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. 

Crossword Smiles - Pressed & Ironed

Released: 16 Sept 2022
Label: Big Stir

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Crossword Smiles are a band from Michigan, consisting of Tom Curless (Your Gracious Host) and Chip Saam (The Hangabouts). This is their debut, which I felt was overlooked at the time, so thought I'd go back and review. 

The album opens with 'Feet on the Ground' which is superbly anthemic guitar pop. Their sound is reminiscent of Big Star, and also the 90s power pop band - Velvet Crush.

My favourite here is the upbeat 'The Girl With A Penchant for Yellow' which has brilliant pop hooks and is a lot of fun.

Other highlights include 'Where's The Sense' which again is wonderfully catchy. There are some lovely vocal harmonies. 'Walk Softly' is more melodic and atmospheric, with hints of Country and Folk.

 

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

Librarians With Hickeys - Handclaps & Tambourines

Released: 14 Oct 2022
Label: Big Stir

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Librarians With Hickeys, from Ohio, are back with their second album. It is more enjoyable jangle with plenty of great pop hooks.   Their sound is inspired by 80s REM with hints of the 60s Psych of The Byrds. 

It opens with 'I Better Get Home' which is superbly catchy and brought to mind The Buzzcocks - Ever Fallen In Love, so there are hints of Punk here too.

My favourite here is 'I Can't Stop Thinking About You' which is a wonderful love song, and instantly memorable. It shows simplicity is often the key with this music and I could imagine it would have been a college radio hit.  

Other highlights include 'Can't Wait Till Summer' which is highly melodic and anthemic. 'Lady Overdrive' is a fun listen with a huge chorus and handclaps e.t.c. 'Last Days of Summer' is beautifully Autumnal with some lovely viola playing, which also adds variety to the album.

 

Highly recommended Autumn listening, especially for fans of 80s jangle.

The Brothers Steve - Dose

Released: 15 Oct 2021
Label: Big Stir

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The Brothers Steve, from LA are back with their follow up to 2019's debut #1, which finished highly on my end of year list. The new album is a wonderful listen with more enjoyable power pop anthems.   

If you aren't familiar with Jeff Whalen's (of the band - Tsar) solo album '10 More Rock Super Hits', it is also well worth checking out.

The new album opens with 'Get on Up' which is a fun party song, and a fusion of the glam rock of Bowie, with the 90s indie of Primal Scream, with some Rolling Stones thrown in too!  My favourite here is 'Next Aquarius' which is superbly catchy with hints of 60s Pysch. 

Other highlights include 'Mrs Rosenbaum' which has Beatles vibes and some wonderful storytelling, with wistful, melancholic lyrics. 'Electro-Love' is more instantly memorable guitar pop. 'Sugarfoot' is a bit silly lyrically but will bring a smile to your face.

A hugely enjoyable follow up, full of power pop brilliance. Highly recommended.

Allyson Seconds - Bag of Kittens

Released: 14 Nov 2020
Label: Big Stir
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Allyson Seconds is a new discovery for me. This is a reissue of her debut album from 2009. I don't normally review too many reissues but this didn't get the attention it deserved, first time round.

It was written and produced by Anton Barbeau, one of Psych/Power Pop's best 'lost' songwriters. He has had a busy year, having already released two albums, including the epic double album Manbird.

'I Used To Say Your Name' is one of my favourite songs here. A very moving ballad. Allyson's subtle vocals suit the music perfectly and it has a lot of warmth.  'Boat Called Home' has country vibes and reminded me of some of Paul McCartney's solo music. 

Other highlights here include 'If I Could Bring You Trouble' which is a lovely duet with Anton. It is highly melodic and memorable with 60s vibes and a hint of Psych. 'Dig My Pig' has a lot of Byrdsian charm and the high vocals really add to the emotion. 

Title track 'Bag of Kittens' is wonderfully quirky. It has a childlike sense of fun. Also on the release are four unreleased bonus tracks. The best of these is 'Octagon' which is uplifting, summery guitar pop at its finest.

A really enjoyable listen, full of well-written melodic songs which will stay with you. Highly recommended.

mylittlebrother - Howl

Released: 30 Oct 2020
Label: Big Stir
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mylittlebrother of Cumbria, UK, are back with a new album and their first for renowned Power Pop record label - Big Stir. 

Their sound is very much indie with 90s/mid 00s guitar pop vibes. They reminded me of The Late Pioneers (signed to Subjangle) so if you liked them, or any other melodic indie pop for that matter, this is well worth checking out.

It opens with 'Play Hard', which is gloriously anthemic, reminiscent of British Sea Power and other mid 00s bands. 'Janey' is the standout song here and has hints of Americana. The chorus has some wonderful harmonies and is instantly memorable. I can imagine this getting a lot of radio airplay, here and in the USA. 

