Tag: Geoff Palmer

Early Christmas in December: The Lemon Twigs and much more!

powerpopaholic

Well, that time of year is coming closer.

The winds are getting colder. And I’m almost another year older. So let’s open up the presents early. Firstly, The Lemon Twigs are always a great stocking stuffer with the new singles “I’ve Got A Broken Heart” and the garage rocker “Friday (I’m Gonna Love You)” full of joyous “na na nas.” Next, a very child-like response to a Scrooge by The Hilken and Melissa Band with acclaimed singer Kay Hanley (Letters to Cleo) on “What’s So Bad About Christmas” and the garage rock of Boston’s premier all-female rock cover band, The Other Girls singing “I’m Not Getting Anything for Christmas.” Both are great new Xmas originals!

The Supernaturals are on their third Christmas EP, the keeper here is “I Won’t Let You Down This Xmas.” But for some anthemic Xmas pop punk, check out Greg Antista and the Lonely Streets. Another treat is The Krayolas, and Beach Boys fans will love “Giddy-up Santa.” Perfecto! But for the pissed off among us, Geoff Palmer delivers his Xmas sneer with “Merry Christmas I Fucked Your Snowman.” But I couldn’t end this with such piss and vinegar. So take a deep breath, and listen to the excellence of Music City’s “Only Home For Christmas.” And the best gift is the band has a new LP cooking for 2026.

 







April Showers: Corin Ashley, Chris Stamey, The Lemon Twigs, Geoff Palmer, Rocket Rules, Crossword Smiles, The Supernaturals

powerpopaholic

A massive amount of quality music is coming out now: Firstly, check out the return of Corin Ashley with “Empathy Centre,” with it’s guitar crunch and free wheeling lyric, “The Commandant of kindness would like a word with you…” Next the biggest surprise; a super team up of Chris Stamey and The Lemon Twigs doing a gorgeous Beach Boys styled ballad, and the album is expected this summer. Geoff Palmer returns with his punk pop perfection on ‘Kodak Flash’. Each song here is a winner! Next, this month’s freebie is the dense, lush dream pop of Rocket Rules. Give it a listen with headphones. Another new gem is Crossword Smiles latest “Falling All Over Myself” and the consistently good band The Supernaturals with a new pair of tunes destined for the upcoming album “Show Tunes.” Enjoy the sun, popaholics!




All Star End of August Singles: Geoff Palmer, Roger Joseph Manning, Jr., Chris Price, Brad Marino, Thomas Walsh, Sofa City Sweetheart

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Not everything comes out on Bandcamp, and I have to recognize that some of the biggest players in power pop also use YouTube. Geoff Palmer (The Connection) is prepping a new album with Ramones-like “Give It Up,” and it sounds fantastic. Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. (Lickerish Quartet, Jellyfish) gets back to basics on “I’m Starting A Band” and is joined by the great Chris Price on “Rockin’ It Our Way.” Geoff’s ex-bandmate Brad Marino is also doing some damage with the new single “Lucy.” Thomas Walsh (Pugwash) has “A Good Day For Me” that doesn’t stray far from his band’s roots, still as melodic as ever. Finally, Sofa City Sweetheart offers a bright sunny gem in “It Wasn’t You” a love song that isn’t quite that, but what a vibe here. With September almost here, we’ll soon say goodbye to summer and move into the busiest month for music releases. Stay tuned!




September Singles, Freebies, and Eps: The Orion Experience, Danny Wilkerson, Canadian Invasion, Geoff Palmer, Bill DeMain, Rooftop Screamers, and more

powerpopaholic

It’s the World Premiere of The Orion Experience‘s new single “Moving” is a loving tribute to the 80’s legend Kate Bush. A favorite artist of lead singers Orion Simprini and Linda  XO, they do a killer version with sharp riffs and harmonies. More will be coming, but for now, check out last year’s rich tapestry of danceable pop Fever Dream EP.

Danny Wilkerson (Pengwins) comes up with a sweet love tune “Strawberry Sherry,” and a new album isn’t far behind. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard from the underrated Philly band Canadian Invasion, the new EP features re-mastered tracks from Songs for the Atco Ghost (2006) – it’s a FREEBIE, so pick it up. And Geoff Palmer is back with a tribute to the great Dee Dee Ramone by Standing in the Spotlight. Highlights include “Brooklyn Babe,” “Baby Doll”, and “Emergency” which are just a few gems off this fun EP.  Missing summer yet? This FREEBIE and massive treasure trove from Ice Cream Man Power Pop, Indian Summer is a perfect gift. Plus a few more singles for you; Bill DeMain sings about the “Lone Ranger” with swooning strings akin to Jeff Lynne. Finally, the Rooftop Screamers get the great Tim Smith (Jellyfish, The Lickerish Quartet) to sing about “The Great Unknown.”






Late-July EPs and more: Sloan, Richard Turgeon, Kurt Baker, Sunshine Boys, Geoff Palmer, The Happy Somethings

powerpopaholic

Celebrating the fact that Sloan has a new album due out in October, we get the single “Spend The Day” to whet our appetites. What a prolific band, and speaking of prolific, Richard Turgeon has a sweet new EP Rough Around The Edges, check out the riffage on “I Never Loved You,” a classic power pop-sounding gem. The dense grunge-like rhythms are in contrast to the crisp re-released and remastered Kurt Baker solo Brand New Beat. This is without a doubt my favorite of his albums, and every song is top shelf, plus a boat-load of extra tracks (a total of 26) – so worth it.

Sad to say, but The Sunshine Boys are calling it quits, the trio leaves us with a pair of great tunes, both “Underwater” and “The Beginning.” If you want more buzz in your riffs, Geoff Palmer (The Connection) fits your needs perfectly. The FREEBIE this time is the lovely unpolished harmonies of The Happy Somethings from the UK. Great jangling happy melodies, full of irony guaranteed to brighten your day.