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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

Ian M Bailey - You Paint The Pictures

Released: 28 Oct 2022
Label: Kool Kat

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Ian M Bailey is back with a new album, of Byrds-inspired guitar pop. Again it is co-written by Daniel Wylie (of Cosmic Rough Riders). 

It opens with 'Paint The Pictures', which is wonderfully uplifting and Summery. It has a big anthemic chorus and like many of the songs here, is instantly memorable.

My favourite here is 'I Wanted The Sun To Shine' which is a sweet love song, bringing to mind R.E.M. The lyrics are melancholic and thought-provoking. - "This World is a mystery, like a sound in a Cemetery. Like a wheel that turns this life, but no-one really dares."  

Other highlights include 'I Don't Want To Start Again', which is more jangle of the highest standard and brought to mind later Teenage Fanclub. 'Hey Little Girl' is beautifully melodic, with orchestral production adding to the emotional impact. 'Lover's Song' is reminiscent of Neil Young, with hints of Americana. 

 

A lovely Album, with Summery vibes, even on these cold Autumn days. Highly recommended.

The Warmbabies - Lets Live Underground

Released: 13 Nov 2021/Re-release Apr 2022
Label: Snap Records/Kool Kat

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French guitar pop band - The Warmbabies, are a recent discovery for me. Their album is full of wonderful Beatles inspired pop gems.   

The album opens with 'Its Not Her' which has plenty of great hooks and is perfect early Springtime listening.

My favourite here is 'You Should Never Have Crossed My Way' which is pure Powerpop brilliance. It is reminiscent of early Beatles so of course it is straight to the point, and instantly memorable.

Other highlights include 'Last Days of Summer' which is very upbeat and catchy. It is a lot of fun and there are some superb guitar solos. 'Lucille' is another standout and is 2 minute pop at its finest.

A hugely enjoyable listen, especially for fans of 60s guitar pop. Highly recommended.

Ian M Bailey - Songs To Dream Along To

Released: 15 Oct 2021
Label: Kool Kat

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Ian M Bailey is back with a new album after the superb Shots of Sun EP from earlier this year. It features the songs on that, including the sublime 'Slow Down River' and 'Take it or Leave It'. His sound is heavily influenced by The Byrds and Crosby, Stills and Nash.   

The album is co-written by Daniel Wylie of Cosmic Rough Riders, whose recent album 'Atoms and Energy' from this Summer is also well worth checking out!

It opens with 'This is Not A Feeling' which is uplifting guitar pop at its finest. It has some lovely harmonies and Americana vibes, with hints of The Jayhawks and later Teenage Fanclub.  

Other highlights include 'The Sound of Her Voice', a lovely ballad with hints of Gram Parsons. The orchestral production is wonderful. 'I'm not The Enemy' has a slightly heavier edge, reminiscent of Neil Young. 

Closing song 'The Best Out Of Me' is one of my favourites here. A heartfelt ballad of the highest standard which is guaranteed to get you emotional.

A superb album, full of beautifully melodic, well crafted songs. Highly recommended.

The Sails - Brighter Futures

Released: 26 May 2021/6 Aug (cd release)
Label: Kool Kat

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The Sails are a recent discovery for me. They have been described by Mojo Magazine as the UK's best Power Pop act and it is easy to see why.    

I recommend people who are new to the band to check out the best of compilation - 'Bang - The Sails Best Of 2006 - 2020'. Melodic guitar pop gems, such as 'Peter Shilton', 'Bang!' and 'She is all that Matters' are to name a few of the best songs here.

Their sound has strong 60s vibes, of course recalling The Beatles. The new album opens with 'Crying out Loud' which is fun and very retro with superb pop hooks.

My favourite here is 'The Shakes' which has John Lennon vibes, with plenty of Psych goodness and some great guitar work. 

Other highlights include 'Super High Powered Lovin' which is wonderfully catchy. It is simple 3 minute guitar pop at its finest. 'Fireworks' is hypnotic and eerie, the swirling psychedelic sounds are strangely atmospheric. Stripped back love song 'Stranger Things' is lovely and subtle and provides a much needed ambience.

A hugely enjoyable album and a must for fans of 60s guitar pop. Highly recommended.

The Boys With The Perpetual Nervousness - Songs From Another Life

Released: 5 Feb 2021
Label: Bobo Integral/Kool Kat
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The Boys With The Perpetual Nervousness is the side project of Andrew Taylor from Dropkick. Their song 'Feeling Never Goes Away' was one of my favourites of last year, so I was quite excited to hear this. Dropkick also have a new best of which I would recommend checking out too.

