Wish I Could See + bonus disc Price: $16.00 Artist: Cheap Star Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL!! What do Jon Auer (The Posies), Brendan Benson (solo/The Raconteurs), Gary Louris (solo/The Jayhawks), Brian Young (The Posies/Fountains Of Wayne/Jesus & Mary Chain), Matthew Caws (Nada Surf), Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (Jellyfish/Lickerish Quartet/solo) and Mitch Easter (all world!) all have in common? They’re the star-studded cast of guests who have contributed their talents to “Wish I Could See”, the latest and greatest release from Cheap Star, and followup to 2016’s “Songs For The Farrelly Brothers”!! The record picks up where the band left us on his previous journey…at the end of the 60’s golden era of Californian music and the rise of the 70’s pop, while integrating elements of his best aforementioned guests Cheap Star is helmed by France’s Remi Vaissiere who penned, and sings lead on all of the songs on the record. The results are absolutely STELLAR with all of the guest contributors at the top of their game!!! Top-notch songs, lots of guitars and heavenly harmonies permeate the proceedings! Produced and mixed by Jon Auer, who uses many of his skills on every track, the album carries a sunshine tinted by sweetness feeling over its course reminiscent of a gentle blend of Michael Penn and Nada Surf. “I really can’t picture a fan of power pop who wouldn’t love this record! Like their previous efforts, the Posies vibe is ever-present – and why would it not be with Jon Auer on board! Bursting with excellent songs Vaissiere’s gorgeous singing is guaranteed to hold your interest from start to finish (before you press the ‘replay’ button)! This is a high quality pop album full of gorgeous melodies and beautiful harmonies. There’s also enough variation to maintain your interest.” – Cesar Milan COMES WITH AN EXCLUSIVE BONUS DISC - “WISH I COULD SEE (ACOUSTICALLY)” WHICH, AS THE TITLE IMPLIES, FEATURES GORGEOUS ACOUSTIC VERSIONS OF ALL OF THE ALBUM’S SONGS!!! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Julee Price: $14.00 Artist: Dave Cope and the Sass Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL!! “Julee” is an amalgam of various recordings completed by Philadelphia’s Dave Cope and the Sass over a decade ago. The bulk of the playlist consists of songs from Cope’s 2013 low-key, digital-only release “A Proper Record” with a few tracks removed and replaced with other songs Cope had written and recorded between 2008 and 2012. The result is a product that goes above and beyond the original scope and incarnation of its modes of presentation. It is a solid melodic effort, at times hard rocking, at times sweet and mellow, a loving tribute to the catchy mid 60s British Invasion power pop of the Beatles, The Kinks, The Small Faces and The Move. The core personnel for the album include Dave Cope on vocals, guitars, keys and string arrangements, Bart Michael on lead guitar, Ethan Rider on bass and Steve Fulton on drums. “Lost With You” is a tribute to Dave’s late father, and the English Music Hall sounds his father grew up with in 1940’s England. Another spiritual influence for the project was George Harrison,whose film biography, “Living In The Material World” had just been released in 2011. Harrison’s musical presence is most ardently felt in the Indian music influenced acoustic lullaby “On A Day Like Today”. “On ‘Julee’, Dave Cope has hit on all cylinders, creating an album that fans of the likes of The Grip Weeds and The Merry Go Round will eat up for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Check out the chorus of the title song and tell me you’re not blown away - I won’t believe you!” – David Bash/IPO GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Stupid Kid Price: $14.00 Artist: David Woodard Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL! After a string of successful and well regarded digital-only EPs, David Woodard unleashes his first full length album “Stupid Kid”. If The Beatles and U2 raised an American son coming of age when 80’s rock ruled, it might sound like this Nashville native flipping cool-kid memories into grownup melodies. “Stupid Kid” stretches David’s indie rock muscle without abandoning the British invasion inspired power pop that reviewers have compared to Bill Lloyd, Matthew Sweet, Teenage Fanclub, P.Hux, and Fountains of Wayne. The record explodes with smart songwriting, tight vocals, and jangly guitars, and features collaborations with power pop queen Lisa Mychols. One of which, “Right Through Me”, that has hit written all over it. “Turns Blue” offers Lisa as the featured vocalist. David also duets with the late David Schrader, his best friend and songwriting partner, on the Schrader-penned “More Than Happiness”. “Woodard’s a very talented pop solo artist who has been churning out consistent records for the last few years…” -Jeff Shelton/The Power Pop Show “His sound reminds