New Data New Day Price: $12.00 Artist: 8X8 Description: The fourth album of psychedelic dream pop delivered via insightful lyrics and adventurous melodies by the transcontinental duo of Lane Steinberg (New York) and Alexander Khodchenko (Ukraine). They continue to craft a dense weave of melodic richness on a bed of psychedelic textures. As is the standard procedure for the three previous releases, the entire album was recorded via file sharing. The principals have never met, nor even spoken. Their relationship, which began as a series of emails, blossomed over several years into a working musical partnership that transcends the lack of a common language and physical proximity. “These two gentleman of great taste have created one of the finest examples of Kinks – like at times/Brit-inspired psychedelic pop in recent memory. I’ve always been a fan of Lane Steinberg in his various guises, but 8X8 might just be my favorite of them all! Keep ‘em coming boys! Well done!” – Max Humphries Spot on, Max! GREAT!!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Town Burned Down Price: $14.00 Artist: Adam's House Cat Description: More than a decade before Drive-By Truckers released their first album, Mike Cooley and Patterson Hood formed a fledgling band called Adam’s House Cat. The group, which included Chuck Tremblay on drums and a revolving door of bassists, was more openly influenced by its mid-late 80’s indie contemporaries than the history-obsessed Truckers, who would take on more anachronistic subject matter when they began making their Skynyrd-obsessed Southern-punk later in the mid-late 90’s. The sole lost album from Adam’s House Cat is released for the first time, laying bare the band’s many influences. The 1990-recorded record offers a revealing glimpse into the type of music–primarily reverb heavy college rock–Cooley and Hood were most infatuated with as young twentysomething’s. The specter of bands like R.E.M., late-period Replacements, and even Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers loom large here, which today sounds like a long-lost scrappy southern indie staple. “A delightfully grimey portrait of wanting to get the hell out of somewhere. Equal parts heady and twangy, ‘country punk’ seems the most fitting classification. When Hood and Cooley moved to Florence, Ala., in 1985, the music scene in neighboring Muscle Shoals was all but buried. The legendary studios, and a local scene, have since resurged, but the Muscle Shoals of the late 80’s was something of a musical wasteland. Hood and Cooley were young, isolated and frustrated. Small town life can be stifling, and this record exemplifies a gasping for air. There’s a song called ‘Buttholeville,’ which also appeared on Drive-By Truckers’ 1998 debut ‘Gangstability’, that’s so grossly disagreeable it could only have been written by a young, angsty person grappling with his limited surroundings. Heavy guitar, thrashing drums and general dismay are a nod to punk, while the track’s deep-set echoes recall early R.E.M. A foreshadowing of what would eventually become the DBT’s signature southern sound, the record is also an homage to classic rock. ‘6 O’Clock Train’ wears its Springsteen influences on its sleeves, defined by rowdy, three-piece rock ‘n’ roll. The track’s heavy, bellowing guitar made angrier by Hood’s yelps place it somewhere between Lynyrd Skynyrd’s howls and Whiskeytown’s sootier work. ‘Town Burned Down’ is a record made possible by youthful anger, but it’s not too hot-headed for its own good. Had this album been released in 1990 following its original recording, I reckon it would have a place among the decade’s best country-adjacent albums.” – PasteMagazine.com It’s a miracle this album ever secured a release - one iteration of the record was destroyed in a tornado in 2011, and Tremblay nearly died in a heart attack in 2017. Despite all the odds, this almost 30-year-old record has made its long overdue debut, and Southern rock is better for it. ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Live On WLIR Price: $15.00 Artist: Big Star Description: Recorded at Ultrasonic Studios in New York, the 1974 WLIR broadcast session sees the band in rebound after a state of transition. The group had recently completed their second album, 1973’s “Radio City”. It was their first as a trio, following the departure of founding member Chris Bell. Before the band could hit the road to support the record, bassist Andy Hummel left, as well. He was replaced with John Lightman. Together, the trio performs highlights from their first two long-players, along with a cover of Loudon Wainwright III’s “Motel Blues.” The result is an essential document of vintage, live Big Star. While the broadcast has been issued before – on the early ’90s Rykodisc CD, “Live” – every track on “Live On WILR” has been