Charlotte Pop Fest 2008 Price: $15.00 Artist: Various Artists Description: Congrats to festival organizer/artist James Deem!  July 4 & 5, 2008 marked the first Charlotte Pop Fest!  Early reports are that it was a rousing success - enough so that looks like it will happen again in 2009!  The festival featured many artists... ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

3 X 4: The Bangles, The Three O’Clock, The Dream Syndicate, Rain Parade Price: $15.00 Artist: Various Artists Description: Previously a Black Friday 2018 Record Store Day release, this is a very kool reord that features brand new recordings from four of the core “Paisley Underground” scene’s most notorious bands (The Bangles, The Three O’Clock, The Dream Syndicate, and Rain Parade), each covering the songs of the others — 3 (songs) x 4 (bands) = 12 songs. In 2013, the four bands got back together to share the bill at L.A.’s Fonda Theatre for a charity concert. The show went so well and everybody had so much fun that Danny Benair (The Three O’Clock), Steve Wynn (Dream Syndicate), and Vicki Peterson (The Bangles) started talking about doing some type of album to celebrate their Paisley Underground beginnings. “The Three O’Clock opens with a splendid version of ‘Getting Out of Hand’ that has Michael Quercio in fine voice. The version of ‘Jet Fighter’ by The Bangles is picture perfect, startlingly close to the original. I am struck by how much the vocals sound like Michael. Some people may like completely different interpretations, but sticking to the original structure works so well here. ‘You Are My Friend’ is done up in proper fashion by The Dream Syndicate, evoking all the real heart-rending pathos of the original. I have always loved this song myself, and Ran Parade’s ‘Emergency Third Rail Power Trip’ remains as one of my all time favorite albums to this day. And man, The Bangles really nail their version of ‘That’s What You Always Say’, it has all the droning, feedback drenched passages and some powerful vocals to boot! ‘As Real As Real’ is a lovely interpretation by Rain Parade, turning an already pretty tune into a psych pop masterpiece. I love the instrumental flourishes which add much to the mix, and its chiming wonder recalls vintage Rain Parade as well. The Three O’Clock reimagine ‘Tell Me When It’s Over’ as baroque pop with keyboard washes. Rain Parade mashes up acoustic and electric work in ‘When You Smile’ and add two Bangles (the Peterson sisters) on backing vocals. I really like this gentle approach to an ass kickin’ tune. Susanna Hoffs has lost none of her talent, her voice is as sweet as ever and she can sure hit the high notes in her band’s faithful cover of ‘Talking In My Sleep.’ The Dream Syndicate nearly kick out the jams on the lively ‘Hero Takes a Fall’, and Vicki Peterson lends backing vocals along with Linda Pitmon. ‘Real World’ as done by Rain Parade is wonderful, and The Three O’Clock pay proper homage to Rain Parade on ‘What She’s Done To Your Mind’, and Susanna lends her voice to harmony vocals. The album’s finale is courtesy of The Dream Syndicate’s rip roarin’ cover of ‘She Turns to Flowers’. In summary, this is a very fine collection of covers that all fans of The Paisley Underground/Rainy Day scene will love.” – BigTakeover.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

All Those Times We Spent Together: A Tribute To The Television Personalities Vol. 3 + bonus disc Price: $14.00 Artist: Various Artists Description: The Beautiful Music has committed itself to releasing ten Television Personalities tribute albums over the next few years. It is an idea that is both bonkers and admirable, as if the label is trying to make up for all the praise and recognition that the band has sadly missed out on over its 30 plus year existence. "After the Years’ offers up a spiky version of ‘This Angry Silence’, Anorak Girl take a kitschy electro pop approach to ‘Smashing Time’ that sort of sounds like a solo effort from the girls from the Human League, which is great, and seems to suit the song. Blue Petal’s arrangement of ‘A Good and Faithful Servant’ is fairly faithful to the original, slowing it down and giving it a swinging, waltzy beat, but capturing the sentiment of the song nicely. A Smile And A Ribbon’s take on ‘Magnificent Dreams’ sounds a bit Electrelane-like, and has a nice innocent, childish vibe to it. Sarandon take ‘And Don’t the Kids Just Love It’ and sharpen up the 60's garage rock influence within it, making it more overt. The Painted Word unsurprisingly takes ‘The Painted Word’ and adds a breakbeat to it, which, with the Beatles-ish backwards guitar and tambourine, makes it sound a bit like an early Britpop song. Amica’s loose, de-anglified version of ‘In a Perfumed Garden’ reminds me a little of Pavement, and therefore gets two thumbs up. Armstrong’s nice harmonies and simple, arrangement of ‘This Heart’s Not Made of Stone’ is another highlight; different enough from the original to stand up on its own, but keeping the sentiment of the original. Cineplexx gives ‘I Hope You Have a Nice Day’ a sort of lo fi Phil Spector treatment, while Apple Orchard strips away the 80's jangle of ‘The Dream Inspires’ and replaces it