'Goldmine' sounds more 70s funk, the chorus is a series of oh's which I wasn't too sure of at first but it is an enjoyable listen.  'Howl' is another favourite here - a catchy love song with a lot of charm and lovely melodies. 'Responsibility' is a simple yet quirky song and will have you singing along.

'Chicago' is epic and quite long at over 5 minutes. The theme is wanting to move away from 'little England' to be with a loved one in Chicago. The song has different sections and reaches an impressive ending, which is heavy and angry in tone. 'Time Of Our Lives' is a big emotional ballad of the highest standard. 

A superb album, full of memorable anthems and great melodies. Highly recommended.

Librarians With Hickeys - Long Overdue

Released: 14 Aug 2020
Label: Big Stir
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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.

The Corner Laughers - Temescal Telegraph

Released: 5 June 2020
Label: Big Stir
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Bandcamp

I have been aware of Californian band The Corner Laughers, for a while. This is their fifth album and their first for the renowned Power Pop record label - Big Stir.

Their sound is a blend of Indie Pop and Folk, with a range of influences from Fairport Convention to XTC. They are led by Karla Kane (one of the few Women in the guitar pop genre) whose unique voice and ukulele really sets them apart. 

Opener 'The Calculating Boy' brought to mind Nonsuch era XTC. A charming and simple pop song, with strong hooks.

'The Accepted Time' is the standout song here. Bold and anthemic with heartfelt and wistful lyrics. - 'I hold your hand and hope you'll understand I need to, feel your fingers wrapped around mine too. Guess I know that life means letting go but I will hold on just a little longer.' It is a really moving song and features some great guitar work too.

Other highlights include 'Sisters of the Pollen' which is more upbeat and fun, with some catchy melodies. Their quirky folk style is still prominent. 'Goodguy Sun' (written by Martin Newell of the band Cleaners From Venus) is a beautiful song with 60s Beatles vibes. The instrumentation is perfect with a mixture of piano and ukulele.

'Wren in the Rain' is another standout song and has themes of Nature and Life which is a recurring topic on this album. The two closing songs, really draw from their traditional folk influences more. 'Skylarks of Britain' is wonderfully melodic and a timeless lullaby. 

An exceptional album which has a lot of charm and magic.  Highly recommended.

Paula Carino - Door (Big Stir Digital Single No. 66)

Released: 27 Mar 2020
Label: Big Stir
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New York Songwriter - Paula Carino is a new discovery for me. This latest song of hers, as part of the Big Stir singles series, really caught my ear. It has dark, apocalyptic vibes, quite appropriate given the current circumstances.

'Door' is an epic song with a psychedelic sound, slightly reminiscent of Pink Floyd and other Psych rock. Lyrically it is quite philosophical and thought provoking - 'Maybe the eras of the past are the only things that last and your prophecies were wrong.' 

It never seems to dwell too much and the lovely swirling harmonies and raw guitar sound, really makes this song stand out.   

'Welcome Spiders' is still quite psychedelic sounding with drum beats, and reminded me a little of The Stone Roses - Fools Gold. 

A superb single, which is lyrically and melodically stunning. It goes to prove that Paula Carino is an artist well worth checking out.

Anton Barbeau - Kenny Vs. Thrust

Released: 24 Jan 2020
Label: Big Stir
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California's Anton Barbeau is a recent discovery for me and has been making albums since the 90s. His sound is a blend of Power Pop with the Psych rock of Robyn Hitchcock. He has collaborated with legendary Psych band - The Bevis Frond.  

From listening to his earlier work, it is hard to see why he is not better known. I'd recommend people who are new to him to also check out the 'Empire of Potential' compilation which includes lost gems - 'Automatic Door' and 'Third Eye'. His surreal and very entertaining lyrics set him apart from contemporaries.

My favourite song here is opener 'Wire from the Wall' which sounds like 80s R.E.M. but with more of a psychedelic sound. It is brilliantly catchy and memorable.

Other highlights include 'Jingle Jangle' which, as the title would suggest, is an example of his more melodic guitar pop. It is very summery, at times recalling The Byrds. 'Haunted in Fenland' demonstrates storytelling vaguely reminiscent of Dylan, with epic production. 'Back to Balmain' sounds like a mix of 80s electro pop with Psych, and also brought to mind the artist - Ariel Pink. 'Tidy Up Yourself' is gloriously surreal and even has reggae beats. 

There is so much variety in these songs, making it a hugely enjoyable and entertaining listening experience. A lost songwriting genius, well worth checking out.