Ten Times Four Price: $14.00 Artist: Caddy Description: The follow up to “The Better End” is here and is already being proclaimed one of 2018’s best power pop releases! “I've been waiting impatiently for the new Caddy album all year and today is the day that its poptopia is unleashed on the world. It's been too long since ‘The Better End’. Since then, Tom Dahl became a Stanley whose debut was lauded as one of the best power pop albums of 2017, rightly so. ‘Ten Times Four’ lands somewhere in the middle of those two albums, gloriously so. ‘The Better End’ was beautifully arranged, but the songwriting was reflective, a little melancholic, when it broke out, it did it gently. ‘In The Basement’ here mines similar territory. The Stanleys album is more heads down, have a good time, power pop and that influence is also revealed here. At times, these songs are built on meandering memorable riffs, never more so than on ‘Not The One’ and ‘Somewhere Beautiful’, a song that wouldn't be out of place on The Stanleys album. The moody ‘Roadblocks’ is built around a slow sinister riff, far different to the rest of the upbeat songs. ‘Reverie’ is a jangle fest, all Teenage Fanclub, a wonderfully melodic strum along building to an ‘Everything Flows’ bridge. The closer, ‘The Good Ones’ is a splendid anthem, a real sing your heart out building to a Thin Lizzy twin guitar crescendo. If ‘Miracle Turn’ is the ideal opener with it's glorious chorus, then ‘The Good Ones’ ends the album in similar feel good mode. Special mention has to go to ‘Safe Travels’, a glam rock masterpiece with some fine Beach Boys harmonies. There's so much packed in to its four minutes. I've followed Tom's career since The Yums Yums and I can honestly say this is his best album yet. It's magnificently feel good, epic in its pop scope. It's so easy to forget that Caddy is a one man band. Thus far, 2018 has been a fine year for pop rock. ‘Ten Times Four’ is another contender for album of the year. As soon as the album finishes, you want to play it again. Forget about what's happening in the world, this will make you feel that everything is A OK.” – IDontHearASingle.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

A Salty Taste To The Lake + bonus disc Price: $17.00 Artist: Caper Clowns Description: They’re back with a brilliant sophomore effort! “I know that I've been rattling on about what a great year 2018 is for Pop Rock. The end of year charts are going to be so competitive and there's more to come yet. One of the albums that I've been looking forward to most is Caper Clowns' second album and it doesn't disappoint. Quite the opposite in fact. I loved the band's debut album, ‘The Buca Bus’. These Danes have moved on apace, the maturity gained from all those gigs has resulted in one of the great pop albums of this year. ‘A Salty Taste To The Lake’ has been trailed by two splendid singles, ‘The Way I Dream’, in which they out Finned Crowded House and the jaunty McCartney pop of ‘Sacre Bleu’. A third single, Paper Trail has just been released. All three singles are worth grabbing, each includes an unreleased B Side (see below – we’ve got you covered!). The ‘Paper Trail’ flip, ‘Just Another Supersonic Mastodon’ is particularly great, 4 minutes encroaching on Psych Pop with its constant changes. No difficult second album problems are present here. Whilst still mastering Beatles-like pop, Caper Clowns broaden the range. ‘Paper Trail’ is classic Difford and Tilbrook, you can imagine a boy band grabbing hold of Loops and bringing it to the masses. ‘What If’ is an acoustic orchestral ‘Windmills Of Your Mind’ sort of thing. ‘Me For A Friend’ reflects a lot of what I feel about the album. It reminds me of one of those great pop rock albums of the 70's. ‘Lifeline’ starts with a Roy Wood/Move-like riff, it's a fantastic piece of Psych Pop. From the minute that I heard ‘The Way I Dream’ earlier this year, I knew the album was going to be a stormer, I'm still singing the song six months on, it's a real earworm. ‘A Salty Taste To The Lake’ is an upbeat melodic joy. The biggest problem that I've had is keeping quiet about the album until now. It's been on constant repeat for the past few weeks. All of the things that were great about ‘The Buca Bus’ are present, but the band have grown into an even greater outfit. There is real depth in these 11 Songs. Caper Clowns may very well be my favourite band of the last couple of years. The album is a must have.” – IDontHearASingle.com COMES WITH AN EXCLUSIVE BONUS DISC OF 6 SONGS THAT WERE RELEASED AS SINGLE/EP B-SIDES THAT ARE NOT ON EITHER THEIR “THE BUCA BUS” AND “A SALTY TASTE TO THE LAKE” FULL-LENGTHS! GREAT!!