ANC4 Price: $15.00 Artist: ANC4 Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL!! ROGER ARVIDSON ALERT!! Roger’s brilliant “Arvidson & Butterflies” release ranks as one of Kool Kat’s best-selling ever label releases. ANC4 (a/k/a Arvidson &Nilsson Combo Four) is a newly formed band that consists of four long serving members of the Swedish music scene. Songwriters Roger Arvidson (vocals/guitar), and Tomas Nilsson (vocals/guitar – of The Mop Tops!), are complimented by Janne Borgh (bass/backing vocals – The Moderns), and Niclas "Tidaholm’s Ringo" Österberg (drums). The band breathes new life into Rickenbacker-fueled, 60’s style nuggets with strong melodies and sweet harmonies whilst keeping relevant in the current music scene. “A diverse collection of bright, hummable pop tunes drawing on a wide scope of influences from The Beatles to The Byrds. As different as these songs may be from one another, each starts with a great melody from which hangs the musical elements necessary to make one catchier than the last. ‘Easy Way Out’ is a great choice for an opening track with its memorable guitar hook and spot on harmonies. The twangy slide guitar of ‘You Can Call Me Darling’ melts like something out of a Dali painting. And those bells – just lovely. ‘The Chronicle’, is an amazing track with multi-layered textures created almost certainly through some sort of studio wizardry. ‘So Good To Me’ maintains the good mood vibe and leads right into ‘Happy Again’, a bit of pure, uplifting power pop with very possibly the catchiest chorus I’ve heard this year. ‘It Don’t Matter’ is an earworm with guitar shimmer that may remind one of The La’s. ‘No More Words’ has that Byrds-ian jangle that never goes out of fashion. With more hooks than a pirate convention, ANC4 is easily one of my favorite records of 2019!” – PowerPopNews.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Whistling After Midnight Price: $12.00 Artist: Ben Vogel Description: Chicago’s (by way of Austin, TX) Ben Vogel describes his debut record as “guitar-driven, hook-filled, 21st century power pop!” He ain’t lyin’ folks!! And, that’s why we’re offering it to pop fans like yourselves that exhibit exquisite taste! “The musical year has been a really strange one for me. Partly due to reaching an age, when you realise the musicians that you admired as a youngster are not mortal, but more about seeing scenes that you love fall apart due to the opinionated. There seems to be a world of me me me and all about me at the moment. Just when you are completely exasperated with Power Pop and Pop Rock, an album comes along that shows that there is still hope. Ben Vogel's debut album is a fine listen indeed. Though he hails from the middle of the US, this album feels much more sunshine state, leaning far more on classic UK and US. pop rock. It's the type of well written, beautifully produced offering that you hear less and less these days. There are big hints of 70's singer songwriter, but also UK New Wave and 80's easy listening rock. That's not to say that this is derivative, because it isn't. As the years clock on, it's virtually impossible to find something that a song doesn't remind you of. ‘Cassidy’ is the stand out song, it's very Nick Heyward, but the other nine songs stand up just as well. ‘Lazy Saturday’ is jangling power pop that stands up with any of the current crop that you care to imagine. ‘Leave This Town’ is a soft rock ballad. ‘Say That You Will’ is a happier Steely Dan. ‘Early Morning Hours’ is pure Squeeze. ‘Wasting Time’ reminds me of Donnie Iris. ‘I Hope You're Happy Happy Now’ could be a Sun Studios recording. ‘Beautiful Sun’ closes the album with a big constantly changing sort of show song, hints of jazz and funk abound, almost mid-70's Stevie Wonder. This record caught me completely by surprise. It's an absolutely splendid listen.” – IDontHearASingle.com We agree 100%!!!! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Dave Cope and the Sass Price: $11.00 Artist: Dave Cope and the Sass Description: Happy times surely need lightness and Philadelphia based songwriter Dave Cope's latest musical venture is here to happliy and hookfully provide it. “The Paisley Pop of Dave Cope and the Sass is nostalgic in the best, warmest way possible - invoking the laid-back sounds of the 70’s and making for a perfect summer soundtrack in the process. Instantly hummable, the record swims and sweet melodies and mellow playfulness: the winning power pop of ‘My Way Out’ and ‘Living In The Middle’ is invigorating and infectious, while ‘If Your Mama Only Knew’ wouldn’t have been out of place on in a ‘That 70s Show’ episode (Big Star love included of course). ‘Show Your Love’ borrows a riff from the Fairports’ instrumental ‘Matty Groves’ and turns it into the album’s trippiest moment. Intently daydreaming about days gone by, Dave Cope and the Sass retrieve some laid-back pride for today; a surprisingly delightful finding.” – Shindig! Magazine “They are sassy, they are sexy, they are stone cold dangerous - and they rock!” – George Mostoller “The level of talent coming out of Philthy Philly is astonishing. What could possibly be in the water? Hearing ‘If Your Mama Knew’ made me question if there was potentially a