In Transit Price: $14.00 Artist: Aaron Fox and the Reliables Description: In Transit” is a bold step forward from 2010’s “Late Too Soon”, evident in the maturity of the songwriting, arrangements, and production. It is often said the first album from a band is the most potent and impactful, primarily due to the overall excitement and energy that goes into making it as a group. That theory does not apply here. In fact, the songs on “In Transit” come from a personal and vulnerable space. “I will wait for you as long as time allows” implies a sweetness and quiet desperation on the beautiful “Coming In.” On the soul-searching track “No One Knows Me,” Aaron sings “I can’t remember where I was but I want to thank you for giving me your direction home.” And then there’s the sincerity and insecurity of the phrase “as long as you’re around I’m not pretending” from “Neverending.” New musical collaborators have been added to in addition to the talented original members, Bob Vodick, Mike Burns and Rick Zygowicz who worked tirelessly to up their game for this album, dedicating many hours to its recording and final mixing. The new collaborators - Josh Kaler (guitar,keyboards, percussion, backing vocals), John Christy (Hammond B3 organ), and Brian Leach (piano) – helped realize the vision of Aaron’s songwriting. Kaler adds cinematic flavors to “Bright Side of the Dark”, infectious slide guitar and keyboard parts on the catchy “Desert Heart”, and moody pedal steel drones to “Coming In.” John’s powerful B3 organ elevates the rocker “No One Knows Me”. Brian’s melodic piano beautifully colors the jangly “Better Days” and anthemic album closer “Waiting.” “Legend has it that you replace all your body cells every 7 years, so perhaps Aaron Fox needs a full reset before releasing new music as his previous 2 albums came out in 2003 and 2010. Whatever the reason, it's good to have this version of Fox and friends back with ‘In Transit’. The jangly ‘Unpromised Land’ recalls the likes of Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket, while "Neverending" would have given The Wallflowers a run for their chart spot in 1996. ‘No One Knows Me’ effectively rocks and ‘Better Days’ channels the Gary Louris-led incarnation of The Jayhawks. A bright collection of Midwestern-influenced power pop, you should be listening to this when you're ‘In Transit’ (or even at home).” – Absolutepowerpop.com EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Nerd From The Suburbs Price: $16.00 Artist: Adrian Whitehead Description: Adrian Whitehead’s stunning songwriting lays bare the human condition and shines a light into the dark corners of our inner worlds. Channeling the likes of George Harrison, Elliott Smith, and Harry Nilsson, he creates a unique sound that reflects his extensive musical experiences. His long-awaited second album, “Nerd From The Suburbs”, weaves alt-pop and psychedelic influences into an elegantly constructed soundscape, and is the end result of a journey that started almost a decade ago. Not content to merely recreate the sonic mastery of his first album, “One Small Stepping Man” (2008), Adrian goes deeper with this new offering: delving into the web of human experience, getting tangled in the contradictions and paradoxes, and finally distilling a sound as beautiful and disgusting as the lives he writes about. A clinical Sigmund Freud gives in to schizophrenic psychedelia; expansive cinematic soundscapes contrast against a New Orleans bar scene, complete with drunken trombone and tack piano. Finally, in an attempt to find intimacy, the closing track thrusts the listener into the farthest reaches of the known universe, shadowed by reverb-drenched guitars and lofty vocals. Though there’s plenty of humor and warmth, “Nerd From The Suburbs” is not afraid to stare into the abyss when the time comes. And there lies the true paradox: when we put ourselves under the microscope we are likely to find not only great pain and sadness, but also healing and comfort. When the long night is over, the darkness swirls into shades of grey. “Whitehead has shown his utter mastery of 60s and 70s-influenced pop forms that all of us in the power pop community enjoy” - Absolutepowerpop.com “Brilliantly written songs and perfectly catchy summer melodies fill the air wherever this is played and I am as giddy as a schoolgirl whenever I hear it.” - The Rock And Roll Report GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

