Tag: Super 8

May Singles: My Mom is Here, Airport 77s, Sucker for a Pretty Face, Catherine Campbell, Super 8, Alex Lehey, Scarlet Sometimes

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Time marches on and so do we. We start with a quirky fun video from a new band, My Mom is Here — as they beam down to Earth on a mission of cosmic vengeance. EP is expected in August. Also coming up one of the best power pop bands is back, The Airport 77s recalls “1999 (Take Me Back)” a rocking tune that opens the new LP ‘Don’t Let Go,’ expected the end of this month. Another great new sound is from Sucker For A Pretty Face, and I definitely want to hear more. On a reflective note, Catherine Campbell does a low key cover of Brian Wilson’s “In My Room.” Then Super 8 gets all hippy dippy with “Get on The Bus.” Is it related to the Who’s “Magic Bus”? Well, it’s a little more funky, that’s for sure! Alex Lehey is an great little catchy freebie, worthy of your attention. We close out with another new band, Scarlet Sometimes gives us some “Cold Blood” and its got a 60’s pop vibe I really enjoy. Keep it up!






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.’




Drumroll… It’s almost here.

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Enjoy a few New Year’s celebration songs.



The year in review 2024

The phrase “power pop” alone makes one picture jangly guitar riffs, catchy tunes, and vibrant energy. Think Big Star, Badfinger, Cheap Trick, and The Raspberries. But where does the genre stand today?

While the classic sound still resonates with some, the genre’s boundaries have blurred significantly. Rising independent artists challenge easy classification and push artistic limits. Punk, metal, techno, and many other influences permeate the music from indie rock to alternative pop. This combining produces a vivid, always changing soundscape. Rarely do artists limit themselves to a rigid power pop template. Instead they use several techniques to create original sonic tapestries. An album might feature a driving power pop anthem alongside a brooding ballad, an experimental electronic track, or a raw, punk-infused outburst. Actually, I’ve seen more music this year than last year — along with less of that traditional power pop sound.

This eclecticism isn’t necessarily a departure from the spirit of power pop. At its core, power pop celebrates melodic songwriting and infectious energy. From the jangly guitars of the past to the cutting-edge sounds of today, these ideas can be articulated in innumerable ways.

The result is a more dynamic and exciting musical landscape. While purists might lament the loss of a “pure” power pop sound, this evolution ensures the genre remains fresh, relevant, and constantly surprising. Onward to 2025! Next post is the Top 25 of 2024.
 

Great December EPs: Wyatt Funderburk, Sweetboy, Super 8, Blend Eleven, Softjaw

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Wyatt Funderburk “Fleeting and Finite” and “Parkside”

Wyatt is comparable to a “5-tool-player” in baseball. Does many things extremely well, from songwriting, playing, singing, producing, etc. He does punk pop to perfection with Kurt Baker, but I can think of very few people who have the skills to pull off a Brian Wilsonesque combination of melody and earnest romantic delivery. He gives us a double EP (one under the name “Hibiki”) Don’t believe me? Listen to “You’ll Know” and you’ll know! Get it on Amazon


Sweetboy “A Day in the Park”

Local NYC indie pop band has some amazing songwriting, check out the title track “A Day in the Park,” “Island” and the epic chorus of “End of The World.” This is a band you should keep your eyes on for future greatness. Get it on Amazon


Super 8 “Goes J Pop”

Sorry if you were expecting Kenshi Yonezu, but Paul “Trip” Ryan (aka Super 8) does a fine job with these Japanese pop covers (including a Beatles cover). Check out “Keep Doing It” with its shamisen accents. Get it on Amazon


Blend Eleven “Deepest Cuts”

This Aussie band with great sound builds everything off the 12-string acoustic strum. A cover of the classic Cat Steven’s “The First Cut is The Deepest” sets the stage, very much in the vocal mold of Extreme’s acoustic gems. And it’s a freebie to try – so pick it up, and listen to the band’s other material. Get it on Amazon

Softjaw “Softjaw”

Deceptively cool vibe on the opener “Pleased With Me” drew me in, as this Long Beach, California band has a perfect power pop approach. “Don’t Go Walkin’ Out On Me” and “Dragging Mt Feet” are pure gems. This is another band that flirts with greatness, as each song hits the mark and it’s a contender for best EP this year. Get it on Amazon

Retro-feelin’ Singles: Frank Royster, Bryan Estepa, Super 8, Jamie Turner, Solitary Bee, Wifey

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Retro influences are all around. It’s been a long time since I heard from Frank Royster, and this song is great. It’s a perfect mix of Beach Boys-Beatles with gorgeous chord shifts. Love it! I can’t wait for the album! Another winner channeling the past is Bryan Estepa. “Is There Anybody There?” is a beautiful single that recalls yacht rock classics. Super 8 delivers a little sunshine pop with “Keep Doing It” from his upcoming album. Jamie Turner turns back the clock a little further with “Ordinary Song.” The boys from It’s Karma It’s Cool have a side pop project called Solitary Bee with an early ’80s feel. It’s not all soft sounds, as Wifey channels ’90s rockers like Bowling For Soup, with the freebie “Mary Ann leaves the Band.” Enjoy!