Tag: Brian Jay Cline

Even More June EPs and Singles: Walcot, Timmy Sean, Brian Jay Cline, Geoff Palmer, Mom, Ex-Norwegian, Big Star

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While the band Walcot was formed in Chicago, they moved to Charlotte, NC. and released their debut Songs For the Disenfranchised. The catchy single “Dreamin’ Away” is joined by some equally good songs; “Another Man,” and the laid-back gem “It Feels Alright.” The songs are so skillfully done, I expect great things in the future for them. With the legend Paul McCartney hitting age 80 this month, our friend Timmy Sean covers the Wings classic faithfully. While it shares the same title as a Bond movie, Western rocker Brian Jay Cline always comes up with something uniquely good, and here it is with “Never Say Never.” Geoff Palmer (The Connection) dusted off his 2010 debut album, originally under the name “Geoff Useless” – fans will enjoy this one! The Brits known simply as Mom released a pair of singles, and I really like “Scary Mary,” and it’s a FREEBIE. Enjoy the tunes!






REISSUES OF THE MONTH

The debut album of Ex-Norwegian was re-mastered and re-released. If you missed my review, it was posted on Virgin.com before it was rudely deleted. But take my word for it… “a terrific album that delivers superior melodies along with adventurous arrangements,”  check out “Something Unreal” to get a taste of this classic.

Did you know that Big Star is now on Bandcamp? Know your musical history, bro. This is one of the most influential rock bands ever and of course a seminal power-pop band.

Singles and a freebie: Ken Sharp, Brian Jay Cline, Ken Fox, Neil Nathan, Justine and The Unclean, SA Reyners, Cherry Parke

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A massive pile of new music for you all!

Ken Sharp has released the Davy Jones charity single, “Girl” b/w “Forget That Girl.” “Girl” is the song Davy famously performed on “The Brady Bunch” while “Forget That Girl” is a fantastic Monkees track featured on their “Headquarters” album. All proceeds of the sales of the songs will go to Davy’s charity of choice, the Davy Jones Equine Memorial Foundation, which benefits his herd of horses. 


Brian Jay Cline has been very prolific lately, a master musician with guitar twang and pop hooks. He’s got a new EP on his Bandcamp site, but also this thematic single.

Ken Fox (bassist & showman extraordinaire from The Fleshtones and former bassist of Jason and the Scorchers, yes you have read this correctly) steps out front and center with is debut single “One Less Step” and looking to take over the world by storm with his upcoming solo debut.

It’s been a few years, but its good to hear Neil Nathan do a smashing cover of this John Lennon classic. I couldn’t think of a better time to revive this song for a new generation.

Justine and the Unclean are back. They are a talented women-fronted garage/punk/power-pop band with some new tunes.  Fans of Joan Jett wanna hear this one.

On the soft pop side, SA Reyners delivers a single so sweet and catchy I can’t resist it. Dig that bassline! No relation to The Cufflinks (Ron Dante) golden oldie hit of the same name.


OK, I know nothing about this band except they do their best to imitate The Dukes of The Stratosphear. I give Cherry Parke credit for going there and it’s a FREE download.

Streetcar Conductors and Brian Jay Cline

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Streetcar Conductors

Streetcar Conductors “The Very Best of Streetcar Conductors”

It’s pretty ballsy to label your debut “The Very Best of,” but Streetcar Conductors deliver what amounts to an impressive selection of modern rock singles. The glorious opening track, “Pushover,” is has a Weezer-Cheap Trick feel and an earworm chorus that is full of layered piano and guitar. It’s so good, the other tracks suffer a bit by comparison.

Streetcar Conductors do a good job mixing classic pop influences into the modern rock song structures. “Let’s Not And Say We Did,” is almost a novelty tune; catchy in the tradition of Bowling For Soup. There is an undercurrent of Beach Boys influence on “Throw Your Love Away” and especially on “Summer, What Became Of You” with its earnest harmonies. Another great tune “Pictures Of Ourselves” is a great commentary on today’s selfie culture. Some tunes try to get punkier (“It Sounded Like The End Of The World”) or just plain goofy (“The Absurdity of Life.”) But then it sounds like the guys are trying too hard. The band is at its best with simpler melodies like “You Are The Brightest Star” and “True Love, They Say.” Overall, no filler and more than enough “hits” to be Highly Recommended.

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Brian Jay Cline

Brian Jay Cline “Idle Chatter”

Veteran jangle artist Cline shines on this – his most pop-oriented album – opening with the wicked riffs of “Would You Stay?” it’s a strong opener that sticks with you. Brian’s combination of country, pop, and rock elements blend perfectly on the second half of “Sic Transit Gloria,” with its sing-along chorus and steel pedal lead. 

“Latch Key Kid” and “I Get You” are shambling melodic narratives similar to Tom Petty or Marshall Crenshaw.  Other great tunes are “The Ballad of Rosetta Stone,” “Last of The Great Atomic Heartbreakers,” and “Never Saw It Coming.” Cline hits his stride here, with no real duds and plenty of diversity in sound. This is also the best BJC album I’ve heard so far, so yes… it’s Highly Recommended.

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