Detours and Dead Ends Vol. 1 Price: $14.00 Artist: Caddy Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL!! Caddy is the brainchild of Norway’s Tomas Dahl. His latest offering (and third release on the Kool Kat label), “Detours and Dead Ends Vol. 1”, is a collection of late 70’s, early 80’s power pop and new wave covers. Tomas explains how he made it a sport finding the best, yet most obscure tracks - “I’ve spent many many MANY hours digging and searching. I loved it. It became a big part of the project. How can I find even more underground and unknown songs?” He truly uncovered some great gems, and then covered them to perfection – injecting a fresh, new perspective that results in him truly owning the songs! And, as a bonus, he gives you an excuse to dive into a Youtube rabbit hole looking for the originals. Track listing: “Walking On The Roof” (Sgt. Arms, 1982), “Heart of Stone” (SVT, 1981), “If I Call Your Name” (Junior Campbell, 1971), “Best Thing I Ever Did” (The Invaders, 1979), “Cost of Love” (The Cretones, 1980), “Violent Days” (Screaming Sneakers, 1982), “Not The Way It Seems” (Gary Charlson,1978), “Don't Wait Till Tomorrow” (Robin Lane & The Chartbusters, 1980), “Mark My Words” (Chrissy, 1980) and “No Money” (The Freshies,1980) “I am a Caddy fanatic. Tomas Dahl has a knack of making music that turns every mood to chirpy. I know when people hear the words covers album, they run for the hills, I know I do. It fills me with dread the way this lockdown has brought out the words ‘acoustic set.’ But wait! It really depends on the songs and thankfully there are no Beatles related covers here. I love The Beatles, but you know, other bands are available. The fact is that many of the songs here will not be familiar to most away from the die-hard pop rock fans, who are probably listening to Badfinger or Raspberries on rotation. Bar a magnificent cover of Junior Campbell's ‘If I Call Your Name’, all choices are from the end of the 70's/start of the 80's golden New Wave guitar pop period. All 10 songs have been given maximum Power Pop and it works. I'm not sure that ‘Detours and Dead Ends’ should even be classified as a cover album, it has been Caddied (sic) up so much to make it their own. This is a superb feel good album, a pleasure to listen to and one to explore. You'll learn something about artists you didn't know of and be reminded that Tom Dahl is a major talent.” – IDontHearASingle.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Pandora's Box Price: $12.50 Artist: Cloud Eleven Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL!! “Pandora’s Box” isn’t so much a “new” album than a collection previously unfinished song fragments and covers that had been buried on old cassette tapes, plus some outtakes from other albums, and a few covers. During the lockdown of 2020, Rick Gallego would discover a stray chorus here, a verse there, and commence to completing the songs, then record them. Rick explains “In some ways, ‘Pandora’s Box’ is ‘Terrestrial Ballet’ part deux. Sometimes it just feels good to clean out that old junk drawer.” “Cloud Eleven (aka Rick Gallego) has been a reliable figure in power pop since the late 90’s, and although he’s mellowed he remains a potent talent.” – Powerpopaholic.com “Cloud Eleven's self titled 1999 debut was a revelation and Gallego has never disappointed since. He makes ace sounding albums, expertly arranged and full of harmonic joy. His albums are song cycles. Long may this continue.“ – IDontHearASingle.com “Gallego’s songs and arrangements are crafted with a unique combination of hues, tints, tones and colors; one flick of his brush too many and his songs might tilt toward another form altogether. He makes music for himself and we are blessed he is able to share it with us. It’s pure bedroom-psych-pop from the Brian Wilson/Wondermints school of soundscapes. His songs are touched by the spirit of harmony-laden Beach Boys, while balanced on a tightrope of his own devising; what a gloriously creative and fulfilling place that must be to hang.” – Alan Haber/Pure Pop Radio “Gallego makes beautiful kaleidoscopic pop with strong 60’s influences..." – Shindig! Magazine “Cloud Eleven's inspired, passionate, and soulful pop will make you remember why you love music so much in the first place..." – Vendetta Magazine "Rick Gallego is in the same class as the very