The Paul and John “Inner Sunset”

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No, its not any Beatles or biblical Apostles, but Paul Myers (The Gravelberrys) and John Moremen (The Orange Peels). Written over the past three years in San Francisco, then recorded at Allen Clapp’s Studio in Sunnyvale, CA. The Paul & John’s new LP is anchored by the excellent single “Everything Comes Together” with its SoCal hook and catchy sing-along melody. “Long Way Back” is a bit rougher rock, like Springsteen meets The Smithereens. The harmonies work well there, but they really shine on the slow tempo ballad “How ‘Bout That.” The title track is another winner, full of optimistic lyrics and layered guitars, its Brit-pop melody pleads “don’t let the darkness drag you down.”

Myers lyrical prowess is solid with the jangle-filled “Brickland,” a wonderful picturesque song and Moreman does a brilliant job on the multi-chorded “Can’t Be Too Careful.” Nothing here misses the mark, and its all conceived an a very deliberate way, with the album being bookended by two short ballads, the Paul Simon-ish “Inner Sunrise” and “Inner Sundown.” Highly Recommended and added to my top ten list for 2014.

Bandcamp | Amazon

Live Concert Albums: Lannie Flowers and The Sharp Things

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Lannie Flowers “Live in NYC”
I’ve been a huge advocate for Texas popster Lannie Flowers over the years, and his new live concert album is perfect for fans. It selects songs from the current discography, and in a live setting has that spontaneity and energy that the studio tracks lack, improving each song like “Come On Girl” and “Give Me A Chance” as well as a great cover of Big Star’s “Back Of A Car.” The set was recorded at The Trash Bar in Brooklyn on November 19, and the band is really tight here. This is also the closest thing to a Lannie Flowers “Greatest Hits” LP, so if you’ve never listened before this is an excellent place to start.

CD Baby | Amazon

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The Sharp Things “Live At Galapagos Art Space ”
Perry Serpa’s orchestral pop creation The Sharp Things was crammed onto the small stage at Brooklyn’s Galapagos Art Space last September.  The live environment allows all the players to add even more personality to the sprawling musical epics and detailed arrangements. The great thing about this concert is most of it is posted on You Tube. The performances have a warmth seldom seen and its highly recommended. Check out the excellent “Goodbye To Golders Green” and “An Ocean Part Deux.”

Bandcamp | Amazon

Andy Kentler and Departure Kids

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Andy Kentler “No Love Lost”
Aussie musician Andy Kentler gives a solid effort on his new solo LP. The biggest influences I hear are Tom Petty, Lou Reed and Bruce Springsteen. “Getting’ On Home” is in Petty mode, with slide guitar in the chorus and the smokey blues style of “Invisible” has a touch of Pink Floyd in its DNA.

Not exactly power pop, but this changes with the sing along chorus of “Big Hits & Misses.” He goes off in another direction with the hard guitar punk of “Lillian Roxon.” While the variety is appreciated, he excels with story-styled melodies like “Marnie & Stan,” “Walk Out On Me” and the memorable “Nobody’s Fool.” There is plenty here to recommend, so I would add this to your list of artists to keep your eye on.

CD Baby | Amazon

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Departure Kids “On The Go”
Fans of Mod-era Who will just love The Departure Kids, a French band that gets its inspiration from Swinging ’60s London garage pop. “Right Now (Tell  me About It)” and “Wanking Too Hard” just crackles with energy. This Marseille quartet sound like they are having a great time with the jangling chords and manic tempos without strictly following the retro playbook. “Left On Earth” and “Suit It Up” are effective and all without accents.

The ballad “Pas Besoin De Toi” combines both English and French, using the tuning bar to warp chords and it gets all melancholy. While musically songs like “Wondering” are great, the harmonies are too ambitious for the band, and it gets a bit rough. However, “Let Me Stand There” is a big standout with its echoing guitars and chugging rhythm.  The band is worthy of attention, and will definitely grow on you.

Bandcamp | Howlin Banana Records

Here Comes The Reign Again: The Second British Invasion

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Andrew Curry is at it again! After doing a great job curating the Tribute To Lite Rock compilation, he’s taking on the ’80s British Invasion with an amazing roster of indie musicians – including Mike Doughty, Rachael Yamagata, Tracy Bonham, Freedy Johnston, Mike Viola, Bleu, David Mead, Ken Stringfellow of The Posies, and Chris Collingwood of Fountains of Wayne. To see the full track list and sign up for an advance digital download click here.

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