Tag: Geoff Palmer

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.

Holiday Singles, Freebies and EPs: David Woodard, Geoff Palmer, The JAC, The Peppermint Kicks, and Vista Blue

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After a hearty Thanksgiving, and an early Hanukkah this year – it’s now a countdown to Christmas. That means an overflow of Christmas music has started hitting my inbox. Thankfully, we have plenty of new tunes from a variety of artists (and more to come!) Enjoy!






Smash Palace and Geoff Palmer

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Smash Palace

Smash Palace “21”

The Butler brothers Stephen and Brian are back for “21” and once again it’s a stellar example of pop musicianship. With the aid of Cliff Hillis (Starbelly), David Uosikkinen (The Hooters), Greg Maragos (Quickstep John), and Wally Smith, they help give the band a fresh, crisp sound.

“Then She Disappeared” opens with tight harmonies and an easy-going chorus with a fantastic baseline leading the way. The mid-tempo rocker “Travel Into Light” brings to mind classic CSN with its memorable hook and soulful guitar break. The songs are allowed to grow organically, so less of the quick three-minute pop gems that the band is famous for, although the layered “Dart in My Heart” with its slide guitar flourishes do just fine. The band still mines from the Beatles/Kinks book of influences as the dream-like “Upside Down World” and “Mr. Maybe” are pure delights. The richer, lush rock sound is part of “Enjoy The View,” a well-written call to seize the day while you can. Overall a highly recommended album by a veteran band that is similar to expensive whiskey. Smooth and satisfying.

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Geoff Palmer

Geoff Palmer “Charts & Graphs”

Geoff Palmer (The Connection) continues his evolution after the fantastic Pulling Out All The Stops. The punk-pop of “Many More Drugs” and “Don’t Be” are fun tunes with a wry sense of humor akin to Bowling For Soup or Green Day. Geoff carves out an even better track with “This Monkey,” a catchy gem that seems both pensive and apprehensive simultaneously.  “Tomorrow” is a more reflective tune, that looks back on a wild youth, and it’s another winner.

After a brief respite of mid-tempo rockers, it bounces to the catchy “Jammed Up” which has a terrific harmonic-guitar break midway through. The speedy tempo returns on the foibles of being a musician on “A Hard Day’s Life” which riffs on Dylan lyrically (“The answer ain’t blowin’ in the wind”) and the Western-themed plea “What Would Paul Westerberg Do?” The entire album breezes by and deserves multiple spins to really appreciate. Highly Recommended.

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New Singles: LMNOP, Geoff Palmer, Tommy Sistak, Jonny Polonsky, The Reflectors, Drew Beskin

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The one-man band LMNOP has a new album coming called whatNOP dONW7 on July 16, 2021. “The song ‘Nuclear Trust’ doesn’t have anything to do with anything nuclear, just liked the way those two words sounded together. The line “Now I’ve found I don’t know what I’ve found” kinda sums up where I’m at in 2021.” says LMNOP mastermind Stephen Fievet. I agree. Look for an LP review soon!

Geoff Palmer is back with a catchy punk answer to that query when you forget the name of that band. You know, the one that goes…

Canadian Tommy Sistak is back with a new retro-harmony-covered tune. Fans of The Beatles and Monkees will enjoy this comforting music.

Jonny Polonsky is back and he’s sounding much more like himself on this hook-filled single. He certainly has a pulse on the public’s anxiety with COVID. Favorite lyric; “To make me feel like Felix Unger – I have to set myself on fire”

Speaking of retro – The Reflectors are a brilliant 80s-90s styled power pop combo that rocks! Explore last year’s debut for more.

Finally, we have Late Night with Drew Vandenberg introing Drew Beskin singing “Going Alright For You” from his upcoming third full-length solo album, Problematic for the People. It’s a damn good power-pop tune with its crunchy riffs, handclaps, and a killer hook. Enjoy!

Mom, Richard Turgeon, and Geoff Palmer & Lucy Ellis

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Ice Cream Hands

Mom “Pleasure Island”

This trio from Sweden has a lot going for it. The guitars sound like a mix of The Raspberries and The Cars, the songwriting is also pretty great with hooks all over the place, especially in singles “Better Than You” and “Ordinary Girl.”  No filler here, it’s a terrific celebration of retro power pop at its finest. Fans of The Bay City Rollers, Nick Gilder, and The Records will enjoy each cut.

Out of the three guys (with obvious pseudonyms) the vocals are the band’s only weakness. Even double-tracked, the lead vocal is very nasal and seems better suited for new wave more than power pop. It prevents this debut from taking a top spot, but thankfully the vocals are receded in the mix compared to the guitars. Still, this album is highly recommended.

Bandcamp

Richard Turgeon

Richard Turgeon “Sea Change”

Richard Turgeon has been working at a manic pace compared to his peers. On top of regular album output, he’s produced multiple singles. Sea Change explores themes of transformation, from COVID to political revolution. Opening with the anthemic rock of “Never Leaving California” it resonates with influences from The Who to Pearl Jam.

The percussive “Summer Revolution,” “Still Not Ready To Die” and “Car Crash” are also standouts. The hooks and harmonies are added to the excellent “Higher,” and “Sunset” recalls Richard’s earlier works. Not everything sticks, but enough does and the production is highly polished. Despite the volume of work, Turgeon never compromises quality. Highly Recommended.

Kool Kat Musik

Geoff Palmer & Lucy Ellis

Geoff Palmer & Lucy Ellis “Your Face Is Weird”

Geoff Palmer (The Connection) has found an ideal collaborator with Lucy Ellis (Lucy & The Rats) as they create a series of songs that combine power pop with a rootsy rock feel. The opener “In A Town This Size” has very much the Connection-styled chugging guitar lead and climbing bassline, with Geoff’s low gruff tones contrasted to Lucy’s light sweetness.

The big single here is “SWIM” featuring a catchy chorus and makes the best use of both artist’s style and talent. Occasionally they harmonize, but they are more effective trading verses within a song. Overall a fine short album that fans of both Geoff and Lucy should check out.

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