We start off with Willie Dowling being a “Rat in a Maze” with a jaunty bounce about how small the world is, and how modern life is really a mess. Next, Stephen Kohler shares an energetic single “Step Into Your Shoes” with some interesting key shifts in the melody, and unexpected breaks. Very cool! Then, everyone’s favorite punk popper Geoff Palmer wonders about Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins) and “Where Did His Hair Go?” complete with a conspiratorial rant midway through. Then we have a jangling gem from Gentle Hen. “Comfort Zone” is a freebie single in advance of the new album ‘Wink.’ It’s been ages since I heard some solo work from the legendary producer/musician Mitch Easter, but “Wall of Mist” does the job, and kept me engaged. Next Kurt Baker rips out a 70-styled rocker about “Wonder Woman” and I’m so glad Gene Simmons is retired! Finally, the determined Chris Church is back with a Suprise EP. The opener is a banger and “New Way Down” features cascading riffs and deep percussion. A great EP indeed! Enjoy!
Tag: Kurt Baker
New Singles for 2026: Kurt Baker, Olle Schelin, Vanilla, Mod Lang
New releases are coming out at a furious pace, and I aim to get ahead of them. First, not new but I stumbled across this, and its wonderful to hear Andy Partridge (XTC) doing a song with Chris Braide. The extended EP has other songs, but the magic is on “I like Be With You.” The ever popular Kurt Baker is back with “Undertow Afterglow” and a cracking cover of McCartney’s “My Brave Face.” Swiss Instrumentalist Olle Schelin starts slow, but picks up at chorus of “To You Flowers.” And Vanilla continues with another year-long album project, this one is ‘Lollygag’ and asks that eternal question “Why?” Finally, Detroit band Mod Lang recalls Mr. Baker with its youthful melodic energy, as their album ‘Borrowed Time’ is due to hit next month. Enjoy!
Power Popaholic Interview: Kurt Baker
Kurt Baker
Kurt Baker talks about his latest project, an Oasis tribute band “Live Forever” and we have some footage! Plus, we discuss his ten years in Spain and future projects with Wicked Cool Records. His 2023 album ‘Rock and Roll Club’ is still out there! See some more of the Oasis tribute below!
Late Nov singles and EPs: Mt. Misery, Kurt Baker, The Aerovons, Lùlù, Sudden Cuts, Ryan Hendry
We start our Thanksgiving week, thanking Mt. Misery a Hartlepool, UK band with a sound very much in the vibe of Dropkick (who have a new album dropping next year). The light jangle and comforting melody is just the tip of this iceberg. Next, Kurt Baker returns with some of his “Inner Demons,” and it’s brilliantly played with a loaded band, featuring faves Wyatt Funderburk and Geoff Palmer. Next, The Aerovons are back! I reviewed the return of this rock curio a few years ago, and lead singer Tom Hartman.This EP is very much in the same space. After that we have power pop crunch courtesy of Lùlù, a French band from Paris, and we hope to hear more from them. California band Sudden Cuts have a dense indie sound, check out “All Over Town” with it’s Replacements guitar vibe, oh and this one is a freebie. Finally we have Ryan Hendry with his energy-filled singles – and I love his instrumental cover of a suite of Genesis tunes, written by the great Tony Banks. Enjoy!
Summers is here: It Man, Kurt Baker, Jamie Lenman, Caleb Nichols, The Supernaturals, Sparkle*Jets U.K.
“White Heat” is the debut single from It Man, Produced and mixed by Dan Swift (Ash, Snow Patrol, Aqualung) and recorded by Gordon Raphael (The Strokes). It’s got a rhythm and verses that ooze coolness. A tidal wave of new releases is coming, but before that happens some well-deserved singles and EPs need attention. Kurt Baker continues to impress with his new “Anchors Up” and “Sweet Alice,” joined by Wyatt Funderburk, Geoff Palmer, and Kris Rodgers, it sounds like a potential top-ten LP. Jamie Lenman has been more melodic recently, and he’s got a new EP out, and “Crazy Horse” is worth a few listens. Caleb Nichols is also back with an experimental and dream-like EP, check out “Chan Says.” The Supernaturals are from Glasgow and “Roy Wouldn’t” is a cheeky single that caught my ear. Plus a welcome return for Sparkle*Jets U.K., those Southern California guitar poppers are now signed to Big Stir Records with the first new album over 20 years, coming out at the end of June. Here is a taste of the goodies to come. It’s gonna be a hot summer!