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Killin' For A Livin'
Price: $11.00
Artist:
1220
Description:
Wunderkinds of the Knoxville TN local scene, their hook filled album from 2009 was recorded by Don Coffey Jr. of Superdrag (and the band can ROCK like the 'Drag too), the band has set out to cover new territory by incorporating a perfected power pop shimmer... read more »
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My Music Plan
Price: $11.00
Artist:
8889
Description:
LIMITED STOCK!!! Thank you! Our prayers were answered back in May of 2005 when we pleaded for a full-length by this Wisconsin five-some after their most excellent debut jangly pop EP and they delivered! Furthering the jangly Brit-pop vibe that permeated their debut, this one again features hook-filled songs propelled by jangly guitars and the fragile vocals of Russ Benbow and Jason Teteak. "They exude all the sincerity and innocent charm of the proverbial boy next door: It comes through in their songs - polished pop rock statements draped in the classic hues of the Beatles, Beach Boys and Motown, and it comes through in their lyrics, which feature candid reflections on loving and living in a world that sometimes moves too fast...Behind the tireless drive of the band's talented songwriting tandem, they have authored a document of passionate delivery and meticulous craftsmanship. Terrific...the very definition of genuine." -The Isthmus "A Precious Pop Gem that is near-perfect guitar pop, a Midwestern spin on a grand British tradition. The melodies are gorgeous and infectious. 8889 are capable of turning relatively simple melodies into giant, sweeping epic moments, and have produced an album that is slick and radio-friendly without being excessive or lifeless" - Rick's Cafe "With a Brit-pop sensibility that harkens back to the late '90s and channels Blur with a dash of Oasis. They show a healthy disregard for all trends indie and moves decidedly into the genre of smooth guitar pop - clearly demonstrating potential and the possession of songcraft building blocks necessary to become lasting musicians." - The Daily Cardinal "They play smooth, earnest, and accessible jangle-rock with luxuriant harmonies. Their mid-tempo jaunts are flavored with keyboards and layered guitars, and Benbow provides a strong sway factor as the songs roll and flow." -The Onion Will appeal immediately to fans of 80's/90's Brit-popsters like Suede Crocodiles, Horse Latitides, Aztec Camera, The Bluebells, et all and more recently, Crumb. GREAT!!!... read more »
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Happy Endings
Price: $13.00
Artist:
Abandon Ship
Description:
LIMITED STOCK!! Born into a musical family, the five Lester brothers grew up playing instruments and singing harmony with their parents. In 2004, Nathan, Damian, and Gabriel Lester delivered a confident follow-up to their promising debut! Retaining their youthful vocal harmonies while delivering a more up-tempo effort than their debut, it’s chock full of layered guitars – not unlike early Brendan Benson and Dan Jones’ “One Man Submarine” (must be the water in Eugene, OR) which is still a fave around here! Posies-like at times too! "A complete blind listen...which is not at all unusual for me. There is something very exciting about hearing an album having never heard a single song...then being completely blown away by it. Which is what happened with this one. The Brendan Benson-like melodies, harmonies and songwriting stays strong and the guitar work is stunning! These siblings possess loads of talent, and it shows all over this album. This one is chock full of great tunes. Listen to it on a rainy day, a sunny day, in the morning or at night Abandon Ship create melodies and pop hooks that manage to suck the listener in early. Catchy, stick to ya kinds of tunes. Anyone who likes pop songs with lots of hooks, catchy melodies, and thoughtful chord changes, should buy this album right away and never stop enjoying it immensely." - Count Keef A grower! GREAT!!!... read more »
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Star
Price: $15.00
Artist:
Acme Rock Group
Description:
Acme Rock Group was formed in 1996 by guitarist-singer-songwriter-producer Erik Rex. Their 2001 debut combines elements of influential British guitar-based rock and roll bands like the Beatles, the Kinks, and the Who. "Indie pop fans have been heaping a large amount of justifiable praise on Rick Corcoran for his gem of a Beatles-inspired album, The Orgone Box. Save some of that same applause for 'Star'. Rex and his musical pals have released a dandy of a Beatlesque album that excels with their original power pop and psychedelic tunes. The disc opens strongly with three straight tracks that smack of 'Sgt. Pepper'’s era songs – the last of which, 'Floating,' even has a bit of a David Bowie sound to it. The slower tracks are reminiscent of 'Rubber Soul'. In fact, this is one of those rare discs where the songs blend seamlessly together, and has just helped pseudo-60s psych/pop take a big step forward!" - Amplifier Magazine Very reminiscent of Teenage Fan Club and Superstar. Features kool covers of Beatles/Peter & Gordon’s “World Without Love” and The Who’s “Odorono”. GREAT!!!... read more »
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Pop, Baby
Price: $12.00
Artist:
Adam Daniel
Description:
