Brad Marino and Sunshine Boys

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Brad Marino

Brad Marino “Extra Credit”

The solo LP from Brad Marino (The Connection, The New Trocaderos) is out and he continues the tradition of thick guitar riffs leading each tune. It’s all Brad, playing all the instruments with only co-producer Kris Rodgers adding keyboards and some additional vocals. Fans of The Ramones, Chuck Berry or Dave Edmunds will not be disappointed.

“Broken Clocks” starts us off with a Ramones meets Beach Boys verse/chorus setup.  The sound is a little cleaner and better structured than his previous bands, but it sticks to a very similar formula (Hey, if it ain’t broke…) Several tracks were previewed on earlier EPs last year like “C’mon, C’mon, C’mon.” Highlights include “No One Else Tried It,” ”From The Start,” and “Bye Bye Johnny,” a sequel to Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode.” “What Comes Naturally” adds a country slide guitar to the mix, and the Stones-y influences of his new label (Rum Bar Records) comes out on “Don’t Do The Crime.” Check it out!

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Sunshine Boys

Sunshine Boys “Blue Music”

Something about Chicago’s Sunshine Boys that brings to mind classic rock traditions but spins the music in a fresh way. Featuring veteran musicians Freda Love Smith (Blake Babies, Antenna, Mysteries of Life), Jacqueline Schimmel (Justin Roberts, Big Hello), and Dag Juhlin (Poi Dog Pondering, The Slugs), Sunshine Boys offer a propulsive, modern take on 90’s alternative rock. The music feels like a labor of love and it is densely produced.

“Questions” glides along with a galloping rhythm about a long distance relationship. Dag’s deep vocals recall both John Mayer and Peter Gabriel, on both the anthemic “Tripping Through Time” and the potential hit single “Billy Boy.” The introspective themes on “Schoolyard Bully” and “Only A Million Miles” showcases our weary anxiety about the world today. I found the catchiest gem here “Glider Pilot” with its grand chorus. Both wonderful and a little out of time, and that’s what makes it music that deserves to be heard.

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The Decibels and Faux Co.

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The Decibels

The Decibels “Scene, Not Herd”

Sacramento, CA-based The Decibels were active from 1993–2001 and cut a trio of fine garage-styled power pop albums that were criminally overlooked. The sound combined 60’s Mod influences with 80’s angular guitar leads. Fans of The Plimsouls, Buzzcocks and Paul Collins Beat will enjoy the frantic tempos and sing-along lyrics. The band re-grouped in 2017 and continued from where they left off.

“Hey Emily” is a rousing opener that contrasts with the sad lyrics of middle-aged loneliness. The strong chords of “It’s Not Me” is one of the big standouts here, as the band is “trying to prove a point that went dull long ago.” The band’s Merseybeat tendencies come out on “Misery” with some nice chord shifts and three-part harmonies. Most of the songs are under the three-minute mark and push the energy limit, so it would’ve been nice to hear ballad amongst the dozen tunes here. However, most of the music is very good, and you can explore some of the earlier LPs on Bandcamp.  Check it out!

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Faux Co.

Faux Co. “Radio Silence”

Chicago’s Faux Co. adds a perfect amount of fuzzy psychedelic grit and melodic hook in the opener “Prozac Spaceman.”  The band consists of Ben Mackey, Chris Lee, Christian Whiting, and Jayson Homyak. Their music blends melodic pop with garage rock elements (and horns) for “Set The Record Straight.” These two strong tunes give this short album (only 8 songs) a solid forward momentum.

The catchy fuzz rhythm of “The Sun Will Come Back”  leads to the Lennonesque ballad “Oh Mother Night.” The gorgeous harmonies are a highlight of “It’s Nothing Really” and it approaches epic dreamlike territory on the Oasis-like “Get A Say.” The music is consistently excellent as it concentrates on deep themes of apathy, creativity, love, and loss. Not a speck of filler here. Highly Recommended.

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Eric Barao and I Know Leopard

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Eric Barao

Eric Barao “Obsolete” EP

The follow-up album to Eric Barao’s self-titled debut album is finally here and he’s pulled out the big guns in the studio. Mike Viola (Candy Butchers) and Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (Jellyfish) are supporting Eric and all the recording, mixing and production techniques were done in the late 60’s style similar to The Beatles White Album. Jellyfish feels like a big influence throughout, with lots of instrumental flourishes, Queen-like guitar solos, and soft vocal harmonies.

