Tag: Vista Blue

Happy Labor Day Singles and EPs! Erik Voeks, Brent Windler, Vista Blue, The Junior League, Ken Sharp, Lisa Mychols & Super 8

powerpopaholic

Enjoy these fresh singles for the long weekend.

Erik Voeks has been one of my favorite DIY rockers for years, but this timely political gem is one of the best singles I’ve heard in a long time. His new band The Ghosters have bumped up his stock quite a lot here!

Brent Winder the singer/songwriter for “Sons of Great Dane” is back working on a new solo album, and this single “Around The Bend” is a richly arranged gem. It’s a FREEBIE that shouldn’t be missed.

The ever-present Vista Blue is back, saying goodbye to summer in a mashup of Ramones and Beach Boys glory. Speaking of the Beach Boys, are you a fan of Brian or Mike?

The Junior League (Joe Adragna) kicks major ass here with Scott the Hoople on this Monkees meets Dylan single “Summer of Flies.” Great summer tunes on this EP.

Ken Sharp gives us “Halyx Rising (Lora’s Song).” It is a Queen-like gem that dazzles with the effects and guitar riffs. Inspired by a new documentary, “Disneyland’s Forgotten Sci-Fi Rock Band.”

Lisa Mychols and Super 8 dropped some “bonus” session tracks from their latest album. These sessions are a glimpse into the recording process and “unplugs” these cool songs.

 

Freebies and EPs: Liars Club, Batteries Not Included, Vapour Trails, Peter Baldrachi, Richard Turgeon, Mammals, Vista Blue, Sandy McKnight

powerpopaholic

We know many artists and labels have been hit especially hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, very possibly including you. Some musicians are offering their very best to you for a “Name-Your-Price” point. Please give generously!

A gift from Jayson Jarmon (Vanilla) who was in this band Liar’s Club from 1989 to 1995. This album has many great songs and the most un-politically correct Christmas song ever.


BNI is Batteries Not Included, a Chicago band that jangles and jams with the best of them. A full album FREEBIE! Best track: “Winning Ticket”


I love the chord shifts on this tune by The Vapour Trails. The harmonies are great too.

I’ve been waiting for some for Peter Balderachi‘s new music. And yes it’s worth the wait! “Change” is what we are all going through now. I vote this as the anthem for these self-quarantined times. All these tunes seriously rock!


Richard Turgeon wrote this single for a documentary about the positive impact of competitive athletics. Inspiring!

This trio from Chicago is called Mammals – fans of The Jam and the Nerves will enjoy this style of power pop. I really liked “In The Darkness”.

Vista Blue has reliably delivered free music for years. “I think Cathy is Crazy (About You)” is a keeper here.

Sandy McKnight is a veteran NYC indie rocker in the vein of Elvis Costello, and he’s got Fernando Perdomo helping! “Facing the End of the World” is the lead song and another contender for the Covid-19 theme of the month! Music that deserves to be heard! Get it on Amazon

EP Reviews: The Seven and Six, Vista Blue, Dogmatics, Nick Bertling, The Martial Arts

powerpopaholic

The Seven and Six is a new band with the ever-talented Lisa Mychols and Tom Richards. This is great power pop with a beat you can dance to. This is Mychols in her natural habitat, each song hits the right notes, kicks ass and with its upbeat tempos, it’s super highly recommended.

Vista Blue dials back its natural punk influences and turns up the Beach Boys-inspired power-pop tendencies. “Summer Wonderland” is a sweet single with some great harmonies and the other tracks are a cut above the usual seasonal music. Get this one now! Available at Amazon


The Dogmatics is a more traditional garage rock and roll band from Boston thanks to our buddies at Rum Bar Records. Fans of The Replacements or The Johnny Thunders will dig this one. And who else will write a song about the current United States Secretary of Commerce? Also available at Amazon.


Nick Bertling made this faithful group of Monkee cover tunes in honor of the late Peter Tork. It even has a cover of a Kellog’s jingle! Not an EP, but a labor of love and it’s a great FREE download.


The new EP from The Martial Arts (aka Paul Kelly) is a quirky pop romp that is both catchy and idiosyncratic. The other songs are just as infectious and melodic. Get it on Amazon.

 

Freebies and Singles: The Top Boost, Geoff Palmer, Tommy Lorente, Vista Blue, Ken Sharp, Preoccupied Pipers, The Turnback

powerpopaholic


The Top Boost earns major kudos for this excellent 3 song EP. On the title track, they’re joined by Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (Jellyfish, Imperial Drag). The result is a swirling blend of bubble gum pop sweetness with a wistful lyrical undertone. A+


Geoff Palmer (The Connection) has released a few singles in advance of his next solo LP Pulling Out All The Stops. This one is more than hot, it’s a FREE download. BTW, his former bandmate Brad Marino has LP out too, reviews for both coming soon!

My favorite French power pop musician Tommy Lorente gives us a FREE download, it’s so catchy even if you don’t speak French just sing along with the “Na Na Na Na.”

The reliable punk-pop of Vista Blue continues his sports-themed Ramones influenced rock. Another FREE download!

Ken Sharp spent some time at Fernando Perdomo‘s new Reseda Ranch Studios 2.0 and recorded this little gem about the 1964 World’s Fair. Only a buck, and worth the trip through his imaginary time machine.

A goodie from KC Bowman and friends (aka The Preoccupied Pipers) about another band and its audience? Hey! It’s still a FREE download.
The Turnback is back with a new single “Unloading An Empty Gun”. If you buy it, maybe Todd, Kenny & Barry will reload and give us another album (please!)

Happy Halloween! Come get these treats!

powerpopaholic
Just in time for Halloween, Baz Francis gives us a creepy single from Magic Eight Ball. Check out the LP on iTunes
More scary music from Vista Blue! Rock and roll that literally has a “Hook”!

Some new retro psych-pop goodness from The Sunchymes with “Masquerade.” Earlier this year they asked us to “Try.”

Jeff Shelton’s (The Well Wishers) evil alter-ego has come out to play. Well, this isn’t Halloween themed unless you think the band’s name is sacrilege. But if you crave heavier guitar crunch, then get Hot Nun‘s “Born To Blaze.” Sinfully good!