BS Stands For Brent Seavers Price: $14.00 Artist: Brent Seavers Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL!! Brent Seavers of The Decibels steps out with his first solo effort! The Decibels were about halfway through recording a new album when the pandemic started, so Brent had a lot of time on his hands. Just for fun, he started recording covers of different songs and filmed the process – uploading the music videos to social media. After recording about 20 cover tunes, he decided to record some of his original songs. They were received pretty well, so he kept going, eventually recording an album’s worth of songs. These tunes were a mix of songs Brent had written over his entire time with The Decibels, ranging from a few songs written in his early teens (“Me and My Melancholy Face” and “All The Better”) to newer songs (“Flatline” and “Play”) that were contenders for the latest Decibels’ album. Mostly out of pandemic-fueled necessity, he played and sang everything on this album – except for a few handclaps (reluctantly contributed by his children)! “The record sounds like The Decibels, not surprising, but also not like them too. Going solo has allowed him to drift a bit forward in time, from mid-60’s right up into the new millennium indie pop rock scene. Obviously there is some very Decibels-like material here, like ‘Out in the Rain,’ ‘Clean Reflection,’ and the jangle-heavy ‘All the Better.’ That band’s 60’s-meets-the-80’s vibe is also there on the Smithereens-ish ‘Flatline’ and the muscled-up California pop hue all over ‘Running Me Down.’ But I’m going to go out on a limb here to suggest the band haunting this record might actually be They Might Be Giants. That Brooklyn duo’s jocular sense of musical whimsey lurks on ‘Unlike Superman,’ ‘Me and My Melancholy Face,’ and most obviously on the fun sing-along ‘I Wrote a Song.’ Seavers even sounds a bit like TMBG’s John Linnell vocally on the album opener, ‘Play.’ On the other hand, should-be hit single ‘More Than a Friend’ is his own distinctive brand of melodic rocking out, with strong harmonies, and killer earworm chorus. This is a total album enjoyment collection.” – PopRockRecord.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

Atoms And Energy Price: $17.00 Artist: Daniel Wylie's Cosmic Rough Riders Description: Daniel Wylie has had a long and distinguished career in songwriting, whether with his band, Cosmic Rough Riders, or as a solo artist. Throughout he has stayed true to a classic approach with plenty of room for influences from the 1960’s onwards, but with room too for originality of thought in both music and lyrics. “Atoms And Energy” is confirmation that the fire still burns brightly. “Anyone familiar with Wylie’s previous work will know what to expect here – but with part of that expectation comes the knowledge that the songs won’t be routine and won’t be presented without emotive input or instrumental dexterity. The guitar playing is a strong feature of the record, and the lovely shimmering textures are a possible reflection of the cloud-strewn skies under which they were written.” – Arcana.FM “Scotland is generally considered by most intelligent folk as the second-best place on earth to produce sun-kissed jangle rock and pop after California, and most of them would point to Teenage Fanclub to prove their point. Many others might however suggest that Glasgow’s Daniel Wylie has an equal claim to be Scotland’s (indeed, the UK’s) premier exponent of Byrds/Neil Young/CSN&Y influenced sounds, going back to his debut with the Cosmic Rough Riders in the late 90’s. ‘Atoms And Energy’ cements this view with Wylie delivering a solid set of bittersweet songs replete with harmonies and flurries of guitars paying tribute to the heyday of the sunshine state while remaining attuned to this modern world.” – Americana-uk.com “Once again, Daniel Wylie has blessed us with a wonderful, heartfelt record that will make your heartstrings quiver with its beauty and sadness. Highly recommended!” – BigTakeover.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Somewhere Flowers Grow Price: $18.00 Artist: Electric Looking Glass Description: WOW!! One pill makes you larger and one pill makes you small – go ask Alice when she’s ten feet tall. Follow this LA quartet down the rabbit hole and you’ll find this technicoloured Electric Looking Glass, a charismatic Carnaby Street concoction, taking a dose of The Left Banke with a dash of The Beatles and a sprinkle of Small Faces. The baroque pop quartet bring us a 1967 springtime reverie with “Somewhere Flowers Grow”. You might easily mistake them at first for an obscure Apple Records signing but Electric Looking Glass insists they are forward thinking tomorrow-people making music for NOW! With every member boasting such an eclectic variety of singing, playing and songwriting talents, the group is the marmalade at Mad Hatter’s tea party - composed of Arash Mafi, Brent Randall, Johnny Toomey and Danny Winebarger. Self-producing in their own analog wonderland, the lads pay loving homage to the kaleidoscope pop of yesteryear with impressive attention to detail. “They are a sum of their influences. This album is sugar-coated with sunshine