Very Uncertain Times Price: $15.00 Artist: Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell Description: The more things change, the more they seem to plummet down the shitter. Fortunately, rock ’n’ roll is alive and well and guaranteed to make us all feel a little bit better about the state of things. Purveyors of nuts-out, ragged and riotous proto-metal since 2008, Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell have dedicated the last decade to kicking against the pricks and whipping up a thunderous storm of gritty, snotty and irresistible heavy rock. In 2019, Hastings’ finest three-man riff squad will save the day yet again with their fourth album, the shrewdly-titled “Very Uncertain Times”. Three years on from the widely acclaimed “Keep It Greasy!, the band are audibly on blistering form on the new record, the first to feature new drummer Serra Petale alongside guitarist/vocalist Johnny Gorilla and bassist Louis Comfort-Wiggett. You will immediately hear the fizzing chemistry that has already been established by this reshuffled threesome on the record’s rambunctious opening title track. A celebration of tweaked-out jamming and turbocharged psychedelic rock, every last moment on the record speaks of a band with a full tank of sonic petrol. From the short-sharp Sabbath squall of “Ten Years Later” and the raging motör-he(a)donism of “Mr Freedom”, to the loping grooves of “The Third Degree” and the spiraling freakout of closer “No Mans Land”, it’s a powerful salute to the magic that happens when three mates get in a dark, sweaty room and crank everything up to 11. In uncertain times, Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell will never let you down. A reassuring presence for ferocious rock ‘n’ roll and medicated madness in a crazy, doomed world, Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell are back in the van and heading towards proto-metal nirvana at maximum speed and with no brakes. These may be uncertain times, but you can rely on the Admiral to keep the sonic accelerator floored. A lot of fun! EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Maker Price: $12.00 Artist: Andy Bopp Description: Brand new release from Andy Bopp!! We’ll now defer to the eloquent Don Valentine who nails what this record is all about! “Followers of Andy's solo career will know how much he has evolved. If you listen to both of his previous albums, ‘Maker’ will not seem so different. Listening back to ‘Wherewithal’ and ‘Blisters And Thorns’, I saw the connection clearer than on my first few listens to this. The variety and versatility on those two albums hid the direction, but I do feel they were stops on the journey to here. There is less variety on ‘Maker’, it's more thematic, but it just might be the best thing that Bopp has ever done. Those Myracle Brah albums are fantastic, but would you want the same thing again and again? Having said that, there are similarities in how we both feel. I write, Andy creates and performs, but how I feel about Power Pop at the moment mirrors on his not wanting to make the same album again and again. The genre itself has become frustrating, arguments about what is and what isn't Power Pop and the oneupmanship. IDHAS evolves and thankfully so does Andy Bopp. ‘Maker’ is not a Power Pop album, so what is it? It's also not a guitar album, yes the guitar is present, but it's low in the mix, if at all. If this were Bowie, it would be ‘Berlin’ or latter day Bowie. It's wonderfully inventive, but don't expect to sing along. The album demands your attention and rewards you for it. ‘Cigarette’ should be on ‘Scary Monsters’. It is a very electronic affair, but just to tease you Bopp ends proceedings with ‘Lights And Saviors’, a really poptastic affair with riffs to treasure. Great as that is, being the fellow that we have come to know and love, what lies before is more interesting. The album centres around two versions of ‘In The Interest Of Time’. The impression that I get of that song is that the slower, less synth led version, was the first written with the Part 1 Edition, a later take. Well the latter is enthralling, a synth hook reminiscent of the better 80's duos that offered up songs that were more than a vibe and a drum pattern. It does feel a bit ‘Heroes’, but not wholly. ‘Years and Years’ is moody and hypnotic, totally gripping in its minimal make up. That bass line, the occasional piano, is very Thomas Dolby, musically. ‘Idle Hours’ is a mixture of the old new with an atmospheric verse with a jaunty chorus. ‘Tooth And Nail’ is almost campfire acoustic with a ‘Scarborough Fair’/Canterbury feel to the arrangement. ‘She Drives Me Crazy’ is a cover of the Fine Young Cannibals song, plenty of similarities to the original, but far more chirpy with brass. The stand out is the title track - very staccato with a shared soul vocal in the chorus. It rocks out in the chorus, but the almost spoken verse beautifully contradicts that chorus. It's a crackerjack of a song, but completely unexpected as an album opener. It's a masterpiece, but it is going to take repeated listens to realise that. It's worth the effort. But Is It Power Pop? NO!” – IDontHearASingle.com EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