best pop song makers over the past 20 years..." – Seth Swirsky High praise indeed (and well-deserved)!! And, as always – GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Televangelist Price: $14.00 Artist: Dolour Description: “Televangelist” is the sixth Dolour record. The return of Dolour started last year when the pandemic forced the music industry to hit the pause button. Shane Tutmarc, like so many of us, found himself with a lot of time on his hands, and the ghost of his former band came knocking. He released Dolour’s “The Royal We” in June of 2020. The response was so positive, that he immediately got back to work in his home studio resulting in “Televangelist”. He explains “I had left a pile of songs that had been haunting me for years. Those are some of my favorite Dolour songs, but no one ever heard them. I finally had a spare moment where I was like, ‘You know what? I’m just gonna do these for myself and see if anyone cares.’ I feel like my whole life I’ve had this Lennon/McCartney fight in my head, and I would always side with John. This is the first record I let Paul win. I feel like [it has] the spirit of Paul and ‘Ram’, and the early solo records of his. Even ending the album with a light lullaby ditty felt very Paul. You’ll hear me getting old and realizing maybe McCartney might’ve been right all along.” “‘Televangelist’ continues Tutmarc’s resurrection of that lush, sunny Dolour sound that won so many fans over the years. On ‘It Would Be a Delight,’ a bright chamber-pop daydream about running away with the one you love, he layers his vocals to create rich harmonies that recall The Beach Boys and The Byrds. Over a bed of chimes that hit like raindrops, he throws Seattle a little love on ‘Summer Rain’ as he sings: ‘When the sun refuses to shine/And everybody hides themselves away/When I am alone at night/The summer rain takes me to Seattle/ And I don’t even have to travel.’ In many ways, the record picks up right where Dolour left off, delivering unabashed pop. It also simultaneously showcases a wiser side of Tutmarc. That journey is best represented in the song ‘I’m Not Mad Anymore,’ in which he explains he’s addressing some of the jealousy that maybe got the best of him in the past. It’s pure pop released in turbulent times - just like way back when. Dolour has lured Tutmarc back to the lighter side yet again.” – NashvilleScene.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Collected - The Best Of John Howard Price: $18.00 Artist: John Howard Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL!! Long overdue, specially-priced 2CD career retrospective (including a cache of previously unreleased tracks) by one of the UK’s best artists you probably never heard! This 2CD set was curated by Edward Rogers (host of The Atlantic Tunnel and quite an artist himself) who also wrote the copious liner notes. “What happens when you meet THE SPECIAL artist who can put a thrill in your heart from a twinkle in their eye? Well in 1974, that artist was John Howard. He was discovered playing in the Troubadour Folk Club. The music world was at his feet -wined and dined at the most fabulous London restaurants, photos by THE photographer (Dezo Hoffman), clothed by the finest haberdashery in town. He was groomed to the be the next Elton John meets David Bowie! He had the songs, looks, charisma and style, Pop music had a new contender. As we all know, not every artist who is a star achieves commercial success, and London streets are not paved in gold. That doesn’t stop a true artist from creating the precious art they were born to make. For most artists that would break their spirit but John found a respectable way to pursue his musical career by playing London’s fashionable restaurants and piano bars. He continued to release singles, like 1978’s ‘I Can Breathe Again’ produced by Trevor Horn of ‘Video Killed The Radio Star’ fame! By the mid-80’s he had a successful career in A&R working at MCA, EMI and Universal, while still pursuing his songwriting career. Listen to these songs and feel the emotions revealed in his lyrics as the writer opens himself up and invites you into his private world. He reveals little segments of his life through each lyric. Feelings we can all relate to! Maybe by wearing his heart on his sleeve and revealing his true feelings he has alienated some but I believe this should