Tag: Kurt Baker

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

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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.





Hank Idory and more Spanish Power Pop

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Hank Idory

Spain has always been a hotbed of power pop, even Kurt Baker set up residence there. One of my favorite Spanish language power pop artists is Hank Idory, and he returns with a Sentimental Jamboree. The gorgeous chord shifts in “Nadie Sabe Nada” (“Nobody Knows Anything”) is a ballad that will move you even if you don’t know the language. Officially releases in January 2022.


Here is a playlist that features my favorite power pop en español. If you don’t see an artist that belongs here, just let me know and I will add it. Over 600 songs! Sin inglés. ¡Solo en español, por favor!

October EPs: Bryan Estepa, Four By Four, The Small Breed, Kurt Baker, Drew Beskin and more

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Great new music – Bryan Estepa teased us with the single “Back To The Middle” and now the entire EP is here, and it’s all killer, no filler – tasty bittersweet pop. The Pre-Amps of Madrid, Spain bring the bright pop with harmonies and horns on “Four By Four,” its classic Byrds/Beatles influences played to perfection. But if you really want to go retro, check out The Small Breed in the tradition of New Colony Six. Meanwhile, Kurt Baker is back from Spain and has been releasing a group of singles (which together make a great EP) that proves he hasn’t lost his power-pop chops. Drew Beskin released a terrific LP this past summer, and now he’s got some excellent Halloween singles too. Speaking of October, it leads to a great freebie – Rum Bar Records newest sampler. Like Halloween candy, it’s sweet, crunchy, and maybe has a razor blade hidden in it 😜 .








September Singles: Ward White, Kurt Baker, It’s Karma It’s Cool, Death Party Playground, Bryan Estepa, Mom, The Well Wishers

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With the fall comes a brand-new premiere single “Dirty Clouds” from LA crooner Ward White, from his upcoming album The Tender Age. The gentle chords give way to space-themed resignation assisted by a terrific guitar break. Kurt Baker is also back with a tight pop track that reminds me a bit of Rick Springfield, meanwhile, It’s Karma It’s Cool gives us a frantic vocal and crunchy punk guitar on “Coffee Cup Circles.” If you love that old-school ’70s rock then check out Death Party Playground, but if you crave a more singer-songwriter vibe, you can’t get much better than Bryan Estepa. Swedish band Mom gives us a nice freebie; a collection of covers and a highlight is Marshall Crenshaw’s “There She Goes Again.” Finally, Jeff Shelton (The Well Wishers) donates his guitar crunchiness to California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund for this sweet track, a worthy song for a worthy cause.







The Blank Pages and Kurt Baker

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The Blank Pages

The Blank Pages “Is This Real?”

In today’s political chaos New Jersey’s Blank Pages start their new album with “Authenticity,” clearly stating that the truth is under assault, as we struggle to make others trust what is “real.”  “Hang Up” speaks to the isolation we feel, and the melodic “Your Generation” hopes our younger people can “save us all.” Bandmates Greg Potter (guitar, keys, lead vocals,)  Jason Brown (bass,) and  Ed McCaffrey (drums) craft songs with an intimate, friendly approach.

Standouts include “Nagging Feelings,” and “Uncomplicated.” The band resonates emotionally, but the social commentary songs (“Robots Will Not Win”) aren’t as memorable. The guitars come alive on “Laugh,” a terrific tune played with gusto. Some nods to ’80s pop are sprinkled throughout, so fans of The Police, Bourgeois Tagg, and Joe Jackson will enjoy this. Check it out.

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Kurt Baker

Kurt Baker “After Party”

Kurt Baker’s back! After a few years on other projects, Kurt returns to power pop form with help from songwriter Wyatt Funderburk. The opener “New Direction” is a catchy start full of effortless hooks. Geoff Palmer (The Connection) on guitar, Kris Rogers on keys, and Craig Sala on drums make the group complete. Each track is quick and punchy, like an Elvis Costello/Donnie Iris hybrid as the hits pile up quickly; “I Like Her A Lot,” “Over You,” and “Used To Think” with its Beach Boys-inspired backing chorus.

The sweet ballad “Waiting For You” boasts some nice harmonies. The punk guitar fuzz shows up when needed and doesn’t take over the songs, plus the style varies to some degree with the new wave “Keep Dreaming” and lounge jazz of “A Song and a Drink.” But it’s the guitar gems here that standout; “She Don’t Really Love You, Dude” and “Should’ve Been The One.” A great album that deserves many repeat plays. Highly Recommended.

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