Nick Batterham and The Junior League

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Nick Batterham

Nick Batterham “Golden Boy”

Melbourne singer-songwriter Nick Batterham collects his experiences to deliver a mature chamber pop album that recalls the introspective melodies of Nick Drake or Elliot Smith on “Golden Boy.” The title track is a lush lullaby that stops you in your tracks. The follow up “Nothing Lasts” is an upbeat jangling gem about living in the moment, but most of the album is content to stay in delicate folk-pop mode.

The ethereal piano ballad “Perfect Cloud” or the acoustic “Never Write a Love Song” have minimal production and rely on Batterham’s hushed vocals. What makes it work is Nick’s well-developed lyrics and subtle layered rhythms, the best examples being “Impossible” and “Lost in L.A.” The songs are short and don’t wander off topic. This is an album that deserves serious listens over a glass of whiskey (or wine). Cheers to you, Nick.

Pop Boomerang Records


The Junior League

The Junior League “Eventually is Now”

Joe Adragna is back with a new Junior League LP and with the help of Scott McCaughey (The Minus 5, REM) he brings us a strong collection of folk rock. McCaughey has been recovering from a stroke he suffered last year and is currently on an enforced hiatus from recording and touring.   

Starting with the jangling chords of “Teenage Bigstar,” it speaks about those nostalgic trips to the record store because “music is your friend.” The orchestral ballad “The Wrong Kind of Blue” is another highlight with its lush Phil Spector treatment. Next is “You Didn’t Miss A Thing” and with McCaughey’s vocal, it’s a shimmering psyche-pop gem. After the mid-tempo “I Only Want to Begin Again” things get a bit uneven. Still, this is a worthy listen with plenty of emotional resonance, so check it out.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Michael Simmons and KC Bowman

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Michael Simmons

Michael Simmons “First Days of Summer”

Simmons was the guitarist for powerpop band Sparkle*Jets UK and was last heard on The Yorktown Lads. “Do Your Best to Care” is Michael’s promise to give you quality music as a “normal guy,” and he does in a very matter of fact way on the mid-tempo opener. “Get Back What You Put In” is a highlight with a terrific pop melody and great harmonies that deliver a powerful message. “Fuzzy Green Hat” is wonderful quirky Harry Nilsson-like pop gem about writer’s block and “No More Girls” is like a lost XTC gem about getting that “teenage feeling” when you are an adult.

The second half slows down with the calming Beach Boys-like title track, then out of nowhere “EP’s Are Weak” delivers a rap that answers the question “Why is this fat old white dude spittin’ out rhymes?” Well, it turns out to be great advice for the young artists out there and a good argument for the full-length long player. The album does wander a bit into cheesy 80’s moments like “Let’s Fall In Love” and “It’s My Fault.” I liked the more guitar oriented “Bucket List” with its honky-tonk beat and the grungy shredding on “Dirt Nap.” What makes this album really work is that you see the humor in Michael’s lyrics and his day job philosophy (as a teacher) in the music. In addition, the skilled production and composition are also great. Highly Recommended.

Bandcamp only


KC Bowman

KC Bowman “Fresher Tin Villages”

KC Bowman is involved in many groups (Agony Aunts, The Corner Laughers, Preoccupied Pipers) but in 1997 Bowman’s Fresher Tin Villages was a huge feature in Bruce Brodeen’s Not Lame catalog. And for good reason.

Bowman delivers a power pop classic here with piano gems (“Palomine Cranes”), guitar brilliance (“Cuban Illness Anxiety”) and each tune flows into the next. Fans of Emitt Rhodes, XTC, and Ben Folds will love this, but if this is new to you — wow, you struck music gold here. The twenty songs pass by so fast, you will be compelled to repeat it over and over. The original CD is a high priced find on Amazon, but I recommend this remastered version on Bandcamp. Proceeds from all sales will benefit Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating stigma and promoting recovery and wellness for people with mental illness.

Amazon (original) | Bandcamp

The Magic Gang and K7s

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The Magic Gang

The Magic Gang “The Magic Gang”

After a long build-up, Brighton UK band The Magic Gang are finally gaining stream with their new LP. They are influenced by Teenage Fanclub, Jon Brion, and others. But I really hear Weezer in the opener “Oh, Saki.” Most of the music concentrates on relationships and how there is always a little hope on the horizon. The standouts “All This Way” has a high energy melody and it leads us to “Getting Along,” about pouring out your frustrations to a soaring chorus. The guitars chug away bringing forth catchy chords and highlighting each hook.

