Tag: Shake Some Action

Shake Some Action and Ulysses

powerpopaholic
Shake Some Action

Shake Some Action “Thirty Nine”

Once again James Hall (aka Shake Some Action) continues to prove his melodic skills as he moves beyond the familiar jangle pop. Thirty Nine is a psychedelic noir soundtrack about crimes, starting with “Mr. Memory,” with a richly layered chorus flanked by fuzz guitars. The song has great textures, as it intones the biblical “Only the truth will set you free.” Next, the plot thickens on “Walk With Danger” as the slow organ chords remind me of The Doors. The guitar chimes in again on “Hide Me Disguise Me,” a neat tune about a guy having a clandestine affair.

The echoing bass and ominous atmosphere of “The Crofter’s Wife” recall an Oasis ballad at times, and “Stranger In The House” has this awesome echoing surf guitar that’s almost goth (fans of Bauhaus take note). Another catchy highlight, “Hard Act To Follow” has a smart hook that deserves multiple repeats. Hall does a great job as usual and makes each song a compelling listen, including the blistering closer “Can’t Get Her Out Of My Mind.” It’s been a while since I heard a really well-done concept LP — Bravo, James! Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik


Ulysses

Ulysses “On Safari”

From Bath (UK) there comes a multi-talented band called Ulysses. The band is Luke Smyth (vocals, guitars), Jimmy Peppers (bass, vocals), Denny Peppers (guitars, vocals) and Shane Maxymus (drums/vocals). Stylistically the band runs from power pop, glam, hard rock, and all psychedelic points in between. Opening with the guitar-sitar-raga “Looking For A Guru” includes buzzing riffs, mantra-like rhythm and offbeat humor similar to early 10cc. This style follows on the funky “Doctors and Nurses,” and then it goes all out glam on the big highlights “Bad Tattoo” and “Dragon,” guaranteed to get your head bopping.

It takes a lighter turn on “This Useless Love” that makes use of harp-like acoustics and harmonies. But this break yields for more 70’s-styled guitar gems on the fuzz-covered “She” and the ELO meets Thin Lizzy buzz of “Let’s Move.” The shifting psychedelics of “Married Woman” and quirky boogie of “Why Aren’t These People My Friends?” are pure delights to listen to. The band can do these just as well as the pure power pop of  “Fuzzy Lion,” and it’s the variety and versatility that is a huge strength for Ulysses. Definitely Highly Recommended!

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Monday Night Singles: Richard Turgeon, Ken Sharp, Ballard, Shake Some Action, and Butch Young

powerpopaholic
Yes, Keanu is a popular meme now with his John Wick movies and Richard Turgeon is riding that popularity with his new single “Keanu Reeves.” And a FREEBIE too!

Ken Sharp‘s newest single “Rock & Roll Supershow” is a love letter to Glam Rock with the help of Fernando Perdomo. For fans of T-Rex, Slade, and Sweet this is a “must-buy.”

While I expected something funny from Ballard, “I’ll Drop My Trousers To The Ground” is the bleakest, darkest, and most depressing song I’ve heard all year. You’ve been warned.

Shake Some Action has a new release coming very soon, and here is one of several good singles: “Stanger In The House” has this awesome echoing surf guitar. Check it out.

I have to say that Big Stir Records is doing a tremendous job. They have monthly singles out (currently at #32) and the artists keep getting better.
My favorite of the new bunch is Butch Young‘s “Captain Serious” b/w “Beautiful Dreamer”, the first new music from him in three years since Mercury Man. I don’t have a sample to post, but trust me this is good! Visit The Big Stir Digital Singles Page to hear it.

Shake Some Action and Richard Turgeon

powerpopaholic
Shake Some Action

Shake Some Action “Crash Through Or Crash”

Shake Some Action (aka James Hall) returned this past summer with his shimmering Byrdsian jangle guitar pop, and its the perfect antidote for the fall chill. We strum our way through 14 tracks, starting with “Waiting For The Sun,” a soothing and fast-paced single. “The Only Way is Up” and “Secrets and Lies” boast simple, put powerful lyrics with Jagger-like vocal swagger. The customary leading power pop riff is the basis for the melody in “Bang Bang” and the style of composition varies enough so we get both consistency and unpredictability.