2GTRSBSDRMS - Live At The Blackbird Academy Price: $14.00 Artist: Bill Lloyd and The Tallymen Description: A brand new live Bill Lloyd CD that finds him with a smokin’ band that includes Pat Buchanan on guitar! Bill revisits 10 tracks from his “Set To Pop”, “Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants”, and "Boy King Of Tokyo” albums. Track listing: “Boy King Of Tokyo”, “Buy On Credit”, Let It Slide”, “I Went Electric:, “Trampoline”, “The Fix Is In”, “Turn Me On Dead Man”, “Out Of The Picture”, and “Indubitably”! “Whether toiling in the country trenches with Foster & Lloyd or flying solo with his own pop-oriented material, Bill Lloyd has always been all about the song.” John Borack/Goldmine Magazine “Bill Lloyd mines the rich seam of power pop. Ringing guitars and Beatles harmonies - few can pull this off, but Bill has a knack for lasting melodies and nagging hooks.” – MOJO Magazine GREAT!!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

The Glitterest, Sladest, Rockin’est, Laidest, Overtime-Paidist, Boogiest Band In Town Price: $12.00 Artist: Creem Circus Description: Creem Circus hails from the dirty, grey streets of the Fishtown section of Philadelphia, just a few blocks from where “Eraserhead” was filmed. Created in the basement of DiPinto Guitars on the off hours between making sparkly, glittery guitars, the band got tired of staring at local Philly-ites in their jammy pants, flip-flops and socks and decided to launch some Glitter-Glam Rock goodness. Why do such a thing, you ask? Well, think about it, if they didn't, who would? The band is the brainchild of guitar maker Chris DiPinto, owner of DiPinto Guitars. His retro, glittered-out instruments have ended up in the hands of super rockers such as Cheap Trick, Jack White, Elliot Easton of the Cars, Dick Dale, Earl Slick and the duke of glam rock himself, David Bowie. But making the guitars is not where it stops. The sounds and melodies that can be coaxed out of them is where is really starts to matter and Creem Circus is the culmination of a life's work of making, playing and recording glitter-glam rock. Of course the retro sounds you'll hear on a Creem Circus record will rocket you back to a time when Bolan was king and Slade stomped British bandstands. But seeing them is the complete package; glitter suits, platform boots, bug-eyed glasses and faux fur coats that light up like the northern lights! This is a band not to be missed. Catchy choruses, hard riffin' guitars and floor tom beats that hit like early episodes of “Top of the Pops”. Or in the words of Creem Circus “We are Creem Circus and we are your favorite band's favorite band. We play hard, glitter, tandem lead, platform-power chord rock & roll with lots of boogie down soul. We shop in the women's department and our amps are ALWAYS stacked. The time has come to party on down and run away...with Creem Circus!” We’re already on board!! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

From The Dark Price: $11.00 Artist: Denny Smith Description: The Great Affairs’ frontman Denny Smith’s second solo record is a partially pretty stripped-down “affair”, as in not a lot of drums and bass...mostly just Denny making the rounds on acoustic guitar, piano, and harmonica, while his regular accomplice Kenny Wright adds some percussion flourishes, and Michael Saint-Leon mans the board. The title track, one of the more subdued songs in the batch, and certainly not a bombastic lead-off, kicks the record off. He wasn't going for bombast, and this just seemed best suited to set the tone thematically for what would come after. But fear not, it’s not all quiet and mellow…there are just enough mid-tempo numbers, coincidentally (?) in the middle of the record, (“The Whole World’s Clown”, “Trying To Break Your Heart” “Like God’s Sleep, and “When The Darkness Comes”) for a nice change the pace and keep things interesting. It’s another fine example of a “Sunday Morning Mellow” listen that we’ve been known to trumpet now and again! “For those not yet familiar with Denny Smith, his style can best be described as a stirring fusion of Tom Petty and Jon Bon Jovi, with a dash of The Stereophonics’ Kelly Jones.” – PopMartZoo.com EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

