The Pencils “Anthology”

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A huge “thank you” goes out to Ray Gianchetti of Kool Kat Musik for finding this “lost” UK power pop band from the 80’s. They issued a few singles including the well received “Watching The Tears,” but the full LP recorded in 1984 was never released. Ray tracked down the master tapes of all the bands complete recordings, and there you have it.

The band has a sound in between The Hooters and The Toms, and fans of The Romantics, Squeeze and early Elvis Costello will find a treasure trove on each CD of this 2 disc set. Much of the songwriting is solid and highlights include the catchy “If You Really Want To Hurt Somebody,” “You Say You,” and “Til Your Luck Runs Out.” But many of the other songs are great too, had this LP released at the right time everyone would’ve known The Pencils. Highly Recommended!

Kool Kat Musik | Amazon

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Hey it’s still here! Kool Kat Musik is also selling copies of Powerpopaholic Fest Volume One, our 18-song “soundtrack” to last years music fest. We are still raising money for The Red Cross with each sale, and hope to send them another check soon! 

Raymond Meade and Tipsy in Chelsea

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Raymond Meade “Fables and Follies”
Glasgow, UK based Meade was in the band The Ronelles back in 2006, and here he makes an amazing debut with guest spots from Jon Fratelli (Fratellis) and Philip Chevron (The Pogues).

The album is just flawless – the strong beat and guitar riffs open “The Hardest Part” and the hooks are huge on the chorus of “Don’t Say You’re Sorry.” His sound is unique, but if you can imagine Rick Springfield playing for The Velvet Crush (I guess) that’s close enough. “Tracing Air” has a beautiful multi-tracked guitar opening, layered vocals and rhythms, and it also slows with fine harmonies on “Waiting For Lucy.” Each song is great, I’m not even gonna touch on “Carnivore” with a mid-song narrative by Iain Banks, and the epic anthem of the title track. This is an album that gets better with each listen, and should’ve been in my top ten list for 2012. Simply brilliant guitar pop.

Artists Website | Amazon
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Tipsy in Chelsea “Tipsy in Chelsea”
The duo of Dean Falcone and Trish Thompson creates lovely 70’s lounge pop in the style of Burt Bacharach. Thompson’s approach on “I Wouldn’t Mind The Wait” is very much in the mold of Dusty Springfield, with soft hushed tones. “You Don’t Care” is another intimate ballad that describes heartbreak perfectly. Falcone’s instrumentation and arrangements are right on target. What is missing is a spirited increase in Ms. Thompson’s vocal range, which is more like Astrud Gilberto than Marilyn McCoo. After all, singing The 5th Dimension’s “(Last Night) I Didn’t Get To Sleep At All” is an okay cover, but listening made me want to hear the original.

CD Baby | Amazon

Et Tu Bruce and The Unswept

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Et Tu Bruce “Suburban Sunshine”
West London meets West Coast in this great example of harmony laden pop. “Dress Me Up In Bruises” is an excellent opener, full of solid guitar riffs and an upbeat melody. The harmonized vocals of “Never See You Cry” bring to mind The Association, the catchy composition hooks you as well as the flawless musicianship.

This continues with the jangle fueled “Miracle Crash” and the weird mantra “Never Say Trevor Again.” The band does delve into folk pop with “The Turning Of The Screw” which is so sweet natured it’s sure to turn off today’s jaded music critics at SXSW. And it even gets into psychedelic rock at the end of “It’s All Nothing.” Overall the album is highly addictive and even if few songs overstay their welcome, its tons better than most bands can deliver. Makes my year end top ten too.

Amazon | CD Baby
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The Unswept “Surf Song” EP
Cousins Charlie and Ryan O’Brien are originally from Sheffield, UK but moved to Chicago – and will soon be appearing at Dave Bash’s IPO festival. The guys have a clear case of Beach Boy envy on “Surf Song 89” with it’s Spectorish wall of sound and the danceable “She’s So Cool” layers high treble strums over a solid backbeat. The 60’s retro sound on this 4 track EP is a charmer although the echo is thrown on a bit thick. Traditional Brit pop with a twist.

CD Baby | Amazon | Bandcamp