Tag: Michael Simmons

EP Reviews: Late Cambrian, Michael Simmons, The Glad Machine, Mom, Los Andes, The Legal Matters

powerpopaholic

Lately, there has been so much good music in my inbox that I simply can’t put both singles and EPs together in a single post so…. here are my favorite EPs for September.

Late Cambrian have always been a unique blend of pop, dance, and experimental rock without sounding artificial. Future Snacks starts with the synth-blended “The Last Wave,” but comes up with a plenty of compelling melodies, like the bouncy “Its Always Something” and multi-tracked harmonies of “Sydney Sweeney.”

Michael Simmons, the super talent behind Sparkle*Jets U.K. has a lot on his plate. He has a massive group of covers called Singing In My Heart, but even better is his musical versions of rare Dutch power pop band Darryl-Ann’s singles. Each track of Happy Traum is a winner. Pure magic, so don’t miss it.

The Glad Machine goes full throttle on power pop, and fans of The Posies, Jellyfish, and Velvet Crush will appreciate the catchy “San Francisco” and the looser guitar on “Baby It’s You.” Not a bad track here, swirling guitar riffs of “Virginia” rule the day. One of the best EPs of the year among a crop of treasures.

UK-based Mom has been pumping out catchy 70’s inspired guitar nuggets every few months, and fans of The Ramones, The Cars, and The Rubinoos will dig this one. Highlight here is “To The Beat” and “Now Until Forever.”

Buenos Aires-based Los Andes has the formula down, and “Julie” featuring Xoel Lopez will hook you even if you don’t “hablar español”. The band also pulls the talents of legendary musicians Lukah Boo, Star Trip, and Hank Idory. No filler and gorgeous musicianship that proves power pop is much loved beyond the borders of the USA. Bravo!

Your token FREEBIE, The Legal Matters give you a Trapper Keeper stuffed with beautiful covers of their favorite tunes. Big Star’s “When My Baby’s Beside Me” and Teenage Fanclub’s “Don’t Look Back” are my faves here.

More Christmas Presents: Thrift Store Halo, The Morning Line, Michael Simmons, Kai Danzberg, Geoff Palmer, Richard Turegon

powerpopaholic

Tis the season for even more lovely holiday singles. But there’s more — a great compilation album by Geoff Palmer (The Connection) and a full covers album by the prolific Richard Turgeon. And both are FREE downloads for a limited time!




Get the single here.


Michael Simmons and KC Bowman

powerpopaholic
Michael Simmons

Michael Simmons “First Days of Summer”

Simmons was the guitarist for powerpop band Sparkle*Jets UK and was last heard on The Yorktown Lads. “Do Your Best to Care” is Michael’s promise to give you quality music as a “normal guy,” and he does in a very matter of fact way on the mid-tempo opener. “Get Back What You Put In” is a highlight with a terrific pop melody and great harmonies that deliver a powerful message. “Fuzzy Green Hat” is wonderful quirky Harry Nilsson-like pop gem about writer’s block and “No More Girls” is like a lost XTC gem about getting that “teenage feeling” when you are an adult.

The second half slows down with the calming Beach Boys-like title track, then out of nowhere “EP’s Are Weak” delivers a rap that answers the question “Why is this fat old white dude spittin’ out rhymes?” Well, it turns out to be great advice for the young artists out there and a good argument for the full-length long player. The album does wander a bit into cheesy 80’s moments like “Let’s Fall In Love” and “It’s My Fault.” I liked the more guitar oriented “Bucket List” with its honky-tonk beat and the grungy shredding on “Dirt Nap.” What makes this album really work is that you see the humor in Michael’s lyrics and his day job philosophy (as a teacher) in the music. In addition, the skilled production and composition are also great. Highly Recommended.

Bandcamp only


KC Bowman

KC Bowman “Fresher Tin Villages”

KC Bowman is involved in many groups (Agony Aunts, The Corner Laughers, Preoccupied Pipers) but in 1997 Bowman’s Fresher Tin Villages was a huge feature in Bruce Brodeen’s Not Lame catalog. And for good reason.

Bowman delivers a power pop classic here with piano gems (“Palomine Cranes”), guitar brilliance (“Cuban Illness Anxiety”) and each tune flows into the next. Fans of Emitt Rhodes, XTC, and Ben Folds will love this, but if this is new to you — wow, you struck music gold here. The twenty songs pass by so fast, you will be compelled to repeat it over and over. The original CD is a high priced find on Amazon, but I recommend this remastered version on Bandcamp. Proceeds from all sales will benefit Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating stigma and promoting recovery and wellness for people with mental illness.

Amazon (original) | Bandcamp