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Proto Retro Price: $12.00 Artist: Dot Dash Description: Coming off of 2016’s amped-up, fuzzed-out “Searchlights”, “Proto Retro” (the band’s sixth full length) sees Dot Dash taking a poppier, janglier direction but one that retains the punky, garagey energy that has marked the band’s previous releases. “Effortlessly enjoyable, and perhaps the clearest proof yet that Terry Banks is one of the unsung heroes of modern American power pop. Each selection here positively crackles with melodic ideas - melody, not just volume, is driving things this time out. From the ‘Pilgrimage’-like opening of the elegant ‘Tamed a Wild Beast’ and on to the Foo Fighters-ish slow-punch of ‘Triple Rainbow’, there seems to be a new zest to Banks' compositions here, the result being more numbers that don't simply sprint past in a flash of smart-and-sharp chord changes. The superb ‘Parachute Powerline’ succeeds in some large measure also thanks to that rhythm section, even as Banks peppers the cut with bits and pieces that faintly echo Elvis Costello classics like ‘Secondary Modern’ and ‘King Horse’. And while ‘Fast Parade’ and ‘Unfair Weather’ have a lot of punch, like numbers from a Bob Mould solo record, it's the easy-and-catchy ‘Gray Blue Green’ that stands out as a real highlight here. Tuneful in a familiar way, like something off an old Beau Brummels record, it's elemental American power pop, even more so than the fine ‘World's Last Payphone’ with its bright blasts of concise, Robert Pollard-style alt-pop. Assured but not overdone, riff-heavy but not loud, ‘Proto Retro’ is a largely excellent collection of masterful power pop. Fans of The dB's, Matthew Sweet, The Posies, and Fountains of Wayne, will find this set a record that's easy to love.” – APessimisdtIsNeverDisappointed.com EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

10 More Rock Super Hits Price: $12.00 Artist: Jeff Whalen Description: WOW!! BUBBLEGLAM is here! Jeff Whelan is the former lead vocalist for poppers extraordinaire Tsar. Citing their primary influences as Guns ‘N Roses and the Monkees, Tsar’s music was a hook-filled hybrid of post-grunge alternative, power pop, and glam rock. The group split in 2005. Not to be deterred, this is Jeff’s terrific, Linus Of Hollywood-produced, solo debut! And, it’s getting nothing but glowing reviews! “A bubblegum fans wet dream!” – David Bash/IPO “My first thought was that this album just makes you happy. You can’t be in a bad mood after listening to this, it's impossible. Great from top to bottom, and well worth the wait! Infectious!” – Gary Martin “A joyous set of sparkling pop rock that inflate the heart and stuff the ears full of sunshine” – Ginger Wildheart “This is seriously my #1 contender for AOTY (along with Linus' ‘Cabin Life’). I might contract diabetes - it's so sugary sweet! Love the vocal production, handclaps, instrumentation, keys and horns! ‘The Alien Lanes’ is the kind of tune Cheap Trick should still be making (but can't) - and ‘Don't Give It Up’ is maybe the most head-bopping catchy song on the record, (though the title track is also total ear candy). This record is WAY better than it even needs to be (hope that comes off as a compliment) and it needs to be heard by the masses!” – Andy Solum That should be enough to get you excited about this record! 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

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