be the mission of every true artist. Unlike Scott Walker before him, John never stopped performing and entertaining in all the London cabaret and night clubs. He may not be a household name, but it doesn’t stop him from writing an amazing collection of songs. The songs contained here is the ultimate collection of this artist’s finest work to date. Taken from over fifty years’ work, it’s the first time John’s finest songs are available on CD in the United States! I am honored to have worked with John, selecting some of my faves so you can discover the magic music of his music John Howard. I hope you enjoy the musical journey.” –Edward Rogers (taken from the liner notes) GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Mondo Bizarro Price: $14.00 Artist: K7s Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL!! “Mondo Bizarro” is a mis-spelled version of "Mondo Bizzarro," meaning "Weird World" in Italian. Spain’s K7s (fronted by Kurt Baker) have delivered a front-to-back tribute to “Mondo Bizarro”, the twelfth album by The Ramones. Recording this album was an idea that had been in Luis Sánchez’s (Depressing Claim, Los Reactivos, Heatwaves) mind for years. He bought the original Ramones’ LP on the day of its release in 1992 and, coinciding with a mood slump, the album quickly became his favorite. For one reason or another, he never found the time to do it, until the quarantine arrived. Three months later – working with Kurt Baker (Leftovers, Kurt Baker Band/Combo, Bullet Proof Lovers, The Gold, et al), Jose Andrés Albertos (Airbag) and Raúl Artana (Puk * 2) - the songs of “Mondo Bizarro” were done and polished. Luis states “Yes, it is a recording ‘as unnecessary as necessary’. Unnecessary because covering an entire Ramones album in 2021 doesn't make any sense (if it ever did) and even more so seeing how the original sounds. But necessary, on the other hand, because all the tributes that are made to the greatest are few.” And if they are made with the detail and love that K7s have put into it, they make an album like this a “must”. GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Songs From Another Life Price: $14.00 Artist: The Boys With The Perpetual Nervousness Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL! TBWTPN are an atypical music group on the frontiers between indie pop, jangle pop and power pop. “Songs From Another Life”, their second effort was initially going to be a Bobo Integrel Records vinyl-only release – but that was until the Kool Kat mafia stepped in and made an offer Madrid’s Gonzalo Marcos (El Palacio de Linares), and Edinburgh’s Andrew Taylor (Dropkick) couldn’t refuse to make a CD available on Kool Kat! Here, the boys open the range of influences, more American, more exuberant and present a powerful sound with arrangements that make us dream of better days. In addition to Teenage Fanclub, Big Star and The Byrds, there are sonic references to Fountains Of Wayne, Matthew Sweet, Weezer, R.E.M., The Lemonheads, The Beach Boys and there are even distorted breaks à la Dinosaur Jr. or Sugar. Recorded separately, in two parts, applying social distance before it was an obligation. These songs so beautiful, so bright, so stimulating, this gorgeous guitar and harmony-filled music of heavenly guitars, can only come from another life, from a life that might never return. “You could line up a whole host of driven, melodic, harmonious power-pop bands, blindfold yourself and stick a pin in one of them and the chances are that the very best of the chosen p(r)icked act, will sound much like this. Following precisely on from the sheer and absolute jangled beauty seen in 2019’s ‘Dead Calm’ album and dares to tread just that little bit further into the more gregarious, dynamic power-pop territory that is frequented by the most well known of today’s power-pop acts…and even has the temerity to do it better. As ‘Waking Up In Sunshine’, ‘How I Really Feel’ and ‘I Don’t Mind’ slide over the edge of ‘just genuine pretty’, by increasing the tempo and adding a subtle sense of ‘more’. More noise, more tempo, more percussion, just more. When the tempo decreases and the harmonies usurp dynamism, we see the band return to the sheer laconic grace of their debut, with ‘Can’t You See’, ‘Falling Through’, ‘Lethargy’ and ‘In Between’, providing the perfect vehicle for Taylor’s voice to smoothly reverse into. Never hurried, never wavering, without the quirky inflections that much musical modernity insists upon in their frontmen, Taylor’s is possibly the most perfect voice in jangle/power-pop at present (sorry Teenage Fanclub fans!). A genuinely stunning album…as if there was ever any doubt it would be!!?” – JanglePophub.