Talk about long overdue! Adam's followup (though he's been releasing some download-only demo tracks over the years) to his brilliant "Blue Pop" from 1999 is finally here! And it's a mashup of power pop shimmer and singer-songwriter heart. In case you're not aware of Adam Daniel, here's what a fan said about "Blue Pop" - "It is one of the best albums ever. At least in my humble opinion. I bought it back in 1999, when it came out, and have been loving it ever since. The album has only winners: 13 fantastic songs, melodic, with great arrangements and exceptionally well performed. The only negative thing I can say about it, is that there never was a follow-up (well, there is now!). This album should have made Adam a star; it didn't, but at least it did in my musical world." All Music Guide also praised "Blue Pop" - "This stands among the best guitar-pop albums of the '90s with swirling melodies, unforgettable hooks, and heartbreaking sincerity. With its release, Daniel establishes himself as another gifted, though commercially overlooked, songwriter in the vein of Tommy Keene and Marshall Crenshaw, with an energetic attack of punchy guitars and singalong harmonies that will leave any true pop fan reeling!" "Last year, I decided it might be nice to finally follow up 'Blue Pop' properly. So I bought Logic Studio and some plugins, souped up my MacBook Pro refurb with extra RAM, and set to work with a crazy intention: songwriting, arranging, producing, performing, recording, mixing, and mastering all by myself. Yes, I’m a control freak. 'Pop, Baby' is a mashup of Elton John piano, glam rock guitars, Beach Boys vocal stacks, and new wave synth candy. All my favorite things, " states Adam. Welcome back, Adam! This was well worth the wait! But please, don't make us wait another 14 years for a new album! So, if you don't know Adam, now's as good time as any to do so - you won't be disappointed! GREAT!!!... read more »
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Go West
Price: $10.00
Artist:
Adam Marsland
Description:
NEW LOW PRICE!! 2009 2CD offering from the former Cockeyed Ghost frontman that was hailed at the time as his best ever effort! It’s an undertaking that operates logically in two ways: it's a highly engaging pop/rock conception or dig a little deeper and it is an engrossing journey from hope to despair and back to hope. "I'm on my third spin of 'Go West' and I must say I'm very taken with it. To my ears, this sounds like Adam's most cohesive record to date. You know, it just fits together very well. More importantly, I also think this double disc easily contains some of his best work to date. To name a few songs that jump out - 'Go West', 'My Pain', 'No Return', 'Despair', 'December 24', 'Grateful For The Rain', '1 In 4', 'Two Children In A Bed' (funky, yes, it is funky), and 'I Don't Want To Dance With You' (this is the surprise track on the album per it's dance club groove vibe. It's a wonderfully fun track especially per the cheerleading like backing vocals. Words fail, you'd just need to hear it. I smile every time I listen to it). Finally, to my ears 'Fade Away' is a stone cold classic tune. Lovely song, great vocals, melody and harmonies." - Steve Durbin/Audities "What's most gratifying is not only how well it holds together, but how well it holds together given the range of things he's doing and the fact that it's all cohering over two discs. Quite an accomplishment." - Sam Smith/Audities "Double albums in pop music can sometimes be troublesome beasts, which is why Marsland's opus is such a great discovery. Like all good art, it is ambitious, did not come into being without heartache or sweat, and is filled with contrasting emotions. It is important to note this is unlike most albums: the ace material is not rolled into the record's onset, but rather spread throughout, which is why the second disc has as many compelling moments as the first. And of course the secret to any good song collection is, if someone puts in a perfect pop tune, then follow it up with a rambunctious garage-punk track. In his case that is The Replacements-soundalike 'This Is Hard,' with a toughened hunk of gritty guitar, deliberately sloppy bass and drums, and disorderly vocals. Anyone who misses Paul Westerberg's early misbehavior needs this shot of adrenaline.He has put together an unassuming masterpiece." - AudAud.com In case you missed it the first time…. EXCELLENT!!!... read more »
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Nothing Means Anything
Price: $12.00
Artist:
Adam McIntyre
Description:
LIMITED STOCK!! On his 2005 sophomore release, Adam reinvented himself, presenting a compelling statement on love and its accompanying struggles, all played with the dynamic urgency that was present on his excellent debut! Detailing his experiences with divorce, desperation, and deliverance through new-found love, this album is composed around seasonal themes enabling him to construct a personal pop monument. In doing so, has created a tightly and enthusiastically played example of DIY, jangly n' crunchy guitar (with some nice ballads thrown in) garage pop! "Sometimes I'm in the mood for music that doesn't require a lot of thinking, pop tunes that let you press play then sit back and listen. Other times I need something with introspective lyrics that seem like they were written for me. This record magically satisfies both cravings. Pop music and songs about love kind of go hand in hand, but McIntyre takes it a step further by telling his story across the four seasons. Oh, and did I mention I'm a total sucker for theme albums? Especially when I can sort of relate to the subject matter?. Some of his music recalls early Owsley and a less piano-heavy Ben Folds 5. The sound evolves with each song, not only showing his progress in life and love, but representing fall, winter, spring and finally summer. Listening to the opening 'Your Only Friend', a melancholy tune about being alone in an empty apartment, its hard to believe the same guy is performing later tracks such as the guitar-driven 'I Need You'. I was definitely rooting for him by the end of the album. But hey, if it doesn't work out with this new girl, at least hell have some good song material." - LeftOffTheDial.com "Lyrically and musically poignant as all get out... hope the new love lasts; this LP sure will." - Jack Rabid/The Big Takeover EXCELLENT!!!... read more »
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Why don't they teach heartbreak at school?
