The Lockdown Session – October 2020 Price: $13.00 Artist: Andrew Taylor Description: Still stuck at home during the pandemic, Dropkick’s Andrew Taylor wrote and recorded these 10 songs (playing all of the instruments) for the fourth installment of his “Lockdown Session” series between October 9-15, and mixed them on October 16 in his cold garage along the road to Bellhaven Bay from where the cover painting by Rebecca Dover is. Like Andrew’s “Lockdown Session - April 2020” disc, he went back to his phone where fragments of songs were stockpiled and set himself the challenge just to complete them. Talk about fresh, hot off the press, high quality new material! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

an Apple a day… Price: $16.00 Artist: Apple Description: Apple made one of the rarest albums of the psychedelic era (a copy recently sold on eBay for just under £4,000), while their two singles included one of the genre’s most enduring surrender-to-the-void creations in the much-compiled song “The Otherside. Nevertheless, so little information has ever surfaced about Apple that the UK underground rock guide book “Galactic Ramble” described them as “probably the only legendary UK psych band still shrouded in mystery”. There is finally some kind of closure with this first-ever band-approved reissue of “an Apple a day…” which also tacks on mono mixes of their aforementioned brace of single releases. More than half-a-century after they split, band leader Jeff Harrad spills the beans for the first time on their murky genesis in Cardiff, from their pre-Apple days on the local beat/R&B scene to the band’s brief relocation to London and brushes with guitarist Caleb Quaye (Hookfoot) and Kinks/Troggs manager Larry Page, who signed them to his Page One label. Apart from the singles, “An Apple A Day” featured such psych-pop gems as ‘Queen Of Hearts Blues’, ‘Mr. Jones’ and ‘Photograph’, whose combination of brass/orchestral arrangements and “Alice In Wonderland”-style lyrical surrealism conjured up images of Syd Barrett fronting The Kinks. There’s even a cover of “Psycho Daisies” (also done by The Yardbirds). With a new essay on the band that includes numerous quotes from Harrad, rare band photos and re-mastered sound quality, this new digipak edition of “an Apple a day…” is the definitive version of a classic, much-loved late 60’ UK psychedelic pop period piece that plays like a compilation of that period’s various styles. GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

The Secretariat Motor Hotel Price: $13.00 Artist: Ashley Park Description: During his musical career, Terry Miles has undergone a few chameleon-like changes. From his GBV-influenced days in Saturnhead, to the gentler days of Ashley Park, it is sometimes hard to believe that the same person is involved. While Ashley Park’s previous records have skirted the border of Elephant 6-land, 2003’s "The Secretariat Motor Hotel" sees the band packing up and driving over to the next town over from the Beachwood Sparks and all those other darlings of the alt-country scene. Originally a concept piece (and shelved novel) about the dusty transients of a fictional old motel, this follow-up to 2001's "The American Scene" was whittled down from over 100 songs by Miles. Still tuned to early-'70s soft-rock radio, feathery melodies are shaded by sluggish beats. Charlie Hase's hypnotic drifts of steel and the contrast between Miles' melancholy croon and girlfriend Kelly Haigh's airy lightness. Where the Burritos meet The Beatles and Rundgren shares a porch light with Neil Young. Boys Toys UK were spot on when they gushed “Ashley Park sew an alt country tapestry that evokes rose-tinted days of California sunshine, dusty motels, and skinny dipping in the woods. Like Gram Parsons crossed with Grandaddy and just a smidgeon of ‘Pet Sounds’. Laid back, trippy and as sweet as grandma’s apple pie!” "This album is very good, but almost too good. It has the twang in the right place, pedal steel guitar at the right moment, acoustic strumming right when it should be." - IndieRockJunkie.com "Like the best of the Beachwood Sparks 'A' material, this is full of warm country pop melodies that will tie knots in your heartstrings. It is a richly textured affair containing the best songs of Miles' career, despite their likeness to those that came before. From the warm warbles of 'Father Hill’s American Farm' to the charmingly Beatlesque 'You’ll Be Lonesome Too,' this record is consistent from start to finish. The drippingly sweet harmonies of Kelly Haigh complement Miles’ pop sensibilities as if they were meant to be together, most notably on 'The Lonely Lights Of Home.' Recommended." - Earshot-Online.com Beautiful singing! Absolutely gorgeous performances!!!! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

