More May goodies: Autos, Vanilla, Best Bets, Mustard Service, Gentlemen Rogues, The Modbeats


Where did the time go? Listening to good music is a passion, and Autos from Santa Cruz, California is a “too-cool-for-you” band, with a tracks like “Stay Clean” and “Drive” I will follow these guys and see where the GPS leads me. Crunchy guitars, and a lead that reminds me of Richard Butler (Psychedelic Furs) are a good mix here. Plus hard working musicians Vanilla keep working it after their massive ‘Pish Posh’ with “Abney Park,” a crisp traditional pop gem with jazz accents. This month’s freebie is Best Bets tribute to the 40th anniversary of Prince’s classic album ‘Around The World in a Day. Next, I’m very excited to feature Mustard Service from Miami and “Going Nowhere” a bright, slightly chaotic love song with great energy that ends way too soon. Rockers Gentlemen Rogues are also back, with a heavy teaser for their next album, and The Modbeats latest faetures a nice slice of catchy power pop “Hold Me Roll Me.” Enjoy!





Fourth of July Special: Brian Ray, The Drolls, Gentlemen Rogues, Friends of Cesar Romero, Steven Wright-Mark, Brad Marino, Muck and the Mires


It’s been a long time, but Brian Ray (guitarist with Paul McCartney) returns with a new album in August. The new single, “When The Earth Was Round” is a small sample of what to expect. Freebies are here! The Drolls and Gentlemen Rogues deliver plenty of fuzzy punk power pop. Check out “Happy Hour,” and “Connection.” Then South Dakota’s Friends of Cesar Romero have a new high-energy EP, so check out “Last Summer a Year From Now.” Speaking of summer, we have a wonderful pop single from Steven Wright-Mark called “Summer Sky,” Hopefully, a new album isn’t far behind. Another great EP is Muck and the Mires newest, “Zoom Breakup,” with a high-tech way to dump your date. Finally, Brad Marino has been listening to those old hot-rod-era Beach Boys and The Rip Chords. He decided to add to that vintage genre with his car songs on “Hot Rod Rampage.” I love that cover of “Shut Down!” And in case you missed Steve Conte’s new song… Happy 4th of July!






Singles, Tributes, and Freebies: Hot Summer, The Poppermost, Emperor Penguin and Orbis Max, Gal Gun, Gentlemen Rogues, Coke Belda, Bob of the Pops

Hot Summer a new group by The Shins’ Jon Sortland and Brian Belier. “Fire And Ice” is indirectly related to the great disparities between political parties and a byproduct of shut-in pandemic isolation. Sounding a bit like The Eels to me, Hot Summer certainly is mesmerizing.

The great Joe Kane goes back to 1964 and the British Invasion with The Poppermost. It’s simply Fab! Let’s hope an album follows soon.

Emperor Penguin and Orbis Max combine for this terrific FREE single! An upbeat gem. What is not to like here?

I know little of Chicago band Gal Gun, but they’ve got some solid music here with fuzz guitars and catchy melody. Fans of Superdrag and Velvet Crush will dig it. Visit the singles of the previous months, especially “Premium” from September.

I haven’t heard from Gentlemen Rogues in a long time, so it’s good to see them active again. Nice aggressive guitar pop, with punk-inflected energy. Check it out.

Coke Belda digs deeper in the Bee Gees back catalog and it’s a reminder of how great the Gibb brothers were as songwriters. “Islands in the Stream,” originally sung by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Paton is presented here as a fine duet between Coke and vocalist Sara Depp. More Bee Gees love on Volume 3.

Bob of the Pops (Robyn Gibson and friends) plays hits obscure and common for Volume 5(!) This FREEBIE is brilliant and Robyn’s voice is perfectly suited to The Hollies “King Midas in Reverse” and Jeff Lynn’s ballad “Midnight Blue.”