Big Star track I’d missed. The catchy chorus and power popping riffs hit me with that same sugary bell bottom rush. I welcome the return of some good ol’ fashioned bittersweet power pop rock with crushing/chiming guitars. The lyrics center around a teenage girl sneaking out at night. A rock cliche’ if there ever was one? Sure, but it’s delivered here with such crisp conviction that it’s nearly impossible to take a jaded stance. Spirits of The Raspberries and Alex Chilton haunt every corner of this track, and the 36-second guitar solo is one of those ‘This is all you need’, not-even-one-excess-note moments. It’s a stunner of a track that looms tall over the thousands of ‘September Gurls’ chasers currently toiling away on Bandcamp and the lower Spotify rungs. Sass needs to be firmly on your radar if you long for that not-so-innocent but oh-so-pure ’70s hooky guitar rush that has still rightly refuses to die.” – Niche-Appeal.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Stranger Things Have Happened Price: $12.00 Artist: Fallon Cush Description: The newest from Sydney’s Fallon Cush is an album that rings loud and clear with a seemingly endless supply of melodies that cascade from the speakers in a near-perfect blend of indie rock and alt-country. The album finds the band drawing from an iconic set of classic influences that recall The Byrds and Tom Petty blended seamlessly with classic rock and astute pop-leaning songwriting that draws from the melodic nous of Ryan Adams, Wilco, and The Jayhawks. Right across the album, singer-songwriter Steve Smith takes a magnifying glass to people and the point of interaction – where things can gel or fall apart. “The Key” finds him pondering the sweet mystery of a strong relationship while “Sleep Her Away” is a contender for one of Smith’s finest choruses. It soars with that kind of jubilant melancholy that requires a special tone and phrasing. In contrast, “Yarraman” strips things back to a skeletal country music canvas while “Benny” allows the band to stretch out, dipping their toes into glorious yacht rock waters. The interplay and strength of all the players on the album can clearly be heard. Whether it’s the versatility and nuance of guitarist Casey Atkins, the balance and drive of the rhythm section of Pete Marley and Russell Crawford, Tim Byron’s lush keyboards or the tender ache of Suzy Goodwin’s backing vocals, they’re all integral elements to the beautiful swing and sway of this new set of songs. “The best song on here by an alt-country mile, ‘The Key’, is irresistible and sounds like George Harrison fronting Teenage Fanclub, with some Big Star thrown in, while ‘Sleep Her Away’ is reminiscent of The Jayhawks. Fallon Cush have largely all the right influences – the country-ish shuffle of ‘Tempo Over Time’ recalls Tom Petty, as they slavishly pay homage to their record collections. They could be accused of ‘Petty’ crimes.” – AmericanaUK.com “Their ability to imbue catchy, guitar-based indie rock songs with melancholy and autumnal hues underpinned by astute pop-leaning songwriting with a strong melodic nous together with top shelf performance and production places Fallon Cush squarely in that ballgame.” – Airit.org GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Home Price: $13.00 Artist: Lannie Flowers Description: Lannie Flowers has been a standard bearer for power pop. Completing the story arc started by “Same Old Story” and continued by “Circles,” winner of LA Music Awards 2013 “Record of the Year,” Lannie is back with the third installment of his pop trilogy. Where “Same Old Story” told the tale of teenage romance and “Circles” described the feelings coursing through a young musician on the road, the poignant and decidedly not power pop (but still, oh so melodic) “Home” recounts the emotions of an aging rock and roller contemplating life after the road. Featuring Lannie’s most accomplished songwriting and arrangements to date, the lyrics read like a set of poems that highlight a universal message. “Lannie Flowers’ music does not belong to one genre. You could also confidently file his records under Rock, Americana, Pop, Alternative Rock, and Folk/Country. He makes the kind of records that sound great whether you hear them blaring out of a roadside diner jukebox, a portable AM radio, or an audiophile’s hi-fi system. Most importantly, he writes songs that easily connect with the listener through heartfelt honesty. When you hear a Lannie Flowers song, you get a first-hand peek inside the man’s heart, mind, and soul. Without pretense, Lannie turns a simple listening experience into something much deeper and more fulfilling. However, he knows his way around a melody and he is never in short supply of sharp, catchy hooks. So, call him Power Pop if you want but don’t be surprised to discover that there are so many different musical layers baked into a Lannie Flowers musical soufflé. ‘Home’ has a recurring theme: home is where the heart is. Or maybe ‘home sweet home’ or ‘there’s no place like home.’ The album will touch each listener in different ways – one that operates as both a musical tour-de-force and a revealing look into a songwriter that understands the human condition. It is one of the most lyrically honest albums to come along in years yet it doesn’t shy away from dragging you in with melodies dipped in honey and laced with just the right amount of spice. One of the most miraculous things about the record is that though it may have been written by a humble Texan, its message is universal. With songs that are thoughtful and jam-packed with passion and emotion, the record works on many levels. Is home a place that is defined by four walls or is it something more spiritual? Is home where you gather with friends or is it where you prefer to be alone? The record doesn’t answer these questions, it lets the listener decide and define what ‘home’ really is. On the other hand, there is no denying that ‘Home’ - the album - is a Pop masterpiece.” – Steve Schnee We agree! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

A Dozen Or Seven Tapestries Price: $12.00 Artist: Lolas Description: It’s been 13 years since we last head from Tim Boykin and Lolas on their “Doctor Apache” release! And we’re sure glad to have them back! Whether with the Shame Idols or Lolas , Tim has always manifested an outstanding talent for the creation of melodic power pop songs, bubblegum, psychedelic pop, jangle pop and punk-pop, all infused with basic sonic ancestry of groups like The Hollies, The Byrds, The Ramones, and the Beatles (circa “Revolver”/”Rubber Soul”). Their latest (and Kool Kat label debut) is overflowing with effervescent delights that will satisfy any lover of the best power pop highlighted by its melodic brilliance, velvety vocal harmonies, rhythmic strength, careful arrangements, and instant choruses! “And the relentless hooks keep on comin’…..” – Powerpopaholic.com “The last few years have seen several artists which I thought I'd never hear from again re-emerge with new music, and the latest entry in that category are Lolas. Tim Boykin & Co. sound like they haven't been away for 13 years as the title track embodies the high-energy power pop they'd been known for, usually clocking in at well under 3 minutes per tune (as all but one track here does). ‘Bon Voyage’ are ‘Indigo’ are another couple of quick and catchy nuggets, and ‘Lightning Mountain (NSFW)’ is only not safe for work if your co-workers can't take power pop awesomeness. Welcome back, boys.” – AbsolutePowerPop.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Alone at St. Hugo Price: $13.00 Artist: Matthew Milia Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL! Here’s another previously vinyl/download, highly-praised release that just HAD to be available on CD! Slightly less Americana than his frontman gig with Frontier Ruckus, Matthew Milia’s first solo album still contains a lot of familiar traits and is more polished and produced than his previous output. “He begins with a sunny slice of California pop on ‘Alive At The Same Time’, full of Beach Boy backing vocals and a sense of thankfulness for the here and now. Other tracks show his true poetic motives more clearly, peppering easy-going melodies with slightly doubtful and melancholy lyrics. For the most part, the tempo stays laid back with guitar strums, the occasional picked acoustic riff, an organ, and the classic pedal steel guitar.” – Soundblab.com “Milea masters gentle pop rock and this is a deeply satisfying album. There are still hints of Americana, but largely this is splendid straight ahead California pop. The country tinge of ‘Congratulations Honey’ is counter balanced by the jangle pop of ‘Attention Students.’ Lyrically, the album gives a modern impression, again evening the archive pop of the material. You should certainly listen to the words here. This excellent singer songwriter vibe reminds me a lot of Elliot Smith. The collaboration with Ben Collins has worked beautifully, the tricky chords are still present, but the pop sensibilities wash over everything, wonderfully so. The pedal steel on ‘Schemer is so weeping, enhancing the melancholy. ‘Abruptly Old And Caffienated’ could be The Rembrandts. Closer, ‘Karen's Just A Kid’ could be The Jayhawks and has a blistering guitar solo within, rounding off ten songs that make the 48 minutes spent, more than worthwhile. There seems to have been plenty of time spent recording the album. There's a dedication and perfection spent on the arrangements and harmonies that make this such a joyful listen. ‘Alone At St Hugo’ is great pop and you say that less and less these days. Top notch stuff!” – IDontHearASingle.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Full Fathom Freight-Train Price: $13.00 Artist: Nick Frater Description: NEW RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL – AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 1!! ACCEPTING ORDERS NOW!! The follow up to the critically acclaimed ‘Goodbye Kayfabe’ (a Top 10 entry on several 2018 end of year lists), Nick Frater’s fourth solo album is once again packed with the hooks, harmonies, and ear-worms that have earned him the critical acclaim! Fans of The Raspberries, Todd Rundgren, Cheap Trick, and classic pop songwriting are in for a real treat. The Summer of 2019 saw Nick joining the Love Band with Johnny Echols for the farewell UK performance of “Forever Changes”. Calling in a musical favour, Mike Randle (Love/Baby