Tag: Strange Neighbors

Mike Delevante and Strange Neighbors

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Mike Delevante

Mike Delevante “September Days”

Although Mike Delevante is from New Jersey, he has spent a lot of time in Nashville. Like his idol Bruce Springsteen, they both have a talent for spotting the lyrical qualities in everyday situations with a resigned romanticism. The opening track “The Rain Never Came” is the big highlight here, a superb jangle pop tune and compelling verse akin to The Jayhawks Gary Louris.

“Whenever You’re Around” does conjure up a brisk fall day reminiscing about the past. His mellow voice and unpredictable chord changes work best on “Good Cry” and the bouncy “I Wrote To You.” The other songs, while well done are a bit indistinguishable from each other. Mike does tell a good story, with a big drum opening on epic ballads like “Sunset,” about ending life like an old movie. “Too Far Gone” is also a surprisingly catchy tune, with a bass line akin to The Hollies “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” but way slower in tempo. If you are in the mood, I would give this album a chance to seep into your brain.

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Strange Neighbors “People Pleasers Pleasing People”

Strange Neighbors were a breakout band last year at the International Pop Overthrow in NYC last year, with the hit “Skeleton Boy” and the band has stepped up in terms of songwriting, production, and performance for their new LP. Starting with “Crush” its got everything you need to know; catchy, risqué verses and Aidan Strange’s strong vocal performance. The angular guitar compositions continue with “Without A Head,” and it sets up some nice guitar breaks.

Additional highlights include “Silk and Cyanide,” “Influencer” and  “Whenever We Fall.” The honky tonk ending “Your Last” is also a ton of fun with a great bass line and plenty of country twang.  Overall a strong effort and musically mature one too. I hope for many more neighborly encounters in the future. Definitely highly recommended. 

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February Singles and EPs: Midnight Callers, Super 8, Hanemoon, Seely Jurgens Band, Strange Neighbors, The Grip Weeds

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The Midnight Callers have a brand new cool cover of the Bay City Roller hit “Saturday Night.” Hopefully this is a sign the band has a new album coming! FYI- I’m going to claim this next awesome song as my new radio theme for 11L RNI, it’s “Pop Radio” by Super 8 featuring Lisa Mychols. Check it out! Hanemoon is one of those bands on the edge of my radar, pleasant jangle pop with strong emotional resonance. “Easy on the Wildlife”  is worthy listen for sure. Seely Jurgens band has a touch of Bread meets Eagles on “We’ll try.” Next Strange Neighbors continue to dazzle, check out “Influencer,” a guide that I should probably follow to be a better content producer. Finally, The Grip Weeds are back! New psychedelic pop at it’s finest on the 3 song EP ‘Easy Clues’ so play and absorb this until the LP is ready. If you are a newbie to this band check out ‘Infinite Soul: The Best of the Grip Weeds.’




August singles: The Burkharts, Stray Arcade, Late Cambrian, Hubbell Benson, Strange Neighbors, The Junipers

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August is here, and the heat continues. The Burkharts (from Buffalo, NY) strike California retro pop gold with “Always On The Run.” Another band I recently “found” is Stray Arcade, and I “Can’t Complain” about the music – but I want to hear more. Late Cambrian returns with a compelling pop-rock-prog confection that’s loaded with style. If you’re looking for funky pop freebies, we have Hubbell Benson, a New Jersey artist with serious chops. Listen to the pop with jazz flourishes on “Except for Him” and “Need Someone?” Strange Neighbors continues to impress with the single “Crush.” Finally, The Junipers retro-pop sunshine returns with “She Looked Up at the Stars.” Play this on a hot day, and you too can be cool.




The last of the May Singles and EPs: Dolour, Chaft, Strange Neighbors, Captain Wilberforce, Night Spots, Mensaka

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A new Dolour album, Daylight Upon Magic is on the horizon, so here is the cool video for “Someone New to Fool.” Shane Tutmarc is in fine form here, I can’t wait for this one to release. I was impressed by Chaft before, so now we have a new pair of singles, and I prefer “High” with its swirling guitar rhythm. Another rookie, Strange Neighbors is back with a catchy new single, “Tell All Your Friends” and I think I’ll follow that order! It’s been a long time, but Captain Wilberforce returns with an awesome power pop single, “Holding On” which boasts great hand claps and harmonies. If you’re into that classic retro rock style, The Night Spots serve up some yummy “Dandelion Wine.” Pour me another! Finally, from Rosario Argentina, we have a band called Mensaka, and their new single “Bucle Temporal” translates to “Time Loop.” Even with the Spanish language, it’s an earworm that deserves to be heard.





We Give Thanks For the Singles: Jesse Judies, Terry Alan Hackbarth, Juniper, The Go, Strange Neighbors, Popdudes

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9_fMDToe3E

Happy Thanksgiving! Sydney-based artist Jesse Judies delivers laid-back pop with “I’ve Been There Before.” Hypnotism and smooth guitars go together just fine. Milwaukee artist Terry Alan Hackbarth recalls “I Heard That Song Before,” and it’s a sweet hook-filled gem. As a follow-up, Juniper’s life gets mentally interrupted on “I was Thinking About You.” Next, a really sweet discovery here is The Go. It’s a power pop band from Yonkers, NY, originally released in 1980 and produced by Rob Freeman (early Ramones and Blondie producer). Thanks to a friend for turning me (and David Bash) to Strange Neighbors. They played at IPO this year in NYC, and “Skeleton Boy” is a neat little earworm. As a freebie, we have the Popdudes (John M. Borack and his usual suspects, primarily Michael Simmons) doing solid covers of their favorite songs to feast on. Enjoy it all now, because I hear sleighbells coming fast for our next singles post!