with Sloan-meets-Belle and Sebastian indie pop. La Grande Illusion Gainsbourg-ifies ‘Glittering Prizes’ and is surprisingly good. The alt-rock version of ‘The Man Who Paints the Rainbows’, supplied by Bunnygrunt, is another good one; it’s a natural adaptation that is different but doesn’t feel forced. Versions of ‘This Angry Silence’ book-end the compilation, with Boyracer’s closing take making it sound very Buzzcocks-like." - PennyBlackMusic.co.uk "Common to all of these songs is that hardly anyone knows them . Never mind. I assure you, the music is worth it. Dan Treacy is a great songwriter, tells the wonderfully true, sad, melancholic, incredible, off-beat, happy, dreamy stories and provides the right chords. Each band, each artist, brings his own vision and interpretation. It is always exciting and worth hearing . Nice thing !" - Twang-tone.de Jeremy Gluck (Barracudas) also covers "King and Country"! COMES WITH A 23-TRACK BONUS DISC OF EVEN MORE TVP COVERS!! EXCELLENT!!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Le Beat Bespoke 8 Price: $17.00 Artist: Various Artists Description: Rob Bailey (a/k/a Dr. Robert) has an intense passion for discovering long-forgotten 60’s club sounds and giving them a new lease of life via his DJ sets and this compilation series. “Volume 8” of the brilliant “Le Beat Bespoke” series features fuzz-filled, unreleased master tapes, acetates, remixes and obscure 45’s that you may have heard, danced or gone wild to at The Mousetrap, where the cool and curious gather for hipshakin’ fun. All tracks on this album, in fact, the whole series have one thing in common which is the dance floor firmly in mind. Like its predecessors, “Le Beat Bespoke 8” has been restored and mastered to the highest standard and sequences like a fast moving DJ set. Original artwork by Pip! Pip! and presented in a full color 8-page booklet containing artist info, bespoke images, and track commentaries. Is this collection the best one yet? Maybe, but we’ll let you be the judge of that! Track list: The Remaining Few (“Painted Air”/Dr Robert mix), The Seeds (“Just Let Go” – unissued 1966 recording), “Neal Ford & The Fanatics (“Seasons”), Jude (“I Want You Sherry”), The 7th Seal (“People Grow On You”), Sean Bonniwell (“Down To The Sky”), The Estes Bros. (“Tomorrow’s Sunlight”), B.G. System (“Please”), Sound Vendor (“Mister Sun”), Oedipus & The Mothers (“(I Remember) How It Used To Be”), The Winging Machine (“Do You Have To Ask”), Lenny Roberts (“Searchin’”), Dean Carter (“Love’s A Workin’”), Gents Inc. (“Getting The Blues”), Abdullah’s Regime (“Sally I Do”), The Difference (“Outside”), The Sweet Feeling (“Ask Me If I’m Ready”), The Lost Soul (“Secret Of Mine”, Johnny And The Copycats (“The Pain Of Love”), and Tony & Terri (“I Want You”). ACE!! GREAT!!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Poppies – Assorted Finery From The First Psychedelic Age Price: $15.00 Artist: Various Artists Description: Very kool 2019 compilation that showcases the breadth of music touched by psychedelia in the late 60’s whether it be pop, folk or rock. This eclectic mix of psychedelic masters is drawn from the Vanguard, Original Sound and Stax catalogs, offering tracks from cult-classic artists such as Buffy Sainte-Marie, Southwest F.O.B., the Serpent Power, Jefferson Lee, The Frost, The Sot Weed Factor, The Honey Jug, The Pasternak Progress, Chapter VI, Erik, and Circus Maximus. The collection includes the previously unreleased song "When Will You Happen to Me" by The Human Jungle, as well as many other rarities in their mono incarnations. “Showcases the diversity of influences that permeated psychedelic rock during the 1960s, including rock, pop and folk. Per the album notes, ‘it’s precisely because of the shape-shifting, amoeba-like parameters to which the genre pushes out, that psychedelic music requires an open mind.’ This release kicks off a series exploring the rich variety of music that comprises the revolutionary sound of the 60’s, from garage rock to sunshine pop, and more.” – UDiscoverMusic.com “Offers a great introduction to some of the more obscure and non-traditional psychedelic music of the late 1960s with some brilliant tracks that could well lead you down new paths of discovery.” – PopMatters.com “The songs here range from the unfortunately unsung to the remarkably obscure, and Alec Paleo's liner notes offers as much useful information as is available about each act here. If you thought there were no new worlds left to explore in 60’s psychedelia, ‘Poppies won't entirely turn your head around, but it will give you 40 minutes of great listening with a few bits along the way you probably haven't heard before - and certainly not sounding and looking this good. GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Big Stir Singles: The Second Wave Price: $12.00 Artist: Various Artists Description: “Big Stir Singles: The Second Wave” continues Big Stir Records' ongoing CD collections of the A-sides and B-sides from the label's weekly Digital Singles Series. Featuring twelve pairs of tunes from the global pop scene (with the US, UK, and Sweden represented this time around) and liner notes from John Borack, the second compilation