Tag: Chris Richards and The Subtractions

September Singles and EPs: The Mayflowers, The Gnomes, Birds Streets, Chris Richards and the Subtractions, The Cle Elum, Wifey

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With September we go back to school, old school that is. Kyoto Japan’s power pop rockers The Mayflowers are back in a big way. For the first time in over four years, their new song “I’m a Soldier” entails confronting oneself, disease, and despair. Really excited for the old school charm of The Gnomes. The new single “I’ll Be There” is a loaded with Beatlesque harmonies with a touch of punk rhythm to those “Yeah, yeah, yeahs.” Another welcome return is John Brodeur’s third full-length as Bird Streets and the great Jason Falkner  is back too, so check out “Mistaker.” The ’80s band Game Theory left it’s mark on many bands and fans, and Chris Richards and the Subtractions is one of them. Listen to this cool cover of “Make Any Vows.” After a pause, The Cle Elum has a bit of advice to “fake it till you make it” with the new single “Something In The Water.” Next, NYC’s own power poppers Wifey have anew LP coming soon, and lead singer/songwriter Teddy Gray sums it up best; “If modern songwriters would stop trying to write their “Desolation Row” and aimed for “Stacy’s Mom” instead, I think we’d all be a lot happier. Our eardrums would be, at least.” Amen, brother.






Chris Richards and The Subtractions and Deena

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Chris Richards and The Subtractions “Decayed: 10 Years of Harmony and Song”
This gathers a decades worth of Chris Richard and its distilled into one catchy adrenaline fueled LP. Each song is a winner (that’s why they are called “Greatest Hits”) and it includes the original “Call Me Out” which is also on The Power Popaholic Original Soundtrack Vol. 3.

Plenty of guest stars are on these tracks: Nick Piunti, Keith Klingensmith, and Andy Reed contribute to the best primer I can think of for the Chris Richards neophyte. Of course, its all Highly Recommended! And you can see the band LIVE at Power Popaholic Fest on August 30.

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Deena “Rock River”
New Jersey songstress Deena (Shoshkes) showcases her light blend of alt country and indie pop.  Somewhat a cross between Lisa Loeb and Blossom Dearie, her distinct vocal is supported by fantastic backing instrumentation . “My Own Advice” has a sturdy pop hook and simple chorus, reminding me of a Monkees single. “All She Wrote” is a fun sing along and the bouncy “My Friend Superman” is sunny pop with a touch of jazz about teasing the Man of Steel.

And while not everything is as catchy, there are plenty of highlights here. The country mid-tempo heartbreaker “Always Tomorrow” is a memorable twanger, with help from pedal steel player Jonathan Gregg.  No real filler, and the stylistic variety prevents boredom. Definitely sweet enough to stay on my playlist.

CD Baby

Chris Richards and The Subtractions “Covers That” Vol.1 and 2 Free Download

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Yeah, Chris Richards and The Subtractions made my list last month for Get Yer La La’s Out, but did you know he also put out a bunch of cover tunes that same year? Now you do! Released with a few other bands chipping in (like The Phenomenal Cats) its sure to please. Plus he’s released a quick second volume of covers, all done in that awesome rockin’ Subtractions style. And best of all it FREE, so soak it up, power popaholics! All on Bandcamp.


Chris Richards and The Subtractions “Get Yer La La’s Out”

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Chris Richards is one of the Midwest’s finest power pop stars and he continues to dazzle us on Get Yer La La’s Out. Both veterans, bassist Todd Holmes and drummer Larry Grodsky join in the fun. On the opener “Don’t Do Anything Tonight” is rich in jangling rhythm, driving melody full of memorable hooks. Fans of REM, Tommy Keene, Sloan and Teenage Fanclub will gleefully soak it all in. The next several tracks “It’s Something” and “And Suddenly” continue this pure pop bliss. The entire album follows this template, and although we are missing a slower song, or ballad you may not notice. This is guitar pop heaven, as the riffs on “Head Under Water” ring in your head.

There is a slight danger of songs sounding too similar, but the composition and tone changes keep things fresh. On “December” the band takes more of a hard rock approach and “Uncertainly” is a rousing finale that recalls Squeeze with Chris’ vocal even sounding like Glenn Tilbrook at times. Turn up the stereo and blast this one, summer’s here in a big way!

Artist’s Site | CD Baby | Amazon