Selection Box Vol. 1/The Appleyard Sessions (2CD) Price: $17.00 Artist: Amoeba Teen Description: Ameoba Teen’s core members Mark Britton (rhythm guitar and keyboard) and Mike Turner (lead guitar) met as teenagers and have been writing together for nearly two decades. They first bonded on a shared appreciation of Cream and other classic British blues acts, but their interests soon moved on to artists that were more melodic but still with prominent and layered guitars, including Neil Young, Jellyfish, Wilco, and Teenage Fanclub. In early 2017 they rewarded fans with “Selection Box Vol. 1” followed in five months by “The Appleyard Sessions” (both download-only releases). They now make their CD debut on this 2CD collection! Although “Selection Box” is ostensibly the “pop” album and “Appleyard” the “folk” album (they even contain songs titled “Pop” and “Folk,” respectively), when paired together, they seem not so much two different genres as two different ways of conveying the writers’ inner lives. “I love power pop, be it from the Mod 60’s, the skinny-tie 70’s, or any of the genre’s various revivals, up to the present day. But if I am honest with myself, I will admit that whereas power pop classics retain a timeless immediacy, many of them have something missing. That something is emotional maturity. Hence, for the listener who loves catchy melodies, ear-candy harmonies, guitars that alternately jangle and fuzz, and simple rhythm, there is a crisis built into power pop: how can an artist take a medium designed to express teenage angst and adapt it to say meaningful things about adult life? Is such a task even possible? I submit that it is, and that the proof is in the Amoeba Teen recordings that comprise this collection. There is no doubt that ‘Selection Box’ wears its emotions on its sleeve. From the supercharged starburst of ‘This Spark’ to the defiantly above-the-weather ‘Good Morning Sunshine,’ to the tenderly encouraging ‘Fade Out,’ the message is clear. Adult life is messy and often disappointing. The frankness of the lyrics finds its complement in the intensity of the album’s musical arrangements. Save for a couple of tunes where the band lightens the mood, such as the lush ‘Memory Lane’ (which manages to capture the mood of ‘Penny Lane’ nicely without falling into soundalike territory), there is a surfeit of nervous energy in its grooves. It’s palpable in the crunchy staccatoed guitar lines of ‘This Spark,’ the slightly neurotic high-hat on ‘Hearts and Minds,’ and the plaintive Al Kooper organ line feeling its way through ‘Fade Out.’ Often, it threatens to bubble over into a kind of ecstasy, and sometimes it does. But even when it doesn’t, it’s always satisfying, because it speaks to the experiences of people who are trying to find beauty in everyday life. That same search for beauty is evident in ‘The Appleyard Sessions’, but there it is expressed far more delicately, with lyrics that read like poems and arrangements that feel like soundscapes. For my money, the standouts are ‘Folk’ and ‘3 a.m., Here I Am,’ which combine to give the impression of a swatch of a soundtrack to a lost film. There’s an entire story just in the reverberations of the opening guitar chord of ‘Folk,’ with its mysterious tuning recalling Jimmy Page in his most Bert Janschian mood. I’m also taken with the subtle ambient effects that pan left-right left and the other elements of ‘musique concrete’ that waft through the mix. Add Mike’s tensile voice as it chimes in with haiku-like verses, and Amoeba Teen succeeds in creating a sound collage that evokes ‘Bookends’-era Simon and Garfunkel. A sense of melancholy pervades those songs and others throughout this disc. With the recordings on this collection, Amoeba Teen successfully stretch the boundaries of power pop to make it express grown-up ideas. At the same time, they display a unique and beautiful flair for the familiar-yet-new melodies that keep the genre forever young. Their sound has real substance, and I’m excited to discover where their muse will take them in the years to come.” - Dawn Eden Goldstein Eloquently stated Dawn….thank you! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Bennett Wilson Poole Price: $17.00 Artist: Bennett Wilson Poole Description: NEW LOWER PRICE!! 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

