Diamond Hands - Cookie

Released: 17 Nov 2023
Label: Kool Kat Musik

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This was a really overlooked album from last year. Diamond Hands, from L.A., are a recent discovery for me and their new album is full of glorious 60s-inspired Psych gems.

Opening song 'I Want You' is wonderfully catchy and Summery, with hints of Surf and Indie Pop. 

My favourite here is 'Fruit Trees' which is epic, with superb orchestral production. There are hints of The Beatles later music. It has that anthemic chorus, reminiscent of Hey Jude. 

Other highlights include 'Spiraling' which has lovely vocal harmonies and solo George Harrison vibes. 'Don't Want to Start Again' is 2 minute pop of the highest standard, and instantly memorable. It ends on 'Lonely Boy' which is brilliantly Psychedelic with hints of The Band - The Weight.

A hugely enjoyable album, from a band well worth checking out. Highly recommended. 

The Maureens - Everyone Smiles

Released: 19 Jan 2024
Label: Meritorio Records

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The Maureens, from the Netherlands, are back with a new album. Their music is reminiscent of the 60s - beautifully melodic and catchy. Check out the song 'She's A Dreamer' from their last album if they are new to you.

Opening song 'Stand Up!' is anthemic with early Beatles vibes, and some lovely melodies. 

My favourite here is 'Fell in Love' which has some impressive vocal harmonies, of course bringing to mind Simon and Garfunkel as well as the more recent Power pop of Velvet Crush. 

Other highlights include 'Rainy Day' which is instantly memorable, with hints of Teenage Fanclub. 'Alison' is very uplifting yet with melancholic lyrics. 'Start Again' has a lovely chorus which will have you humming along.

A superb album, full of glorious harmonies and heartfelt songs. Highly recommended. 

One Morning in August - Another Morning

Released: 24 Nov 2023
Label: _

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Irish indie band - One Morning In August, are a recent discovery for me and this is their second album. 

Opening song 'Moment' is wonderfully ambient and atmospheric. The album on the whole has a laid back feel to it, with some beautiful instrumentals to come later on.

'Lovers By Surprise' is the standout song here. The sound brings to mind the 00s indie of Idlewild, and there are also hints of R.E.M.  The chorus is superbly anthemic and instantly memorable. 

'Local Minor Superstar' sounds like it could have been a radio hit in the early 00s. The lyrics are quite humorous "You act just like a teenager, you're almost 52..." 

Other highlights include 'Those Days' which is beautifully heartfelt Folk. 'Get it Right' sounds different from anything else here, being really dark, heavier rock. It brought to mind Nick Cave and Mark Lanegan. 

Closing instrumental - 'A Long Journey West' is more electronic with other-worldly synths, taking you away to another place.

A superb album, with a variety of styles and sounds, making this an essential listen. Highly recommended. 

The Lunar Laugh - In The Black

Released: 3 Nov 2023
Label: Big Stir

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The Lunar Laugh, from Oklahoma, are a recent discovery for me but have been making music for a while. This is apparently going to be their final album, which I think is a huge shame judging by the quality of the songs here.

Opening song 'Born Weird' is catchy Power Pop at its finest, with edgy punk sounding guitars. 'Allegiance' is my favourite here and brought to mind Plans era Death Cab For Cutie, with hints of The Beatles and Big Star too. The vocal harmonies are wonderful and it has so much emotion. 

Other highlights include 'Timeless Time' which has some melancholic lyrics and lovely melodies. 'Still Gets To Me' is Byrds-inspired jangle of the highest standard. It ends on the Country-tinged 'Picture Perfect' which is a very moving love song, with some philosophical lyrics.

A hugely enjoyable album, full of heartfelt, well-written songs. Highly recommended. 

The Yellow Melodies - Sunshine Pop

Released: 7 Nov 2023
Label: The Beautiful Music

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The Yellow Melodies, from Spain, are a recent discovery for me although I think they have been making music since the early 00s. Their new album is full of Summery indie pop goodness.

Opening song 'Follow The Sun' is feelgood guitar pop at its finest, recalling Teenage Fanclub, and also The Cure song - Inbetween Days. It is wonderfully catchy and anthemic. 

