Tag: The Krayolas

Early Christmas in December: The Lemon Twigs and much more!

powerpopaholic

Well, that time of year is coming closer.

The winds are getting colder. And I’m almost another year older. So let’s open up the presents early. Firstly, The Lemon Twigs are always a great stocking stuffer with the new singles “I’ve Got A Broken Heart” and the garage rocker “Friday (I’m Gonna Love You)” full of joyous “na na nas.” Next, a very child-like response to a Scrooge by The Hilken and Melissa Band with acclaimed singer Kay Hanley (Letters to Cleo) on “What’s So Bad About Christmas” and the garage rock of Boston’s premier all-female rock cover band, The Other Girls singing “I’m Not Getting Anything for Christmas.” Both are great new Xmas originals!

The Supernaturals are on their third Christmas EP, the keeper here is “I Won’t Let You Down This Xmas.” But for some anthemic Xmas pop punk, check out Greg Antista and the Lonely Streets. Another treat is The Krayolas, and Beach Boys fans will love “Giddy-up Santa.” Perfecto! But for the pissed off among us, Geoff Palmer delivers his Xmas sneer with “Merry Christmas I Fucked Your Snowman.” But I couldn’t end this with such piss and vinegar. So take a deep breath, and listen to the excellence of Music City’s “Only Home For Christmas.” And the best gift is the band has a new LP cooking for 2026.

 







Father’s Day: doubleVee, The Krayolas, Mark Ward, Richard Snow, The Rallies, DelCobras

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Happy Father’s Day to all the dads. Plenty of great new music to share with your dad today, starting with Allan Vest & Barb Vest (Starlight Mints) as doubleVee who release “Everyone’s Lonely Under The Sea” in anticipation of the release of the ‘Periscope at Midnight’ EP. The rest of the EP is excellent! Dig that bass line!  Next, The Krayolas deliver a sweet tribute to Brian Wilson with “Surf’s Down” a newly released gem from the Tex-Mex trio. Speaking of tributes, Mark Ward has done a cool EP full of covers, interpreted in his own way. Check out the pop bounce of Gordon Lightfoot’s “If You Could Read My Mind,” a great song with a whole new spin. With all the anxiety going on in the world today, Richard Snow has a very timely response to the conspiracy culture we’re in on “Governments Always Lie.” The Rallies are also back with a simple song that“Comes and Goes” and it really impresses during the harmony-filled bridge. Philly Green Day inspired rockers DelCobras have a great single here with “Untied (She’s The One)” with that infectious chorus. Enjoy a nice cold drink with these tunes. Cheers!






The last of the Christmas Music: CokeRoque, Dan Miraldi, Shake Some Action, James Clark Institute, Sunturns, Pigeon Club, The Krayolas

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Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. My top 25 of 2024 is due to post January 4, 2025, so stay tuned!






Tax day singles: Lindsay Murray, Orbis Max, Fallon Cush, Tony Marisco,The Krayolas, Tommy Keene, The Blusterfields

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“Fields” features Lindsay Murray (Gretchen’s Wheel) and Orbis Max with drums by Daniele Silvestri. Neil Christie (Emperor Penguin) produced the video. The song compares the end of a relationship with the shifting of a landscape and how even the most permanent landmarks crumble to time and “progress.” Fallon Cush returns with a lively blues-rocker “Sweet Johanna” and Tony Marisco has a sweet EP of jangling songs, fans of The Byrds will certainly enjoy this, check out “Sleepwalker.” The Krayolas honor Dwight Twilley with a classic cover of “I Hear You Knockin’.” The late great Tommy Keene is always worth revisiting, a new digital EP was recently released so don’t hesitate to check it out. A new band to me is The Blusterfields, “Everyone is Dead” fits well with this group, with some jangle and harmonies. Finally, a freebie — RumBar Records After School Special is a 5-song EP with pop-punk artists like Pavid Vermin, J. Prozac, The Cretins, WiMP!, and The Glimmer Stars. Enjoy!





Lucky Late March EPs and Singles: Emilia Suárez, The Krayolas, The Downhauls, Orbis Max, The Dollyrots, Brad Marino, J. Matthews

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Sometimes a modern ballad just gets the romantic in me. Emilia Suárez‘s new single “Timing” hits that soft spot in your heart. She is both singing and acting in the new movie A Good Person, alongside Florence Pugh and Morgan Freeman. Next, the Tex-Mex Beatles (aka The Krayolas) have a freshly remastered release including a cover of The Monkees‘ “Pleasant Valley Sunday.” And speaking of covers The Downhauls do a neat cover of “Hazy Shade of Winter” written by Paul Simon, but it always sounded better with a female vocal (The Bangles). The emotional “R U OK” is an easy-going collaboration by Orbis Max and Lisa Mychols featuring Ed Ryan. Adding some great power pop energy is The Dollyrots “Hey Girl” which is a great “curious” theme. Brad Marino (The Connection) has opened the vaults at Rum Bar Records and let loose a Slab O’ Wax. That’s 19 tracks of his best rock and roll for you. We end with another newcomer, J. Matthews with a thoughtful “Wanderlust” single. And… exhale.