Stag and Colour Me Red

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Stag “Stag”
After an impressive EP last year, Seattle’s Stag presents its new self-titled LP chock full of pretty pop melodies and big hook filled guitar riffs. Similar to Cheap Trick, Big Star, Redd Kross and Guided By Voices it blasts off with “These Times,” a strong anthem for you to get up and take action.

For those who worked in record stores “Love Her Records” is a great tribute with its Big Star riff. “Don’t Lead With Your Heart” is another melodic gem about another heartbreak, and overall there are no real duds here, although the slower tunes don’t resonate as much. Other standouts include: “Tiffany Rose,” Ides of March” with a cool horn flourish, and my favorite here -“Don’t Call Me” with its classic power pop rhythm.

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Stars and Sons “Colour Me Red”
The fantastic opener “Chance Or Such” shows this Brighton UK band moving forward from its last album and flirts with greatness here. A bit like The Eels or Supergrass mixed with Travis, the chords and harmonies are infectious with just a hint of anxiety. Its rocking that cow bell on “Effectively Dead” and then “Family Tree” has a willowy harmony in the chorus.The acoustic ballad “Brewer Street” is a brilliant tribute to a childhood memory filled with creeping menace. In fact most of the album is themed around leaving childhood behind – sometimes over the top (“Urge Yourself”) but mostly beautifully poignant. And the price is right — so pick it up!

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Eytan & The Embassy and The Susan Constant

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Eytan & The Embassy “Everything Changes”
This is a band that’s grown up considerably from their debut, Brooklyn native Eytan Oren and his crew add a dose of Motown soul to their buoyant pop. “Everything Changes”  is a perfect example, with a great hook and horn accents that remind me of Squeeze. “Do It For Me” is another terrific song that is similar to the new Kurt Baker LP.

The ballad “The Things You’ve Never Done” hits that perfectly emotional note, and Eytan’s croon is like a young Elvis Costello. There is even a collaboration with Locksley on “The Good Life.” Each tune is really good, but “Good Morning Marilyn” is a richly detailed gem that shouldn’t be missed – its simply goose bump inducing. Without any filler, this looks to be the last LP to enter my year end “best of” list. These guys are the next “big” thing, so don’t miss it.

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The Susan Constant “Rayonnement”
Boston based Susan Constant is readying a new EP and they’ve released the free single “Locked Up” in advance. The debut from last year is a free download too and a good intro to this indie band with it’s poppy upbeat songs about the dark side of love. Enjoy the sharp lyrics and serious hooks – the band is Paul Sennott (guitar, vocals), Brian Kingsbury (guitar), Jim Bernat (keys,vocals), Mark Veligor (bass, vocals) and Jason Rossman (drums).

J.P. Cregan and Phil Yates

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J.P. Cregan “Elba”
JP Cregan returns with a follow up to Man Overboard. Cregan has that Nick Lowe/Elvis Costello vibe down just right, and the opener “Wreck” is a solid single. Cregan is joined by Aaron Wilson whose trumpet features prominently on this tune as well as “Here It Comes Again.”

Some really nice steel guitar work on the shuffling “I Want To Let You Know” and the “The Maritime” rocks like those classic Dylan and McGuinn collaborations. Another rich sound is found in “Saw Her on the Metro” with a more traditional power pop composition. The gentle acoustic ballads of “Wishing Blue” and “Fall With Me” provide a nice contrast. A sophomore album that proves a balanced approach of alt. country and power pop can be successful.

CD Baby

Phil Yates “Tumble Stairs”
Phil Yates makes his full time living as a math teacher, and his new EP Tumble Stairs shows he’s got an additional talent (ugh). “Good Morning To You” is a minor chord gem in the best Lindsey Buckingham tradition. The slow country “Barely There But Blowing” is a witty ballad about not “getting’ any.” Yates has a goofy sense of black humor that makes itself present in “Ninjas Vs. Zombies” and “The Bottom Of An Urn.” The only rocker here is “California Song” and “What A Shame” ends things on a bitter note. Overall an innocuous, but interesting EP.

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The Mockers and Willow

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The Mockers “Men of La Mancha” EP
Power pop veterans The Mockers have been dripping out singles all year, but finally we get a nice group together in one EP. A cover of “Impossible Dream” from the Broadway show Man of La Mancha, it starts off traditionally… then speeds off into Mockersville. The Spanish pop gem “Que Vida” sounds like it fell off the Los Imposibles album. And the liberal dream single “Republican Girl” is a bona fide viral hit. Add to this two new holiday songs and you have all killer, no filler — one of the best EPs this year. Highly recommended!

Bandcamp | CD Baby (Christmas singles only)

Willow “Charcoal & Blue”
Once again we follow guitarist Mike Barnett to his new project. Willow is a collaboration between Barnett, Jerry Risner (bass) and Denise Risner (vocals, keyboards). The trio leans on Denise’s jazzy vocal and Barnett’s jangle styled guitar playing. Opening with “Nobody Does It Like You” its a Dylanesque gem, and I enjoyed the soulful lyric and Byrdsian riffs on “Good Love Is Hard To Find” and “Counting On You.” Unfortunately weariness on some of the vocals is evident, and some songs lack energy. Fans of both Dylan and Steve Forbert may appreciate it more than I did.

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