Overlooked Gem: The Paparazzi “Rococo” FREE Download

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The Paparazzi is the musical pseudonym of songwriter and rocker Erik Paparazzi, who has spent the better part of the past decade as a sideman with Cat Power’s Dirty Delta Blues. Made this album back in 2004 it was shelved until 2010 and didn’t get the attention it deserves. His new record Rococo showcases a love for the soulful rock sounds of the 1960’s (“Hi”) with a discernible Beatles and Nilsson influences and a drowsy indie rock sensibility (“My O My”). This lush and quirky daydream pop is fresh from the dryer – soft and warm and it’s a highly recommended free download. Thank you, Erik!

If you want a CD then go to: Serious Business Records | Amazon

The Beach Boys Reunion

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The Beach Boys, together with estranged sonic genius Brian Wilson for the first time in decades, have the brand-new reunion single “That’s Why God Made The Radio.” You can close your eyes and go back in time… “Tuning in the latest star/From the dashboard of my car/Cruising at seven/Push-button heaven” The song proves without a doubt proof that nobody can replicate their harmonies, even though thousands of bands have tried. This is vintage Beach Boys and with both Brian and Mike Love passing 70 years old, they figured it was now or never.

Listen to the song here with lyrics.

Airport and The Dead Girls

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Airport “Go Up”
Released last year, but an overlooked treasure for sure. The band draws from the big hook filled melodies of old school 70’s AM radio classics like Cheap Trick, Blue and Pilot. Lead by Craig Small, the jangly guitar starts us off with the Eagles-influenced title track, but then on “The Plan” you get a taste of those gorgeous ascending chords in the chorus. “Hate You” adds some fuzz to the lead, as the backing harmonies build to an apex similar to Badfinger.

Nothing falls flat here, and the thick chords and hook on “Knot Again” make it a real gem of a single that will give you goosebumps. “Stay” has a rhythmic guitar intro along the lines of “Sweet Child O Mine,” but falls into sweeping alt. rock ballad. Fans of alt.country and guitar melodies will eat this up. A most worthy addition to your playlist.

CD Baby | Amazon | KoolKat Musik

The Dead Girls “She Laughed A Little” EP
Solid guitar jangle and smart harmonies are the specialty of The Dead Girls.  The vocals of Cameron Hawk and JoJo Longbottom are excellent here, comparable to The Gin Blossoms or The Rembrandts with a bit more bite. You’ll find the b-side “It’s All Happening” is reminiscent of  Joey Sykes’ Coward with contrasting heavy guitars and high pitched vocals. The EP is just an opening for you to check out the back catalog LP Out of Earshot from 2010. Here, the guys sound similar to Husker Du and its best featured on the songs “Te Quiero” and “Pulling Teeth.”

Budokan and Beyond Veronica

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Budokan “Spin A Little Gold”
This Canadian band from Victoria, B.C. has the loud fiery energy that is sure to make it a rookie-of-the-year as far as I’m concerned. Yes, the name and sound are indebted to Cheap Trick (as in Live From Budokan) and those strong, layered guitars ring true on the openers “The Queen’s English” and “You Don’t Stop Lovin’ The Band.”

You’ll hear some Stones influence mixed in there too (“The Right On Girl” and “Bastards of Feel”) and with a heavy 13 tracks, you get your money’s worth. Drink plenty of Red Bull with this one, cause it doesn’t slow down or get mushy. No clunkers, and I especially liked “Saint Joan” and “Kelly Green.” Not much else to say here, just listen…

CD Baby  | Amazon

Beyond Veronica “Hard Times For Dreamers”
Beyond Veronica follows the great tradition of female-fronted power pop and it’s essential listening for fans of Jana Peri, MaryKate O’Neil and Joan Jett. “If You Love Her” is a great start with vocalist Bonnie Veronica’s melodic croon reminding me of Grace Slick at times.

The band does a great job setting the table, and Bonnie hits it outta the park on the excellent “Secret Things” and you’ll hear more “bad-girl” narrative on “Taste Of The Same.” Kirk Larsens’ guitar work is the perfect compliment to Bonnie’s vocals, even for the jangle-filled ballad “My Friend.” Larsens’ awesome riffs poke out between the chorus of most tunes. The song composition and rhythms stick to the early 60’s for influence, imagine The Shangri-la’s and The Animals jamming together. Mostly it’s great, but a little more diversity would have prevented things from getting routine. Overall a welcome addition to your power pop collection.

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Kids Power Pop: Rockford’s Rock Opera

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Rockford’s Rock Opera
This is a special post for parents of young children. How do you avoid your child being exposed to rotten commercialized pop found on 95% of kids TV programming today? As far as I’m concerned if I hear a certain Purple Dinosaur singing I’d rather shoot myself. Well its pretty easy, you just need to seek out quality melodic kids music like Gustafer Yellowgold and Rockford’s Rock Opera.

Based in the UK, Rockford’s Rock Opera is a unique story-adventure that contains some wonderful rock music, and a positive message about the dangers of animal extinction. It’s spread out across 3 CDs and contains audio performances from a talented group of performers. The story is truly an epic journey of a boy and his dog (Rockford), the brainchild of Elaine and Matthew Sweetapple. The story is a bit of Pepperland, Mike Batt and The Magic Garden, the music is a mix of folk and rock that will charm any kid from 4-12 years old. The messaging is both warm and inspiring, if a bit heavy handed. You can get a free download of of disc 1 on the website and plenty of online goodies. Highly recommended to parents with good taste in melodic music.