Other highlights include the moody sounding 'La Magia de Aquellas Noches' which has hints of 60s Psych. The melody is instantly memorable, and its an enjoyable listen. You don't have to understand the words to appreciate it.

'What I Do' is melancholic with hints of doo wop, bringing to mind The Flamingos - I Only Have Eyes For You. Closing song 'The Sunshine In Your Eyes' is another favourite here and has some great pop hooks.

A superb album, from a band well worth checking out, especially if you love indie pop. Highly recommended. 

Ian M Bailey - We Live In Strange Times

Released: 24 Nov 2023
Label: Kool Kat

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Ian M Bailey is back with a new album. It is a lovely listen as you'd expect, full of jangling Byrds inspired guitars. Again, it is co-written by Daniel Wylie (more known for his work with Scottish band - Cosmic Rough Riders). 

Opening song 'The Last Chime' is wonderfully Summery and anthemic, even on these cold winter nights. The guitars really chime, like the title suggests.  

My favourite here is 'It's Summer Rain' which is instantly memorable. Like many of the songs here, the focus is on the soaring melodies and superb pop hooks.

Other highlights include 'The Clock is Ticking' which has a slightly heavier edge and a catchy chorus which will stay in your mind from first listen. 'Dance Around The Room' is beautifully subtle and a blend of Folk and Americana. 'Country Girl' is a heartfelt love song of the highest standard.

A superb album, full of well-written songs with intricate harmonies. Highly recommended.

Smokey Angle Shades - Let Go Of The Past

Released: 29 Sept 2023
Label: Europa Sun

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Smokey Angle Shades, from the UK, release their second album after 2015's wonderful 'Shades of Joy'. Their sound is a blend of Americana and 70s sounding rock. The band features Ned Crowther from The Fernweh.

Opening song 'Let's Start All Over Again' is a very moving ballad, which brought to mind solo Paul McCartney and of course The Fernweh. 

Other highlights include the instantly memorable 'A Star Called Youth' which is melancholic with a big anthemic chorus. 'And You Tied A Ribbon on It' is uplifting with hints of electronic and brought to mind ELO.

My favourite here is 'Green Eyes' which is Americana tinged guitar pop at its finest. It is lovely and heartfelt, with hints of The Flying Burrito Brothers. 'Prize Fighter' demonstrates some superb storytelling and beautiful orchestral arrangements.

A hugely enjoyable album, full of well-crafted and memorable songs. 

Mike Gale - Thanks For Always Waving

Released: 8 Sept 2023
Label: _

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Mike Gale, from Southampton, has been releasing his own wonderfully melodic, lo-fi Folk music for a while. His latest album is a beautifully ambient listen.

The album opens with 'Yipee' which is laid-back, with hints of solo John Lennon. The production is acoustic and stripped back, giving it retro charm. 

Other highlights include 'Summer Be Gone' which sounds like a more modern version of  Harry Nilsson's 'Everybody's Talkin'.

'Grumble Pie' is another favourite here and is uplifting and Summery with more African vibes. Of course, it brought to mind Graceland era Paul Simon. 'I Know Her' is a a sweet song with some lovely vocal harmonies.

'They're Closing the Marina' is heartfelt and melancholic, with more of a Spanish feel to it.

A superb album, highly recommended for fans of lo-fi indie/folk. 

Tamar Berk - Tiny Injuries

Released: 18 Aug 2023
Label: _

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Tamar Berk, from California, is back with a new album. It is more wonderfully heartfelt and melodic guitar pop, as you would expect. Her sound brings to mind the 90s alternative pop/singer-songwriter of Aimee Mann, Liz Phair e.t.c. 

The album opens with 'If U Know, U Know' which is brilliantly catchy and anthemic. There are some superb guitar solos towards the end.

Other highlights include 'Whats Become of Me, My Friend' which is a stripped back and melancholic piano ballad. The lyrics are very honest and it is an emotional listen.