and power pop with a whimsy and quirk that is both charming and infinitely heartwarming. With visuals reminiscent of The Monkees and a wardrobe to rival Procul Harum, you’ll be bewitched with their magical mellotron, honeyglazed Hammond, jangly guitars and lilting harpsichord that will transport you back through the time vortex to 60’s London in full swinging gear. Living in their own anglophile analog wonderland, the nostalgia that runs ever-deep in the baroque sound is captured so perfectly, so much so you wouldn’t think to question their origin at all. A melting pot of paisley peppered sounds that recall Honeybus and 60’s power pop duo Lyme and Cybelle. No doubt about it, it sounds like the real deal, a record that’s bound to put a Cheshire smile on your face, truly a must have for the baroque enthusiast and collector. This debut is an ode to longing, a foreword to fantasy and an artisanal amour for the psych and baroque pop genres.” – MOOFmag.com BRILLIANT!! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Waves Price: $18.00 Artist: Mark & The Clouds Description: Since relocating from his native Bologna, Italy to London in the early ’90s, Marco Magnani has been a stalwart of the city’s underground scene where 60’s pop and folk meets psychedelic rock. His previous band Instant Flight worked for several years as the backing group of Arthur Brown as well as releasing a string of meticulously crafted and well-received albums themselves. Now fronting Mark & The Clouds, Magnani continues to write produce, and release great psych-pop n roll records, with a list of bandmates and collaborators from the UK/Spanish/Italian psych music scene and centered around the three-piece nucleus of Marco on vocals and guitar plus John O’Sullivan (Instant Flight/The Snakes/Limozine) on bass, vocals and guitar, and Shin Okajima on drums (Shin and Marco formed The Smokers in 1994). Tracks feature guest brass players Tom and Joseph Hammond, keys from Rachel Kashi, and violin from Maya Kasparova, and was recorded and produced in London in 2020. “The record consists of 15 songs, kicking off with ‘You & Me In Space’, a psych-pop rocker drenched with a tremendous amount of 60’s West Coast Californian sunshine! ‘Back In Time’ is a cool Beatles-esque tune (‘Let It Be’ era) while ‘You Wanna Put Me Down’ is another – 60’s influenced of course – cool rocker. The extra melodic ‘Winter Song’ follows… ‘All These Plans’ flirts with late 60’s Beach Boys and has a great orchestration while ‘Free Me Now’ strictly follows the plan, 60’s oriented psych-pop! ‘No One Makes A Sound’ is a rocker that mixes popsike and freakbeat! ‘The Same Old Dream’ is a cool Poppie with a great guitar melody while the title track is a wonderful semi-acoustic reminiscent tune! ‘Promised Land’ offers more Popsike sunshine while ‘Peace Not Religion’ is simple proof of Marco’s ability/talent to make unique Poppie artifacts! ‘Miles & Miles Away’ is a 60’s-influenced popsike rocker and ‘Heavy Drops Of Rain’ is simply a MAGICAL song, musically and lyrically! ‘In The Big Crowd’ flirts with early 70’s pub-rock, a song full of pre-Covid19 nostalgic days. The last one is called ‘Somebody Else’ and it’s my personal highlight. An adventurous rhythmic tune with a let-loose Psych-Spaghetti-Western atmosphere (or something like that!) and it’s really amazing how the band can create such groovy colorful musical landscapes! ‘Waves’ is a super cool album, that needs further investigation/listening. Let yourselves float with the magical soundwaves of Mark And The Clouds, after all, it’s too beautiful being in the Clouds…” –TimeMachine.gr GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Copious Notes Price: $14.00 Artist: Richard X Heyman Description: “Copious Notes” is Richard X Heyman’s 14th album (my how time flies)! We remember picking up his debut 7” “Vacation” for $1 back in the early 80’s! “This guy is a pop music genius! He’s a multi-instrumentalist, a great singer and a phenomenal songwriter. So here it is in all its jingle jangle, heavenly chorused and multi-tracked majesty. ‘Copious Notes’ is the real deal because RXH is the real deal!” - Greg Godovitz/Rock Talk “Beginning with the addictive pop melody of ‘Nearly There’ and the upbeat rocker ‘Choices We Make’, the album is balanced nicely by the gentle, graceful ballads ‘Cedarbrook Park’ and ‘But Our Love’ which truly shine with Richard’s amazing songwriting talents.” - JP’s Music Blog “The songs range from melodic pop to all-out rock and roll with just a few ballads to round things out. The results are extraordinary with some already calling ‘Copious Notes’ one of his best to date.” - Copper Magazine “Heyman reaches back to his 60’s roots and cuts an album that is trippy, but it kicks, too.” - Punknews.org “Continuing in his masterful pop style, ‘Copious Notes’ kicks off with ‘Nearly There,’ a Left Banke-inspired number…after that it’s a jubilant journey from jangly to wistful to complex, piano-driven pop…and back again to perfect power pop.” - Schizomusica "A richly textured pop-rock mix that’s permeated with infectious hooks and jingle-jangle guitar. You’ll hear fresh musical ideas as well as echoes of 60’s British pop and West Coast