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Yeh Right, YEAH! Price: $14.00 Artist: The Chickenbackers Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL!! Meet Madrid’s newest hitmakers The Chickenbackers!! They nail that 60’s Merseybeat sound perfectly with their catchy melodies, tight surfy guitars and great harmonies! Previously only available on vinyl/download, “Yeh Right, YEAH!, their 2019 full-length debut previously only available on vinyl, consists of fourteen catchy, instantly memorable tunes with a lot of true hit potential! If it is their own compositions such as “Because I Was Blind” or “Hipsterboy” or their fantastic cover versions of The High Numbers’ mod-anthem “Zoot Suit” or The Dixie Cups’ “I’m Gonna Get You Yet”, their modern retro sound will capture you and make you dance and shake right away! You can hear it instantly, these boys just love ’60s music, garage, rock ’n’ roll, beat and surf. They manage to mix all these genres playing old school beat music with their secret weapon: a combination of terrific vocal harmonies with a huge, fun-filled instrumental backing. Imagine a stew of The Kaisers, Flamin’ Groovies and Los Straitjackets and you’ll know exactly where these guys are coming from! “Yeh Right, YEAH!” will surely make you shake your hips with their rhythm and beat sound! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Chapter Three Price: $13.00 Artist: The Legal Matters Description: On their third effort, “Chapter Three” – we’re treated to twelve new Legal Matters (Andy Reed, Chris Richards and Keith Klingensmith) songs including the drumming of Donny Brown. The songs were written by Chris Richards and Andy Reed and cover all sorts of topics – the pandemic, Trump, honesty, affliction and affections - seriously all over the map – all done with their signature loving harmonies!! “I avoid mentioning lockdown and Covid in reviews, not out of callousness, but in a belief that music should be a diversion from the strain. I will mention it here though, because as we see signs of coming out of the tunnel, I can think of no better album to accompany me than one by The Legal Matters. The trio seem to be joined at the hip - their music always comes across as brotherly, tight and united. There is a real bond between the three and this album more than any confirms that. The Legal Matters have far more in common with Crowded House and the harmonies are more Simon And Garfunkel or The Everly Brothers. I would never have associated Andy Reed with the wonderful ‘The World Is Mine’. It is all barrel piano, a little Toytown Psych and has far more in common with bands Like The Successful Failures. ‘That's All’ is all Roy Orbison 60's twang and could almost appear on the ‘American Graffiti’ soundtrack. You would think Reed wrote it, he didn't. This also underlines how collaborative the album is. ‘The Painter’ is spot on 70's piano pop yet ‘Please Make A Sound’ has a cracking 80's synth sound running through it. ‘Make Things Up’ is splendid twang. ‘A Memory Of Sound’ is jaunty pop at its very best and the closer, ‘Passing Chord’ is an absolute vocal masterpiece. The Legal Matters usually do mellow best and there is plenty here to keep those fans happy. But there seems to be more chances taken on this album and boy do they work. The harmonies are as tight as ever, but the songs seem to have even more oomph. There are plenty of bands that harmonize well. Perhaps, a few too many that made that California scene a little done. They should have gone to Michigan, because The Legal Matters could come up with any of those albums easily, but no other band could have come up with something as varied and great as this!” – IDontHearASingle.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

