Happy Record Store Day with Plasticsoul and Brandon Schott

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In honor of the 4th annual Record Store Day, Steven Wilson (of Plasticsoul) and Brandon Schott perform a cover version of the Big Star classic “THANK YOU FRIENDS.” This download is limited to 200 units only, so get it quick!

FREE Bandcamp download

Also our friends at Kool Kat Musik are celebrating with a great promotion: For April 16 & 17th you will get a 10% off the entire Power Pop/Alt Country Online Store catalog (that including new and used CDs, vinyl, magazines and DVDs). Thanks Uncle Ray! Click here to see what’s new at the store.

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Michael Carpenter "SOOP#3"

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Way back in 2001, Michael Carpenter came out with SOOP#1 aka “Songs Of Other People” and it was a smashing success.  After SOOP#2 came out in 2006, it brings us to the newest batch of covers. Michael plans on five new releases over the coming months and he’s rolled out a unique subscription plan, so fans get all sorts of bonuses for signing up.

As for SOOP#3, it’s got some great selections, starting with Tracy Ullman’s “They Don’t Know” where Michael actually improves on the original (few artists can do this). Likewise for Nick Lowe’s “(What’s So Funny About) Peace, Love And Understanding” where it starts out like a church hymn and then roars to life about a minute into the second verse. The solid production and riffs make Fleetwood Mac’s “Think About Me” another gem that can’t be missed. Say what you will about cover albums, but Carpenter has the chops to make each track fresh and an essential part of your playlist.

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Moldy Oldies: The Stories "Love is In Motion"

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When it comes to obscure power pop seldom heard, this qualifies in spades. For those of you who get Bob Lefsetz email, his latest post was a peek into his power pop nostalgia – The Move, ELO, The Kinks, The Left Banke and Stories. This track is a hidden gem from Stories album ‘About Us’ circa 1973. This was Michael Brown at his melodic peak, and it never really found an audience then as the musical zeitgeist concentrated on the album’s cover of “Brother Louie.”

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New EPs: Jen Olive and Research Turtles

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Jen Olive “I Say Love” EP

Jen comes from Albuquerque, New Mexico, by way of Swindon, UK and this EP is a follow-up to her Ape House debut album Warm Robot (featuring Andy Partridge of XTC). Jen does have a pastoral sound similar to Sam Phillips, but with a bit more layered harmonies. “I Say Love” is a great introduction with intricate guitar rhythms and a honey sweet cadence. “Robot Boy” is another catchy winner, and very close to a lost XTC track. Jen makes it her own with both folk and mechanical melodic lines that take root in your brain. Fans of Andy and his stable of artists will not be disappointed.
Jen Olive’s website | Amazon

Research Turtles “Mankiller Part 1 of  2” EP

Louisiana based Research Turtles has come out from their shell with a stellar EP. Starting with the power ballad “Bugs In A Jar,” it’s a compelling like a mix of Weezer and Teenage Fanclub. The songs here are quick and concise, the too short ballad “Girl LIke You” is in direct contrast to the Oasis-like swagger of “Mankiller.” The catchy riffs on “Rhinestone Gal” will remind many of The Knack and it’s got all the hallmarks of a big hit single. Once again it sounds like power pop manna to me, so bring on Part 2! Go to the band’s page to join the mailing list and get the first track for FREE.
Research Turtles.com | CD Baby | Amazon

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Film Review: "These Magnificent Miles"

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This Ken Davenport movie is the definitive biography of the band, Red Wanting Blue. They been around for 14 years, but if you never heard of them, that’s understandable. Considered by some music journalists as the “the best underground independent rock band in the USA.” Yet they’ve never been signed to a record label.

The band’s sound is pure middle America, comparable to Dave Matthews Band and Lifehouse. Lead singer Scott Terry has a soulful vocal similar to Eddie Vedder, and his dogged persistence is central to the bands success. We follow the band on the road and through the process of creating their 8th album and hearing testimonials from fellow touring mates OAR, family members and past band members. A majority of the action is concert footage and backstage scenes. These guys do everything themselves, including posting their own concert fliers on campus in the dead of night. Much like the last film I reviewed, this is the story of a band that deserves fame and fortune, but is relegated to doing it because music is their shared passion. We meet all the members of the band and learn their bios, their day jobs, and how they survive as working musicians. We conclude with a triumphant, yet anti-climactic signing by Fanatic Records. Overall, the film is inspiring and educational as to what it takes to survive in today’s musical landscape.

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