This album is full of the usual guitar pop gems. It opens with 'I Don't Mind' which has Summery Teenage Fanclub vibes. 'Play (On My Mind)' is more of the same, heartfelt melodic indie at its finest.

My favourite here is the wonderful 'Rose Tinted Glass' which is instantly memorable with fantastic pop hooks. Most of the songs here are under 3 minutes long and although short, are very satisfying.

Other highlights include 'Summer' with its sparkling guitar riffs and anthemic chorus. 'In Between' is a lovely closing song, simple and sweet. They don't stray away from their usual sound but it is very enjoyable and will sound especially great in the Summer. A highly recommended listen.

Honeywagen - Halfdog

Released: 2020
Label: Kool Kat Musik
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Honeywagen from Kansas City are another great new discovery for me. There are many bands around creating 60s style guitar pop but the strength of the songs here, proves they have the edge over many.

'For Love' is a fantastic opener with superb harmonies. So good it will stop you in your tracks, and have you hitting 'repeat' when it ends. It really has 60s/70s vibes, and heavy guitar riffs at the beginning, with hints of Big Star. There are some brilliant guitar solos at the end. 

Other highlights here are 'Anywhere the Wind Blows' which has a lot of Byrdsian charm. 'On The Beach' is the perfect summer anthem, quite simple with memorable hooks. Again the guitar work is impressive.

'Once Again' shows a more sensitive side, and is a beautiful gentle ballad. 'All the Little Things' is more uplifting guitar pop of the highest standard

A highly recommended album, and the song 'For Love' especially stood out for me. Well worth checking out.

Red Skylark - Collection 1

Released: 2020
Label: Kool Kat Musik
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Red Skylark is the work of Ed Shuttleworth from Ohio, and is a great new discovery for me. This release comprises of 2 EPs, the first being from 2015 and the other from this year.

It opens with 'Shiver' which is joyous and uplifting. The sound recalls 90s indie, particularly the band - Ride. There are hints of psychedelia in the harmonies.

'Two Shades of Fine' is the standout song. A fine example of jangle pop, and I can hear hints of The Byrds too. The melodies are strong and memorable.

Other highlights include 'Soulfire Gone' which has 80s R.E.M. vibes. The chorus really soars, which is a prominent feature of a lot of these songs. 'Hey Precious Stone' is catchy and recalls Teenage Fanclub's Star Sign. 'Justified' is another favourite of mine and very summery.

It may not be the most original sounding music but its a really enjoyable album. Especially if soaring choruses and strong harmonies are your thing.

The Overtures - Onceinaworld

Released: Jan 2020
Label: Kool kat Musik
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The Overtures have a very retro 60s sound with Beatles and Byrds vibes. Although they may not be doing anything new, you just can't beat this kind of music and this is a highly enjoyable album.

It opens with 'Till Your Luck Runs Out' which is a re-working of Den Pugsley's former band, The Pencils' 80s classic. It is wonderfully catchy and sounds like it could have been a hit in the 60s era. I would also recommend you checking out The Pencils Anthology (also available on Kool Kat). It is full of great Power Pop songs, especially 'Paper Heart' and 'Can't Hide Love'.

My favourite song here is 'You've Been Gone' which is so beautiful and has all the ingredients of a classic. I really could have chosen many of these songs here as they are all well-written and memorable. Title song 'Onceinaworld' is also superb. Retro 60s jangle at its finest.

Emperor Penguin - Soak Up The Gravy

Released: 10 Jan 2020
Label: Kool Kat Musik
Listen on Bandcamp

This is Emperor Penguin's 4th album. I have been following this band for a couple of years now and was drawn in by their fun, slightly psychedelic brand of Power Pop. Their albums are never short of quirky lyrics and great melodies and this is no exception.  

The album opens with the anthemic 'Hello Picasso'. The sound is reminiscent of The Who - Won't Get Fooled Again, in places. There is lots of psychedelic goodness and skilled guitar solos. 

'What's Come Over Me' is another highlight with strong hooks and has that 60's Beatles charm. 'Brand New Yesterday' is another example of superbly written guitar pop and is also very catchy. 

'You'll Be The Death Of Me' is my favourite song here and instantly memorable, the harmonies recalling The Byrds. 

'Speedwell Blue' sounds different to anything else on the album and features the vocals of Lisa Mychols, prominent in the Power Pop genre, whose music is also well worth investigating. The song has chilled out vibes and hints of jazz.

'The Burning Man' is an impressive closer, with its soaring chorus and epic production. It is full of energy, like many of the other songs on this album.