rockers like the Byrds." - Americana Highways “Heyman proves he’s still doing what he does best at an exceptional level. His song craft is as diverse as the instruments he plays on this album (guitars, vibraphone, drums, piano, shaker, etc.) as many forms of nostalgic rock’n’roll and bits of Motown won’t go unnoticed. A meticulous and nostalgic record that’s as timeless as anything in his catalog.” – Take Effect EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Love Too Late...the real album Price: $14.00 Artist: Sorrows Description: In the late '70s and early '80s, Sorrows – sprung from the seeds of the equally beloved Poppees – cut a swath across the New York rock scene on stages like CBGB and Max's Kansas City with a thrilling stage presence and a unique sound: three lead singers, a twin-guitar attack, and immediately unforgettable, hook-propelled tunes. By '81 they had had their rapturously-received debut album “Teenage Heartbreak” under their belts and a clutch of world class, stage-tested songs at the ready for a followup album. What happened instead is down to a familiar story encapsulated by two little words: “label interference”. The followup “Love Too Late” wasn't the record Sorrows wanted to make, and it wasn't the record Sorrows fans wanted to hear. In fact, it's barely Sorrows on the original album at all, with the players and singers summarily replaced in the studio in a misguided bid at commercial success, with only the songs surviving intact. The band weren't having any of it and went back to playing the tunes as they were meant to be played, the label wasn't able to sell the results to anyone expecting the true successor to “Teenage Heartbreak”. The story might have ended there, the album never received a CD release and the band going their separate ways shortly thereafter. After four decades and a protracted legal battle, original Sorrows members Arthur Alexander (vocals, guitar), Joey Cola (vocals, guitar) and Ricky Street (vocals, bass), joined by next generation powerhouse drummer Luis Herrera bring you “Love Too Late...the real album”. It is, as Arthur says “real Sorrows, playing real Sorrows music, as only Sorrows can”, and those who were there to hear these songs performed live in the band's heyday will attest that “The Real Album” is the real deal indeed - a sterling set of pitch-perfect pop that makes it clear why the track list for “Love Too Late” was worth revisiting in full. Far from a reissue of the band's 1981 release, “Love Too Late…the real album” is just what it claims: the record the band intended to make, finally reaching your ears, turntables, and the airwaves after 40 years... but never too late. GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

A Little More Price: $17.00 Artist: The Aerovons Description: The Aerovons recorded their masterpiece “Resurrection” in 1969 at Abbey Road. Beatles’ sound engineers Geoff Emerick, Alan Parsons and Norman Smith worked on the sessions. The album was produced by their prodigious 17-year-old leader Tom Hartman. Although two singles were released in 1969, “Resurrection” was first issued by RPM Records in 2003. This was when the music papers and newspapers went overboard for The Aerovons and learned their mind-blowing story and how they had hung out with The Beatles, went to the pub with The Hollies and met Jimi Hendrix at The Speakeasy. “It’s like hearing newly discovered Beatles tracks while walking down Carnaby Street wearing Ringo’s candy striped hipsters.” The Guardian asserted “They should have been as big as The Beatles.” Rolling Stone heaped acclaim on a “stunning album of bull’s-eye Beatle pop…with the soft-brush folk rock of ‘Rubber Soul’-gilded with the opulent psychedelia of ’67-’68 Fabs.” Now, in 2021, the Florida-dwelling Tom Hartman is back with his follow-up to “Resurrection”. A couple of decades here or there didn’t stop The Aerovons before, and they won’t now. Although the sensibility running through “A Little More” is that of a man who has lived life rather than that that of a wide-eyed teenager, there’s a sensation that time has blurred. Not that time has stood still, but that Tom still draws from what inspired him in the first place. The record even opens with a song written in 1969. The irresistible, McCartney-esque “Stopped!” has a sit-up-take-notice melody and the rolling rhythms of classic late 60’s pop. Title track is more than a reference to picking-up again. Also written in 1969, it’s another classic-in-waiting. A version was first heard on the flip side of Tom’s post-Aerovons single released in 1971 by the Bell label. Unavoidably, looking back at the experience of being in London and at Abbey Road with The Aerovons colors Tom’s new songs. “Swinging London” paints that picture, while “The Way Things Went Tonight” nods to “Resurrection”’s creamiest, most vocal-infused moments. The record also draws from Tom’s path though life after the magical adventures in London. In time, he became a songwriter in the world of advertising. “So Sorry” and “You & Me” draw from human relationships and emotions, while “Shades Of Blue” evokes memories of a particular place. Contrastingly, “Me And My Bomb” recalls one of the first steps towards adulthood. “A Little More” is “Resurrection”’s welcome follow-up. It’s more though. It’s about the whole of Tom Hartman’s life, and how he sees it as a kaleidoscopic journey. Not a resurrection then, but a seamless fusion of everything that makes him who he is today. GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