Some tracks are just the typical Shake Some Action sound, like “Starting Again” and others have a more melodic wrinkle, like the excellent “Paraphernalia.” Slowing things down we get the psychedelic “Under the Sun and the Moon” and the Kinkisan rockers “I Don’t Think So” and “It Goes Like This.” Overall, a successful and memorable LP that is highly recommended.

Amazon

Richard Turgeon

Richard Turgeon “In Between the Spaces”

San Francisco musical Richard Turgeon released this surprisingly entertaining album earlier this year. The highlight is the first track; the rocking “Bigfoot’s An Alien” with a big fat hook in the chorus. Turgeon’s heavy fuzz guitar style is similar to Jeff Shelton (The Well Wishers) in approach with a touch of REM styled jangle.

The dense production on “Bad Seed” also highlights some nice harmonies and lyrics as he asks “What am I lacking to seduce you?” Another highlight here is “I’m 30” a confession of appreciation to parents from a prodigal son. A veiled political message is a part of “The Candidate” with the dangers of following a “Superman with no soul.” Not everything works, but enough does to make this album an enjoyable listen. Plus as a bonus, Richard has been busy delivering four FREE downloadable singles since the LP’s initial release.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

FREEBIES FROM RICHARD!

Jingle Jangle Pop, Shake Some Action, Dropkick

powerpopaholic

“Jingle Jangle Pop”

Holiday music from the guitar & pen of Andy Goldberg (the driving force behind The Honeymoon Stallions, The Goldbergs & The Sun Kings). This 5 song EP compiles holiday songs from each of the bands mentioned, all remixed by Paul Umbach. Some of these song have been “missing” for many years, so it’s great to have them back for the holiday season.

CD Baby


Shake Some Action

Shake Some Action “Christmas in The Sun”

One of my favorites, Shake Some Action delivers a great holiday single for FREE download. But I would like you to pay for it. All proceeds from the sale of this single go to the Toys For Tots Foundation, a top rated charity that provides toys, books and other gifts to less fortunate children. Bandcamp only.

Dropkick

Dropkick “25th December” EP

British band Dropkick certainly has been very active this year, and this goody is a small collection of holiday themed songs for FREE download. Love the jangling melody of “When Santa Comes Round” — you will too. Bandcamp only.

Mike Dees and Shake Some Action

powerpopaholic

Mike Dees “Something Like Glitter”
Dees has tapped a rich vein of power pop along the lines of Velvet Crush, The Posies and Richard X. Heyman with his newest LP Something Like Glitter.  The opener “AM Radio” is a terrific riff about the joys of growing up in an analog world.

The songs vary in style from the muscular rock  of “Little Know Nothing,” to the slow tempo “Bring It Down.” Dees vocals seem to shift in tone based on the song so you get the grizzled rocker on the title track, but on “Bring It Down,” you get a nasal version of Pat DiNizio. Dees best vocal is most consistent on “Better?” In fact the base lines are very much like The Smithereens too, “Babble” is one example, with a driving chorus that chugs along. Absolutely worth checking out.

CD Baby | Amazon

20px_spacer

Shake Some Action “Catch The Sun”
James Hall found a real groove with his last album Full Fathom Five, so this follow up isn’t far behind. “Color Exploding” is another gem that evokes a sunny trip, and “Wait For The Summer” flows right into your head as perfect modern beach music, complete with surfer beat.

“Fall Into The Sky” and “Moonlight Mind” are both full of Byrdsian Rickenbacker guitar and “You Don’t Know What It Means” leads with heavy drumbeats. The variety here is just enough to distinguish the songs, but a few tracks (“Wings”) feel a bit generic. Otherwise there is no filler here and this album is sure to please fans of Oasis, The Hoodoo Gurus, and The Grip Weeds. Highly Recommended.

Bandcamp | Kool Kat Musik | Amazon