'Permanent Vacation' is another favourite here and is uplifting and Summery. 'Drop In The Bucket' has plenty of attitude and more edgy, heavier sounding guitars. It still has the memorable hooks of Power Pop.

'I Was Saved By The Beauty in the World' is a highly emotional song, reflecting on life. There are some philosophical and thought-provoking lyrics - "We're all just precious stones, floating down the river, going home."

A superb album, full of well-crafted guitar pop anthems. Highly recommended Summer listening. 

Sandra's Wedding - The Hopeful Boy Replacement Service

Released: 14 July 2023
Label: Subjangle (cd) Self-released (vinyl)

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Sandra's Wedding, from Goole UK, are back with a new album. Their previous album (Pleasure Grounds) was one of my favourites of 2021, so I had high expectations for this one. It did not disappoint and is full of wonderfully uplifting 80s-inspired indie. 

The album opens with the title track, which is superbly anthemic. Their sound has hints of The Housemartins and also The Pale Fountains! The lyrics are quirky - "Hey little Goldfish in a sandwich bag..." is one of my favourite opening lines I have heard in a while.

Other highlights include 'French Girls' which is Summery and fun. It is brilliantly catchy and will have you singing along. 'This Be The Verse' is very jangly and upbeat. As is 'The Running Joke' which has more unique lyrics and superb pop hooks.

'To The Beat of Slamming Doors' is another favourite here and is again wonderfully 80s, the opening riff bringing to mind Martha and The Muffins classic Echo Beach. There are hints of The Smiths here too!

A hugely enjoyable listen and recommended for fans of 80s indie pop. 

Fort Not - Depressed For Success

Released: 7 July 2023
Label: Meritorio Records

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Swedish indie pop band, Fort Not, are a recent discovery for me. Their music is wonderfully lo-fi and melodic, with hints of The Velvet Underground. It also reminded me of the recent band - Rural France (also on the Meritorio label) so fans of them will also enjoy this. 

The album opens with 'Love Will Find You' which is heartfelt 2 minute pop at its finest. There are hints of Jonathan Richman here, and it is wonderfully laid back.

Other highlights include 'Tell Me Nothing' which again has that lo-fi simplicity and is a lot of fun. 'Ringo Starr' is a bit more Punk inspired, with hints of The Ramones. The lyrics are humorous, yet melancholic at the same time.

'Baby Maybe' is brilliantly catchy and upbeat, with hints of The Beatles classic - Twist and Shout. 'My Love' is superbly melodic and reminded me of The Traveling Wilburys - Last Night.

Highly recommended Summer listening from a band well worth checking out! 

Parallax Project - Autologous

Released: 5 May 2023
Label: Kool Kat Musik

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Parallax Project, from Pennsylvania, are a recent discovery for me. The band features members of The Split Squad, Minus 5 and The Junior League (who I was familiar with). So its full of wonderfully catchy guitar pop, as you would expect. 

The album opens with 'Put It Out' which has superb pop hooks and is a lot of fun. There are hints of 80s Power Pop, and it especially brought to mind The Romantics, The Cars e.t.c. 

My favourite here is 'I've Gotta Change My Life' (a cover of the Fleshtones classic), which is brilliantly melodic, with a big memorable chorus you will be singing along to. The production has hints of electronic, bringing to mind New Wave band Devo.

Other highlights include 'Mary Houdini' which is beautifully Summery and has more of a 60s sound. 'You Were Never There' is melancholic with a country twang, and there are also hints of Teenage Fanclub.

It ends on the epic 'Don't Want to Live Inside Myself', which is a superb cover of the Bee Gees classic.

A hugely enjoyable album and recommended Summer listening. 

Lost Ships - Atoms Collide Forever

Released: 30 June 2023
Label: Subjangle

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UK indie pop band - Lost Ships return with a new album. It is more wonderfully jangly guitar pop with catchy melodies and quirky lyrics.

The album opens with 'The Brittle Heart Foundation' which is anthemic with a great opening guitar riff and superb hooks. Their sound has hints of late 80s/90s jangle bringing to mind The Wedding Present, Martin Newell e.t.c.