My Sweet Movida Price: $17.00 Artist: Alfa 9 Description: Alfa 9’s third long player is a heady mix of influences that are worn clearly on their sleeves. The Newcastle-Upon-Lyme based four piece are back with their Morricone-esque tinged cosmic country psych rock, that’s layered with vocal harmonies delivering what the band believe to be their strongest set of songs to date. With 60’s melodic jangly pop and west coast US psychedelia coming to the fore, The Byrds being a huge reference point, but also including undeniable Country and Spaghetti Western leanings. Their wonderful harmonious layered vocals would also not have sounded out-of-place in the 90’s alongside more modern luminaries like Tim Burgess and Ian Brown. To an extent you can also hear an element of the lush dreamy sounds of shoegaze bands such as Slowdive and Chapterhouse from around that time. “The songwriting is strong throughout, the melodies sweet, the delectable vocal harmonies soar high and far. A luscious collection of effervescent tunes.” – TheGingerQuiff.com “The song ‘Movida’ sounds like a lost single from The Coral’s ‘Butterfly House’ album. Phil Mason’s gentile vocal flow wraps around his, and Leon Jones’ effortless guitar playing. This is the sound of alternative pop music begging to be loved by the masses. 'Different Corner' taps into the spirit Teenage Fanclub, much like Daniel Wylie’s sun kissed album 'Scenery For Dreamers'. ‘When The Light Goes Out' is a light trip through Paisley psyche, using the guitars of Shack’s ‘Cup of Tea’ and ‘Pull Together’ to garner real affection. 'When I Think Of You' however, best encapsulates this albums spirit. It’s beautifully elsewhere, whether it’s talking about love, loss or hope. The sense of longing and melancholy colliding with sun drenched musicianship shape shifts from nostalgia to aspirational in moments. 'Coincidence Files' furthers this with the great lyrics “time it passed you by” and “it all works out the same”. Feeling lost never felt this sprightly before. There is an expansive guitar side always threatening to break out on this record. The album isn’t lacking solos but, on 'Rise' and the trippy closer 'Fly', the highlight reel grows significantly. Think Stills at his sprawling best with Manassas.” – TravellersTunes.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

One Bar Left Price: $13.00 Artist: Arthur Alexander Description: Arthur Alexander​ was at ground zero of the New York City punk movement as guitarist for the Poppees, the first band signed to the Bomp! Records label and an outfit that helped bridge the gap between power pop and new wave during its mid-70’s existence. A staple of the CBGB/Max’s Kansas City live scene, the Poppees broke up in 1976, and Alexander went on to form the seminal Sorrows before moving from NYC to L.A., where he’s worked producing records for younger bands. Now, he’s back making his own music, and the result is a 17-track collection of newly recorded songs selected from tunes he’s written over the years. No stranger to memorable guitar hooks, he’s written his fair share of impossible to shake ditties, “One Bar Left” traffics in a similar high-energy style of power pop from his former bands. “The songs on this album literally span decades – from some of the very first songs I’d written, like “Hello Suzanne” and “Till I Was On My Way”, to “I’ll Get Your Love Someday” which I wrote while I was with The Poppees, through “Can’t Get You Out Of My Dream” written shortly before Sorrows’ breakup, to songs written only recently. Some started their life years ago, but were never finished, only to be completed as I was recording this album.” – explains Arthur. One of the things he’s proudest of is how all the songs (all 17 of them!), no matter how diverse from one to the next, all seem to somehow flow together. “A masterpiece evincing elements of Merseybeat, rockabilly, proto-punk and, so help me, Phil Spector’s ‘Wall of Sound.’ It is a musical tour from the time that rock music was a fledgling art form up through the moment when the music of rebellion rebelled against itself, answering the profusion of ungainly, overproduced albums with a return to the basics of speed, power and simplicity. It’s impossible to pigeonhole this collection that’s a beautiful cross-section of an era, with elements of Beatles, Stones, Byrds, Bowie, Costello, and much, much more. The vocals are melodic, the drums are straightforward and no-nonsense, and the guitar work is simply pure, golden rock and roll.” – ChattanoogaPulse.com Amen, brother! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Blue Motel Price: $13.00 Artist: Bart & The Bedazzled Description: “Blue Motel” is the new album by a brand new musical enterprise by Bart Davenport. It’s his seventh album proper since his going solo in 2002. Alluding to Los Angeles with the lights down, it’s an amalgam sound of 80’s English pop (think Aztec Camera and Prefab Sprout) and West Coast yacht rock jams, sprinkled with cinematic flourishes clearly influenced by the understated production of Aaron M. Olson. The jangly pop aesthetic, resplendent with choppy chorus tinted guitar, snappy snares, sax and bass is underlined with life trodden stories about day jobs, dating, financial insecurities, lost innocence and most prominently, time travel. The album lives somewhere in an imagined past (or future) that is curiously both the 60’s and 80’s conveying the group’s nostalgia for a fantasy world with a cheeky cynicism, despite a perception of a world that is, for Bart, on the downfall. To that end, his songs are, as always, delivered with a happy and sad sensibility reminiscent of the great Burt Bacharach. From the surreal yet humorous “The House That Built Itself” to the sad surf music of “Halloween By The Sea” or the romantic L.A. noir of the title track, the record arrives with a spoonful of tears, a nod and a wink. The Bedazzled band lineup united in their affection for the more sophisticated sounds of English 80’s groups like Prefab Sprout and Style Council give the setlist a more distinctively pop flavor compared to Bart’s soulful last outing on his album “Physical World”. “Blue Motel” features regular appearances vocalist Nedelle Torrisi (Domino, Asthmatic Kitty) who notably adds the lush layers of harmony on “The Amateurs”. Producer Olson often incorporates soundtrack and avant-garde elements in his own work. His gift for song arrangement, understanding of the synth and penchant for subtlety all shine brightly here. GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Bennett Wilson Poole Price: $19.00 Artist: Bennett Wilson Poole Description: WOW!! Since its announcement of impending release a few months back, this has had one panting in anticipation to hear the music inscribed in its groove. Danny Wilson of Danny & The Champions, Robin Bennett from The Dreaming Spires and Tony Poole, the estimable 12 string maestro of Starry Eyed & Laughing fame, have joined forces on a brilliant debut that displays, not only in the “now” what they’re capable of, but also displays loads of promise for what may still even lay ahead for these three talented gentlemen. How did three songwriters, all steeped in American music, two of them with a particular penchant for the West Coast variety and one of them armed with a particularly lethal 12 string Rickenbacker, get together? Wilson, an inveterate songwriter, had teamed up with Bennett writing songs together via Facetime and they decided that Poole, who has produced both of them in the past, was a perfect fit for the songs. Poole had a bunch of songs in his own grab bag which were added to the mix and he recorded the basic tracks in his home studio over a bunch of weekends. The result is this 11 song collection which, for several reasons (a trio, the name of the band, the album cover) has seen them being compared to Crosby Stills & Nash (and Young although there are only three of them) but a more apt comparison might be to The Traveling Wilburys (not a bad thing). “Hearing the news of this all-star collaboration was somewhat equivalent to being told that everyone had lied and that Santa Claus did exist. Well, maybe some exaggeration there, but the concept was exciting and intriguing and as some songs and videos emerged along with reports of their initial live shows the die was surely cast, this might be something special. The Wilburys' influence is evident from the opening rush of ‘Soon Enough’ which has a sheer joie de vivre in its Tom Petty-like power pop jangle but the band transcend any such comparison as the song powers on with references to Junior Parker's ‘Mystery Train’ and a blistering 12 string raga rock solo which blasts the song into the ‘5th Dimension’. And so it goes throughout the album. It wears its heart on its sleeve pumping a rich stew