This is a hugely enjoyable and varied album, one which fans of guitar pop should really check out. A superb listen.

Nick Frater - Full Fathom Freight-Train

Released: 1 Nov 2019
Label: Kool Kat Musik
Listen on Bandcamp

This is the fourth album from London Power Pop songwriter - Nick Frater. It is a brilliant album with well-written, melodic guitar pop anthems.    

It opens with 'Sunshine After Rain', the strongest song, which is instantly catchy with beautiful Beach Boys style harmonies. It creates perfect summer imagery, even in this cold weather! 

Other highlights include 'Oh Now, Girl!' which almost sounds like it could be a lost Beatles song. 'All out At Sea' has chilled, laid back vibes and a gorgeous chorus filled with lovely harmonies. 

'Mermaid Street' (featuring Paul Ryan of Super 8) has 70's vibes and is reminiscent of The Raspberries. It is filled with great pop hooks. It also brought to mind The Beatles - Back in the U.S.S.R. 'What Does Good Look Like?' is a slow ballad and demonstrates more superb songwriting.

On the whole, this is a wonderfully written and hugely enjoyable pop album. Highly recommended.

It's Karma It's Cool - Hipsters and Aeroplanes EP

Released: 27 Sept 2019
Label: Kool Kat Musik
Listen on Bandcamp

It's Karma It's Cool are a new band formed by Jim Styring, previously of The Popdogs. Their 2013 album 'Cool Cats for Pop Dogs' is a lost Power Pop gem, full of catchy melodic songs.  

This superb EP is more of the same and an excellent listen. It starts off with the anthemic 'Hipsters and Aeroplanes', which is wonderfully melodic with hints of The Beatles - Getting Better. There is also a slight pop punk edge to it in the heavy guitars. Styring's vocals are quite unique and this compliments the music well.

Love song - 'United State of No Regret' is similarly anthemic with a big chorus and great guitar solos. My favourite on the EP is 'Summer Make Away'. It is a beautiful song with philosophical lyrics. Its sound brought to mind The Pernice Brothers.  

The last song 'Shannon's Waltz' has hints of Americana. Again, it has a big anthemic chorus, which stays in your head long after the song has finished!

This is a really enjoyable EP and shows Jim Styring is a great songwriter of the Power Pop genre. His many projects are always well worth a listen.

The Embryos - Open The Kimono +3

Released: Aug 2019 (on CD)
Label: Kool Kat Musik
Listen on Bandcamp

Chicago band, The Embryos are another new discovery for me and I was instantly drawn in by their melodic power pop songs. This album was originally out last year but is now available for the first time on CD.

'Circleville' is the opening song and it immediately drew to mind Tom Petty and the 90's power pop of Velvet Crush. The chorus has an anthemic quality to it. The songs on this album are not short of strong, memorable hooks.

The best song here is 'Ghost Dreams, Mainly'. It is a beautiful but sad song looking back on a past relationship. The music itself is upbeat and energetic with aching harmonies in the chorus. There is some great guitar work and psychedelic jamming towards the end. The whole song is pretty epic, and well worth a listen.  

Other highlights are 'The Frightened Few' and 'Eleven Forty'. Both are melodically strong and very catchy. The psychedelic element is still prominent, especially in the former.

There are 3 extra songs here, singles which were previously only available on 7" vinyl. 'Wasting all my Time' is the best of these and very jangly like The Byrds. It features some great guitar solos too.

On the whole, this album is well worth investigating. It's well-written with some really memorable songs and melodies. Highly recommended.

The Morning Line - North

Released: April 2019
Label: Kool Kat Musik
Listen on Bandcamp

San Francisco band The Morning Line, have been around for a while and this is their third album. I only found this album very recently and it is filled with great songs.  

Their sound is heavily inspired by power pop bands, particularly of the 90's, such as Gin Blossoms and Velvet Crush.

'Complicated' is the standout song here and it is a heart felt break-up song filled with emotion and beautiful harmonies. 'Anhedonia (Start Again)' is another highlight with an upbeat anthemic chorus and longing lyrics. 'I Wanna Tell You' is a ballad of the highest standard. 

There are quite a few slower songs on this album but its never dull to listen to. 'Nostradamus', towards the end, is completely unexpected with its heavy, energetic guitars. It still manages to be full of melody and is definitely one of the highlights. 'Down The Aisle', a country song, reminiscent of Big Star's 'Ballad of El Goodo' closes the album nicely.

This is such a great album and it only gets better on repeated listens. Highly recommended.