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! 

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.

Super 8 - Head Sounds

Released: 27 March 2020
Label: Subjangle
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UK songwriter - Super 8 (also known as Paul Ryan), is a superb and relatively unheard talent in the guitar pop genre. His new album is wonderfully melodic and rich in memorable hooks and harmonies.

'Dragonfly' is a great opener, with the 60s psych vibes of The Beatles and The Hollies. Lyrically it is quite playful in tone. 'Bones' is also fun with a sound reminiscent of Graceland era Paul Simon. It builds up to an impressive ending with a range of different sounds. The arrangement and orchestration of the songs is always done well and with high attention to detail.

'Love Like Ours' is the highlight of the album. A great pop song, anthemic in quality, with a superb chorus. It is a song I could imagine reaching a far wider audience and it will definitely have you singing along. 'Across The Universe' is another highlight - a very moving rendition of The Beatles classic.

'Bebopalula' is incredibly catchy and still has that cool 60s psych quality and swagger. 'In My Room' is the only other cover, and pays homage to The Beach Boys, obviously also a big influence here. It is a stunning version and a more modern take on the song. It is done in his own style, rather than being a near exact copy, which can often be the case with covers.

A hugely enjoyable album, with well-written songs throughout. Highly recommended.