me of fellow Nashvillian Bill Lloyd and nothing here changes that with his jangly and catchy sound. Songs like "Nine Hundred Ninety-Nine" are effortlessly melodic.” – AbsolutePowerPop.com “A few highlights for me on this release are undoubtedly ‘Applebees’, ‘The Last Word’ and ‘Grand Scheme Of Things’. ‘Applebees’ has a slow burn take up, reeling you in with its classic story of failed rock and roll ambition and just the right amount of Fountains of Wayne hooky pathos. The FOW influences are also present on the opening to ‘The Last word” but Woodard quickly takes the song in his own direction. The track has a low key hook so subtly placed that, after repeated listenings, it really gets into your head. ‘Grand Scheme Of Things’ sails on a delightful low-key jangle wind until – bam – a killer chorus takes the listener into the stratosphere.” –PopRockRecord.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Feel Some Love Price: $11.00 Artist: Edward O'Connell Description: Rootsy popper Edward O’Connell is back with “Feel Some Love”, his third overall record, and his first since 2014’s terrific “Vanishing Act”. Reuniting with longtime producer Jared Bartlett, and wanting to capture the sound of a full band playing, the 15 songs here were recorded live in the studio. Helping Ed on the record are guitarist Buddy Speir, bass player Scott McKnight, keyboard player Jon Carroll and drummer Chuck Sullivan. “The record includes 14 new songs by me along with a cover of DC-area 80’s pop rockers The Neighbors’ ‘Sad and Lonely’. There’s lots of guitars from Buddy, fantastic keyboards from Mr. Carroll and lots of harmonies from some special guests that include familiar names like Parthenon Huxley, Thomas Walsh (Pugwash), and Robert Harrison (Cotton Mather)” explains Ed. “O’Connell creates smart, unaffected guitar-based rock that sounds instantly familiar upon its initial listen. His music has a timeless quality to it, as it if could have been released in 1969, 1979, 1989 - well, you get the point.” – Jeffrey Raskin “O'Connell is very much a power popper in the Richard X. Heyman mold. His sound builds on influences from Nick Lowe, Tom Petty, and Elvis Costello.” – Powerpopaholic.com “Imagine the Byrds meet Warren Zevon! O'Connell is living proof that Power Pop is alive and well. His vocals are meaningful and give a cool edge to his spirited, well written compositions” – PowerPopOverdose.com EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Cult Stars From Mars Price: $16.00 Artist: Fuzzbubble Description: Fuzzbubble is an American rock/power pop band initially active from 1995 to 2001. The band originally consisted of Jim Bacchi on guitar, Mark DiCarlo on vocals, Jason Camiolo on drums, and Brett Rothfeld on bass. They were signed by Sean "Puffy" Combs' Bad Boy Records. In 1997, they contributed to a rock remix of Puff Daddy's song "It's All About the Benjamins". A year later, their track "Out There" appeared on the soundtrack to the film “Godzilla”, and they performed on the song "Nowhere to Run (Vapor Trail)" from the soundtrack to “South Park", after which they left Bad Boy Records. “Cult Stars From Mars” is the first new music from Fuzzbubble since their 2000 self-titled debut! “This is the best musical surprise of 2022 - FUZZBUBBLE IS BACK! I don’t know if there is a better power pop band. Mark Dicarlo has one of the great rock voices, and the songs are hooky in a bombastic way; think of a more-fun Jellyfish. Their new album is killer - my favorite track right off might be ‘Funny Face’, which is about the 60’s/70’s drink mix. Eff yeah! Nothing wrong with the 7-minute cover of ‘Blinded By The Light,’ either.” – Alan Heaton GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Turning On The Century Vol. 1 Price: $14.00 Artist: Marc Jonson & Ramirez Exposure Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL!! The relationship between these two generations of artists isn’t new at all. Marc Jonson produced one of Ramírez’s best records (2017’s “Young Is The New Old”) and they have toured Spain together in 2016 and 2018. The importance of partnership in music can’t be underestimated. Paul McCartney admitted working alone in his recording studio took twice the time absent another person to spur him on. As they embarked on their project, Ramirez Exposure and Marc Jonson entered an atmosphere passing the creative baton back and forth across the ocean. This collaboration has produced “Turning On The Century Vol. 1”. Victor Ramirez (a/k/a Ramírez Exposure) is all about fresh guitars, 60’s-style backing vocals, pop synths and zero additives. Defined by The Line Of Best Fit as the “Spanish power-pop wunderkind”, he has worked with a number of artists such as Ken Stringfellow ,Richard Lloyd and Todd Herfindal among others. Chicago’s WBEZ exclaimed “Ramirez Exposure brings an unexpected intensity and a riveting charisma to the jangly power-pop of his albums”. His albums “Book Of