March singles: The Grip Weeds, TV Sound, Kai Danzberg, The Morning Line, Your Academy, Willis Van Doorn

March roars in like a lion, but I prefer The Grip Weeds! “Spinning The Wheel” is a kick ass song from their last LP, and it makes a great video. New is the band TV Sound from New Jersey, check out the rock riffs on the middle of “No Guarantees” and “Zak” and you will be hooked. Long time fave Kai Danzberg thought it was “Time To Change,”  and gets a bit heavier than usual here, but his attitude sells it. More to the point, The Morning Line is back with “90s Pickup” and liking that chorus where we “stare to the right, stare to the left.” Pickup this great freebie!  Memphis band Your Academy also is back, and it’s got a “Kind of Love” that sounds like a new romantic classic to me. Finally, Willis Van Doorn from Kansas City, has a bright pair of pop singles here. Expect an album out this summer. Also, next week expects to be much busier for me, so stay glued to this site. More to come!





Holiday music: Willie Wisely, Kai Danzberg, Mike Brunacini, Dean & Britta & Sonic Boom, Reno Bo, Ben Folds


The best way to enjoy holiday music is early December. It’s weird how we all love those songs after Thanksgiving, but hate the sound of sleigh bells after Christmas. Original holiday music has always been something I’ve enjoyed listening to because it’s fascinating to hear how different artists interpret their own personal holiday memories. Enjoy these presents from Willie Wisely, Kai Danzberg, Mike Brunacini, Dean & Britta & Sonic Boom, Reno Bo, and finally Ben Folds.





Gifts under the tree: The Gripweeds, Kai Danzberg, Vista Blue, The Amplifier Heads, Geoff Palmer, Dan Miraldi


December is barely here, and we’ve got some great musical gifts for you! On the first weekend of December… The Grip Weeds are back! They have remastered their classic holiday album, Under The Influence Of Christmas. It makes a perfect stocking stuffer. And we’ve got more gifts: the talented Kai Danzberg is giving us a massive freebie with four great albums at a “name-your-price” point, and Vista Blue is celebrating “Christmas Every Day” with buzzing guitars and Ramones-influenced rock and roll! Speaking of classics, The Amplifier Heads have a retro rock single with a spirited lead by Jen D’Angora. And Geoff Palmer gets into the act as well with a festive holiday EP, while Dan Miraldi is wondering why this holiday time is often sad and stressful. As usual, I’m way behind with LP reviews, so there’s plenty more to get to before our year-end top 10. It’s coming soon!






August singles and EPs: Tamar Berk, The UniBoys, The Evening Sons, Kai Danzberg, Pretty, Julez and the Rollerz


New month, new singles, and EPs. Tamar Berk has a video for her upcoming Tiny Injuries album and it’s a grower with layered guitars and her hushed vocal, as she dances around. Coming out in another week, and yes we will review it! The UniBoys are also coming back with their skinny-tie-inspired power pop, “I Want It Too” which has so many neat audio cues, I can’t wait for the rest of this one. The Evening Sons are also on Curation Records and impress with “Superspreader,” a solid hook-filled chorus. Myles Josephh & Kai Danzberg write a lovely ballad “On My Way” for a song contest (I voted for it), pick it up. Toronto band Pretty has a funk-punk time with “Coca Cola Deathsquad,” but I liked  “Food For The Moon” and its dense Soundgarden-like chorus. Finally, the sweet rocking Julez and the Rollerz from LA, deliver on this deserving EP. Check out “Sorry I’m Just A Waste of Time” and “Confess.” Cool!





Ho-ho-holiday music: More presents under the tree for y’all

More brand new Christmas music. Love the collaboration by Coke Belda & El Inquieto Roque here, more traditional goodies from Dropkick, and Riverboat Gamblers, We have the youth vote with The Linda Lindas, and the sexy “Hey Santa” by Cindy Lawson. The Light Music Company is Mr. Martin Newell (The Cleaners From Venus) of Essex and Ms. Rachel Love of Sussex, whose combined talents have concocted this small oeuvre of their compositions to help facilitate your enjoyment of the festive season. Before we get too dignified, The Stompers gives us what we really want for Christmas, and punk princesses The Dollyrots do the “Chipmunk Song” — OK? A last-minute addition is Kai Danzberg‘s “Last Christmas” with a different melody.

 









While not a Christmas tune, this is a rare one by Jamie Hoover (Spongetones) hosted by fellow blogger Richard Rossi. Lots of fun!