The Homebound Tapes Price: $8.00 Artist: Blake Jones Description: The new EP from Blake Jones (of Blake Jones & The Trike Shop) features six brand new tracks recorded during the 2020 pandemic lockdown. “Music has gotten quieter and more intimate during the pandemic shutdown, as people turn to home recording without full band arrangements. And that’s the case with the aptly titled ‘The Homebound Tapes’. The half dozen tracks here are quite varied, even as they’re mostly acoustically based, as are most new home recorded releases. Opener ‘The Last Song of Summer,’ comes at a perfect time, as we reach September and Labor Day weekend. It’s delicate acoustic guitar, bass, and Jones’ vocals singing a Neil Young-like song celebrating the ending of summer and farewells in general. ‘Do the Lockdown Bossa Nova’ is an awesome track that features guitar, various percussion instruments, and a theremin playing the Latin inspired melody. It’s quirky and eerie; you can imagine ghostly apparitions dancing to the Brazilian beat. ‘Three Jerks in a Jeep’ is my favorite. It’s an understated garage rock and roll song that rocks out quietly, while providing a biting satirical commentary on conservative complaints about this summer’s protests. The folksy waltz, ‘Homebound,’ performed on acoustic guitar and mandolin, is a ballad about pulling up roots and moving during the global pandemic lockdown, and it’s a pretty song, but sad, as it speaks of leaving everything you’ve known for years and driving along empty roads and shuttered restaurants. The bookend of ‘The Last Song of Summer’ is ‘The First Song of Summer’, a lighthearted song that feels like it could come from a stage show, all happy and a bit silly. ‘Make Peace’ ends the EP, and it’s an anthem to the sentiment, as Blake pleads that we do just that. Electric guitar, piano, and drums give the song the feel of a quiet march. And marching for justice and peace has been a central part of 2020. Six songs, six sounds, six sentiments, all around current themes.” – Jim Silver/JerseyBeat.com EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Is This Real? Price: $10.00 Artist: Blank Pages Description: The world is a heavy place right now and “Is This Real?” (Blank Page’s sixth offering) is a record for these crazy times. As the title implies, we’re often in a state of disbelief wondering what’s real and what’s fake. Blank Pages songwriter Greg Potter explores these questions through the lens of indie pop, balancing his signature melodic sound with weighty ideas. For Greg, melody is always reality, and it is unmistakable here. A history of pop melody flows through his music blending decades: 60’s classics, 70’s power pop, 80’s new wave (we hear a lot of early Joe Jackson throughout, especially vocally), and 90’s modern rock. While their catchy songs are built on a foundation of guitar-oriented pop, they offer a 21st century sensibility that often takes them to unexpected places. “Nagging Feeling” explores that sixth sense of perceiving when someone you trust is telling lies. In “Authenticity”, Potter begs for a dose of reality in his relationships. He urges the world to humanize machines before they overrun our lives in “Robots Will Not Win”. Sonically the band covers new territory with “Hiding and Seeking”, an ethereal exploration of who we become in the dark with those we trust. There’s even a nod to 80’s production with the Police-influenced “Before and After”. The band also mines straight-ahead power pop on tracks like “Waiting in Line” and “Laugh”. “Is This Real?” serves to expand Blank Pages’ musical palette, adding new colors and textures to their catalog. EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Gudbye Stoopid Whirled Price: $11.00 Artist: Brian Lisik Description: Ohio rocker Brian Lisik goes into an acoustic direction on his 10-track CD filled with good songs and lots of spontaneity. It isn’t an all-acoustic LP – it’s just more acoustic than normal. Legendary producer Don Dixon lends a hand and tweaks the knobs as a co-producer. The music is stripped with sparse arrangements but that doesn’t mean it lacks spirit. The album features unique acoustic instruments such as “lap drums,” “mouth trumpet” “heavy metal banjo,” “F# minor guitar (to fix Brian’s screw up)” to achieve tongue-in-cheek perfection. Fellow mid-westerner John Mellencamp often comes to mind. There’s nothing cutting edge or bombastic. Simplicity