Lemonade) makes a guest appearance on “The Getaway”. Other musical cameos on this album include Scotland’s Paul Ryan (of Super 8) and DJ Jim Prell (The Music Authority) who does his best Wolfman Jack impersonation...sticking to Nick’s tradition of slipping a Todd Rundgren reference into each of his albums. “Excellent melodies and unique chord changes are what characterize Frater’s music.” - Shindig! Magazine “Nick Frater encapsulates everything that ‘I Don't Hear A Single’ is all about!” – Don Valentine “His music harks back to the sophisticated pop songwriting of the 60’s and the 70’s, where melodic craft is highly prized and inventive arrangements are meant to thrill and surprise, rather than conform to contemporary (mis)conceptions of what pop music should sound like. We are so gobsmacked to discover such pop-affirming music in these unforgiving (un)musical times." – PowerOfPop.com “His music reminds me of Jellyfish’s incredibly knowing, but lovingly crafted meta pop." – SongsFromSoDeep.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

B-Sides & Other Cuts 2010-18 Price: $15.00 Artist: Theatre Royal Description: NEW RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL – AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 15 – ACCEPTING ORDERS NOW!! Hot on the heels of the year’s “Singles 2010-18” release comes “B-Sides & Other Cuts 2010-18”! Vocalist/guitarist Oliver Burgess provides the backstory for their Kool Kat Musik debut “We’ve always prided ourselves as song-writers and as such we try and make the most of every song that we write. The songs that don’t make the albums still hold a lot of value for us. They’re not just throwaway numbers, they just don’t quite fit on albums for whatever reason, whether thematically or dynamically. So it’s with real pride that we get to collect these 16 songs all together on one release, and offer thanks to Kool Kat Musik for allowing the world to hear them!” “Why the f*ck are they not really famous?... sheer melodic pop genius, intelligent lyrics with brilliant harmonies.” Louder Than War ““Theatre Royal, you boys have got it!” Cyril Jordan/The Flamin’ Groovies “The paisley-shirted sound of the Medway Towns meets the West Coast of the States.” - Steve Lamacq/BBC 6 “Theatre Royal are masters of their muddy estuary environment….” – Shindig! Magazine TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR EXCLUSIVE 2-FER OFFER AND GET THIS AND THEIR “SINGLES 2010-18” CD FOR ONLY $26! IF PAYING BY CREDIT CARD, YOUR CARD WILL BE CHARGED ACCORDINGLY. IF PAYING BY PAYPAL, YOU WILL BE REFUNDED THE APPROPRIATE DISCOUNT! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Loudah Price: $11.00 Artist: The Amplifier Heads Description: Who are The Amplifier Heads? Amplifier Heads are those who hear everything loud. One such amplifier head is Salvatore Baglio a New England based songwriter, musician and recording artist, assisted ab;ly here by drummer Ducky Carlisle. Sal was born when Elvis was king. Watched Ed Sullivan show February 9, 1964. Beatles were king. Formed The Stompers 1977. Signed to Boardwalk Records. Hit Billboard Top 100 the same week Boardwalk Records files bankruptcy. Signed to Mercury/ Polygram and then promptly vanished into the cut out bin of obscurity. “The internet is full of ‘rumors’ that guitar-fueled Rock ‘n’ Roll is dead. Those rumors are unequivocally false. They are lies. To use a more modern phrase, they are ‘fake news’. There are plenty of artists on the scene making a racket with their six strings – you just have to open your eyes and ears and go outside the Billboard charts to find them. The debut album by The Amplifier Heads, is the rock album that we’ve been waiting for and deserve! Like a mix of early Beatles, mid-period Rolling Stones and prime-era Ramones, the band is pure, no-bullshit rock ‘n’ roll. While some may not be familiar with Baglio and Carlisle, just seeing these two chaps in the same band is enough to grab your attention. Don’t think for a moment that this record is just another walk in the park by two rock vets that have been around the block… this is fresh, exhilarating, exciting, and – best of all – fun. The album is filled with more hooks than a pirate's graveyard. However, it isn’t Power Pop – it’s Power Rock! Baglio is a true believer in the power of rock ‘n’ roll. In The Stompers, he was able to conjure the spirit of ‘50s and ‘60s rock and bring it straight into the ‘80s. Here, he brings all of these influences together while writing some of the strongest material of his career. Carlisle does more than just kick out a back beat – he drives this material home with both power and finesse. From opener, ‘The Boy With The Amplifier Head’, through tracks like ‘Two Headed Girl’, ‘Beat Club’, ‘Who’s That Girl’, and ‘New Obsession’, ‘Loudah’ is a tough, brave album that doesn’t pull any punches. With nary a break in between tracks, it’s an adrenaline-filled white-knuckle ride that is so thrilling. Theses guys put the fun back in rock ‘n’ roll. You’ll be left breathless by the end of ‘Rock Candy’. This is certainly one of the best albums of the year. It will make you believe in Rock 'n' Roll again.” – Steve Schnee GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none