Youth” (2015), “Young Is The New Old” and “Exit Times” are the absolute proof of his unique talent. Just after leaving high school, Marc was awarded his first solo recording contract with Vanguard Records and soon released his self produced album, “Years”. Robert Gordon was first to pick up on Marc’s songwriting abilities by recording three of Marc’s songs, including the title track of his “Are You Gonna Be The One” album. The Roches recorded his inspired, “Love Radiated Around”, which went on to be nominated for “Song of the Year” by the New York Music/BMI Awards. Paul Butterfield took his turn at a Jonson composition with “Bad Love”. Dave Edmunds covered Marc’s “King of Love”. Other songs have been recorded/performed by Shawn Colvin, Lucy Kaplinsky, Willie Nile, Richard Barone, Richard Lloyd, Gunner Nelson, Carolyne Mas, Steve Forbert, Suzanne Vega and The Smithereens! “An absolutely gorgeous record that highlights Ramirez’s and Jonson’s voices beautifully intertwining throughout this smartly produced record. Here’s hoping that a ‘Vol. 2’ collaboration is not far behind!!” – Max Humphries GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

The Lings Price: $14.00 Artist: The Lings Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL!! The Lings are from the Mantova/Verona region of Italy. Their self-titled release represents their debut offering, and what a fantastic debut it is! Their music is heavily rooted in jangly 60’s garage and pop (and they can crank it up when necessary), and they’re not afraid to let it shine through in their music as they flex their deft understanding of the subtle intricacies that define bonafide garage rock and pop! It’s a fantastic 12 song journey through the teen-beat sounds of the 60's... AND BEYOND! "The Lings play pop music with a good deal of power thrown in. Wanna know why they play pop music? Because they CAN. Wanna know why it’s GREAT pop music? Because they have that kind of INSPIRATION other bands only wish they had. Wanna know why YOU should listen to them? Because their music will take you right back to when you had your first crush, first date, first heartbreak and that kinda stuff. Yes, it’s that pure. Wanna find yourself whistling songs that will stick just because they are simply too good? Then go grab this record!" - Matt Ragazzi “The Lings are a reflection of a reflection, an echo of an echo, a band that is garage-like not because of aping their predecessors, but for the simple way their songs seem to recall the magic that was the 60’s filtered through their lens. They effortlessly weave their dreamy version of 60’s-inspired music with mature songwriting and exquisite production detail. They sound familiar, but not like anyone obvious – a tribute to them!” – Max Humphries GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

The Cartel & I Price: $14.00 Artist: The Mike Bell Cartel Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL!! The Helsinki, Finland-based Mike Bell Cartel’s debut album “The Cartel & I” brings out all the best things about 60’s garage rock and pop: guitars chime, the fuzz-box growls, Farfisa howls and the vocal harmonies echo just like the best records of the era. The band's stylish sound was captured on tape at Timmion Studio in Helsinki and mixed to authentic perfection by Liam Watson of Toe Rag Studios, known for his work with Tame Impala, Billy Childish, Supergrass, Madness and The White Stripes among others. The band consists of long-time members of the musical underbelly of Helsinki: Miikka Siira aka Mike Bell (Mike Bell & The Belltones), Pekka Laine (The Hypnomen), Ville Särmä (John’s Children), Samuel Abaijón (The Valkyrians) and Aapee Heinola (Hard Action). Here they come together to bring forth possibly the most melodic, energetic and moody garage of the 2020’s. “The Mike Bell Cartel makes music that could be from California in 1966 in terms of composition, production, and arrangements. All the songs except the title track are written by Siira. The year is important. In 1967, hippie culture and psychedelia began. At the same time, time drove past the original garage rock. ‘The Cartel & I’ is comma-precise in its sound and arrangements so that this odor gap is not exceeded. Guitarist Pekka Laine’s riffs take turns in the spirit of the Rolling Stones’ early white rhythm ’n’ blues, alternately ringing pop like Love or The Byrds. If this record had been released 20 years ago, it would have been found in the record store behind the same garage rock splash as the White Stripes records were found.” – PledgeTimes.com “In my world, this album is a batting practice fastball right thrown belt high. It's so-o-o damn good that my only problem is determining which songs to feature! – Bill Kelly/SiriusXM GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Pop Aid - A Power Pop Compilation To Benefit The Citizens Of Ukraine (3CD) Price: $24.00 Artist: Various Artists Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL!! FINALLY!! “PopAid” is a 63 track, 3CD collection to benefit the citizens of war-torn Ukraine. 