Odds, Ends, and Reissues: Nick Frater, Spiraling, The Orange Peels, Roger J. Manning Jr.

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If you thought 2nd Grade’s songs were a bit too long, Nick Frater has the solution for the ADD music fan. 59 songs all under a minute! I have to admit, the first two hooked me right away, “Intro” and “Say It’s Alright” are stunning Beach Boys recreations. Not everything is that good, but some have little clues to the influence; like “Another Nod To Todd.” Irresistible!

New to me (maybe to you) is this 2003 release from New Jersey musician Tom Brislin. Spiraling is a mix of many pop styles, but what stood out to me is the piano tune “The Girl On Top (of the Piano)” which is as catchy as anything Ben Folds has ever done. An overlooked gem, re-issued on bandcamp.  Get it on Amazon
Hard to believe it all started in 1997 for Allen Clapp. The Orange Peels “Square” is a timeless classic, that still sounds fresh today. This new re-issue is labeled “Square³” and it boasts 40 tracks with demos, bonuses, an alternate album… what else do you need? Get it on Amazon

During my last interview with Roger Joseph Manning Jr., he mentioned a re-release of his solo output was coming, and here it is. These albums have long been out of circulation and its good to have them back dutifully remastered by mixing engineer John Paterno under Manning’s supervision. This catalog threesome consists of 2006’s The Land Of Pure Imagination, 2008’s Catnip Dynamite, and his 2018 PledgeMusic EP, Glamping.

Visit rogerjosephmanningjrofficial.com to get these re-issues directly.

New Singles: Dollface, The Toms, The Perms, Timmy Sean, The Top Boost

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This ’90s-era UK punk band snuck some power pop in there! These tracks sure are good, and they are FREE downloads! Check out the Dollface band page for more.

Any music from Tom Mardola (aka The Toms) is welcome, and he’s released this brilliant single to us as a FREE download. A big thanks to Futureman Records for this one.

Canadian band The Perms are working on a new album, and this single featuring new singer Amy Lewis. A great example of a band expanding its sound. Get it on Amazon

Timmy Sean has been pretty busy this year starting his new label Noisewater Records, named after his outstanding debut album. It looks like he’s been holding back long enough and his new track, “In California” is outstanding. I really look forward to his new LP!


The Top Boost proves its versatility with the country-styled pop “Tell Me That’s You’re Mine.” Love the wicked guitar breaks contrasting the innocence in lyrics. Check it out.

Kai Danzberg and Honeywagen

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Kai Danzberg

Kai Danzberg “Rockshow”

Germany’s wunderkind Kai Danzberg has proven to be a musician with a flair for the dramatic as he starts his fresh album “Rockshow,” with a fantasy concert motif. The title track is catchy, well written, and recalls his earlier material. But this isn’t a concept album. It’s more a collection of dynamic singles. The bouncy love song “You & Me” and “Living Room” are great examples of Kai as the impulsive romantic, bursting with optimism to the beat. Adding more horns and layered vocals and we get the dense melody of “Waiting For You,” and it’s a big highlight here. The ELO and Jellyfish influences are also still there, as “Making It Right” jumps out of the speakers with those sparkling harmonies assisted by Dana Countryman.

“Oh, Girl” is a jazz-themed torch song with assistance from Drake Bell that features solid musicianship, but it feels a little out of place. Kai has always added great ballads to his albums and “Undone” certainly is another highlight. For variety, there are funky disco beats on the dance track “Magic Night.” Overall this is a wonderful album that deserves multiple listens so check it out. Highly Recommended.

Amazon


Honeywagen

Honeywagen “Halfdog”

Its been a few years since Honeywagen’s Jamboree, but these veteran musicians from Kansas City are back showing off their Midwestern vintage rock style. Starting with “For Love” it features catchy guitar riffs, harmonies, and compelling jangling rhythm. The Rickenbacker jangle continues with the roots-influenced “Anywhere The Wind Blows.” Guitarists Mike Penner and Scott Christensen play so well off each other, it makes “All That Matters” a solid love song, and the end solo complements the melody perfectly. The tempo slows for “Running Out Of Time,” with more of country-rock feel, and and “Maybe Maybe Not” brings to mind mid-70s classic rock, like Traffic.

“On The Beach” is a simpler Beatlesque sort of tune with a descriptive lyric, but a big highlight is “All The Little Things” with a stronger melody and bigger hook – it’s my favorite track. When they don’t overthink the lyrical story (“The Waitress”) and let the band cut loose, its a much better listening experience. That said, fans of The Beatles, The Byrds, and The Grip Weeds will enjoy this band. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Emitt Rhodes was somebody special. RIP

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Singer-songwriter Emitt Rhodes, a pioneer of power pop has passed away at age 70. At an early age, Emitt was a rising star in the pop scene during the mid-’60s, as he played in multiple bands, including The Palace Guard and The Merry Go Round. He then signed onto A&M Records and released a series of critically acclaimed solo albums in the 1970s, each one had great songwriting and musicianship. His reputation as a “One-Man Beatles” was earned as his melodic style was often compared to Paul McCartney.  Rhodes also wrote all of the songs on his albums. On Emitt Rhodes, Mirror, and Farewell to Paradise, he played all of the instruments and sang all of the vocals while recording himself in his home recording studio on a 4 track recorder.

After a label contract dispute, Rhodes’ left the music business for a time. He still tried to come back, but efforts in the next few decades were frustrated. It wasn’t until power pop musician Chris Price showed up to his house unannounced and coaxed Emitt to record a follow up to his last solo LP, Farewell to Paradise. In 2016 the new album Rainbow Ends, a collaboration with Price was released and it was a wonderful return to the spotlight for Emitt. He was an inspiration to many artists and will continue to be remembered for years to come. Rest in peace, Mr. Rhodes — you were someone special to all of us. Visit his page on The Power Pop Hall of Fame written by Chris Price.