Clapham Junction EP Price: $9.00 Artist: Cupid's Carnival Description: They’re baack! “Clapham Junction” is Cupid’s Carnival’s brilliant Fab Four-inspired followup to their brilliant “Everything Is Love” 2016 debut! Brimming with beautiful Beatlesque love songs, the record is a “Summer Of Love” delight containing new and original songs for the “Summer of 2018”. “Beatles fans will thoroughly enjoy the music of Cupid’s Carnival. Pop fans old enough to remember the bands they influenced will marvel at the dexterity with which they glide from one paisley tinged track to another. Most of all, fans of good music will dig their ability to write a great pop hook.” – Rich Rossi/PowerPopNews.com “They fashion songs and performances that evoke the sound and spirit of the Beatles and like-minded fellow travelers such as Badfinger.” – Alan Haber/Pure Pop Radio “I just happened to stumble across this extremely Beatlesque band this morning and I'm hooked, lined and sinkered. If, like me, you're a sucker for this Beatles-ish kind of stuff, you will not be disappointed. Highly recommended!” – Mark Kirk We think by now you should get the idea…. GREAT!!!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

II Price: $10.00 Artist: Diamond Hands Description: NEW RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL! WOW!! If you loved their brilliant self-titled debut, then you’re gonna fall HARD for this one as well! If you missed them the first time around, get on board now! The new record was recorded on and off by Jon Flynn and Joel Wall between January and October 2017 at Joel's house in Santa Ana. Not straying much from the formula that defined their debut, the second chapter of their three part trilogy continues to explore the Diamond Hands’ short, sharp universe with swirling organs, 6 and 12 string jangling guitars, vocal harmonies, and even a sitar thrown in for good measure! “While musically there is little resemblance, their brevity reminds me a bit of The Buzzcocks. Short, concise bursts of melody and hooky choruses make for the perfect album for those with a short attention span (like yours, truly). If Beatlesque pop is your thing, you’ll want to hear this collection of quick hits (all under 3 minutes) transports you right back to the days of 60’s AM radio.” – Rich Rossi/PowerPopNews.com Indeed Rich! You can mark this one as a stone-cold “gotta have” 2018 release! Nice work boys! GREAT!!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Sugar Price: $11.00 Artist: Lisa Mychols Description: Lisa’s intoxicating amalgamation of girl-group sweetness with powerful melodies and instrumentation makes for a polished sound, where the guitars are out in full force, the lyrics are poignant, and the vocals are nothing less than impressive and charming. “A fantastic new album from Lisa Mychols, featuring Lisa's beautiful vocals and poignant lyrics, together with creative melodies and chord changes and cool powerpop instrumentation and production. Think southern California girl power pop, garage sunshine, indie pop, mod, and psychedelic pop/rock. Lisa is a unique American pop/rock treasure!” – Bill Jacobs “’Sugar’ is perhaps the most appropriately titled album of the year – a joyous, harmony-filled singer’s showcase, imbued with sweet songs sung sweetly. This is the sound of pure pop made for a life under sun-drenched skies spreading light and love over lazy mid-year, carefree days. The record is nothing less than Lisa’s greatest achievement, and that, as has been said before, is really saying something. One part girl-group aesthetic and one other part sunshine pop, Sugar’s songs, built around gorgeous, rich harmonies and Lisa’s most assured vocals ever, should have no trouble lifting spirits as they entertain. It would be impossible to deny the pleasing power of beauteous creations such as ‘Loving You’ and the full-on, sugary sweet uptempo wonder ‘Don’t Wanna Close My Eyes.’ And then there is ‘He’s Got Me Dreaming,’ a girl-group confection running atop a steady rock beat, ‘Domino,’ within which rock steady verses meet pop choruses, and ‘Next to Impossible,’ a sweet, bluesy ballad. It’s a wonder to behold, this album full of wonders. This is your summer album, sung sweetly by one of melodic pop music’s most enduring, endearing talents. Steve Refling produced, played all of the instruments, and co-wrote all of the songs with Lisa. ‘Sugar’ is sweet. Don’t miss it.” – Alan Haber/Pure Pop Radio GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Big Night Out + bonus disc Price: $16.00 Artist: Rob Clarke and The Wooltones Description: What's the biggest, best, “Big Night Out” you ever had? A particularly memorable one for Rob was dropping five tabs of acid on the way to see Blackpool Illuminations. Were you arrested taking a bunch of daffs to the Queen perhaps? Or tied to a lamp post and serenaded with a violin? Ladies and Gentlemen, it is indeed a pleasure to be back in the world of The Wooltones and to add fuel to the bonfire of hype surrounding the band's new album. “They’ve done it again! ‘Better Times’ is a jazzy, Mod, Beatle-esque number that would fit on a relaxing Sunday afternoon or long ride down to Brighton Beach” – AudioAmmunition.com “To say that Rob Clarke And The Wooltones have a gift for making a perfect pop song is to underestimate the clarity and spirit they bring. This is a very special release, and it is one in which the addition of the stunning added bonus is exactly that, a true dividend, a windfall in which to savour.” -Liverpool Sound and Vision “They’ve returned back on track with their sound radically stoned in fuzzy raptures and psychedelic magic dust not to mention adorably possessed hooklines so insidiously infectious you’ll need to resort to a session of trepanning to remove. ‘Brown Paper Bag’ slinkily emerges from the colourfully coolest and hippest party basements of a swinging 60’s scene smoking and smouldering behind its shades, spreading its lazy eyed hipster now sound beat groove upon a drab monochrome outside, daubing it in subtle shadings of lysergically tailored garage pouts’ – TheSundayExperience.com But wait - there's more! In July 1957, John Lennon and Paul McCartney met for the first time at St.Peter’s Garden Fete in Woolton, where John’s Quarrymen were playing that afternoon. Who better to celebrate this once in a lifetime 60th anniversary with than The Wooltones, joined by none other than Colin Hanton of The Quarrymen on drums, playing a skiffle set in the very same venue, as on that fateful day that started everything! THIS EXCLUSIVE BONUS DISC COMES WITH YOUR COPY OF “BIG NIGHT OUT” – BUT YOU CAN ONLY GET IT HERE! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Four Price: $12.00 Artist: Starbelly Description: JUST ARRIVED!! They’re baaack! Armed with lots of jangly guitars, harmonies and hooks are emboldened by the strong songwriting duo of Cliff Hillis and Dennis Schocket. Bryan Ewald has mastered George Harrison’s slide technique and Greg Schroeder hits his drums with furious precision. After years of music making, "Four" finds the band all grown up. Lyrics touch on a father’s passing (“The Boy Who Learned How to Cry”), a suffragette’s fight for equality (“She Will Go On”), life changes (“Lay Low”), and a beleaguered rock star’s obsession with "making it" (“Danny Opus”). All supported by crisp, clean production, “Four” is a testament to both top notch songwriting and performance! “Starbelly exists as a part of nature. They will go forever, draping the world in beautiful harmonies. But only with this recording has their glory been properly captured. Much-needed and long-awaited, this is their finest yet. Feed on this and grow stronger!" - Warren Zanes We certainly have and will continue to moving forward! Welcome back guys! We missed you! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Let Me In On This Action Price: $16.00 Artist: The Bottle KIds Description: WOW!! The new Bottle Kids garage pop record is again the project of singer, songwriter and guitarist Eric Blakley, one of the most inspired, consistent figures of the American power pop scene right now. The ‘Kids’ debut, “Such A Thrill”, was released on Kool Kat in 2014. Sounding like it could have been released in the late 70’s/early 80’s, "Let Me In On This Action" sounds like a fantastic meeting of the Plimsouls, The Knack, Paul Collins' Beat and the Romantics. An overwhelming collection of splendid songs with a classic flavor and full of energy. It’s old school, guitar pop made with conviction and credibility, led by a terrific songwriter who just so happens to also be a very talented instrumentalist. Can’t say enough about this start to finish gem! GREAT!!