The Red Locusts Price: $13.00 Artist: The Red Locusts Description: WOW!! Every once in a while, fans and scholars of power pop will unearth an album by a new or heretofore unknown artist and instantly and collectively cheer with unabashed glee. May we present the debut by a never-before heard of band called The Red Locusts, an album that features 10 songs of classic pop rock with impeccable musicianship, vocals, masterful production, lush arrangements, instantly memorable melodies and fat, sticky choruses that deliver instantly classic pop rock. The music is clearly and hugely influenced by classic pop and rock. Fans of The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Jellyfish, Fountains Of Wayne, ELO, Big Star, The Move, The Raspberries, and the like will certainly get what The Red Locusts are peddling. “Honestly” mixes members Paul Ramone (who once wished he had “Jesse’s Girl”), Scotty Skuffleton and Duncan Sweet trading lead vocals, incredible group harmonies, and a chorus that will refuse to leave your brain after the first listen. “Another Bad Day For Cupid”, shows off Ramone’s silky tenor lead vocals, more incredible group harmonies and guitar/harmonica riff-play that channels “I Should Have Known Better” into 2021. Additional highlights on this album full of highlights include the achingly beautiful “Miss Daisy Hawkins” featuring strings and horns arranged by Paul; the snaky and rocking “Glow Worm” featuring lead vocals by Duncan; the anthemic “Sons And Daughters”; and the final song of the collection “Love is Gonna Save the Day” with a triple lead vocal trade-off by Skippy Skuffleton, Paul and Scotty. With five vocalists in the band, intricate and engaging vocal harmonies are not lacking. “From beginning to end, the record is full of unforgettable melodies, key changes and chiming guitars that bring the Fab Four to mind in almost every song. ‘Under the Rainbow’ begins with Beach Boys harmonies until it launches into a wonderful melody reminiscent of Semisonic’s ‘Closing Time.’ ‘Another Bad Day for Cupid’ brings to mind Marshall Crenshaw and the Wonders and is a perfect pop song. At times the Beatles references only slightly noticeable – a familiar chord progression, three-part harmonies - but on ‘Miss Daisy Hawkins,’ Springfield (oops, spoiled it!) ahem, Ramone – lets it all hang out. With stringed instruments and a minor key, it is a tribute to ‘Eleanor Rigby.’ (‘Miss Daisy Hawkins’ was the original subject of ‘Eleanor Rigby’ and could have been the name of the song had McCartney stuck with it.) Springfield references kaleidoscope eyes, Father McKenzie, Lucy and the fool on the hill. ‘Honestly’ is a jaunty number that brings to mind McCartney’s contribution to ‘A Day in the Life’ and ELO’s ‘Mr. Blue Sky.’ They pull out all the stops on ‘Love Is Going to Save the Day,’ which features a harpsichord, brass, handclaps and sugary sweet harmonies. And at the end of this outing of sheer bliss, you’ll want to hit ‘repeat’ and start it all over again.” – HooksandHarmony.com We even hear hints of Del Amitri from time to time – strange, but true! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Brighter Futures Price: $14.00 Artist: The Sails Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL!! In March of 2021, we released “Bang!- Best Of The Sails 2006-2020” as both a set-up for “Brighter Futures” and to also introduce to newcomers/re-acquaint longtime fans the pop genius that is Michael Gagliano (The Sails). “Brighter Futures”, the Sails sixth album, contains 13 brand new, hook-filled Brit-Pop tracks! “I made 'Brighter Futures' in Holloway Road, London just like my fave record producer Joe Meek did in the 60’s. I tried to replicate his formula and his vibe when recording the songs for the album,” explains Michael. “The album demonstrates the growing maturity in Gagliano’s songs, and his uncanny ear for a killer melody. Opener ‘Crying Out Loud’ is a terrific way to announce the album’s arrival. Bold and brash, it stomps its way through 4 minutes and 7 seconds of guitar ecstasy. ‘Fly So High’ is a mid-paced monster, that is just so catchy. ‘Wild & Free’ is packed with jangly guitars and a melody to die for, Psych-pop at its very best. ‘Halfway Broken’ is a Sails classic - tender, memorable and one of those songs which just seems to catch the mood. I think, at times, we’ve all been a bit broken, this past fifteen months. MOJO Magazine called The Sails ‘the U.K’s best power pop act’ and, who am I to argue. They pump out guitar-led, echoey jewels of love and take you from Merseybeat to The La’s and back again. This album is a big fat slab of British power pop which wears its heart on its sleeve, and its influences proudly.” – TheAfterword.co.uk No argument here either!! We’re so pleased to help bring Michael’s music to the pop masses!! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none