Snow day singles: Freddy Monday, Uni Boys, Richard Turgeon, Waterboarding School, Plastic Family, They Might Be Giants

Enjoy the winter wonderland! Yes, Valentine’s Day is long gone, but I thought of this one for my wife’s birthday and Freddy Monday brings me a perfect love song to give her. Uni Boys are coming back and as expected, they have a great new album I cannot wait to review based on the single “I Don’t Want Dream Anymore.” The always talented Richard Turgeon shows his sweet side with “Girl Like You.” Next from overseas, we have Gothenburg, Sweden band Waterboarding School, a bit messy in a cool DIY loose way, and Netherlands Plastic Family delivers the classic power pop sound perfectly! Finally, those dudes from They Might Be Giants have never slowed down and we like to check in once in a while. Loving that “Wu Tang,” too! Okay, enough fun, go back to shoveling that snow.





New October singles and more: Speedfossil, Silk Cut, Cindy Lawson, Richard Turgeon, Dave Cope and The Sass, The Pozers


Another month in the books, and we welcome October with a new anthology collection from Boston’s Speedfossil, starting with a new track “Peg Leg.” It’s got a choice f-bomb in the chorus, so pay attention! Not sure where I found Silk Cut but the opener “Good Morning” was a brisk reminder that fall is coming. Next, the legendary punk queen Cindy Lawson‘s “The Reckoning” has an energy and attitude. Next we again recognize Richard Turgeon fresh off his amazing Shungite’ EP we have a freebie Pavement cover of “Date with IKEA.” Next, Dave Cope and The Sass pop in with a quick rocker “Don’t Let My Dreams Come True,” like a grunge tune without the grunge (can you picture an alternate universe where Nirvana would cover this?) Finally, a shout out to Kool Kat Musik for the compilation POP AID 3. A good cause and good music always are a perfect match, plus you have a new Pozers song! How cool is that?




June Singles: Motorcycle Display Team, John Wlaysewski, Richard Turgeon, Vanilla, Splitsville, The Spongtones


London rock act Motorcycle Display Team caught my ear this week. I like the recent singles these guys are making and here is a little band bio. Some old favorites are coming back, and they have some great advance tracks for us. John Wlaysewski (Late Cambrian) has this stellar tune that I can really identify with about “Honey Badger.” Richard Turgeon gets rockin on “Shungite,” a Russian mineral(?) and Vanilla is back with another extended album project called ‘Cookiewow.’ “The Besetting Sin” is the new single from that. It’s also so cool that the brothers Huseman are back as power pop all-stars Splitsville with a new LP on the way, so enjoy “Beth Steel.” Speaking pf power pop legends, we have the return of The Spongtones! “Lulu’s in Love” is the next chapter for these guys. Enjoy these, and stay tuned for more reviews and interviews!





April Showers: Richard Turgeon, The Caper Clowns, The New Pornographers, Caleb Nichols, Moonspin, The Red Birds


A burst of spring creativity for artists this week. Richard Turgeon, who I dubbed king of “dad rock” has a theme for all you struggling musicians who don’t want to be a “Small Fry.” We are also glad to see those Danish power pop masters The Caper Clowns are coming up with a new album, so check out the advance track. Another welcome return are The New Pornographers with a “Ballad of the Last Payphone,” with an amazing catchy rhythm here with added wistful NYC nostalgia. Speaking of catchy, Caleb Nichols shows us his hypnotic harmonies with “Hag Stone,” and lastly a pair of great freebies for you to download. Moonspin is the Swiss duo of Fabian Ellenberger and Pascal Stocker, with a both traditional rock and a jangling pop sound, and I really like the strong melody of “I Can’t Wait.” And from Angers, France, The Red Birds do the familiar power pop we all know and love. Merci!






Great EPs and more: Tamar Berk, Fernando Perdomo, Summer Salt, Joe Di Zillo, Richard Turgeon

Tamar Berk is following up on her successful ‘Tiny Injuries’ album with ‘Good Times for a Change’.  Check out the advanced single “Good Impression,” which indicates Tamar is not slowing down. Fernando Perdomo’s album “Self” is a masterful blend of introspective lyrics and lush, melodic arrangements that showcase his multi-instrumental talents. Perdomo’s intricate guitar playing and soulful vocals serve as highlights, check out “Optimist Prime.” Summer Salt has the mellowest vibe I’ve heard this summer, and “Ribbons” is a light, sunny, easy-listening gem. Chicago musician/singer-songwriter Joe Di Zillo is “Bringing It Back” with his garage style. Check it out. Finally, Richard Turgeon returns with a Nirvana-inspired single, “Song of Discontent,” and it’s pretty cool. Enjoy!