Price: $14.00
Artist:
Aerial
Description:
Scottish power-poppers Aerial are back with their sophomore album (and Kool Kat label debut) that proves that the band has lost none of the infectious energy, pop hooks and West Coast harmonies that defined their sound the first time around. Formed in the late 90's, they soon came to the attention of London-based Fantastic Plastic Records who released two highly acclaimed EPs by the band in 2000. Their debut album, "Back Within Reach", was released in 2001 by Japanese label Syft Records. Following a series of line-up changes the group disbanded later the same year. Fast forward 10 years and Aerial, re-tuned and re-grouped, began writing the follow up which resulted in their new record, which picks up right where their debut left off. This is the sound of a band who have lost none of their sense of youthful exuberance. "These high-flying Scots are right on the verge of takeoff for their second LP. Frankly the month of September just got a whole lot better, and it hasn't even started yet." - Powerpopulist.com "I love a song like 'Cartoon Eyes' with a middle eight that surprises, and when it’s surrounded by pure chorus sounding curiously like Elastica’s 'Waking Up' being covered by Blue Oyster Cult, I’m sold. Turn it up." - HoneyandBile.com "A quick listen to their new offering is enough to remind you of this Scottish trio's ability to produce jaunty slabs of mesmerising melody: a trait they displayed in abundance during their first incarnation in the late 90's" - Aberdeen.stv.tv GREAT!!!... read more »
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Beatlesque One
Price: $10.00
Artist:
Alan Bernhoft
Description:
Another "no-brainer" comes across our desk (that's two in two weeks!). As the title of the CD suggests, this one is "uber-Beatlesque"! "While there's no mystery as to the operative sound here, the question remains: just how good are these 'Beatlesque'... read more »
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The Big Pretend
Price: $10.00
Artist:
All Day Sucker
Description:
Their music is the new California sound, an inspired take on the sounds of the classic rock era reinvented for modern ears. A treasure trove made up of expertly crafted, very 70's-inspired, pop songs layered with influences ranging from ELO, Elvis Costello to The Eagles, Elton John and that's just the E's! As musicians, they use the framework of pop music aesthetics to make pop music wonderful, be it through song structure, melody or harmonies. The record is brimming with heady, street-smart yet refreshingly sweet, sophisticated melodic rock. What gives their instantly memorable hooks a soulful resonance are sharp musicianship and a grounded lyrical sense that illuminates mature, authentic feelings. "They strike me as kind of a cross between Orson, Weezer and Everclear, and have a big, radio-friendly pop sound. The disc is sort of an LA concept album, complete with an amusing 40s/50s-sounding introductory theme. 'The Picture (That Took Me)' is the highlight, but there are several more interesting tracks including the manic pop of 'Life In The Passing Lane', the quite catchy 'Santa Ana', and the baroque nostalgia of 'Beverly Park'. A fun disc that will make you feel like you're in L.A., regardless of where you are." - AbsolutePowerPop.blogspot.com Singer Morty Coyle states - "Our influences include everything we've ever heard whether it was rock, pop, soul, jazz, show tunes, TV themes or any other music that has fallen on our ears. We've been praying at the altar of pop music our entire lives. Now we're ready to take our place in the church."! Amen brother! EXCELLENT!!!... read more »
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