This is some light solo chamber pop from Kevin M. Kirker. Similar to Elliot Smith, but with a single Harp as his only instrument. There is very little info about Kevin directly, but you get lots of insight from this interview I found. Despite the simple rhythmic backing, Kevin has a soft double tracked vocal and a knack for a good melody. Fans of baroque vocal pop will appreciate his work, and on top of all this he’s giving his music away for pop fans to enjoy. He has two albums here, ...and now, you’ll live forever (2008) and our story now begins… (2007) A minimalist delight for a lazy sunday. FREE DOWNLOAD of Kevin Kirker’s Music
Andy Partridge Interview
“I’m merely a man and I bring nothing but love for you. I’m merely a man and I want nothing that you can’t do! And you know it’s true.”
Long have I searched for a way to get an interview with XTC frontman, Andy Partridge. Well I tried over and over, but I guess I don’t have the pull of Will Harris from Popdose. But this is essential reading for the power pop fan. Check out the Andy Partridge interview on Popdose.
The Thromboes "She’s Like A British Car"
The Thromboes are Larry Levy (Histrioniks) on vocals/guitar, Dave Powers on bass and Bongo LaHair (?) on drums. The group can be defined as a poppy garage punk style. When the album starts out “Let me touch your junk…” you know you’re in for something different. Unfortunately this clever lyrical approach on “Junk” isn’t on more tracks here. Larry makes the next track a funky beat ride, as “She’s Like A British Car,” resembles The Shadows fronted by Frank Zappa and The Mothers. And the fact that Cat Levy also lends her backing vocal talents to this helps make it the best track here. “Closed Doors and Cigarettes” and “I’m on The Underground” have a wall of sound styled guitar production that is a compelling listen. “Man In The Way” resembles the Cynics a bit with the full echoing reverb sound and aggressive beat. This approach is repeated in several tracks like “Shutter” and the appropriately written tune “Don’t Get Into My Head.” It flirts with a 50’s narrative style on “Back To The (Concrete Pond)” which is a lot of fun, like a garage version of The B-52s. And it ends off with a well played instrumental (“Overture To The Sun”). So, if you’re into this style of retro garage rock, it’s a very good entry in the genre.
Michael Carpenter "Redemption #39"
In his first solo album of new material since 2004’s “Rolling Ball,” it’s refreshing to hear from Michael again in vintage form. As one of the top power pop talents on the globe, Carpenter here gives a clinic on how to write, perform and record a great album. Starting with the highly catchy “Can’t Go Back,” the song showcases his Beatlesque percussion and strong melody. Written between 2006 and 2008 at his studio in Sydney, Australia, the lyrics reflects the dark mood and somber themes of creative despair, lost love and failure that contrast with the familiar upbeat rhythms. For example on the title track, he intones “Heaven help the fool who falls a victim to desire…” Being a one man band, the guitar work on each track is strummed to perfection. The honky tonk flavor on “Workin’ For A Livin” makes for perfect toe tapping theme to the drudgery of employment. Michael then combines elements of Jellyfish and Queen to create the creative “The King Of The Scene.” After such a stellar first half, we slow down with a ballad (“Don’t Let Me Down Again”) before he boils down his life to the “Middle of Nowhere” where his soul just pours out. This track is the pinnacle of the album and a personal highlight for me. The remaining tracks are almost as strong lyrically as well as melodically. “Falling Down” is an uplifting confessional gem with a clean multitrack vocal chorus. Clearly, this is the strongest Carpenter album since his debut “Baby.” For a limited time, a bonus disc version of the album will be available. Entitled “The Stripped Redemption #39”, it presents the whole album with minimal accompaniment, highlighting the vocal arrangements of the material. If you aren’t that familiar with Carpenter’s work (what rock have you been hiding under?) this is a fine place to start, as well as last year’s compilation “Up Close.”
My Space | Not Lame | Kool Kat Musik | Rhapsody | Big Radio
Anya Marina "All The Same To Me"
The second video to come out from the excellent album Slow And Steady Seduction,Phase II.