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. 

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! 

Dot Dash - Madman in the Rain

Released: 5 Nov 2022
Label: The Beautiful Music

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Dot Dash, from Washington D.C. have been making music for a while but are a relatively new discovery for me. Their sound is a mixture of more melodic indie/jangle, with hints of Punk. 

The album opens with 'Forever Far Out' which is my favourite here. It is wonderfully catchy, bringing to mind classic 70s Mod/Punk of The Jam.

Other highlights include 'Tense and Nervous' which is fast 2 minute pop and joyously energetic. 'Animal Stone' is moody 60s-inspired Psych at its finest, bringing to mind The Action.

'Everything = Dust' is slightly heavier Punk, but more fun than angry, which is often the case with the genre. 'Wokeupdreaming' is sublime and more laid back, with hints of Velvet Underground and The Byrds.

 

A superb album, full of memorable melodies and a variety of styles. Highly recommended.

Armstrong - Happy Graffiti

Released: 11 Jan 2022
Label: Country Mile/The Beautiful Music

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Armstrong (Welsh Songwriter - Julian Pitt) was the first ever Artist to be reviewed here, back in 2019. He returns with a new album, after the sublime 'Under Blue Skies', which is also well worth a listen if you haven't already!  

The new album demonstrates more superbly melodic and sophisticated guitar pop. Opening song 'Disinformation' is heartfelt, with a soaring chorus. The sound vaguely recalls The Beach Boys, with the harmonies. There are also hints of 80s with The Pale Fountains and Aztec Camera.  

Other highlights include 'Songbird' which is a beautifully moving ballad, which brought to mind some of the quieter moments on Teenage Fanclub's Grand Prix. 

'Wondering Where The Time Goes' is wonderfully melancholic, with wistful lyrics - "I'm dreaming 'bout the old Cafe. Thinking how the times have changed. Friends whose lives were once entwined. Who'd have thought those days would end."    

'Happy Someone' is more upbeat and catchy, with some lovely melodies. 'Rock Star Rock Star' is jangle pop at its finest and instantly memorable.

A superb album of well-crafted songs, full of melancholy. Highly recommended.

Peter Hall - Two Twenty Two

Released: 12 July 2021
Label: The Beautiful Music

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Peter Hall, from Nottingham UK, is back with a new single after last years wonderful EP. 'Two Twenty Two' is more sophisticated guitar pop of the highest standard.  

It is a superbly melodic ballad with sublime harmonies, recalling The Beach Boys and The Beatles. On the whole, it also drew to mind more modern bands Trashcan Sinatras and later Teenage Fanclub. 

The lyrics are wistful and full of melancholy - "Two minutes twenty-two, to fall in love with you. We span so fast and fell so quick." The big soaring chorus is instantly memorable. 

A timeless song and judging from this, the album will definitely be one to look out for. Highly recommended.

Lisa Mychols and Super 8 - Lisa Mychols and Super 8

Released: 22 Jul 2020
Label: The Beautiful Music
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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.

Armstrong - Under Blue Skies

Released: Jul 2019
Label: Country Mile Records and The Beautiful Music
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'Armstrong' is Welsh songwriter Julian Pitt and this is a re-release of his 2007 album 'Under Blue Skies'. It is well deserving of a re-release as (to my knowledge) it was overlooked the first time around. When you listen, you will wonder why, as it is a great collection of well-crafted pop songs.

'Baby You Just Don't Care' is a highlight for me and brought to mind Burt Bacharach and The Pale Fountains. The soaring harmonies in the chorus are just magical. 'The Things That Pass You By' creates wistful feelings lyrically, but still manages to be uplifting. 'September Skies' sounds quite like the Beach Boys in places, giving it a timeless quality.

On the whole, this is a beautiful record and highly recommended, especially if you like thoughtful, emotional lyrics and nice harmonies. The perfect soundtrack to a summers day, or indeed any time of the year.