Jim McCulloch - When I Mean What I Say

Released: 21 May 2021
Label: Violette

Listen and Buy Here

Jim McCulloch, of The Soup Dragons and Snowgoose, releases his much anticipated debut solo album. It is a lovely acoustic sounding record with so much melody and charm.  

It opens with 'Blackstick Boogie', which is very laid-back with Jazz and Folk vibes. There are some beautiful harmonies and intricate harp playing. His sound is reminiscent of Pentangle and also has hints of Marina records band - The Pearlfishers.

'Chorus of Lists' is a standout song here, as it is very unique. It is an almost hypnotic rhyme/chant, with layered vocal harmonies e.t.c. which add to the emotion so effectively. 

Other highlights include 'Augmented Yet Diminished' which had 60s vibes of Burt Bacharach. 'Shining Bright' is an uplifting love song and includes the superb backing vocals of Rachel Jack. 'Open & Shut' is a sweet folk song, again driven by powerful vocal harmonies. 

My favourite here is 'Come Little Waves of Light' which is the perfect example of how the simplest of songs can be the most affecting. It is sung from the heart and has that warmth and timelessness of much loved hymns. 

It ends on title track - 'When I Mean What I Say' which is melancholic with wistful lyrics. The ending is quite ethereal and the perfect way to close the album.

A lovely record, full of well written songs, delivered with such emotion. Highly recommended.

My interview with Jim Here

Electric Looking Glass - Somewhere Flowers Grow

Released: 30 Apr 2021
Label: We Are Busy Bodies

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Electric Looking Glass, from LA, are a recent discovery for me. Their debut is a wonderful listen and a combination of 60s style Baroque Pop and Psych.   

It opens with 'Purple, Red, Green Blue and Yellow' which is as lovely and Psychedelic as the title suggests. It drew to mind The Zombies, with sweet melodies and Garage production.

'Find out Girl' demonstrates some skilled guitar work and harmonies. My favourite here is 'Rosie in the Rain' which sounds like it could actually be a lost radio hit. There are hints of The Kinks here too. 

Other highlights include 'Daffodil Tea Shoppe' which is full of Summery 60s charm, and instantly memorable. It goes into a superb Beatles-esque medley towards the end. 'Motor Car' really drew to mind one of my favourite bands - The Left Banke. 'If I Cross Your Mind' is another standout and melancholic but with great pop hooks.

A hugely enjoyable album, well worth checking out, especially for Baroque pop fans.

Lost Ships - Nostalgia EP

Released: 30 Apr 2021
Label: Subjangle

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Lost Ships, from Portsmouth UK, are back with a new EP and it is more superb jangle with 90s vibes.   

It opens with the wonderfully anthemic 'Weight of the World' and it immediately drew to mind Teenage Fanclub's more upbeat earlier music.

'Shirley from Shirley' is more enjoyable indie pop and was reminiscent of more 80s jangle/C86. There is some great storytelling and describes a mundane day in the life of Shirley with some quirky lyrics. 

'Inside My Head' is my favourite here and is very catchy with more unique ideas and lyrics - 'In the takeaway of love, theres no refunds and no returns. All you see on your receipt is that your purchase is complete.'

'Come to Me' is more melodic and catchy indie pop of the highest standard. A hugely recommended EP full of memorable songs.

Cool Ghouls - At George's Zoo

Released: 12 Mar 2021
Label: Empty Cellar/Melodic Records

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Cool Ghouls, from San Francisco, are back with a new album of superbly written guitar pop with 60s Psych vibes. There are many bands around influenced by The Byrds/Gene Clark and The Beach Boys, but I think this band are amongst the best in the genre. None of the songs here sound too close to a particular band or song.   

The album opens with 'Its Over' which has some great vocal harmonies and interesting melodies/arrangements. There are of course hints of Crosby, Stills and Nash. 'To You I'm Bound' is a feelgood anthem, which is Summery and uplifting on the coldest days. It has a superb saxophone solo which is unexpected for this music.

'Helpless Circumstance' is the standout track here. It is instantly memorable with strong hooks, and a great example of recent Psych pop.

