The O’neders and Goodnight Monsters

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The O’nders “That Thing We Done”
A group of Sydney Australia musicians who love power pop got together and put out an album full of their favorite tunes. You gotta love the group name and title, an aussie accented play on The Wonders. This is put out by Michael Carpenters’ Big Radio Records label and it’s one of those releases that reminds me of singing in the shower, it’s fun and easy to sing along to. It’s played live with loving confidence and full of favorites from The Who (“The Kids Are Alright”), Supergrass (“Alright”), Big Star (“In The Street”), Jellyfish (“Joining A Fanclub”) and many more. With 17 tracks it’s a huge selection of excellent songs right now only available as a Bandcamp download. The vocal duties are a mixed bag, where some shine (“I’ll Feel Whole Lot Better”) and others flop, it will not make anyone forget the original recordings but this is clearly a labor of love. On another Carpenter note: Fans interested will want to sign up for The Incomplete Cuban Heels pre-order at Michael’s blog. Each subscription earns an advance album copy and tons of bonus stuff depending on your level of sponsorship.

Goodnight Monsters “Summer Challenge”
Charming pop band from Finland brings us a loose collection of songs that take influences from The Beach Boys, Teenage Fanclub and early Elephant Six groups. “Hanging On To A Bad Dream” is a great single with a bouncy chorus and soft harmonies. “First One On The Beach” has the surf guitar and sunny sound of the Wilson brothers down pat. The band’s approach isn’t that aggressive but songs are tuneful, like the Belle and Sebastian twee pop of “Keep Me As A Secret” and the measured beats of “Mockingbird.” Lead singer Matti Jasu pens many of the poppier tunes. The jangling guitars and catchy “April Fooling” is my favorite here and full of unabashed pop goodness. “Le Beat De Jacques Lapin” (aka “Jackrabbit Stomp”) is another retro-60’s dance number that shines. Overall a warm and jangly album that offers some cool refreshment on a summer day.

 My Space | CDBaby

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Freebies for July!

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Like the ice cream man passing by, I bring you these tasty musical treats to beat the heat absolutely FREE. Download to your hearts content…

Paul Rosevear “Hodge Podge Hello”
Brooklyn based Paul Rosevear is the lead singer of the band Readymade Breakeup. If you enjoyed Paul’s solo EP “Broken Nose Poetry” then he offers up a free album of odds and ends. Mostly acoustic demos and a live track or two, a nice standout is “Drag This Anchor” as well as the folky “One One Thousand.” Enjoy.
Paul’s Blog | Bandcamp

The Riffbackers “The Curtain Shop and Alterations”
I reviewed this one back in March. Now that it’s a free download, you really have no excuses. Spanish popsters Fausto Martin and Nacho Garcia, fresh off of The Winnerys breakup combine The Beatles melodies and The Bryds jangle with style and grace.
The City Streets “The Jazz Age”
Based in Montreal, a band that has The Replacements work ethic and shares a bit of their sound with the guitar riffs on “Song For Lee.” Next, “Irish Rose” has a lanky George Thorogood vibe, the songs range from bar room blues to solid rock. Fans of Guided By Voices are sure to latch onto the dark pop of  “Last Waltz Party” and “Big Love.” The band is offering it up free on their site, or you can support them by buying it.
Band Website | CD Baby
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Mark Radcliffe and Moonjellies

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Mark Radcliffe “The Sea Before Us”
Mark Radcliffe is an undeniable talent, a singer/songwriter in the mold of Duncan Shiek, David Grey or Kenny Loggins. Starting with the upbeat “In The Sun,” its compelling guitar chords hold your attention, and the hook in the chorus keeps you there. The strong, descriptive lyrics in “Other Side Of The Pillow” and “Tumbleweed” shares plenty in common with the Finn brothers or Bruce Hornsby. The emotional pull of these songs are strong, especially on “Tumbleweed” where the ache of the road is clear, when he sings “I don’t want to be another tumbleweed/ rolling down the road. Never knowing which way is home.” One of the catchiest songs here is “Miss Hard To Forget” a flirty, white-boy-soul pop tune that lightens the mood instantly.  Every song has a strong composition, sparse rhythms and well crafted melodies, so even though the energy level tones down at the album’s mid point, it never gets predictable. The acoustic guitar is the primary focus and even on ballads like “No Time To Lose,” the songs resonate. A hidden gem for sure.

My Space | CD Baby | Amazon

Moonjellies “Inner Anger Feather”
French power pop artists Moonjellies hits the spot on a hot day with their gentle melodies and harmonies similar to late-era Beatles and solo John Lennon. The music isn’t so hard edged and favors subtlety in place of jangle theatrics.  The Fab affection is truly sincere with the opener “The Meeting Place,” a melodic anthem punctuated by light horns and soft guitar riffs. “Come Across Your Shade” is a bit more White Album-like, with a mantra-like repeating rhythm and smooth backing harmonies. “No Better Side Of the Road” adds a folk element to the sound and “Man In A Crowd” is similar to Neil Young’s earliest material. The attempts at a retro folk sound are okay, but the Beatlesque sound is what will attract most listeners. Unfortunately the lack of energy becomes wearying over the course of the album, but the band seems to excel at creating a soothing vibe overall.  A hypnotic guitar epic “Sunrise” sounds like an out-take from George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass” and the wonderful ending track “Black Cloud” is beautiful a Lennon lullaby. A good album for those with Fab obsessions, others may find it tedious.

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The Dahlmanns and The Len Price 3

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The Dahlmanns “s/t” EP
Made up of the husband/wife team of Andre and Line Cecile Dahlmann, from Oslo, Norway. Dahlmann is no stranger to the punk rock scene, as he’s spent plenty of time with The Yum Yums, Vibeke and The Trashcan Darlings (with Marky Ramone). Opening with the loving tribute “Dancing With Joey Ramone” it faithfully follows the Ramones signature punk pop riffs and beats. “I Want You Around” is an original based on this formula, and it’s quiet effective. After this is a cover of Lindsey Buckingham’s “Holiday Road” (we featured the original video a few days ago). The bouncy “Didn’t Tell The Man” has a wicked guitar solo at the break in between verses and that’s it. Overall a fun little EP to add to your collection, and I have heard a full length album is on it’s way by the end of the year.

My Space | CD Baby | Amazon

The Len Price 3 “Pictures”
Picture perfect garage power pop that wears it’s classic influences like a thick coat of paint.  The Len Price 3 always produced great music, but here the spirited jamming takes on tightness and authenticity not heard in your average retro-power pop band. Signed by ‘Little’ Steven Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool label, “Pictures” is lead by big booming beats, Rickenbacker riffs and singer/guitarist Glenn Page’s solid compositions. “Keep Your Eyes On Me” is just one of many great songs here, with snappy hooks and soaring choruses all delivered with speed and earnest excitement. “I Don’t Believe You” and “The Girl Who Became A Machine” both have trappings of the mid 60’s favored by The Who, The Small Faces and The Kinks. The Davies-styled “Mr. Grey” is another classic working class drama full of cockney and trumpet flourishes (He likely lives next door to “Mr. Pleasant”). The punchy “You Tell Lies” are nearly a pop throwback to The Romantics and The Jam, with it’s relentless aggressive beat. Thankfully a slower paced song arrives at the albums end, as “Jack In The Greens” has that pastoral melancholy similar to Davies “Sunny Afternoon.” The album finishes at nearly 30 minutes with not a whiff of filler, it begs for repeat listens. Another top ten contender for 2010.

MySpace | Amazon

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