How do you know when a song is classic? When someone else can cover it and it still sounds amazing. An acoustic rendition of “This Is Your Life” (from Jackdaw4’s ‘Gramophone Logic’). Guest vocalist Givvi Flynn takes lead vocals here and she knocks it out of the park. Both of Jackdaw4’s albums Gramophone Logic and Bipolar Diversions are now available as high quality downloads from Bandcamp. Both albums are what I consider exemplary of modern power pop.
Corin Ashley "Songs from the Brill Bedroom"
Corin Ashley (bass player for The Pills) made this album a few years ago, and I’m surprised it fell under my radar at the time. Opening with the Lennon inspired “Theme from The Brill Bedroom” it makes a big splash with “Gin and Panic,” one of the best George Harrison songs that George never wrote. “File Me Under Regret” is good Let It Be-era Beatlesque song that is performed with conviction and attention to detail. The lighter acoustic tracks like “Foolproof” and “Being Twelve” has a tinkling banjo that mirror the type of chord changes and pop sensibility of Mike Viola or Paul McCartney. Another highlight is the bouncy “Ladybug” with tight “la la la” harmonies and a hook in the chorus that won’t let you go. The slower “Your Moment of Weakness” is another warm melodic ballad that recalls David Mead. It’s all good, even the ukulele strum of the confessional “Daddy’s Song.” Overall, this debut is superbly crafted pop music that definitely belongs your collection. Corin also made a huge impression kicking off IPO in Boston and he is currently crafting a follow up at Abbey Road studios. I for one can’t wait for it.
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A huge pile of FREE holiday songs for you!
Zach Curd strikes again! Suburban Sprawl Music put together a holiday compilation available for free download full of weird and wonderful holiday classics. In fact, there are holiday compilations dating back to 2002! That a massive amount of tracks, some good – some painful to listen to. To listen/download everything visit Suburban Sprawl Xmas Music page.
Here are a few more holiday gifts for you. Dave Milligan from Penguin Party has released a Christmas song “It’s Only Christmas – It’ll Soon Be Over” as a free download. Another free goodie comes from The Sexy Accident. They have released a new version of “A Merry Christmas To You.” Remixed by Steve Fisk and features lead vocals by Michelle Plaitis, and featuring clips from It’s a Wonderful Life. And finally, Swedish powerpop band The Genuine Fakes have a free download of their
version of Mariah Carey’s hit “All I Want for Christmas”. Ho, ho, ho!
Bobby Emmett "Learning Love"
Bobby Emmett (The Sights) has a new solo album here, and it’s got enough to make power pop fans cheer this holiday. Emmett channels Big Star, John Lennon and The Lolas in this exciting release. The entire album has a very classic 70’s arena rock feel, and “Queen of Hearts” starts out with a riff straight of out of The Raspberries and a tight vocal harmony that resembles Roger Manning Jr.’s multi tracked goodness. It’s the main highlight of this impressive album. The follow up “Broken Hearted” is another catchy melody, with a more modern pop feel. Every track here sounds like a winner, and “Still Wanna Be With You” is a good example. The echoing Dick Dale styled guitar solo and dense vocals add to the tracks wall of sound. Another great tune, “Moving Ahn” has distinct hooks and remind me of The Bay City Rollers or Sweet, but with an extra heavy riff break toward the back end. The songwriting is also consistently excellent, so if you are to complain here it would be that the production sheen is too thick, with Emmett’s vocal being over modulated in spots. But the combination of guitars and melodies will linger long after the last track plays. “Not Gonna Take It” glams it up with rough buzz riffs, and a strutting chorus that takes no prisoners. The bombastic finale “Love Is Real” piles it on really thick with guitars and psyche-pop distortions, but the melody pokes it’s way through to win you over. Overall, a strong contender for this years top ten, no doubt. For fans of the above influences, this is essential listening.
George Michael “December Song (I Dreamed Of Christmas)”
December Song (I Dreamed of Christmas)” is a holiday single released by George Michael on December 25th, 2008. The track originally had been written for the Spice Girls, but never made it and was then going to be given to Michael Buble, but ultimately George sang it himself. It is scheduled to be released commercially in December 13, 2009, but this delightful video is viewable now. It’s a slow ballad with a gorgeous bridge in the chorus. Why can’t we get more presents like this? More info at George Michael’s site