Cute babies are for the new Sparks video “Nothing Is As Good As They Say It Is”, from the new album ‘The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte‘ by Sparks, out May 26th. This week’s freebie is “Closed Minds,” a jangling gem softly song by Charlie Reiling. Joe Dilillo is a true craftsman and came out with the brilliant “Loser Girl” a few years ago. And now he’s expanded it into a full EP. “Superhero Star” and “Mend Your Heart” are just as amazing. On the garage end of things are Friends of Cesar Romero with a 3-song gem that deserves to be heard. The Heatwaves from Spain, have an ’80s-era charm, so enjoy “Take Back” and “Nothing New Under The Sun.” Richard Turgeon has a funny story about a kid with a weird nickname, and a solid melody. It doesn’t quite replace “Piss Aaron,” as far as “if it’s stupid, enough it’s cool,” but it will do.
Tag: Joe Dilillo
May EPs: The Martial Arts, Cliff Hillis, Dropkick, Old Town Crier, Joe Dilillo
The quirky under-rated Martial Arts does what it does best. Brilliant modern pop in “Guilt By Association” and “Bethany” with memorable choruses, and “The Wild Humdrum” is a Sparks-like gem that is just too much fun. Cliff Hillis gathered his “Brunch Sessions” inspired by this past year of social distanced shows, and I just love the acoustic version of Nik Kershaw’s “Wouldn’t It Be Good.” So UK band Dropkick has been super busy this year, dropping a Greatest Hits LP, and releasing expanded editions of their first 2 LPs. A FREE sample of “Obvious” is here for you to pick up. Old Town Crier aka Jim Lough makes us an old-fashioned blues pop EP; “Don’t Go” is a keeper. Unsung heroes are what power pop celebrates, and we should celebrate long-time producer-engineer Joe Dilillo coming from behind the soundboard to the microphone with “Loser Girl,” a great ballad with help from the Lickerish Quartet. More details on Joe at 50thirdand3rd.