of influences - Beatles, Kinks, CS&N, Byrds - throughout, but the whole is greater than the parts as the trio's songs stand up well on their own two feet, there's not one dud here and the musical architecture supporting them is just the icing on the cake. It would take a hard heart not to appreciate the chiming beauty of ‘Funny Guys’ with its backward guitars, Searchers-like Merseybeat beat and Wilson's soulful voice as he takes the song on a left field turn into outer space. Elsewhere they deliver some delicious low key delicacies draped in a mild psychedelic fuzz with ‘The Thing That You Called Love’ approaching Gene Clark's baroque folk rock melancholy and ‘The Other Side of The Sky’ recalling Lennon circa 1970 while ‘Hide Behind a Smile’ goes further back quoting The Beatles' ‘In My Life’ on guitar towards the end. Meanwhile there's a nod to The Kinks' unique take on whimsical psychedelia on ‘Wilson General Store’. The album talks to today as much as it talks to the past and the band are to be congratulated for such an endeavour. A sure contender for album of the year.” – BlabbernSmoke.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Blue Mind Price: $10.00 Artist: Blaine Campbell Description: If Blaine Campbell could afford therapy, he probably wouldn’t have to write songs. But as it is, music takes better care of him than his HMO does. With two albums and a single in his catalog Blaine is currently promoting his new album with a new band, The California Sound. Together, they’re setting out to redefine what the left coast sounds like. When he’s not engaged in a political discussion that he probably didn’t start, Blaine is caught up thinking about the world around him as a score while he attempts to write the soundtrack to his life. And with a past full of playing the same old gigs at the same old places in front of the same old people Blaine looks to the future as an ocean that is deep and wide, so it’s no wonder that he still uses floaties. “As you'd expect from someone in Los Angeles, Blaine Campbell's ‘Blue Mind’ has a real California pop feel to it. It's very much in the Beach Boys territory of gentle laid back vocal style with big join in harmonic choruses. ‘I Don't Belong Here Anymore’ has a Traveling Wilbury's-type shuffle but again it's very much led on the surf like harmonies. The jangle of ‘Summer's Comin'’ and the lovely two minute instrumental, ‘The First Day Of Summer’ ram home that this is very much a ‘Blue Sky’ type of album. ‘Hey Sunshine’ is almost like Ian Broudie backed by The Wondermints, all harmonies encased in a 60's song structure. ‘Awake’ gets a bit folky and into McCartney territory, and is a splendid little acoustic gem. When ‘Blue Mind’ strays into power pop territory, it does it well. ‘Keeping Your Distance’ is a corking little pop song, all moody and all the better for it. It's the stand out song on a really good album. The Beach Boy reminders ring loud, but The Explorers Club is the comparison that I keep getting back to. ‘Blue Mind’ is a really optimistic, reflective summer album. Well worth your pennies!” – IDontHearASingle.com Also RIYL Kyle Vincent. GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

MAKE Price: $10.00 Artist: Blake Jones & the Trike Shop Description: Blake’s latest is his debut on the fast-growing Big Stir Records label roster. “Yeah, but what kind of music do you play?” Blake Jones has been fielding that question for quite a while. So much so, in fact, that he penned a song with that particular question as its title. And the answer? “Our sound could best be described as indie rock for people who like The Beatles,” says Jones, “but also as artsy pop. It’s very melodic.” “Trying to describe Blake Jones & The Trike Shop is much easier said than done. Blake describes his music as ‘Art-infected pop…Mad pop inventions’. One thing is certain though - ‘MAKE’ is one of the more interesting albums you’ll likely hear this year. Veering in direction from pop to psyche to novelty, there’s a lot here to digest. In spite of this, there’s a continuity to it all that makes it feel like a single, well thought out work. An immediate favorite, ‘My Soft Rock Girlfriend’ is quirky but extremely relatable. ‘Hard Pan Hard Land’ is not only a terrific pop song, it shows Blake to be one helluva vocalist. Ever wonder what the theme to ‘Goldfinger’ would sound like if it were performed by swarming bees? Of course you