See the entire Playlist
Caper Clowns and Shortwaves
Caper Clowns “Without A Safety Net”
With a light, contemporary touch, the Danish indie-pop group improves upon their distinctive blend of ’60s jangle and ’90s alt-pop throughout the course of twelve songs sounding a bit like early Belle & Sebastian and The Merrymakers crossed with Crowded House. Rick Kingo’s friendly vocals and energetic guitar flourishes establish the tone for the opening track “Strange Boy.” Compared to the band’s previous albums, this one has greater polish and heart.
The bright jangle pop of “Anywhere is Home” is balanced by the heavier “Tight Ship” and “Flavour of the Month.” The songs are melodious, and boast solid, soulful guitar work. Another standout is “Behind the Waterfall (Ayayahoo)” with its playful bouzouki and infectious Irish rhythm. While every song doesn’t always hit the mark, a solid majority do, and it ends strongly with the anthemic “Reset the Sun” and the David Gilmour-ish “Dawn’s First Light.” Highly Recommended.
Shortwaves “Mental Health in the Information Age”
Dallas indie pop band Shortwaves gets the message out right away on “Creative Juices.” Lead singer Joe Holbrook chimes in, “Creative juices, I can’t break free. And when I’m six feet underground I’ll leave behind these words and sounds.” The punchy guitars, catchy choruses, and synths pay homage to ’90s alt and ’80s new wave while talking about stress, loneliness, and the search for meaning in the face of modern mental stress.
“DBA” captures the dogged determination required to pursue a music “career,” and it’s a strong melodic gem that boasts excellent riffs. The catchy “The Information Age” serves as a study in perpetual distraction from our modern quest for knowledge. The buzzing “History Man” recalls Weezer, with it’s nostalgic groove and mocking lyric. Loaded with tight, concentrated arrangements and piercing guitar riffs, it’s easy to forget that it’s a contemplation on exhaustion, aspiration, triumphs and tragedies. The quick punk-inspired “Won’t Be Ignored” and awesome instrumental “Dances With Cats” dazzles. It does have a little filler, but mostly this is a solid polished gem that resonates. Highly Recommended.
Father’s Day: doubleVee, The Krayolas, Mark Ward, Richard Snow, The Rallies, DelCobras
The Airport 77s and Nelson Bragg
The Airport 77s “Don’t Let Go”
After the phenomenal ‘We Realize You Have A Choice’ in 2022, Guitarist Andy Sullivan crafted his next group of songs for the band, along with bassist Cal Everett and drummer John Kelly. While the power pop charm remains, numerous tracks bear a stronger 80s influence. “Like Falling In Love” has an angular beat reminiscent of The Cars, and it all comes together on the centerpiece “Anyone But You,” which is one of the better tracks here.
If you are looking for the hard punching excitement of the band’s past songs, “1999 (Take Me Back”), “If It’s On, I’m In” and the explosive “She’s Everything” fill that need. But Andy goes in some new directions too, “Make’em Pay (Don’t Make It Easy)” is a story about a Bonnie and Clyde styled outlaw duo makes a great country rocker, if it had some steel pedal guitar it would be perfect. The slower, more mature themes of “The Hands of Time” and the poignant “Satellite” complete a really well-written and pleasant album. Highly recommended.
Nelson Bragg “Mélodie de Nelson: A Pop Anthology”
It’s timely and poignant that Nelson Bragg’s compilation is out now. He has been a part of Brian Wilson’s band for 14 years, including the release of the iconic SMILE album. He is a well-known figure in the L.A. pop culture. This new “greatest hits” compilation features some classic pop gems, rarities, remixes, and the brand-new Squeeze-inspired tune “We’re Gonna Laugh About It” starts it off. A jangling gem with a easy going chorus filled with minor chords and arpeggios.
On many tracks, Nelson’s Beatles love is evident, yet he seamlessly transforms the sound into something of his own. His soft soothing vocal fits well on the bouncy “Tell Me I’m Wrong,” and the double tracked harmonies on “Lived This Life Too Long” and “She Used To Love Me” recall late-era Hollies perfectly. Nelson’s Beach Boys influence come out on the classics “Whitechapel Girl” and “Death of Caroline.” As this is a curated collection, there are no filler tracks and if you never picked up any of his music before, this is the perfect primer. Highly recommended.
I’m a cork on the ocean…
In Memory of Brian Wilson: A True Architect of Sound
We mourn the loss of Brian Wilson, a visionary whose genius forever changed the landscape of popular music. As the creative force behind The Beach Boys, Wilson transformed surf rock into an intricate, emotional art form. His groundbreaking work on Pet Sounds and timeless classics like “God Only Knows” and “Good Vibrations” laid the foundation for power pop and influenced generations of artists.
Wilson’s gift was his ability to blend lush harmonies with deep vulnerability, crafting songs that spoke to the heart while expanding the possibilities of the studio. His music captured innocence, longing, and beauty in equal measure.
Though Brian struggled with personal demons, his legacy remains one of brilliance and hope. He leaves behind a catalog of work that continues to inspire and uplift.
Rest peacefully, Brian. Your melodies will echo for all eternity.