John Hopkins and Sam Page

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John Hopkins “Sunlight Madness”
Arkansas based pop composer John Hopkins developed this love letter to The Beach Boys SMiLE era and its a wonderful eclectic pop album with bits of DIY folk, and orchestral dream pop. “Morning” starts us with Wilsonesque harmonies in a chant with an awesome a Capella rhythm. It leads in the title track, with effective vocal and guitar flourishes and a rich chorus, ending with rich orchestral interludes between each song. Each track fades seamlessly into each other, often reminding me of Paul Steel’s April & I.

Sometimes the unusual atmospherics (“Downriver”) can get in the way, but that’s a minor point. Each theme is impressive, big standouts include “As You Walk Alone,”  “Ceridwen” and “Sunny Sunday Afternoon.” Harmonies and melodies also recall The Association especially on “Clover,” the best track here. For fans of Sunshine or Baroque Pop this is a real treat. After a few listens the magnificence of this album will sink in, despite a few rough edges. This is a brilliant mood piece that would’ve made my top ten last year.

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Sam Page “Breach”
After his spirited EP debut, Sam Page has a full length album. He lists his influences as Matthew Sweet and Jack White but on his opener “I Don’t Want To Think About Her Anymore” I also hear some Southern Culture on The Skids and The Presidents of The USA.  The guitar melody of “Hold On” has a pretty strong Weezer influence and “Now I Know” has a steady hook that keeps it memorable. Page has a way with bluesy rhythms and lyric on “Pheromones” that make it infectious fun. The guitar skill and warbling vocal on “Thinking About Thinking” is another charmer that brings his background as Philosophy professor in play. This is one performer with potential you cannot ignore, so check it out.

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John Amadon and The Records

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John Amadon “The Bursting Sheaf”
Portland based guitarist extraordinaire, Amadon gives us a quick reminder on the opening instrumental “Saltwater Crocodile,” so fans of guitar gods (Vai, Satriani, etc.) take note. But this is a minor diversion. “Walking The Shoulder” goes in the opposite direction, with a folk rock strum and an earnest vocal similar to Steve Forbert or Al Stewart.

“Set Stone” follows a similar path, with a delicate piano and guitar melody dripping with defiance, it starts “If I’m going to hell at least its a short march…” The West Coast feel and brilliant bass riffs on “Sisters of the Blue Horizon” bring to mind Thunderclap Newman and makes it one of the best songs here too. So no filler either; each song is well written and contributes to a cohesive whole LP. If this doesn’t make you an Amadon fan I don’t know what will.

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The Records featuring John Wicks “Works In Progress”
John Wicks opens up the archives for this this 12-song collection of demos, rare and unreleased recordings from 1982-2012.  This exclusive CD-R from Kool Kat Musik is a must for any  Records fan, and while there aren’t any big hits here, you get some very interesting songs. I loved “Union Jack,” a rocker in the style of The Who, that totally busts on the UK.

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FREE EP Downloads: Sons of Great Dane and The Susan Constant

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Sons of Great Dane “You Can’t Lose It All At Once” EP
Sons of Great Dane have been busy since the last time we reviewed them. Consisting of Brent Windler ( Guitar, Vocals), EvanJohn Nash McIntosh (Guitar), Nolle Bond (Bass) and Brendan Culp (Drums) they are producing some excellent music, showcasing both alt. country and power pop.

The opening track “To A City I Have Known” is a solid example of how they build a riff-filled, harmonic gem. Then the laid back “Love, Desire, Failure”shuffles along to the Big Star like chorus and guitar fill between each verse. “Approximately 18th St.” is a stream of consciousness rant that runs out of breath… and starts again. Look for a new full length soon, as this is an excellent appetizer to make you hungry for more.

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The Susan Constant “Shapes” EP
Boston’s The Susan Constant continue to write impressive indie pop, and the new EP Shapes goes the extra mile, drawing from the live shows they are known for – it building excitement with epics like “Draw Us All” or short rocking blasts like “Locked Up.” The sounds are textbook alt. guitar led goodness similar to REM. It ends with “Midwestern You,” a U2 styled arena ballad that builds to a vocal crescendo. And you can’t beat the price.

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