Other highlights include the stripped-back acoustic ballad - 'How Free' which again has classic 60s vibes. Lyrically it is heartfelt and melancholic - 'In the evening we drink apple wine and you hold me, whisper like the pines. In the morning you open up your eyes, and disappear in the pale blue sky.' 

'Feel Like Getting High' is another favourite here, which is also melodic and uplifting with some quirky, yet dark lyrics.

An epic album full of great harmonies and enjoyable pop hooks. Highly recommended, especially if you like 60s Psych.

Tuns - Duly Noted

Released: 26 Mar 2021
Label: Murderecords

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Canadian Power Pop band - Tuns are back with their second album. I have been aware of them since their debut in 2016 which is full of melodic guitar pop gems. The wonderfully catchy 'To Your Satisfaction' is a particular favourite. The band are actually a supergroup which consists of members of Sloan, The Inbreds and The Superfriendz.  

Their new album is more of the same, with plenty of memorable, well-written songs. It opens with 'In The Middle of the Way Home' and the sound, of course, recalls Sloan. It is a hugely enjoyable listen.

'My Memories' is the standout track here. One of those rare songs which instantly sticks with you on first listen. It bought to mind Weezer, back when they were at their best in the 90s.

Other highlights include the lovely, Beatles-inspired 'I'll Only Love You More'. It is unusual as it speeds up at the end and is like two songs in one. 'Double Down' has some great harmonies and is very upbeat and fun. 'Keeping Options Open' is a quirky observation of the world of dating. It ends on 'We're Living in it Now' which is a heartfelt love song of the highest standard. 

A superb album full of great melodies and enjoyable pop hooks. Highly recommended.

Departure Lounge - Transmeridian

Released: 26 Mar 2021
Label: Violette Records

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Departure Lounge, from Brighton UK/Tennessee USA,  are a new discovery for me. This is their first album in 19 years. It is also the first release in a while from the superb Violette Records (famous for releasing Michael Head's solo album in 2017).

The new album is an epic listen with a mixture of heartfelt indie songs and gorgeous instrumentals. It opens with a beautifully atmospheric piano track, before launching into the gloriously anthemic 'Australia'. It is a joyous and uplifting song with hints of Americana. The sound brought to mind Wilco and of course R.E.M (the album features the skilled guitar work of Peter Buck).

'Timber' is a lovely ballad, the emotion expressed in it reminded me of some of Badly Drawn Boy's earlier music.  

Other highlights here include 'Mercury in Retrograde' which is wonderfully melodic with vivid, wistful lyrics. - 'Can anybody hear what I'm thinking? Up to the surface and I'm already sinking'

'Mr. Friendly' is an upbeat and enjoyable indie song which you can sing along to. The Beatles inspired - 'Don't be Afraid' is a stripped back and very moving ballad. The sparse production, piano and vocals are greatly atmospheric and, like so much of the music here, could potentially be on a film soundtrack. 

It ends on 'So Long' which is a sweet, laid-back ballad. Again, it is a highly emotional listen.

A beautiful album and a wonderful return for this band. Highly recommended.

Dunkie - The Vanishing and Other Stories EP

Released: 19 Mar 2021
Label: Dirty Carrot Records

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Dunkie, from Wales, return with a new EP, after 2019's epic album Working To Design. If you have not heard it, I'd strongly recommend checking it out. One of the best albums of that year and a unique masterpiece, full of wonderful songwriting and artwork. 

The thing I love about this band is their ability to create something so powerful and moving so effortlessly. On this new EP they continue to do that. It opens with 'The Vanishing' which is really haunting and beautiful. The melody has hints of New Order - True Faith. It has a huge soaring chorus which will blow you away.

'Shadows On The Sun' is more heartfelt indie, with memorable melodies. My favourite here is 'Choke', a re-working of a song from the Working To Design album. This version is quite stripped back and features the delicate vocals of Mali Davies. It offers a new fragility to song.  

'Deep Dark Heart' has more Folk/Country vibes and is a lovely duet. It is superbly orchestrated with violins, strings e.t.c. 

It ends on 'The Vanishing Shadow' (vocals by Lauren Cotes) which is very atmospheric. It wouldn't feel out of place on a film soundtrack, and is again very powerful. 

A superb EP, full of wonderfully produced and crafted songs. Highly recommended.