Teardrop Kiss Price: $18.00 Artist: The Innocents Description: Formed in Tasmania in 1975, and originally called Beathoven, The Innocents achieved some success before they split in 1981 but reunited and recorded an album, “Pop Factory”, in 2006 after renewed interest in the band. Glenn A Baker (renowned Australian music critic) has stated that the band is “perhaps the greatest power pop band in the world since the demise of the Raspberries.” The core band is made up of Greg Cracknell on bass and vocals, Rob Smith on guitars, bass, mandolin, keyboards and vocals who wrote one of the songs featured on the album and Charles Touber who penned the other twelve songs and plays rhythm guitar and also handles vocals. “Teardrop Kiss” was produced by Michael Carpenter and Rob Smith. Carpenter also plays guitar, drums and adds his backing vocals on some tracks. “‘Every Moment Matters’ kicks off the album in fine style. It’s obvious from the very first second that the listener is in for a hook-filled, joyous ride. Those glorious power pop harmonies are present and correct; the tune just soars and is as infectious as the common cold. Even though every power pop trick is apparently squeezed into this four-minute cut, Carpenter and Smith make the whole thing sound so fresh and contemporary. ‘Strangers In The Park’ is even stronger, lyrically smart with another catchy melody that once heard is hard to forget. Bands have been formed because of songs like this; it’s that powerful. The title track finds the band adding a little garage band attitude to the genre and showing that despite originally being formed forty years ago they can still stand proud next to the new breed. 60's psychedelia makes a fleeting appearance on ‘Atum Gleams’ both lyrically and musically. The gentle love song ‘We Can Be Free’ throws up yet another side to the band; a gorgeous melody with heartfelt vocals make this track a standout on the album. ‘Waiting’ will have you thinking of the Rolling Stones as the song starts. ‘I’m So Over You’ is another cut that owes more to the snotty garage band sound than it does to what is generally accepted as classic power pop; maybe it’s this attitude that makes the album so interesting, mixing other elements into what is expected to keep the sound fresh. ‘The Mouse That Roared’ has a melody that’s simply gorgeous. Smith’s only writing contribution, ‘You’re Not The Man’, displays the angular shapes that the band throw into other songs occasionally, has a killer chorus and some of the best vocal arrangements on the whole album. The dramatic ‘Memories of You’ has a handful of theatrical touches, showing that the band is not afraid to take risks and step out of the power pop comfort zone. The album features a diverse set of songs, while never betraying their power pop roots the band is legendary for and is sure to please not just power pop fans, but anyone who loves classic, intelligent pop rock. With the involvement of Michael Carpenter how could the album fail?” – Malcolm Carter We agree! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Sha La La Price: $15.00 Artist: The Late Show Description: Believe it or not, “Sha La La” is the followup album to their 1980 power pop classic “Portable Pop” – a record considered one of the Top 50 power pop albums of all time. The new record features 10 new originals from the band's classic line-up of Don Main, Mark Moran, Chris Pyle, and Rick Clayton. When asked why it took 38 years for the band to record a follow up album to their 1980 debut, singer Don Main laughed, "We did a follow up in 1983 with producer John Hampton that was never released. We did another album in the mid ‘80s with producer Ian Ritchie which was never released. We talked about it and decided before our labeled released the 1983 album and the other one, we wanted to make a new record and get it out first. We have been playing together again since 2012 and having a blast. The time was just right. We had so much fun doing the new album, we've already started work on our next record." “Grizzled (and I mean grizzled) vets of the power pop scene will remember ‘Portable Pop’. Now based out of Indianapolis, the original lineup is back with its sophomore effort. Although I can't say it was worth the wait as 38 years is too long to wait for just about anything - it's certainly worth your listening time. It's power pop in the classic sense, chock full of hooks, guitars and melodies, right from the Knack-like opener ‘To Let it Go’ to Big Star-in-their-quieter-moments-sounding ‘Tears’ to the acoustic guitars in the verses and electric in the chorus of ‘Hello Linda’. The album has a timeless sound to it, and it's one more entry in a banner year for power pop. It's good to have these guys back, but fortunately, it appears that none of us are going to survive another 38-year wait for the next one.” – AbsolutePowerPop.