and I really liked “Jehovah.” The Pretty Flowers really know how to craft a hook, and the advance track “Came Back Kicking” is excellent. Hope we get more of that when the LP releases in March. Captain Wilberforce give us a terrific freebie this month, with “Got it.” You should get it now. Enjoy the hot cocoa and the tunes.
Category: Singles Only
New Singles for 2026: Kurt Baker, Olle Schelin, Vanilla, Mod Lang
New releases are coming out at a furious pace, and I aim to get ahead of them. First, not new but I stumbled across this, and its wonderful to hear Andy Partridge (XTC) doing a song with Chris Braide. The extended EP has other songs, but the magic is on “I like Be With You.” The ever popular Kurt Baker is back with “Undertow Afterglow” and a cracking cover of McCartney’s “My Brave Face.” Swiss Instrumentalist Olle Schelin starts slow, but picks up at chorus of “To You Flowers.” And Vanilla continues with another year-long album project, this one is ‘Lollygag’ and asks that eternal question “Why?” Finally, Detroit band Mod Lang recalls Mr. Baker with its youthful melodic energy, as their album ‘Borrowed Time’ is due to hit next month. Enjoy!
Halloween Treats: Toni Cornell, Mo Troper, The Rallies, Dazy, Shake Some Action, Vista Blue
These treats are so sweet! An aquatic mermaid lair, fairy wings, a candlelit room filled with potions, and a pet lion are just a few of the fantastical aspects that add to the whimsical storyline of the “Campari” music video from popster Toni Cornell. Everyone’s favorite DIY bedroom pop producer Mo Troper is back, and you have “The Best Seat In The House” to this bouncy power pop gem. Seattle’s The Rallies compile some of their newest singles, please listen to my fave, “I Believe.” Another excellent modern power pop band Dazy has an excellent EP ready, and ‘Bad Penny’ doesn’t have a bad song, really! Another real sweet gem here is the return of the mod-influenced Shake Some Action and you are ‘Running Out of Place To Run’ so you may as well enjoy these excellent tunes.Finally, the ever lovin’ Vista Blue. This new freebie single fits today’s theme, but the band has a great tradition of baseball themed EPs, and the new one ‘The Shift Is Dead’ is a fun soundtrack to this year’s World Series. Enjoy the sugar rush, kiddies!
October Non-Halloween singles and EPs: Maura Weaver, Corin Ashley, Brad Marino, Late Cambrian, Webstirs, Future Teens
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!
New October singles and more: Speedfossil, Silk Cut, Cindy Lawson, Richard Turgeon, Dave Cope and The Sass, The Pozers
Another month in the books, and we welcome October with a new anthology collection from Boston’s Speedfossil, starting with a new track “Peg Leg.” It’s got a choice f-bomb in the chorus, so pay attention! Not sure where I found Silk Cut but the opener “Good Morning” was a brisk reminder that fall is coming. Next, the legendary punk queen Cindy Lawson‘s “The Reckoning” has an energy and attitude. Next we again recognize Richard Turgeon fresh off his amazing ‘Shungite’ EP we have a freebie Pavement cover of “Date with IKEA.” Next, Dave Cope and The Sass pop in with a quick rocker “Don’t Let My Dreams Come True,” like a grunge tune without the grunge (can you picture an alternate universe where Nirvana would cover this?) Finally, a shout out to Kool Kat Musik for the compilation POP AID 3. A good cause and good music always are a perfect match, plus you have a new Pozers song! How cool is that?