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Past and Present Price: $10.00 Artist: The Spindles Description: Inspired by Chicago power poppers and British Invasion bands, The Spindles have released a fine debut that oozes with hints of The Hollies, The Raspberries and a few actual Elvis Brothers. There’s a cover of Graham Gouldman’s “Look Through Any Window” (a hit for The Hollies) and two songs by the aforementioned brothers Elvis. Brad, Graham and Rob Elvis make appearances here as well. One is “Young Heart”, a Brad Elvis-penned original that the Elvis Brothers never officially released. Bill Corston, the bassist for Jay and the Americans, also plays on many of the tracks. “If you are a fan of the music of the 60's and 70's, you will love this album. With the very first song it establishes a high bar that it lives up to first track to last. Every song is a great slice of Liverpool meets L.A. pop. There is no filler here. Most albums have hills and valleys and often throw on filler at the end. The Spindles keep their foot firmly on the gas pedal throughout. The last three songs are the best rockers, especially the original, ‘Annette’ and their cover of the Elvis Brothers’ ‘Santa Fe’!” – Tim Schubert “From the outset, the harmonies are really, really strong. All of the songs are well written and very catchy. Nothing exemplifies this more than opener ‘Prisoner of War’. With the requisite jangle and hooky chorus to make it an 80’s hit, this one is as radio friendly as it gets. ‘Peace with the Past’ and ‘Mrs. Miller’ follow as similarly melodic, very catchy tracks. The songs are a bit more up tempo and even more pleasing from there on out. ‘Annette’ and ‘If I Fall in Love’ would have made good follow up singles to ‘Prisoner of War’ under the old business model. Concluding with their cover of ‘Sante Fe’, we’re definitely left wanting for more. If you’re a fan of The Hollies, Elvis Brothers, Raspberries or The Records (particularly ‘Crashes’), this is a record for you.” – PowerPopNews.com And for all you 7” vinyl collectors out there, each CD comes with a “Spindle” 45 adaptor attached to the front shrinkwrap as an added bonus! Nice touch! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

You Never Know Price: $13.00 Artist: Three Hour Tour Description: The latest and greatest from Darren Cooper, with some help from friends like Adam Schmitt and John Richardson serves as another primer for up-and-coming poppers that shows “how it’s done”! “They appeal to fans of The Grip Weeds, Myracle Brah, or The Well Wishers. Their music is always consistently high quality power pop, and nearly every track is a compelling listen.” – Powerpopaholic.com “Cooper’s way with a melody has always been unerring….” – John Borack/Goldmine Magazine “These guys are among the best power pop bands ever to grace the genre, with a sincere devotion to 60’s Mersey and British Invasion, and great - I mean great- vocals and harmonies. You can her influences by The Who, Green Day, The Smithereens, Cotton Mather, Tommy Keene, Guided By Voices and more on this record. It's a powerful rock album with a power-pop pedigree, with guitars that both jangle and roar. Vocals, harmonies, guitars, songs and rhythm section are among the best since, well, ever. If you love great guitar records, get all of their releases ASAP!” – John D. Pride “Every one of Three Hour Tour’s albums are flat out perfect power pop! Cream of the crop, thankfully Cooper never leaves his formula, yet always sounds new and enthused. Theirs is not your everyday enjoy and forget pop, theirs is lasting material and like the Beatles for example, never gets old!” – Matt Worman “They heavily emphasize and pretty much stick to the three-minute jangle rock format, emulating the familiar punch of '60s and '70s bands like Badfinger​, The Beatles​, and The Raspberries​, as well as more recent bands like The Posies​.” – AllMusic.com Ain’t nothing wrong with that kids! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none