Other highlights include 'I'm In Love With Your Girlfriend' which recalls early Teenage Fanclub. Its simplicity is so effective and is instantly memorable, like many of the songs here.

'Highway 62' demonstrates some superb storytelling, with plenty of references to American culture e.t.c. 'Derek from Domino's' is humorous with dark lyrics about a Pizza delivery man who committed some murders. But it didn't last - "Late September he turned himself in with a written confession on his rolling pin"!

'Toaster Song' is a heartfelt break-up song, full of melancholy. The lyrics are wonderfully vivid and there are themes of loneliness.

A hugely enjoyable album and recommended for fans of 90s indie/guitar pop. 

The Parlophonics - Dying of the Light

Released: 7 Jul 2023
Label: Kool Kat Musik

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The Parlophonics are a trio, based in Germany, London and North Hollywood, and a new discovery for me. Their album is an enjoyable listen, full of memorable guitar pop, rich in melody. The beautiful album cover also drew me in, which is created by the legendary Klaus Voormann (the artist behind The Beatles - Revolver album cover!)

The album opens with 'Fill My Sky' which has hints of 60s Psych, with gorgeous vocal harmonies and orchestral production. It has a chilled, laid back vibe, perfect for Summer evenings.

Other highlights include 'Reading Kerouac', which is upbeat with hints of Fleetwood Mac, yet with bleak lyrics. 'The Dying of the Light' is a heartfelt ballad with a big anthemic chorus, and brought to mind The Beatles - Let it Be.

Another standout here is 'Heaven Can Wait' which has hints of country, again the vocal harmonies are superb. It ends on an excellent cover of Badfinger's 'Song For a Lost Friend' which is beautifully melancholic.

A wonderful album and essential Summer listening. 

Vanity Mirror - PUFF

Released: 12 May 2023
Label: We Are Busy Bodies

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Vanity Mirror is the new project from members of L.A. Baroque Pop band - Electric Looking Glass. The album is a wonderfully retro listen with plenty of 60s inspired guitar pop goodness.

The album opens with '(I First Saw You There on) Tinpot Lane' which actually sounds like it could be a lost Kinks song. It is superbly melodic and catchy, and will have you reaching for the repeat button.

Other highlights include 'Tuesday's News' which is guitar pop of the highest standard and brought to mind The Beatles - You Never Give Me Your Money. 'Dandelion Wish' recalls the Psychedelia of The Rolling Stones and has some lovely harmonies.

The standout here is gentle ballad - 'Somehow You Know', which is very heartfelt, bringing to mind Paul McCartney's more acoustic solo music. It also had hints of John Lennon - Oh My Love. It ends on the beautifully whimsical 'Happily Ever After' which has that timeless Baroque Pop production.

A hugely enjoyable album and essential Summer listening. 

The Hannah Barberas - Fantastic Tales of the Sea

Released: 26 May 2023
Label: Spinout Nuggets/Subjangle/Gazer Tapes

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London Indie Pop band - The Hannah Barberas, return with a new album. It is full of catchy 80s inspired Jangly gems. 

The album opens with 'You're So?!' which is a short but sweet love song and a lot of fun. It is a highly quirky duet with the simplicity of Rock n Roll and hints of Punk.

Other highlights include 'Ugly Cry' which is more of a stripped back ballad, full of melancholy. Lyrically it is very heartfelt and about finding comfort in music. 'Party From Hell' brought to mind the 80s Jangle of Orange Juice.

'When You Were My Boyfriend' is the standout here. It is wonderfully innocent and twee, with a big anthemic chorus. The sound has hints of The Popguns. 'Fantastic Tales of The Sea' has some lovely vocal harmonies and superb guitar riffs. 'Happy Winter' is more traditional Folk/Americana sounding and has a timeless quality to it.

A highly enjoyable album and recommended Summer listening, especially for fans of 80s indie pop. 

Alex Pester - Better Days

Released: 26 May 2023
Label: Violette

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Alex Pester, from Bath, UK, is a recent discovery for me and the latest Artist to be signed to the superb Violette records (which was once the label of Michael Head). 