newly remastered and restored from the original tapes, ensuring a better listening experience. Track Listing: “September Gurls”, “O My Soul”, “Way Out West”, Interview, “Mod Lang”, “The Ballad Of El Goodo”, “Don't Lie To Me”, “Thirteen”, “I'm In Love With A Girl”, “Motel Blues”, “In The Street”, “You Get What You Deserve”, “Daisy Glaze”, “Back Of A Car”, and “She's A Mover”. New liner notes from authors Robert Gordon and Rich Tupica also include an interview with bassist John Lightman. GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Big Stir Magazine - Issue #3 Price: $6.00 Artist: Big Stir Magazine - Issue #3 Description: It's bigger (now at comic book size and 52 pages) and packed to bursting with articles and artwork by and about your favorite artists on the global pop scene, lavishly designed by the inimitable Champniss of London, all for a mere $6! Here's what's inside: Pets Of Pop Special: Learn all about the animal companions of the movers and shakers of the scene. Artist To Artist Interviews! Karla Kane (The Corner Laughers) talks to both Martin Newell (Cleaners from Venus) about autumn and more, and Robyn Hitchcock about cats. Steven Wilson (Plasticsoul) talks to Pat Fish (The Jazz Butcher). And Christina and Rex (The Armoires) chat with Addison Love about his solo debut. Reviews and music memories from David Bash, John Borack, Carl Cafarelli, Ray Gianchetti, Aaron Kupferberg, Robert Lambert, Steve Rosenbaum, and more! Comics and artwork from Champniss, Sumishta Brahm (13 Frightened Girls), Rex Broome, Ridley Broome, Larysa Bulbenko (The Armoires), Edward Huerta (Rockford) and more! Fiction from Mark English (The Gold Needles) Musical musings from members of Spygenius, The Armoires, Blake Jones & The Trike Shop, The Walker Brigade, The Ex Teens, Leslie Pereira & The Lazy Heroes, The Hangabouts, and more! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Pomp, Twaddle & Bombast: Songs 13-24 + bonus EP Price: $13.00 Artist: Checkpoint Charley Description: Checkpoint Charley is the ongoing Power Pop muse of Kevin Packard and Jesse Anderegg. Drawing heavily on the influence of Jellyfish, The Beatles, Queen, and Crowded House, the band returns from a 10 year hiatus to craft an epic follow-up to their critically acclaimed debut, "Songs One Through Twelve." Picking up where “Songs One Through Twelve” left off, “Pomp, Twaddle, & Bombast (Songs Thirteen through Twenty Four)” is another power pop tour-de-force full of classic hooks and epic production. "Do you think vocal based power pop a la Jellyfish, with more guitar driven rock such as The Tories and Marvelous 3 sounds like your cup of tea? Then you should put out an invitation to a huge tea party, 'coz L.A band Checkpoint Charley has the cookies. The list of good songs never ends....But you can play them over and over again without getting tired of hearing them. Listen to their Jellyfish-like harmonies on twelve more slices of melodic heaven! A must for any melodic rock fan!" - Melodic.net "Checkpoint Charley Songs delivers everything pop/rock fans crave - great songs, beautiful harmonies, and hooks for days. If you’re a fan of the band Jellyfish, get your hands on this CD." - Billy Amendola "There are some albums you just love from the start and they get better with every spin. Such is the case with the latest from Checkpoint Charley. I honestly can't remember the last time a disc made this immediate an impact of the future love affair that is seemingly impending." - Kurt's Krap COMES WITH A COPY OF THEIR “GREAT MIND JEDI TRICK” EP WHICH CONTAINS TRACKS NOT FOUND ON “POMP, TWADDLE & BOMBAST”! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Creamer Price: $15.00 Artist: Creamer Description: WOW!! BIG STAR ALERT!! Led by singer/songwriter Philip Creamer, the album harkens to the early days of Glam, when the song reigned supreme. This tightly crafted collection of classic pop-rock sounds could still echo through stadiums today, with anthems and supercharged rock arrangements. A crossroads of early Glam, Baroque Pop, and Americana. A shout out to Steve at Absolutepowerpop.com beat us to the punch! “If this were a blurb on Kool Kat's site, Ray would lead it off with ‘BIG STAR ALERT!’ as the debut of Phillip Creamer's new band channels Alex Chilton & Co. to great effect here. Co-produced by Wilco's Pat Sansone, the album opens with ‘Daydreamer’, which manages to be both anthemic and downbeat at the same time with a vaguely Lennon-esque middle eight, followed by the poptastic ‘Record Machine’, which is the ‘#1 Record’ Big Star to ‘Daydreamer’'s ‘Third/Sister Lovers’. ‘Drugs No More’ was released as the single to tease the album and it's easy to see why - it boasts a memorable chorus and encapsulates Creamer's sound, and "Ride or Die" makes good on the band's promise of glam mixed with Americana ("Glamicana", anyone?). And then there's "Magic", a magical concoction of rock, pop, honky tonk, R&B and who knows what else. Even the ballads like "A Better Side" and "Love Yourself" soar. A contender for album of the year.” A solid contender at that! This one nails late-70’s FM Pop/Power Pop to the T! Minky Starshine-ish at times! Can’t say enough about this one! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Old Skool Price: $15.00 Artist: Crokodile Tears Description: Crokodile Tears have been releasing albums now for 33 years, the constant being singer/songwriter Chris Sidwell. Nevertheless, "Old Skool" features among Chris' many collaborators former Reluctant Stereotype, Pink Umbrella and long time Primitives producer Paul Sampson who has played with him from that very first album and produced and mixed this one. Principally Chris' baby, Crokodile Tears is also a highly collaborative ensemble. Few tracks feature precisely the same lineup and the different musicians bring a variety of instruments, approaches and sensibilities creating a most eclectic sonic collection as well as you'll hear, superb playing. Chief current Croks (though this doesn't mean that even they play on every track) are Alf Hardy (Earthlab) and Jerry Richards (Earthlab/Hawkwind). Joining them (among others) are local musician, producer/broadcaster Keith Fabrique, local legend Sam McNulty (Squad/Giraffes), harmonica player Bryan Lea Bradford, sitarist Chris Cook, and violinist Nigel Ward. If the music is eclectic (and it most certainly is: this band defies genre categorization), the subject matter is even more so. The album covers a bewildering array of lyrical targets from the haircut of a national sporting treasure to ecology, astrology, photography and gender stereotyping. However, if there is a theme, it’s about love, the human condition and the passage & perspectives of time. The whole philosophy of the band is to create songs from childhood perspectives or those of adults behaving or thinking in a childish way. The Croks aim to make each new album their best yet and there can be no doubt that despite the excellence of their previous work, this one is a masterpiece. In a fair world, this album would get the airplay and critical attention its inherent qualities merit. However in the current musical media climate where lyrical sophistication, subtle performances and above all maturity fail to excite those in control of such decisions, one can only hope for someone with wit and discernment in the mainstream to open their ears and listen to it objectively to judge it on its merits. Still not sure? Think a cross between Martin Newell and Kevin Ayers….. EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

The Diet Price: $14.00 Artist: Cullen Omori Description: The second solo outing from Cullen Omori (Smith Westerns) was produced by popster Taylor Locke! “He channels his rock influences (George Harrison, Marc Bolan) through a much more modern pop lens full of glossy embellishments, shimmering guitars, and crisp melodies that stick fast to your brain. On the opener ‘Four Years’ chiming guitar, rich self-effacing lyrics is an acknowledgment to his partner that ‘you do so many things, and I love you for it… but I usually forget it.’ It’s a standout single that sets the tone of the album perfectly. The failures of modern life are told through subversive stories like ‘Borderline Friends’ and ‘All By Yourself.’ Other catchy highlights include the danceable ‘Happiness Reigns’ with its shimmering guitar rhythm. The riff-heavy ‘Quiet Girl’ and plodding ‘Black Rainbow’ recall mid-period Oasis. Another standout is ‘Millennial Geishas’ with its big flowing chorus and layered instrumentation. No filler here it channels Cullen’s self-loathing into a listenable indie rock statement that many will identify with. Highly Recommended.” – Powerpopaholic.com “This record represents a return to his core strengths: crystalline, cosmically ornate melodies and wryly clear-eyed lyrics. These days, he is seemingly drawn to albums like ‘All Things Must Pass’ and ‘The Slider’ for more than just their magical melodies and tasty guitar tones. In the early 70’s, those records formed the collective soundtrack to the post-hippie hangover, their dreamily strung-out quality reflecting the mindset of a new generation that felt like it had missed the party and was left to clean up the mess. It’s a deeply disillusioned feeling to which Omori could no doubt relate in the wake of the Smith Westerns’ unceremonious demise. In recent interviews, the singer-guitarist has been more candid than most about the indignities of being a former indie-rock darling forced to return to day-job drudgery.” – Pitchfork.com No worries Cullen, you’re always welcome here! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Cabaret Of Love Price: $10.00 Artist: Dana Countryman Description: Coming on the heels of the success of 2017’s “The Joy Of Pop”, Dana Countryman has done it again with his newest album “Cabaret of Love”! This is Dana’s fifth album of vocal retro pop - an infectious blend of joy, love and fun. Enlisting the talents of Terry Draper and Dee Long (Klaatu), Jamie Hoover (The Spongetones), Probyn Gregory (The Brian Wilson Band), Scott McPherson, Kai Danzberg, Tricia Countryman and Tim Smolens, this just might be his best release to date – and that’s saying something! “With the release of ‘Cabaret of Love’, Dana Countryman is operating at the peak of his powers, writing and performing a delightful song cycle that touches the heart and soul. His joy is infectious. ‘Cabaret of Love’ is a glorious gift for music lovers everywhere.” – Alan Haber/PurePopRadio “Songs like ‘Just See If I Care’ have that sound of a long-lost track from bands like The Knickerbockers, from back in the mid-60’s. In fact, the early 60’s sound can also be heard on tracks like ‘She Doesn’t Know’, while a song like ‘If I Had A Girl’ has that Sunshine Pop sound of the late 60’s. So, if you like 60’s pop, you’ll love this record. Dana Countryman has always released exquisite albums, and ‘Cabaret Of Love’ continues his winning streak of writing and recording elegant pop music that also has the ability to rock your socks off!” – Michael McCartney “The songwriting, and especially the melodies are top-shelf!” - Probyn Gregory “This is one of Dana’s best albums yet, song-wise and packaging-wise. Good songs, good harmonies, and nice chords. He should be very pleased!” - Gilbert O’Sullivan “Dana Countryman is a treasured talent! Pure magic!” – Powerpopaholic.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Bring Down The House Lights Price: $14.00 Artist: Dirty Sidewalks Description: Dirty Sidewalks don’t just take sonic cues from the fuzzy haze and shuffle of The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Stone Roses, Charlatans UK, or the honed pop songcraft of Oasis or the rich vocal colors of The Beach Boys - they keep it in the family, too. Formed in 2010 by Erik Foster, older brother Evan Foster (of the totally fab Boss Martians) and longtime friend Evan O’Neil, the band plays anthemic tunes informed equally by 80’s college rock, 90’s Brit Pop, and 60’s harmonies. “Listening to opener ‘Rock & Roll (Save My Soul)’ will have a definite impact on fans of The Jesus and Mary Chain. It sounds so much like the Scottish shoegazers that there are those who may accuse Dirty Sidewalks of shameless plagiarism. It’s true that singer-songwriter-guitarist Erik Foster seems like he’s spent a lot of time listening to ‘Automatic’, but the chorus of the song is so charmingly contagious that it’s kind of difficult not to love it anyway. The JAMC damage fades away once the record gets going. The heavy chiming guitar that opens ‘Never Wanted to Be Loved’ fills the ears and heart with an ecstatic rush, and the mini-bridge that introduces the guitar-based chorus is something remarkable. Around this point is when it becomes clear that not only does Foster have a gift for melodies and harmonies, but that his brother, lead guitarist Evan Foster, possesses his own gifts. His playing throughout is astonishing, filled with unadulterated yearning, along with that jewel-toned yet gritty reverb that many guitarists aim for, but only a few attain. It’s not a surprise that he was asked to join the legendary Sonics on tour in 2017. ‘Already’ is a straight-up swooner, with a crush of reverb and echoed vocals. Just shy of three and a half minutes long, it might feel too short, but the next track, ‘Always,’ picks up right where it leaves off, like a sequel that perfectly complements the original. The slow-burn into of ‘Heard You Wanna Kill Me’ is gorgeous, but when the melancholy whine of Evan Foster’s guitar dips over the subtle chord progressions of Evan O’Neil’s bass line, it’s something beautiful to behold. For those who miss the alternative music of the early 00’s, you’ll be pleased to find there’s a bit of The Vines’ ‘Highly Evolved’ album in these songs, particularly the impassioned ‘Lost My Way.’ And for those who like their shoegaze with a dash of psychedelia, instrumental track ‘Black Holes’ and ‘Where’s the Love’ assert themselves nicely, particularly Evan Foster’s luminous guitar solo.” – VagueVisages.com “This album ROCKS! From start to finish it is solid, well thought out, and well produced. It’s hard to pick of favorite track. Do yourself a favor and grab yourself a quality set of headphones, crank it up, and play the album straight through. There’s an added level of listening pleasure when you use headphones to absorb the cool stereo effects!” – Alan-David M. Osborne GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none