100% of all profits from sales of the collection will go to World Central Kitchen, a renowned organization founded by chef Jose Andres whose mission statement is “To serve hot, nutritious meals to people who need them most. Services include Global Disaster Response Efforts, Emergency Food Relief, Resilience Programs and Restaurant Partnerships as well as advancing human and environmental health, offering access to professional culinary training, and improving food security for the people we serve.” An impressive list of 63 pop bands/artists from around the world have unselfishly provided exclusive/previously unreleased tracks present on the collection to support this important initiative! The participating artists are: Anchor & Bear, Marc Andersson, Rich Arithmetic, Arvidson & Butterflies, Ian M Bailey, Ballzy Tomorrow (Robbie Rist), Band Of Jays, Dr. Barnes (Kevin Robertson), Jim Basnight & The Moberlys, Mike Browning, Vincent Bruckert, Terry Carolan (with Al Chan & Tommy Dunbar), Chris Church, Cloud Eleven (with Rick Hromadka), Dave Cope and The Sass, The Deadlights, Defoe & Pronai, The Embryos, Flashcubes, Nick Frater, The Glad Machine, Goldstoned, Grand Splendid, Jamie Hoover (with Michael Ruiz & Elana Rogers), Jeremy (with Ken Stringfellow), John Howard (with Ian Button, Andy Lewis and Robert Rotifer), The Junior League, The Kite Collectors (feat. Wayne Lundqvist Ford), Larry Lange, John Larson and The Silver Fields, Lolas, Richie Mayer, Scott McCarl, Joey Molland, Iain Mutch & Thee Absurdist Monks, The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco, The Overtures, Papernut Cambridge, Parallax Project, Power On Pilot, Psychotic Youth, The Red Sticks, Kai Reiner, Rogers & Butler, The Sails, Alex Siodmak, SMUG, Squire, Starbyrd, Star Collector, The Stayawakes, The Sun Sawed In ½, Super 8, That Mighty Bumble, threeleggeddog, Thrift Store Halo, The Vandalays, The Walkdown, Whelligan (with Nick Frater), The World Record, Daniel Wylie, Chuck Yoakum and Your Academy! “Kudos to Kool Kat Musik for their herculean effort to launch and coordinate such a project in such a short time. Amazingly, many of the tracks present here were unrecorded at the time the notice seeking participants first went out in early March. Listening to 3CD collections like this can be a bit daunting and tedious, but I must say that, given the quality of the songs/performances and flow, this one stacks up to be one of the best of its kind – EVER!!” – Cesar Milan High praise indeed Mr. Milan! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

This Is Rock 'N' Roll Radio Vol. 5 Price: $16.00 Artist: Various Artists Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL!! 2022 marks 30 years since “This Is Rock 'N' Roll Radio” hosts Dana & Carl's first radio series “We're Your Friends For Now” in 1992. As Carl's daughter Meghan Jean Cafarelli says, "These guys are still at it? Some people never grow up!" And there's no better way to celebrate such bewildering longevity than with a new compilation album: “This Is Rock 'N' Roll Radio, Vol. 5”, the first full-fledged TIRnRR compilation in five years, and it continues Dana & Carl's dedication to crafting collections that aren't merely a bunch of great tracks thrown together, but which serve as a rewarding listening experience, flowing together with precise intent, track after track! 17 of this album's 23 music tracks make their CD debut here, and the stellar line-up includes Laurie Biagini, The Mayflowers, Perilous, Pop Co-Op, Maura And The Bright Lights, Hoover And Martinez, Carolyne Mas, Deadlights, Irene Pena, Chris Von Sneidern, Arielle Eden, Stevenson And Company, Justine And The Unclean, The Jangle Band, Kid Gulliver, Gary Frenay, Kelley Ryan, Tall Poppy Syndrome, In Deed, Ballzy Tomorrow, The Villas, Amy Rigby and Eytan Mirsky, all mastered for maximum pop punch by the mighty Kurt Reil of The Grip Weeds. Hidden within the individual track credits are contributions from Clem Burke of Blondie, Wreckless Eric, Marti Jones, Robbie Rist, Vince Melouney of the original five-piece Bee Gees, Marc Johnson, Fernando Perdomo, Alec Palao, and members of the Flashcubes, The Tubes, The Spongetones, The Pandoras, The Kennedys, The Jigsaw Scene, Jack and the Beanstalk, and more. When Dana & Carl ask their musical friends to come out and play, a righteous rockin' pop party is inevitable Previous Kool Kat label releases “This Is Rock 'N' Roll Radio, Vol. 4” from 2017 and the 2019 12-song “Waterloo Sunset -Benefit For This Is Rock 'N' Roll Radio” both remain in print. That proud tradition of “Hey, this is friggin' FANTASTIC!” continues with “This Is Rock 'N' Roll Radio, Vol. 5”. Stay tuned for more rock 'n' roll. A FUNDRAISING EFFORT, $5 FROM EVERY CD SOLD WILL GO TO SPARK RADIO! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none