BANG!: The Best Of The Sails 2006 to 2020 Price: $14.00 Artist: The Sails Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL!! As The Sails (all the work of multi-instrumentalist/producer Michael Gagliano) prepare a brand new full-length in the not-too-distant future, we though it a good time to introduce/re-introduce the music of The Sails to power pop fans everywhere. For any newcomers The Sails, from the outskirts of London, deliver intensely rich power pop. It's an all-original blend of groovy 60’s influences with a uniquely modern edge. Highly active with The Sails from 2006 to 2010, Michael has spent the past decade touring worldwide as a performing member of the “Let It Be” musical theater production, playing in many of the same theatres as The Beatles themselves, growing his profile for The Sails in the process. The digital-only releases of "One Hot Mess" in 2019 and "Dr. Michael's Medicine Bag" in early 2020 demonstrated a new wave of original creativity. With pandemic-forced temporary stop of live shows, Michael has doubled-down on writing and releasing new singles, igniting a spark of renewed interest in the UK. This new activity has led to a demand for past releases that have been hard to find anywhere. This includes the critically acclaimed eponymous Rainbow Quartz Records debut from 2006, 2007's "Drum Roll Please" which was available as an import from Japan, and 2010's "A Headful of Stars" on Rainbow Quartz. A major highlight from this time is "I’m Only Bleeding” ranked the #1 “Coolest Song of The Year” on Little Steven’s influential “Underground Garage” for 2010, and “Liar” ranking #2 in 2011 - both are included here. The CD delivers the best fifteen songs from The Sails to date, including selections from the three aforementioned releases along with previously download-only tracks “The Slow Down”, “Lovebonds”, “Sitting In The Corners” and the title track making their C D debut. With a wide range of influences within the genre of power pop, it includes harmonies that channel the Everly Brothers. Fans of Small Faces will appreciate the intensity of “In My Head.” You’ll be forgiven for thinking “Best Day” is an unreleased single from the vaults of Neil Diamond! Elements of The Beatles (of course), Oasis, The Who, The Jam, and other classic influences come together for a distinctly fresh sound that is simultaneously familiar yet modern. GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Handful Of Hits Price: $14.00 Artist: Tommy Ray Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL!! Tommy Ray came into his own between 2011 and 2018 as the primary songwriter and front man for power-pop heroes The CRY! With the band on indefinite hiatus, he released “First Hits Free” (his 2020 Kool Kat label debut) and now, with the band STILL on hiatus, “Handful of Hits”! The record continues his flair for merging 50's melodies, the jangle of 60's pop hooks, 70's glam-rock, and honest gritty street-level lyrics. Think a poppier Replacements, Tommy Stinson/Bash & Pop and you’re on the right track! Tommy’s influences? If you don’t already know, here’s the 411 right from him “Ramones. Exploding Hearts. Ramones. Paul Collins. Ramones. Beach Boys – (get the idea?)! I really like a 3 minute pop song that moves. You know, ‘Don’t bore us. Get to the chorus.’ I’ve been playing tons of music and busking in downtown Portland during the recent protests. Where there are people, I will play music. I play mostly standards from the past 50 years. Never gets old. It’s my favorite thing to do. My dad plays a little guitar and slams through the old hits like a savage for hours. I learned from him…” “He’s back again with 11 new powerpop hits. “In Love Again” opens on a melancholic teenage note before hand claps and Jerry Lee Lewis piano take over in the catchy “No No No”. Third song “On My Wall” slow things down and brings a romantic touch to the album before it quickly fades and let “One Step Closer” brings more sun and fun while “Closer/School Daze” keeps us pogoing and partying (“I don’t care what they say, every day is saturday!”) with its ’77 punk chorus. The Johnny Thunders influence can especially be heard in “Beer, Wine & Whisky” while “Feel The Pain” will take you to the 60s and “Loser’s Anthem” and its slight new wave touch will make you dance for less than 3 minutes. “If You Need Anything” and “Runnin'” will probably bring The CRY to your mind if you were into them, check them out if you haven’t yet! The last song “I Didn’t Do It” has a bit of this early Hanoï Rocks thing to it that will leave you wanting more.” – Veglam.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none