was in the mix. Brian captures a classic rock vibe with a home-recording effort that doesn’t sound like a trunkful of demos. “With ‘Gudbye Stoopid Whirled’, Lisik and his longtime songwriting partner, Steve Norgrove, finally release an all-acoustic album populated by inscrutable instrumentation. Lisik boasts a decidedly early-rockabilly/60’s garage punk/Stax soul vibe throughout. Swirling, jangly guitars and understated jazz percussion from Norgrove’s Hillbilly Savant bandmate, Chad Jenson, buttress the songs’ universal themes, each delivered by Lisik with a poignant immediacy. The singer coos and snarls his lyrics with a restrained ferocity that never fully explodes, but rather percolates menacingly over the entire album.” – ElmoreMagazine.com Recorded in 2019, also the year his longtime backing group, The Unfortunates, disbanded, the record, with its commentary-style lyrics and stark instrumentation, takes on a much more sinister quality in this COVID-19 world. “The album was titled months before the pandemic; it was not intended at all to be prophetic, despite evidence—the title, for starters—to the contrary” states Brian. EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Other Broken Dreams Price: $10.00 Artist: Bubble Description: Bubble is a NYC power pop group got its start on the anti-folk scene in the early 90’s as an acoustic rock trio featuring songwriter Dave Foster (guitar/vocals), Russ Alderson (bass/vocals) and Tommy DeVito (drums). They released their eponymous EP in 1995 to critical praise (compared to Oasis and Blur as well as Weezer and friends The Presidents of the United States of America). Following up in 2000 with the full-length "Bash Bish" produced by Fred Smith of Television. “A tight, rugged power pop band whose CD ‘Bash Bish’ sounds exactly as the title would imply. Principal songwriter Dave Foster constantly gets it right, fashioning killer hooks into a collection of songs which demand the listener’s attention throughout and are guaranteed to provide a lot of pleasure to those of a pop inclination” – Luke Magazine Dave then took a break to record his debut solo CD "Blue Circle", released in 2007. Bubble returned in 2009 with the release of the aptly named “Seconds”. In their current incarnation, with Rembert Block (vocals/percussion), Mike Fornatale (lead guitar/vocals) and Charly Roth (keyboards), they have recorded “Other Broken Dreams”, their first album in over a decade. “Well....if the last Paul McCartney record was these songs it would have been 1000 times better! I like the wall of psychedelia. I like the pop grunge vibe. I like the ‘hope’ song...again McCartney would kill to be able to write that one. I like hearing your voice again in the context of new songs. You have always really impressed me with your vision and melodic range and this does not disappoint!! Keep it up Dave!!” – Chris Ballew (Presidents Of The USA) “They’ve picked up from right where they left off. Jangle and harmonies are certainly their specialty.” – Max Humphries GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

The Book Of Strongman Price: $11.00 Artist: Dennis Davison Description: “The Book of Strongman” is the debut solo album by Dennis Davison. Dennis was the lead singer and songwriter in The Jigsaw Seen who released 9 masterful albums throughout their history and were featured on numerous compilations and collections including the seminal “Children of Nuggets” box set. His songs and voice can be heard in many films and TV shows such as “Futurama” and “Shameless”. He was also the lead vocalist for neo-psych pioneers, United States of Existence. The album is brimming with highly personal and sonically surprising songs. Opener “Strongman and Sonny James” tells the tale of a 15 year old soldier who finds himself in the midst of the Korean War in 1950. By song’s end, Dennis has woven the true tale of his father Walter and his army comrade, country singer Sonny James into his own story of a fictionalized superhero called Strongman. “Colors spark and ignite, lightning strikes an angel’s flight. Rockets red glare stare, string snaps on a fiery kite.” In his song “Auras”, he paraphrases Francis Scott Key’s description of a historic naval battle to describe migraine with auras and declares musical war! The battle theme continues on “Heaven Bound”, where mental illness is the issue at hand. “Can You Imagine?” takes on social anxiety and “The Spoken Word” contemplates a war between the spoken word and the written word. “In The Folly Of Youth” celebrates the adventurous, carefree and sometimes careless spirit of youth. The grand beauty