easily lives up to “The First Wave” and is perhaps the best distillation yet of the “Big Stir Sound”. As with the first collection, “The Second Wave” is anything but a garden variety “label sampler”. Rather, these are artists from across the broader global pop scene literally bringing their A (and B) game with top flight offerings which have already received ample airplay and glowing reviews as they've been issued in the course of the series. It's once again a diary of several months in the life of the guitar-pop zeitgeist, covering January through April of 2019 and showcasing a bumper crop of brand-new and often exclusive tracks. Opening with the characteristic sparkling jangle of Canterbury's Spygenius, diving straight into the impassioned working man's rock of Joe Normal & The Anytown’rs and the Gene Clark-esque electric folk pop of Armoires bassist Clifford Ulrich , this new set plays like an alternate version of a Sunset Strip gig circa 1967 or a lost playlist from the heyday of '80s college rock. The soaring “Don't Need, Don't Care” from Sweden's In Deed, the keenly awaited debut of the multinational super-girl-group The Kariannes, and Christina's Motown-flavored showcase on The Armoires’ “(How Did You Make) A Mistake Like Me” reaffirm BSR's affinity for the undersung female heroes of power pop. Psychedelia informs the excellent offerings from Oxford's Charms Against The Evil Eye, and Anton Barbeau (appearing here with obscuritanist aplomb under the guises of both Kenny and Giacomo & Carolina. Mainstays of the LA guitar-pop scene The Ex Teens and The Living Dolls bring some serious glam vibes to the party while The Popdudes (here featuring Singles Series vets Michael Simmons and Addison Love and his father Tim) demonstrate what “retro-rock” really should be, and BSR's newest signings Amoeba Teen lay into the Jam-like lead single from their new record as well as an exclusive B-side companion piece that's as essential as anything here. The B-sides are in fact, as always, part of the charm: where else would Barbeau offer up a synth-dub ode to his cat, or The Armoires deploy a Meat-Loaf-via-X duet, or Ulrich deliver an honest-to-God hymn with Byrdsy grace? It takes two sides to show off what these bands can do, as in The Kariannes’ ace cover of Let’s Active’s “Every Word Means No”, or The Living Dolls’ Ray Davies-inspired shuffle “Happy Manors” as a counter to their hard rocking lead track. Spygenius get funky on the monstrous exclusive “Let Me In”, Tim Love’s vocal on Roy Orbison’s “Dream Baby” is uncannily moving, and Charm’s “Oscar” captures the eerie drive of Barrett-era Pink Floyd while Joe Normal meshes New Wave with Springsteen to rousing effect. In short, these are no castoffs or failed experiments... the B's are a quirky treasure trove in their own right. EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Too Much Time On Our Hands: A Styx Tribute Album Price: $13.00 Artist: Various Artists Description: When approaching this project, the participants rethought the arrangements of these Styx songs, avoiding the triple-tenor harmony vocals, progressive rock instrumentation, double-lead electric guitar solos, and theatrical leanings of the original recordings, thus the organic core of each song is revealed and appreciated. The album makes an interesting study for any Styx fan, or a fan of any of the artists that contributed. Unique in its approach, it emphasizes the vision of each artist's interpretation of the track to which they contributed. In that way, fans who know each artist's style will easily recognize their sound. Like any compilation or mix tape, there are highs and lows for every listener. Pacific Northwestern female-fronted punk trio Heart Beats Red turned in a ferociously garagey interpretation of "The Grand Finale", Alva Star channeled Prince in their dreamy take on "Lady", Echelon odernized the rock classic "Renegade", power-vocalist Beki Hemmingway out-emoted the original Dennis DeYoung composition "Don't Let It End", acoustic duo Lost and Found made "The Grand Illusion" sound like Simon And Garfunkel, college-town troubadour Jerry Chapman growled his way through "Man In The Wilderness", and project coordinator Jonathan Rundman teamed up his cousin Bruce Rundman and producer/drummer Andy Deitrich to record the Styx staple "Come Sail Away" and the obscure gem "Queen Of Spades". The result is a pretty cool, creative tribute of a group of artists interpreting Styx in unique and rootsy ways! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Friends With Benefits: A Compilation Fighting Cystic Fibrosis Price: $11.00 Artist: Various Artists Description: 16 bands from the Twin Cities area coming together for a good cause (and delivering some fine music in the process)! In the early months of 2005, after Minor 7 recording studio opened its downtown Minneapolis doors, its founders realized the best way to show off their new studio toys was to pimp some product. Problem was, they hadn't recorded anyone yet. The genius of their solution - to offer free recording time to any band willing to devote one unreleased track to this CD - is twofold. First, no group in their right mind will turn down free studio time, a fact that rewarded the producers the pick of the Twin Cities crop. Second, because the same engineers recorded each of the album's tracks in the same studio, the disc has a consistency of sound and flow all too rare in compilations. And, while the music on this disc demonstrates a wide array of styles and provides a musical "snapshot" of bands currently treading the boards, it does feature tracks from artists certainly familiar to pop fans - Heavy Sleeper, The Idle Hands, The Hang Ups, Autumn Leaves and Romantica. All proceeds from the sale of this nicely-priced CD go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation! EXCELLENT!!