James Henry is a Liverpool born vocalist, guitarist and songwriter who is produces gentle adult pop on his own label. If James Taylor and Glen Tilbrook (Squeeze) ever had a baby, James Henry would be the result. He favors clean guitar arpeggios and with his lone vocal on all the songs. “Milsom Heights” is a crisp single with a little bit of everything (harmonies, hand claps, solo break) wrapped in a catchy package. The following songs are all gentle melodies that recall Taylor or Cat Stevens, like on “Overspill” or “I’d Be All Over That.” But all of this pales before the XTC goodness of “The Sun Is Cracking The Flags.” This is one of the best singles I’ve heard this year, with a chorus that won’t leave your head. He dabbles in some eastern European rhythms with “A Bus That Never Comes” and “Industrial Injury.” There is no doubt as to James talent, as his harmonies float on a cloud and his guitar playing anchors each melody. The album is due out May 17th, although you can get a download of  “The Sun Is Cracking The Flags” here. His last album, “Sweetner” is available on Amazon.

My Space | “Sweetener” on Amazon

With the help of The Spongetones alum Jamie Hoover, Frank Royster produces his most accessible and catchy album yet. Like a rogue Wilbury, the infectious opener “Mr. Wonderful” has everything a power pop fan could possibly want. Royster’s vocals are full of character, like a mix of John Popper and Randy Newman – and often double tracked to smooth out the rough spots. Unlike his first album, the classic pop influences are more pronounced here like the up tempo Beatlesque “She’s Not Alone” and the slight country bend of “Can’t Make Me Smile.” The songs all have smart harmonies and catchy hooks that stick like glue, a big highlight is the lyrically touching “Brena You,” with it’s Billy Joel styled pounding piano chords. Every song has that fab guitar jangle from “Oh Mary” to the cover of “Every Little Thing” and it just doesn’t get old. This is out on Kool Kat Musik’s label and comes with a bonus disc filled with demo and acoustic tracks. A real triumph that should be savored again and again.

My Space | CD Baby | Amazon | Kool Kat Musik