of “Museum Piece” serves as a gentle interlude, while “Shadow On A Tall Tree” soars like the sparrows that the song references. The album’s final two songs are cut from the same cloth, but constructed in very different ways. “Aberdeen Vista” and “What The Hell Is That Noise?” were both written about the Baltimore house where Davison grew up. The former is told in a straightforward and sentimental way while the latter is more lyrically abstract and musically dissonant. All of the musical instruments on the record were played by Dennis. The instrumental template for the album is as adventurous as the songs themselves. Mellotron, Monotron, Rhythm Ace, Blipblox and an assortment of analog synths enhance the atmospheric mood, complementing the bass, drums and guitars. Months of listening to Robin’s Reign, Scott Walker and Faust surely helped guide the album in this unique direction. EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Don’t Blame Yourself Price: $14.00 Artist: Duncan Reid & The Big Heads Description: One of the first, original punk bands was The Boys who were the first band of the era with a full record deal. Of those original members, and one that still makes classic music is Duncan Reid. In the last number of years, Duncan, along with his band The Big Heads are keeping the torch burning, blending power pop and punk. “This record demonstrates the authentic spirit of ’76 punk dragged into this 21st century atmosphere. It feels as if the sound, themes and sonic injection of that original era has been frozen in time. The past four-and-a-half decades have been pushed aside with this album. Clocking in at the 45 minute mark, it is a rampant rock record, skillfully produced and stylishly executed. It’s a full-on joyous collision of rich harmonies, melodic patterns and detonating guitar riffs. Overall the album simply breathes with life. It is one of those rarities that gives the impression it was as good to create as to listen to. ‘Don’t Blame Yourself’ is simply the personification of a good time record.” – Kevin Burke “They’re back with another collection of exceptional power punk pop tunes designed to bring joy to anyone who listens.” – LouderThanWar.com “Duncan and his mates offer up fourteen slices of powerpoppin’ Rock and Roll of all shades and sounds and has pushed Duncan and his songwriting talents to the max and on multiple plays its paid dividends each and every time. It’s reflective, humorous and on the odd occasion, it’s on political point and always insightful, damn educational even who’d have thought it? Rock and Roll teaching the masses. Above all I think Mr. Reid has penned his best record since taking the plunge as a solo artist!” – RPMOnline.com “There isn’t a bad song on this album. Neither are there good songs. There are just phenomenal songs. The phrase ‘all killer, no filler’ was made for records like this.” – TheGingerQuiff.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Even Time Price: $14.00 Artist: Ed Ryan Description: NEW RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL – AVAILABLE AUGUST 7 – ACCEPTING ORDERS NOW!! “Even Time” marks Ed Ryan’s third release on the Kool Kat label. The original concept behind the album was to record some songs Ed wrote years ago for The Rudies and Jupiter Jets – bands he was a member of. It slowly evolved into its present state as a mix of the very old, and the very new. Ed won't say which is which! If you dig cool guitar solos, you’ll love this record! Ed’s got the chops for sure! Driving with the top down music! "The title track is a solid pop single. ’Never Lied To You’ delivers a terrific hook in the chorus and ‘Say What You Will’ is a very compelling jangle pop melody. The guitar buzz returns on ‘Let It Out’, another great tune. ‘Next Time Around’ and ‘Breakaway’ have an even harder edge, as they burst from the speakers. This is truly music that deserves to be heard.” - Powerpopaholic .com “Ryan is here full force on should-be singles like ‘Say What You Will’ and ‘Let It Out’. He wraps things up with a return to tradition on ‘Make It Through the Night’, a track that really captures the classic power pop sound of the late 70's, complete with a punchy chorus. ‘Even Time’ marks a welcome return to the studio for this music veteran!” – PopRockRecord.com "I like to hear Ed Ryan sing high notes, I like to hear his hard-rocking guitar solos. I like the melodies he writes, I like the rough mix of his records. I like the stories he tells. What's not to like? ‘Even Time’ is a great record" - Sweet Sweet Music Blog GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none