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Radio Tymes Price: $20.00 Artist: Various Artists Description: WOW!!! Following three excavations of 60's and early 70's BBC radio session performances with the "Shapes And Sounds" anthologies, Top Sounds now move quite literally into ‘top gear’ with "Radio Tymes". Sourced from proficiently recorded reel to reel tapes and BBC transcription discs, this latest offering presents very rare and desirable recordings from some of the 60's major players, and indeed some groups who would find wider acclaim during the following decade. A band still going strong today, the record rewinds back to the early days of Deep Purple with the discovery of their first live performance ever broadcast ("Hush") on British radio in mid 1968, as well as an incendiary "The Painter" from the last session by the original line-up in 1969. Three superb recordings from The Yardbirds' final BBC session in 1968, including the legendary "Dazed And Confused", finally appear in excellent quality, and unbelievably a document of Jimi Hendrix singing live on Simon Dee’s "Dee Time" TV program has surfaced which has not been heard anywhere since 1967. Two great tunes by The Move from the first ever Top Gear provide ample proof as to why they are regarded as one of the most revered groups of the era, and from the very same program psychedelic heroes Tomorrow with Keith West play their underground anthem "My White Bicycle". The live version of "Sabre Dance" that initiated Love Scuplture's top ten single accompanies two other fantastic covers (The Beatles' The Inner Light" and Honeybus' "Do I Still Figure In Your Life") from their colorful repertoire, and Barclay James Harvest add more fuel to the fire with the quite perfect and upbeat "Night". All accompanied by a bulging 32 page book full of illustrations and information. Top Sounds do it Top Shelf! GREAT!!!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Don’t Let The Bastards Get You Down: A Tribute To Kris Kristofferson Price: $12.00 Artist: Various Artists Description: Kris Kristofferson's musical legacy is a writer whose songs were recorded by dozens of artists, but as a performer, was something of an acquired taste with his gruff, semi-spoken singing style. But none of that changes the fact that at his peak, he was one of the very finest songwriters to ever emerge from Nashville, possessing a literate intelligence that never slipped into pretension and a masterful feel for character and detail. While his songbook would seem perfectly suited for a tribute from a roster of alt-country all-stars, this very cool tribute from 2002 takes a more ambitious approach, mixing electronic and indie rock artists in with a bunch of top-shelf roots rockers. Many of the tracks that appear here were originally recorded when the songwriter was young and hungry, but their melodies and ideas easily accept and absorb the contemporary treatments they receive. "While Polara and Oranger hardly offer a purist's approach to the songs, their contributions prove how malleable the material really is (and that his melodies are just as strong as his lyrics). In short, hipsters who don't know Kristofferson's work as a songwriter (or longtime fans keen on hearing new interpretations) are advised to check this out pronto." - All Music Guide "Oranger’s 'Casey’s Last Ride' blends surf guitar licks, sitar riffs and shimmering keyboards to create the same sort of swirling sound Brit-pop bands like Kula Shaker and Cornershop popularized in the ‘90s. Tom Heyman’s jazz-stoked cover of 'Sugar Man' snaps back and forth on the same acoustic guitar part Kristofferson built into the original. Paul Burch’s 'The Pilgrim (Chapter 33)' retains the earlier version’s rock ‘n’ roll swagger. Chuck Prophet’s 'Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)' sounds just as simple and fragile and clean as its model. The most successful tracks are the ones that sound darkest. John Doe’s take on 'Me and Bobby McGee' resembles a dirge. He allows his voice to float above the thick, melancholy rhythms of guitar and the drip-drop beats of drums. Keeping the pace slow and the arrangement simple, he creates an intensely stark sound. Remaking masterpieces always entails risk. More often than not, though, the songs collected here reveal an understanding of and reverence for the traits that made the songs so strong in the first place. Because of this, the album succeeds as both a tribute and a work of art." - PopMatters.com EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none