The album is full of lovely, more traditional sounding Acoustic Folk. It opens with 'Dear Friend' which has some intricate guitar playing and brought to mind the more melancholic music of Nick Drake.

Other highlights include 'I See You' which is ultra melodic, with orchestral production adding to the emotional impact. It also brought to mind some of The Clientele's more Folk sounding music. 'In The Night' is very heartfelt with hints of Jazz. The Baroque pop production is hugely impressive with some wonderful melodic arrangements.

'You're My Kind' is a simple yet timeless love song which will stay with you from first listen. 'Are You Gonna Make Her Choose?' is a heart-breaking ballad. Its power is in the epic production which could almost be from a Film Soundtrack. For me, it had a similar emotional effect to Michael Head's 'Something Like You'. 

It ends on 'Bye Bye, Teddy' which is stripped-back, with a child-like innocence to it and some lovely Ukulele.

A superb album with so much ethereal beauty. Highly recommended. 

Adam Camm - Mirror, Mirror

Released: 12 May 2023
Label: _

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Adam Camm, from London, is a recent discovery for me. This is his debut and it is a wonderful listen, his sound being an experimental blend of guitar pop and 60s inspired Psych. 

The album opens with 'Feel The Fuzz' which is very lo-fi and Garage sounding. There are hints of 13th Floor Elevators, The Seeds e.t.c. It still has the hooks of guitar pop and is a joy to listen to.

Other highlights include 'Mirror, Mirror', which has hints of Syd Barrett. It has the perfect balance of melodies and heavier guitars in the chorus. My favourite here is the wonderfully Byrds-inspired - 'Guardian Angel', which is melodic and jangly with the rock hooks of The Rolling Stones.

'Please Sincerely Mr Jones' is feelgood retro guitar pop at its finest and again has catchy melodies. It ends on 'Abandoned' which is Summery and has lovely Psychedelic Indian sounding production reminiscent of Revolver era Beatles.

A hugely enjoyable album and highly recommended for fans of 60s Psych. 

Alfie Firmin - Absentee

Released: 12 May 2023
Label: Bobo Integral

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Alfie Firmin, from Southend On Sea, is a new discovery for me. He has released a number of solo albums, also with the band Vestiges (it is well worth checking out their song Evelyn too if they are new to you). 

The album opens with 'Can't Stop Thinking About You' which is a wonderfully melodic and heartfelt ballad. His sound recalls the classic guitar pop of the 60s/70s (Beach Boys, Harry Nilsson e.t.c.)  and there are hints of Soul too. It also brought to mind the more recent band - Whitney.

Other highlights include 'Lost on Me' which had hints of John Lennon - Jealous Guy. It is sublime and laid-back like most of the songs here. 'Drivers' is stripped back and melancholic. 

'Pure O' has more Americana vibes with some lovely pedal steel. 'Absentee' is more Folk with hints of Simon & Garfunkel. It ends on the gorgeous love song 'For The First Time' which has glorious vocal harmonies, giving it a timeless quality.

A superb album full of subtle melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Highly recommended. 

Super 8 - Hoopla

Released: 5 May 2023
Label: The Beautiful Music

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Super 8 return with a superb new album. It is more Summery Beatles-inspired guitar pop goodness, as you would expect!

The album opens with 'For All My Friends' which is very Abbey Road era Beatles, with epic orchestral production. It is anthemic in quality and moving to listen to.

Other highlights include 'Susan Revolving' (a cover of an unreleased Andy Partridge demo) which is swirling Psychedelia, more reminiscent of Sgt. Peppers. 'All My Worries' is very surreal lyrically - "I was floating on a sea of green, eating tangerines..."

'Jennifer Anne' is feelgood guitar pop at its finest and brought to mind Paul Simon. 'Love Ya' is a short but sweet love song of the highest standard and a lot of fun.

'Be My Yoko' is a favourite here and is so heartfelt. I love the Beatles references and it is charming rather than too twee. The Byrds inspired 'Moments in Time' could be a lost radio hit with its lovely chiming guitars and big, uplifting chorus. 

Highly recommended Spring/early Summer listening, especially if you love 60s guitar pop!