“Nothing to See” slowly builds up from its orchestral prelude to its easygoing chorus that worms its way into your head effortlessly. The title track is an instantly accessible gem, with the pounding piano bed that jauntily gets to our chorus sung by Viola perfectly as he pleads “I’m not obsolete!” Both these tracks have wonderful guitar breaks that compliment the songs. “Unhappy Ending” starts with a Big Star-like riff before heading to Barao-land, layered full with synth effects and mellotron. “Bad For You” stands out because its dramatic and dark, almost like a Broadway villain theme. Next, “My Pussy-Puss” is an overly baroque tune, you almost expect a double entendre here with Roger J Manning Jr.’s multi-tracked vocals. Overall a fantastic EP that stands as one of the best of the year so far.

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I Know Leopard

I Know Leopard “Love Is A Landmine”

Sydney indie quartet, I Know Leopard is a rare breed of retro pop. They look like a cosplay version of Abba but their sound is an amalgam of ELO, Split Enz, 10cc, and Erasure. The title track is mesmerizing with the perfect amount of synth, piano, guitar, and heartbreak. “Heather” is another neon-drenched love song that sounds like a lost ’80s hit. The synths dominate the remaining tracks and bring with it a lounge-like club atmosphere.

Lead singer Luke O’Loughlin’s soft and pained vocals take center stage and brilliantly envelopes you on “All That She Cared About,” “Blame It On Me” and “Seventy Lies.” With Bassist Rosie Fitzgerald adding the anchor to each song, the harmonies and grooves are wonderful. Some songs feel like filler (“Mums and Dads of Satanists”) but once this band adds more hooks to its repertoire, watch out. Definitely, a band to keep your eye on. Highly Recommended.

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Freebies and Singles: The Top Boost, Geoff Palmer, Tommy Lorente, Vista Blue, Ken Sharp, Preoccupied Pipers, The Turnback

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The Top Boost earns major kudos for this excellent 3 song EP. On the title track, they’re joined by Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (Jellyfish, Imperial Drag). The result is a swirling blend of bubble gum pop sweetness with a wistful lyrical undertone. A+


Geoff Palmer (The Connection) has released a few singles in advance of his next solo LP Pulling Out All The Stops. This one is more than hot, it’s a FREE download. BTW, his former bandmate Brad Marino has LP out too, reviews for both coming soon!

My favorite French power pop musician Tommy Lorente gives us a FREE download, it’s so catchy even if you don’t speak French just sing along with the “Na Na Na Na.”

The reliable punk-pop of Vista Blue continues his sports-themed Ramones influenced rock. Another FREE download!

Ken Sharp spent some time at Fernando Perdomo‘s new Reseda Ranch Studios 2.0 and recorded this little gem about the 1964 World’s Fair. Only a buck, and worth the trip through his imaginary time machine.

A goodie from KC Bowman and friends (aka The Preoccupied Pipers) about another band and its audience? Hey! It’s still a FREE download.
The Turnback is back with a new single “Unloading An Empty Gun”. If you buy it, maybe Todd, Kenny & Barry will reload and give us another album (please!)

David Brookings and The Lund Brothers

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David Brookings and the Average Lookings

David Brookings and the Average Lookings “Scorpio Monologue”

David Brookings took the slow road to power pop stardom. His eighth album shows how much he’s grown as an artist. Scorpio Monologue goes further with both melody and musicianship compared to his past work. He also experiments with a variety of styles; power pop, rock, folk, and even Bossa nova. 
 
The jangling rhythm anchors the opening progressions of “And It Feel Like.” The song carries a maturity with its solid chorus and shredding guitar solo. But the seriousness eases with the catchy “I Grow Up Fast,” a breezy autobiographical strummer where “the future catches up with the past.” The buzzing power ballad “Time Takes You By” makes the mood with relatable and hopeful lyrics. Brookings also has a good sense of fun with the folky “Silicon Valley” describing the area like a goofy travelogue of Northern California, ending with the choral hymn “Steve Jobs!” The band lets its Chuck Berry flag fly next on “She’s Mad At Me Again,” and it’s simply infectious.  Its also takes guts to cover one of the most covered songs ever, but David makes Badfinger’s “Without You” work just fine. Overall not a single weak track, and easily a candidate for my top 10 of 2019 list. Super Highly Recommended.

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The Lund Bros

The Lund Brothers “Loser” 1993-97′ – Remasters and Rarities”

Chris and Sean Lund, aka “The Lund Bros” occupy a unique place in the annals of power pop. In 1995 they were bankrolled by Geffen Records to produce six tracks, but ultimately they were rejected for sounding “too much like the Beatles.” While objectively the band’s music fits more between bands like Extreme or Zebra, what the hell is wrong with The Beatles? The virtuoso guitar shredding skills and multi-track choruses are simply great. The duo continues to produce material, and perform around Washington state.

The demo tracks used these recordings as a basis for their first full-length record, the self-titled “Loser” released in 1998. Chris Lund’s Demon Studios have remastered all these tracks, including songs that were never released! Favorite tracks: In My Hands, Invisible Man, Told You So, Such A Ride and You Know. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | CD Baby