She's The One Price: $8.00 Artist: Dogmatics Description: Boston's legendary Dogmatics return with their first recording of brand new music in over 30 years! “Back in the day”, the sound and sight of the Dogmatics was consummate, raucous rock and roll – three minute spurts of high energy garage slop-pop played by possessed rubber faced hooligans with manic fervor. Imagine Eddie Cochran meets Johnny Thunders, the Ramones, and early Replacements at a keg party hootenanny and you'll get it. When listening to the true heart of rock and roll music, not much has changed since 1986. Striped down, four to the floor, dual guitars, bass and drums, amplifiers stacked up in the garage, a string of empty Bud bottles, and hooks that'll stick to you like crazy glue. Akin to fellow peers and bands they have shared the stage with through the mid-late 80's The Replacements, The Del Fuegos, and Hoodoo Gurus to name a few, they have delivered a bold statement, they are back and here to stay. The title track is a thoroughbred, pub rock foot stomper and head shaker that Dave Edmunds and Nick Lowe would have found right at home on Rockpile's only album. The Farfisa fueled, garage rock echoes of "I Love Rock and Roll", and the Celtic backbone of "The Ballad of Wilbur Ross" don’t disappoint either. Also present are covers of Unnatural Axe's "Summertime" (written by current popper Richie Parsons) which feels and sounds like a thundering, long lost Alejandro Escovedo gem, and The Reducers’ “Black Plastic Shoes”! "The Dogmatics were playing garage punk before the genre even had a name. Their sound was specific to the area and showcased their power, passion and pride." - Music Museum of New England "My favorite Boston band, by far, would have to be the Dogmatics. To me, they're pretty much the definitive Boston garage/punk band." – FasterandLouder.com "It’s like these guys never went away, still sounding as snotty and bratty as ever, and ready to party." - Jim Testa GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Soak Up The Gravy Price: $15.00 Artist: Emperor Penguin Description: NEW RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL!! In the beginning, many years ago, the original Penguins - Neil Christie (vocals, guitar), Nigel Winfield (vocals, guitar), Adrian Long (vocals, bass) and Richard Wilson (drums) – set out to make a noise. Inspired by the likes of XTC, The Beatles, Buzzcocks and, er, The Wombles, they played gigs in and around London in the early 90’s and recorded their debut album at BBC Maida Vale Studios. That album – “Crumhorn” - remained unreleased until very recently. Life intervened and the band went into hibernation until 2017, when the re-formed (but not reformed) Emperor Penguin released a new album – “Rum Pop Engineer” coupled with “Crumhorn” – on CD via Kool Kat Musik. The addition of new member bass/guitar player/singer “JT”, replacing Adrian, engineered fresh energy into this rum pop. In 2018 their “Walnut Fascia” CD was released on Kool Kat, and the Penguin aesthetic once again evolved. There was the same love of classic power pop and the occasional foray into rough and ready garage rock – but with a broader sonic palette. In 2020, Emperor Penguin are back with their new (and perhaps best) album “Soak up the Gravy”! The album comprises 14 original tracks of meaty, beaty goodness – the songs are as eclectic as ever, with inspiration ranging from Japanese kids' cartoons to the philosopher Thomas Aquinas. There are noisy guitars, catchy tunes and some more elaborate arrangements and productions than on previous releases. The album opens with art rocking pop tune “Hello Picasso”, features a live brass section on the anthemic “Hole in Your Soul”, has a terrific guest lead vocal from “Queen of Power Pop” Lisa Mychols on the jazzy “Speedwell Blue” and closes with curry-flavoured psych-pop epic “The Burning Man”. It’s a selection box of delights with something for everyone. “Fans of The Grip Weeds, The Pillbugs and 60’s anglophiles you couldn’t do better...” – Powerpopaholic.com “They use trippy atmospheric sounds swirling around some of the catchiest melodies you’ll ever hear, putting their own unique touch to the power pop genre and the results are quite magnificent.” – AudioAmmunition.com “An inventive, quirky power pop band whose music conjures up the Jam as much as Big Star.” – TheUnherd.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Time Kills Price: $12.00 Artist: Eric Crugnale Description: With his new album, Eric Crugnale continues his exploration of power-pop, pub-rock, and Philly soul that has been called “fully-realized mature pop". “Time Kills” reunites Eric with artist/producer Kevin Bents for the follow up to his critically acclaimed 2010 release, “Carol Was Here”. Rich Pagano returns to play drums and John Conte was brought in to play bass. “Time Kills” expands upon the power pop leanings found on Eric’s debut, and finds him delivering a more diverse range of styles while remaining instantly accessible with memorable hooks and detailed arrangements. “A singer-songwriter that plucks at the heartstrings, and on ‘Don’t Give Up’ he lives up to that description. The song is a hopeful tune when ‘No one knows your name’ during the holiday season. ‘Dreams and Memories’ has a flowing chorus with a 70’s styled synth that adds bells and horns at its peak. ‘Turn Damn This Car Around’ is a scenario set to music, with its colorful piano/guitar interplay reminding me of Ben Folds a little. Much of the music is set around failed relationships with a touch of R&B, good examples being ‘A Shoulder (To Cry On)’ and ‘Love Won’t Change Your Mind.’ Fans of the blue-eyed soul of Hall and Oats will enjoy ‘Wagon,’ and ‘I Just Wanna Be Loved By You.’ ‘It Must Be Love’ boasts an uplifting theme with a group of Beatlesque horns adding a flourish.” – Powerpopaholic.com “I called Eric’s debut ‘Carol Was Here’ ‘fully-realized mature pop in the vein of David Mead and Seth Swirsky’ and that applies to ‘Time Kills’ as well. ‘Don't Give Up’ is a lovely, piano-based opener, ‘Turning This Damn Car Around’ with its soft verses and crashing chorus has a bit of a Queen/Jellyfish feel to it, and ‘Wagon’ deals in smooth 70’s-influenced R&B. This is pop with a capital ‘P’ the way it was in the '70s and '80s.” – Absolutepowerpop.com EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Have You Forgotten Who We Are?: The Anthology 1968-69 Price: $18.00 Artist: Glass Menagerie Description: Glass Menagerie emerged in the late 1960’s, in the Lancastrian backdrop of Burnley in the north of England. When guitarist Alan Kendall and bass player John Medley left the backing group The Truth, they teamed up in August 1967 with three ex-members of Burnley band Raging Storms (Lou Stonebridge, Keith O'Connell and Bill Atkinson). Inspired by the new wave of progressive psychedelic rock, they were initially a covers band play material by Blood Sweat & Tears, Leonard Cohen, The Doors, Traffic, The Lovin’ Spoonful and Jefferson Airplane. They quickly developed into an excellent group the strong following in the 1968 a sign with the John Gunnnell agency and gained a recording contract with Pye Records and moved to London. The move to London led to a handful of singles with Pye before changes within the band marked a new chapter under Chas Chandler. Soon afterwards, organist Keith O'Connor left to join Geno Washington and The Ram Jam Band and Lou Stonebridge took over on organ as well as vocals. At the end of 1969, disillusioned by a lack of success Alan Kendall and John Medley left the band. Tony Dangerfield (ex-Screaming Lord Sutch) was recruited on bass, and the band continued as a three-piece. After a tour of Europe with John Mayall in 1970, the group broke up. From 1968 to 1969, they recorded five singles, and various sessions for Top Gear, Saturday Club, and host Brian Matthew. The majority of songs from these live sessions, would be heading towards their unreleased album. “Have You Forgotten Who We Are?” presents a missing link in the British psychedelic phenomenon, and provides a precious glimpse into the world of "Frederick Jordan" and what might have been. Professionally re-mastered original sound recordings accompanied by a handsome 12-page booklet with expansive liners, interviews and rare memorabilia. GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Spiderbites Price: $11.00 Artist: Indonesian Junk Description: The glam punk dirtbags in Indonesain Junk specialize in big ol, catchy power pop hooks. “Spiderbites” is a brand new tuff n' catchy batch of instant classics. The three piece is frequently compared to 70’s New York underground. And while they’ll gladly accept those charges, don’t you dare call them a nostalgia act! Indonesian Junk may be a little bit dangerous, but that's all part of what makes them so much fun. Kicking off the album with the thunder crack drum whip into cranked up pick slide and pounding bass hook ‘Mean Christine’ got the crispness, and punched out pop hooks of The Raspberries with a Joey Ramone vocal melody, gang vocals and riffed out guitar solo before breaking it down into a chord snap attack, with fist raising chorus chants into a titanic end Indonesian Junk have set the tone for one hell of a ride down their own Badstreet of USA. The record is bursting at the seams of torn frayed skinny jeans with glammed up anthems reaching for the sky in “City Lights”, snot punk sleaze rockers dripping from “Wild, Wild Party”, infectious power pop and bubble gum that’ll stick to your worn out chuck soles on “When I Find You”, and dirty sleaze with “ooh, oohh, oohhs” of middle America meeting the Bowery howling out “See The Light”. “The Milwaukee trio continues to mix glam, power pop, and old New York punk influences in such a way that doesn't sound like any other band out there.” – FasterandLouder.com "Invoking everything from punk to glam rock, Indonesian Junk has a sound and feel within Milwaukee that is uniquely their own." - Breaking And Entering “Boys and girls, it’s time to struggle back into your ripped Levis, get yourself a big ol’ wad of Bazooka gum and practice your pout. CBGBs is still open, right?” - Rockerzine “They were clearly brought up on pop tarts, comic books, hand me down clothes and cheap instruments - all being the perfect tools to hone their craft of punk rock power pop.” – Uber Rock EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none