have. Well, wonder no more! His cover of this classic is sure to make you smile. ‘Wednesday’ may remind some of the Green Pajamas while giving us a great psych-pop tune to further enhance our listening experience. ‘My Girl (Brings Me Colors)’ blows through like a cool summer breeze, bringing us right back to where we started. This record is thoughtful, humorous and just plain bizarre at times. That said, ‘MAKE’ is a roller coaster ride well worth taking.” – Rich Rossi/PowerPopNews.com EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Before Your Summer Fades Price: $12.00 Artist: Blank Pages Description: Can power pop be thought-provoking while celebrating the giddy excitement of a classic three-minute single at the same time? Blank Pages songwriter Greg Potter thinks so, and his band has been doing just that from their New Jersey studio for nearly 25 years. After a cup of coffee with 2010’s “Absolute Uncertainty” on the Kool Kat label, they find themselves back on the FDR label with a record marked by the arrival of children and the loss of old friends. Greg never stopped writing, and he delivers an engaging album that ponders middle age. From the straight ahead rock of the album opener “Take the Stage,” to the acoustic introspection of “So Long, Old Friend,” the record moves seamlessly from fuzzy tweed amps to sweeter moments drenched in jangling acoustics. Here, Potter pairs his signature melodic sensibility with lyrics exploring uncertainty, loss and inevitable change. Their sound is a unique blend of old school (Big Star, Wings) and modern pop (Sloan, Mike Viola) that is distinctly their own. Melody is central to their approach, as evidenced by power pop tracks like “High Flyer,” “She’s Got the Knack,” and “Lost and Found.” The album closes with two songs that find him delving deeper into the uncertainly of midlife: the expansive “Writing a New Tale,” and the anthemic “I Have Been Lost.” “Opener ‘Take The Stage’ shows both eager enthusiasm and the trepidation that a band on the stage won’t be playing forever, so leave your mark. ‘She’s Got The Knack’ is a great song with the bouncing melody, with some wonderful guitar work on the edges of the chorus. Their sound is a unique blend of old school (Big Star) and modern pop (Sloan) highlighted by clean harmonies and sharp guitars. Potter’s self-doubts are put to music on ‘It Is What It Is’ and ‘Make Up Your Mind.’ The jangling guitars are prominent on ‘High Flyer,’ but a lyrical narrative takes a while to reach the chorus. ‘That’s Too Bad’ has a great Andy Partridge vibe to it. Not everything resonates but most of it does, making it one of their best efforts. Highly Recommended.” – Powerpopaholic.com EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Public Mono Price: $14.00 Artist: Burning Ferns Description: Burning Ferns, from Newport in the UK, formed in 2009. The band is closely bonded by shared musical tastes and galvanized by a love of guitars and harmonies. Four years on from their debut album, "See Saw Seen", the band present 9 new tracks including last November’s single “Bullet Train”/”Fuses Blow” on ‘‘Public Mono’”. “It’s full of power pop, existential rock and three-minute pop tunes that showcase a real labour of love for the band.” – EntertainmentSouthWales.com “Starting with lead single ‘Bullet Train/Fuses Blow’, with this new set of songs the band have grabbed the blueprint of their first LP by the scruff of the neck and created something even more essential. Augmented to a five piece by new arrival, Dave Corten, the album offers a more ambitious, wide-screen sound, full of harmonies, guitars and guile. It’s a superb nine-song set which showcases the acute song writing sensibilities of Anthony Gray, and the band’s increased confidence in creating hook-laden technicolor pop music. It is an album with a swagger and groove, full of songs about something. From the cinematic opener, ‘Don’t Get On Them Horses’, with its fairground carousel keys and discordant drone, to the power pop vignette of ‘Bullet Train’ (think the Box Tops’ ‘The Letter’ without the happy ending), it is an album that hits its straps from the get-go. Three minute pop tunes segue into the existential rock of ‘0’s and 1’s’, before gently signing off with the plaintive harmonies of ‘White Noise in a Dead Room’. It is a 40 minute, 24-carat gem.” – Events.Time.ly GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none