Monday Freebies: The Tonighters, District Attorneys and The Counters

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The Tonighters “Photograph” EP
A while back I let you all sample the new band The Tonighters. Well, Billy Gilbert and his band got enough interest from this blog, so he decided to pass along a new EP. And yes it’s also a FREE download from bandcamp. Seriously the band sounds better than ever – thanks!

The District Attorneys “Basement Sessions” EP
Here’s another hidden gem, Drew Beskin and his band have been prepping a new album, and these are some of the sessions, including a cover of “Wrecking Ball” written by Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings.  It’s also a FREE download from Bandcamp.

The Counters “This Doesn’t Mean We’re Friends”
This is a good combination album with a little power pop, folk and country sprinkled throughout. The London, Ontario band is basically musician Rupert Heath and his friends. Power pop fans will enjoy “When You Come Around” and  “New Orleans,” and if you like a bit of country try “Death Won’t Slow Me Down” and “Cowboy Song.” It proves that you don’t need to be a one-trick-pony as a musician. And it’s “Name-your-own-price” on bandcamp as a digital download.

The Successful Failures and Dale Murray

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The Successful Failures “Here I Am”
The New Jersey guitarist Mick Chorba (Dipsomaniacs) leads his indie band The Successful Failures through their new album in typical fashion. Think Weezer meets The Goo Goo Dolls and add a touch of Wilco in places and you get the idea.  Starting with “How People Start Sentences” the dual guitar riffs drive the strong melody. It gets even crunchier on the next few tracks, “I Only Know What I Feel” is a standout with a key change in the chorus and “The Rise Of China” is a timely subject with strong beat.

It shifts into roots mode on the intro to “Clifton Mills” but finishes up in familiar territory. By the albums mid-point the band hits its stride,”Mickey Mantle’s Knees” and “Pig Tight Cattle High” combines the harmonies with a hook-laden melodies. The Successful Failures continue to improve although a few rough edges remain (“Turn It Down”). Still a really, really good album for those that enjoy extra power in their pop.

CD Baby | Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Dale Murray “Dream Mountain Dream”
Formerly of alt. country band Cuff The Duke,  Murray gives us some gorgeous jangle rock and folk pop sound on his newest solo outing. The title track opens like a Traveling Wilburys single, with a very Harrison-like melodic hook. The majestic “Assess The Mess” is another highlight, as Murray’s haunting vocal reaches its dramatic peak in the chorus.

Murray’s song writing is also superb. The stunning “Now You’ve Been Warned” has both intensely personal lyrics and a great arrangement. Fans of  a great love song need look no further than the strumming on “You Are My Girl”  to make a moving proposal. “Grove” and “Life Moves” both have solid Byrdsian jangle. Overall no filler and  alt.country fans will not want to miss this one.

CD Baby | Amazon

Wes Hollywood “Fantasy Arcade”

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Rock veteran Wes Hollywood has always had roots in late 70’s and 80’s power pop style. Mr. Hollywood has been a staple in independent music for more than a decade, first with The Wes Hollywood Show and later with solo efforts. His latest album  Fantasy Arcade is an unapologetic triumph of hook infused melodic rock. The bouncy beat of “It’s Good to See You” is a great opener with its shiny, happy guitar riffs.  You’ll hear touches of The Kinks, Elvis Costello, Cheap Trick and The Records in the stunner “Alfie” with a series fantastic chord changes.

The very Davies-like break-up song “Baby We’re Through” is another winner, and the chiming riffs of “City Streets” explain the lost hangouts of childhood, paved over by new developments as Wes croons “goodbye to the corner shop, the record stores and vacant lot.” Its one of my favorite songs here. Each track is meticulously crafted, like the mid-tempo ballad, “Coming Along,” a personal account of his thoughts and the title track has shades of Oasis in its echoing rhythm and blistering chords. No filler and easily one of the best power pop albums this year. It comfortably gets a top ten nomination for my 2012 list.

CD Baby | Amazon

The Willie Wisely Trio “True”

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After an 18 year hiatus the original members of the Willie Wisely Trio reunite for the enjoyable True. I would call the Trio an amalgam of pop, folk and blues with a twist. Wisely fans will love the catchy opener “Kiss Her And Make It Right” and it’s the peppiest song here. The sweet banjo progressions and trombone start “Dr. Jack” but it slowly fades into Wisely-land after the chorus, with dense violin effects. The excellent “Everybody Fears The Lord” does the same, it’s also got a killer hook and rapturous guitar.

The album also doesn’t take itself too seriously with “National Council Of Jewish Women’s Thrift Store.” Wisely writes about all the junk at the thrift store he sees from Farrah Fawcett to “I’m with Stupid” t-shirts. The acoustic folk tunes like “True” and “Low” are shining examples of great roots pop, like Glen Campbell or James Taylor. Also notable is the 26 minute final track “Surreal,” a long jam that reminds me of Simon & Garfunkel’s “A Simple Desultory Philippic.”  Wisely and his trio let’s it all hang out and I simply loved this album.

Band Website | Amazon