The anthemic “Alright” is another gem with the quiet verse, then loud chorus and the perfect amount of guitar fuzz. After this, the album calms down a little but still draws on those smart melodies. The band’s classical influences come out on the ballad “Take Care,” like a boy band without the schmaltz. The album displays quirky earnest on “I’ll Show You,” and the Beach Boys-like harmonies are brilliant. There isn’t a dud on the album and the crisp vocals are highlighted in a few unplugged versions. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

K7s

K7s “Take 1”

While Kurt Baker is involved with several other projects (Bullet Proof Lovers, New Trocoderos, The Kurt Baker Combo) he’s found another band in Spain to rock around with called the K7s. Their hyperactive power-chords fuse elements of garage punk and power pop. “Running Back To You” is a solid opener and fans of Green Day, The Ramones, and Shonen Knife will love it.

“Listen To My Heart” fights to get that melody past the buzzing rhythm guitars but “Every Night” is another bouncy gem that hooks you good. Each of the songs is short and sweet with a punk spirit that’s stronger than most pop bands, as “I Want You To Know” and “All About Me” shred aplenty. Not everything works, but most of the music will find a place on your playlist. With Kurt’s vocals and direction, this band is poised to chew bubblegum and kick ass. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Amoeba Teen and Magpie

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Amoeba Teen

Amoeba Teen “Selection Box Vol.1”

From Stourbridge, UK the duo of Mark Britton and Mike Turner put together a collection of power pop songs and reformed Amoeba Teen with Simon Muttit (Bass) and Carl Baylis (drums). They even played last years International Pop Overthrow festival, at the iconic Cavern in Liverpool.

“This Spark” has plenty of punch, the thick riffs contrast with Britton’s clean vocal harmonies. The guitars don’t get heavier but “Pop!” feels like a sequel, with the refrain “I try to keep up, but I can’t stop” that will burrow into your brain. Next, “The Damn British” is a fine mid-tempo ballad where the chorus combines with a strong bass line, harmonies, and an emotional message. Some of these tunes came from Britton’s last LP and still sound just as sweet. “Dear Rosa” is a McCartney-like song similar to his “Afternoon Tea,” and the Jellyfish-like “Family Guy” is another delight.

The iconic riffs of “Hearts and Minds” lead to a rich melody that stands out among the new songs and it’s my favorite here. The Beatlesque “Long Live Memory Lane” starts with strings and ends with horn flourishes, sure to impress. While there is no clear consistency, the music is very good and you can get the album from the band’s site FREE for a limited time.  Highly Recommended.

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Magpie

Magpie “Picasso on a Log” EP

Magpie is made up of members of two excellent bands. Andy Morton and Mike Poulson are in Bronco Bullfrog, Paul Tozer and Chris Woodland are from The Bad Detectives. Combined you get a great selection of shimmering summery music, and from the opening notes of “She Knows Where I Live,” you just know this is awesome. It’s got a 60’s style vibe and a Rubinoos styled chorus and jangling guitar break.

“Don’t Turn Your Back On The Sun” slows down to an indie roots style with its jangling Rickenbacker rhythm and bouncing bass line perfect for the beach. “Wrote Me A Letter” has that Big Star vibe and “Daisy Paints Her Fingers” is another gem that makes me scream for more. Only four songs, but damn are they good! A top ten rated EP for sure.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

EPs and Singles: Radio Days, Everet Almond, Jeff Litman, Death of Pop

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Italian power pop band Radio Days has a new 4 song EP as the band stretches its wings into a punkier sound on “Time Is Over,” and the ballad “Sometimes” recalls early John Lennon solo. A jangling romantic version of The Ramones “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend” is cool and we end off with the surf guitars of  “El Delfin Y El Varano.” Get it on Amazon.

Everet Almond is back with his third EP, the opening glam guitar and simple lyrics sound like a mix of Marc Bolan and McCartney. The jangling melody of  “Be Where You Are” and “Right Kind of Lover” are terrific songs. I think Everet is ready to release a full-length LP at this point.

Jeff Litman has a FREE download for you with his “Next Affair,” as he mixes the styles of Prince and Elvis Costello, and it is a unique sounding single. Check it out.

The Death of Pop has a new EP out called “Heads West.” The song “700 Spas” has a good contrasting combo of furious percussion, synth, and airy light vocals. It’s short and sweet. Fans of Sparks will love this one.

Get it on Amazon