Friday 21 August 2020

Paul Molloy - The Fifth Dandelion



Released: 21 Aug 2020
Label: Spring Heeled Records
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Paul Molloy (The Coral/Serpent Power) releases his debut solo album and it is a wonderfully Psychedelic listen. His sound is very 60s with hints of The Beatles and Syd Barrett.

Lead single 'Dungaree Day' is reminiscent of The Beach Boys - Don't Worry Baby, complete with ba ba bas. It is highly melodic and Summery. 

'My Madonna' is my favourite song here and one of the most fabulous jangle pop songs released all year. It is wonderful lyrically, with imagery of love, space and 'drinking whiskey from a fountain'. 

Other highlights include 'Andromeda' which is Psych with great Pop hooks. 'Hey Ho Jack Of Diamonds' demonstrates superb storytelling and even goes a bit prog with different sections. It reaches a very impressive 'Western' sounding climax towards the end too. It ends on 'Talacre Lighthouse' which is very atmospheric with more nautical imagery. 

A superb album which takes you on an amazing Psychedelic journey. Highly recommended.



Sunday 16 August 2020

The On and Ons - Menacing Smile EP



Released: 17 May 2020
Label: Citadel Records
Listen and Buy Here

I've been aware of Australian Power Pop/Psych band - The On and Ons for a while. Their previous 2 albums have some great hook-laden melodic pop songs, including a favourite of mine 'Before Our Eyes'.

The new EP opens with 'Menacing Smile' which has 60s garage and Psych vibes. Their sound is a fusion of The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and also fellow Australian band - The Stems. 'Don't Wanna Talk About It' heavily draws from The Beatles but like so much of this music, its a hugely enjoyable listen, which is the most important thing. 

'Monday Blues' is anthemic and remains melodic with some great harmonies. 'Change of Heart' has hints of Highway to Hell and it is a lot of fun. 

A superb EP. Catchy guitar pop at its best.






Friday 14 August 2020

Librarians With Hickeys - Long Overdue



Released: 14 Aug 2020
Label: Big Stir
Listen and Buy Here

Librarians With Hickeys, from Ohio, are a new discovery for me, and this is their full length debut album.

Their sound is very jangly and reminiscent of The Byrds and R.E.M. The strength of the songs here shows they have the edge over many purveyors of this genre.

It opens with 'Until There Was You' which is perfect guitar pop full of great hooks. 'And Then She's Gone' is probably my favourite on the album - a very sweet and emotional song about moving away to make a better life for yourself.

'Be My Plus One' demonstrates superb songwriting and shows why a lot of the time, simple songs are the most effective. The harmonies and added ukulele make it even more perfect. 'Next Time' sounds like it could be a lost radio hit from the 80s.

Other highlights include 'Leave Me Alone' which is full of Punk energy and angrier in tone. It is really effective and adds variety. 'Alex' is beautifully atmospheric and laid back Summer evening listening. It ends on the very upbeat 'Black Velvet Dress' with more superb pop hooks and melodies. 

A wonderful album, highly recommended to any fans of the guitar pop genre.









Wednesday 5 August 2020

Mom - Tonight/The Tracks of my Tears



Released: 12 Jun 2020
Label: _
Listen and Buy Here

I don't review that many singles here but had to with this one. Mom are a Power Pop band from Sweden and a new discovery for me.

'Tonight' is a great example of  anthemic guitar pop. It vaguely recalls The Flamin' Groovies - Shake Some Action, and is just as exciting and energetic. 

The B-Side is a wonderful cover of the Smokey Robinson & The Miracles classic - 'Tracks of my Tears', which is one of my favourite songs. It works so well done in a Power Pop style and it blew me away. Just when you think it can't get any better, there is a superb guitar solo.

A really enjoyable single, from a band well worth looking out for. It is also perfect Summer listening. Highly recommended.






Saturday 1 August 2020

Lisa Mychols and Super 8 - Lisa Mychols and Super 8



Released: 22 Jul 2020
Label: The Beautiful Music
Listen and Buy Here

Super 8 and Lisa Mychols are two prominent artists in the Power Pop genre and on this new album they join forces. It is a wonderfully retro listening experience! 

It opens with 'What Will Be?' which has strong 60s Psych vibes. 'Time Bomb' is a brilliant homage to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. It has strong hooks and a slightly Rock edge.

Other highlights include 'You and Me, Me and You' which has more Soul/Motown vibes. Lisa's sweet vocals suit the music perfectly, with backing harmonies from Trip.

'Flying Close To The Sun' is an epic Beatlesesque ballad. There is also a cover of the Harpers Bizarre classic - Wichi Tai To. It is a very moving version and fits so well on the album. 'Laguna Nights To Remember' is more stripped back and has hints of Big Star - The Ballad of El Goodo. It ends on the gloriously epic - 'The Arms of Water'.

A wonderful album full of 60s charm, and the collaboration between the two artists works perfectly. Highly recommended Summer listening.






Friday 31 July 2020

Alpine Subs - Sweethaven



Released: 31 Jul 2020
Label: Subjangle
Listen and Buy Here

Chicago's Alpine Subs return with their second album after last year's self titled debut. The first had hints of 60s lo-fi jangle and this is a step forward. On the whole, the production is bigger with more 70s country rock vibes. 

Their overall sound here is similar to Crosby, Stills & Nash and also the more recent band - Woods. It opens with 'The Freeze' which is quite epic and atmospheric, singing of mountain climbing. There are some superb guitar riffs and it is easily my favourite on the album.

Other highlights include 'Your Someone', a big love song which is reminiscent of The Band's 'The Weight' in places. 'Live Forever' is highly melodic and sounded vaguely like Elvis - 'Suspicious Minds'


'Keeping You' is one of the strongest songs here, with an anthemic chorus. It ends on the beautifully delicate love song 'Remain' which has wistful and melancholic lyrics.

A strong follow up album and their new 70s rock edge really works well. Highly recommended.






Friday 24 July 2020

The Click Beetles - Pop Fossil



Released: 14 Jun 2020
Label: Futureman Records
Listen and Buy Here

This is another wonderful release from Futureman, who are already becoming one of my favourite Record Labels. The Click Beetles are a new discovery for me and according to discogs, they had one previous album in 2014 (Wake Up to Music)

Their sound is a lovely blend of The Byrds and the 80s/90s Power Pop of The Smithereens and Material Issue (right up my street, obviously).

'If Not Now Then When?' is a perfect opening song and insanely catchy. It has the Byrdsian charm and big 80s Pop sound


Other highlights include 'Don't You Call My Name' which is more of the same and also has Tom Petty vibes. 'Nobody's Girl' is great fun and very anthemic. 'Roseanne' has a simple yet superb melody running throughout and is more moody sounding.

A hugely enjoyable album, which may not be doing anything different, but is not short of brilliant memorable songs. For me, this is what great music is about.