Time to dust off those monster mash records and give your speakers a proper fright! Halloween is creeping up, and I’ve got a fresh batch of power pop treats with enough bite to keep the candy corn crowd happy. First up, Electric Johnson takes us to “Frankenstein Island” with a video worth checking out. Most impressed with The Goldstars who give you an entire LP loaded with Halloween music. Three Imperial Royals, The Cheap Cassettes, and Benny J Ward round out this spooky stack of tunes. My only trick here is dragging out Big Stir’s excellent Halloween Grimoire from 2025, because its so good you’ll scream. So grab your favorite goblin, turn up the volume, and let’s get this party startled!
Tag: The Cheap Cassettes
Sept singles and EPs: Al Jardine, Graham Gouldman, The Well Wishers, The Popravinas, John Wlaysewski, The Cheap Cassettes, Squire
Some music veterans from the golden age are still producing, Beach Boy Al Jardine gives us a poignant “Wish” and legend Graham Gouldman (10cc) reminds us to seize the day with “We’re Alive.” Technically, Gouldman has a new album ‘I Have Notes’ and it deserves to be heard! The Well Wishers continue to deliver great music too with “Missing Person,” as The Popravinas give a us a new album including “The Girl Who Didn’t Want To Hear Any Tunes.” Sounds like someone I don’t wanna date. John Wlaysewski (Late Cambrian) continues his journey across the pop landscape with a new EP with the help of Brendan Brown (Wheatus) and Dave Hill (Valley Lodge). It’s worth the trip, so check it out. The Cheap Cassettes give us meat-and-potatoes rock and roll, and Squire releases focused soundscape in mono with a brilliant mix of the Big Star classic.
More September Singles and EPs: The Amplifier Heads, Shake Some Action!, The Nobility, The Cheap Cassettes, Alex Dominish, Richard Turgeon, On The Runway, Meyverlin
September isn’t over yet, and neither are the new singles and EPs from great power pop artists. The Amplifier Heads signed with Rum Bar Records and Sal “Shag 72” Baglio (The Stompers & The Peppermint Kicks) rocks out with this new Glamtastic single “SaturmalienS”. It’s also so nice to hear Shake Some Action! again and “Break It Down” mixes psych-pop and jangling rhythms to perfection. Nashville’s The Nobility gives us “The Sweetest Sound” and it is indeed a great tune — let’s hear more of this! With the end of the season, The Cheap Cassettes make it official with the slow R&B rocker “Endless Summer Ends.”
A few EPs here are also worth a download; Richard Turgeon gets reflective with a series of Campfire Songs. The buzzing anthem of “Be Who You Really Want To Be” and “Line of Sight (Tahoe Song)” recall classic-era REM. Memphis-based On The Runway is a new band created by Randy Norris and John “Boz” Boswell (Crash into June) with help from Neilson Hubbard, and Will Kimbrough. The easy-going mood of “This Charade,” and “Stuck On You” lifts you up and sticks with you. Alex Dominish is the guitarist for the Showboat Branson Belle (Branson, Missouri) and he’s got a bouncy, poppy sound guaranteed to put a smile on your face; be it first romance (“Rockin’ Steady”) or first job (“Desk Job”). Finally, a video from the upcoming band Meyverlin is here. The LP is out next month, they have a distinct ’80s influence, fans of the Cure will like this one.
EP Reviews: The Airport 77, The Cheap Cassettes and The Lickerish Quartet
The Airport 77s “Rotation”
The Airport 77s embody the classic power pop spirit of 20/20, Pezband, and The Knack with a modern spin; “When you’re kissing on me do you think of James McAvoy?” is a great tune that simply rocks with both attitude and desperation. “I mean, I get it — he rocks your world…” implores lead singer Andy Sullivan.
The anthemic “All The Way” has a touch of Cheap Trick in its DNA and it’s all about making that special moment memorable. A good cover of the Bram Tchaikovsky hit “Girl of My Dreams” fits right in with the band’s style. “Bad Mom!” is another highlight, with a jagged new wave rhythm, great bass line, and lyrics that obsess about that MILF in the PTA. The band really delivers lyrically and musically. Highly recommended.
The Cheap Cassettes “See Her In Action!”
Punk pop stalwarts The Cheep Cassettes recalls The Buzzcocks and Ramones, with its catchy garage riffs and rough-hewn vocals courtesy of lead songwriter Charles Matthews. The title track bobs along with gusto, and a fantastic guitar break before the final verse. “Only Lovers” and “Lil Bit Everyday” are great in-your-face tunes that stick, especially the latter, with a great hook in the chorus. As a bonus, we get some live tracks including The Replacements “Valentine.” Highly Recommended.
The Lickerish Quartet “Threesome, Vol. 2”
Those ex-Jellyfish boys (Roger Joseph Manning Jr., Tim Smith, and Eric Dover) are back! After the highly anticipated and well-received Threesome Vol.1, the band’s follow up is more of the same. Opening with the spacey “Do You Feel Better?” with sweet
highly recommended.
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Singles: Kai Danzberg, Chris Church, Ex Norwegian, The Cheap Cassettes, Oscar Tango and Amoeba Teen
A freshly minted follow up to Kai’s new LP Not Only Sunshine – get it at Big Stir Records
A Freebie! Chris Church’s single is very much a lost 70s-styled gem
This is a super fun single with its acapella beat, rock rhythm, and innocent lyric.
The Ramones-like chords and handclaps are awesome here.
Toronto band Oscar Tango is the brainchild of Ryan Farley, and this is a 4-song EP featuring classic power pop guitar.
[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/MygarhufJE8″]
Amoeba Teen (Stourbridge UK) new A-Side “Suit & Tie” is a supercharged preview of the band’s upcoming Medium Wave album, and the B-Side “Caught in the Middle” is a completely exclusive release from the same sessions as the album. “Suit & Tie” delivers power and never stops!
Get it at Big Stir Records