Probably the greatest pop album ever released (in Canada). In addition to scoring several big bubblegum pop hits in the late ’80s, teen queen Robin Sparkles also helped pave the way for the decade’s ultimate (and most successful) teenybopper band, the New Kids on the Block. The album was promoted initially by a concert tour of Canadian malls, but it wasn’t until later in the year that the album began to catch on with the young pop audience, when MTV and radio latched on to the single “Let’s Go To The Mall,” which soon pushed the album to the number one spot on the Billboard album charts (and in less than year, was certified quadruple platinum). A follow-up single, “Sand Castles in The Sand,” proved to be just as successful, as it peaked at the top spot of the Billboard singles chart. And now you can get the entire album as a free download!
New EPs: Deon Toh, Eytan & The Embassy and the Sound of Growing Up
Deon Toh “Letters” EP
FREE download from Bandcamp
Eytan And The Embassy “The Free” EP
FREE download from Bandcamp
The Sound of Growing Up “Drifting” EP
Facebook | Bandcamp
Ivan Julian "The Naked Flame"
Ivan Julian is one of punk’s unsung talents as long time guitarist for The Voidoids. He’s jammed with the Isley Brothers, The Clash and Matthew Sweet, so it’s a bit surprising we are finally hearing a solo album. The album is classic pop punk with a relentless energy and Julian’s distinct vocals. “Waves” opens the doors with a Ramones-like chorus, but the big standout is “A Young Man’s Money” with it’s pitch perfect riffs and lyrical rants.
The title track is a dark urban love song filled with grit and distorted guitars. Julian is assisted by the Argentinian indie band Capsula, who does a great job here fleshing out the compositions. The beat and ringing guitars of “Hardwired” and “Constricted” are also standouts that recall the heyday of the CBGB’s era. “The Beat” adds a touch of psychedelic drone and “Godiva” will appeal to your inner Hendrix for sure. For fans of Iggy Pop, Velvet Underground and Lou Reed this is an essential album to add to your collection.
Jerry Rio "Foreverland"
Jerry Rio is the talent behind last years top ten band Sunrise Highway. This song is a preview of things to come. The lyrics describe a wistful dream of “Foreverland” where “rock and roll makes you feel you’ll never get old.” Loving that 12 string Rickenbacker strum too. Note: Since I’ve been getting lots of video previews lately, I had a video gallery created. Check it out!
New Mike Viola on the way…
Soundtrack Of My Summer by Mike Viola
The incredible Mike Viola is planning a summer release, and I for one cannot wait. Mike is assisted by Victor Indrizzo on drums and Sean Hurley on bass. Visit his new band page on Facebook! Lots of new releases are set up for April, get ready to dive right in!