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Spinning The Earth In Reverse Price: $12.00 Artist: The Turnback Description: “The Turnback deliver a power/pop gem. Music like this keeps hope alive for modern musicians and fans everywhere” – TuneGroover.com “Swinging, grooving and bursting with courage and enthusiasm” – SomethingElseReviews.com These are just a few examples of the excellent reviews The Turnback received for their first two albums, 2011’s “Drawn In Chalk” and 2015’s “Are We There Yet?” Now, here in 2018, the band delivers their Kool Kat Musik label debut – “Spinning The Earth In Reverse”, their most diverse collection of songs to date. From the revved-up, harmony drenched burst of rock and roll that is the album opener, “Here I Am”, to the grunge-like riff that kicks off “This Could Be Our Year”, which then transitions to an impossibly catchy chorus, the band manages to integrate new sounds into their music without forgetting their power pop roots. A booming industrial beat supports the shifting dynamics and weighty subject matter in “She Had A Name”, yet the song – featuring a blend of acoustic and electric instruments - retains its melodic heart and focus. The mix of orchestral and traditional rock instruments, together with their trademark vocal harmonies, make “What’s The Difference Anyway” an unexpected treat – at once epic, yet still intimate. Taking cues from the artists of the 60’s and 70’s, songs such as “”Hit And Run”, “Stand For Something (or go sit down)”, “Your Fragile Wall”, “You Wear The Truth Like A Disguise” and “Age Of Dumm”, touch on the turmoil and trepidation of everyday life. This a modern rock/power pop album that looks to the past as well as towards the future and does so with heart, melody, harmony, and humor. “Their ‘Are We There Yet?’ was arguably the best power pop album of 2015. If Todd Giglio and The Turnback fell victim to a slump of sorts with its followup, it would have been understandable. Fortunately, ‘Spinning….’ packs the same punch as its predecessor. The production sounds slightly more polished than before but the sound is HUGE and the hooks are plentiful. If you’re looking for politically charged songs that’ll rip your face off, this is your kind of album. Opener ‘Here I Am’ has all the traits that made their last LP so good. A start to finish hook with killer harmonies, it’s the logical choice for a single. The muscular guitar in ‘This Could Be Our Year’ makes it an instant Turnback classic. ‘She Walks on Gold’ is not unlike a lit fuse. The piano intro starts things off harmlessly enough and then…bang! The appropriately named ‘Hit and Run’ is irresistible, too. It had me hooked from the moment of impact. The Turnback have that unique knack of combining kick-ass with catchy. Call it hooks with chutzpah.” – PowerPopNews.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Everyone Loves You When You're Gone Price: $13.00 Artist: Van Go Description: AVAILABLE OCTOBER 19 – ACCEPTING ORDERS NOW!! Chicago rockers, Van Go, return with their long-awaited 6th release (their first in nearly 8 years, and their Kool Kat Musik label debut!) “Everyone Loves You When You’re Gone”, that finds the guitars big and crunchy, the drums even bigger and unrelenting, with bold and impassioned vocals, all arranged tightly together with dynamic, hook laden precision. The band (Lou Galassini on bass, Steve Brown and Jeff Shapuras on guitars, Bryan Thomas on drums, and Dave Sippel singing), formed in Chicago in 1996, with “Amsterdam”, the debut LP released in 1997, followed by “Super Genghis” (1999), “We Happy Few” (2002), “Pop Your Heart Out” (2005), and “The Long Lost Last Call” (2010). Described as ”one of the best albums I’ve heard in years” and “best Van Go release yet”, on this “all killer, no filler” effort, “the band sounds astonishing”, grabbing the listener from the start and not letting go, finishing with a blistering cover of Paul Collins’ classic “Walking Out On Love” after the eleven stunning originals. Behind the robust, shiny and polished exterior of the music, lie darker lyrical themes: “at times ironic, tender, and blackly humorous”. Van Go has been around the block more than a few times, and is more than willing to share tales of life gone good, bad, and in between at your local dive bar between sets. GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none