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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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Back To California
Price: $14.00
Artist:
20/20
Description:
“Back To California” is the first album from 20/20 co-founders Steve Allen and Ron Flynt since 1998’s “Interstate” and its hooks, harmonies and instantly memorable tunes stand with their classic late 70’s/early 80’s work that commenced with the band's undisputed classic self-titled debut album in 1979, and brings their music to a whole new generation of guitar pop fans and long-time followers alike. “How often has a band gone more than a quarter of a century between album releases and then come up with a collection of songs that stands proudly alongside their finest work? Not too often, I’d say. What the music does on ‘Back To California’ is expertly builds a bridge between 20/20’s legacy as an iconic power pop band and Allen and Flynt’s current status as seasoned songwriters and performers who have never strayed from their love of a hook. The title track harkens back to that glorious late 70’s power pop sound, with muscular, driving guitars and a riff that vaguely recall the Plimsouls’ ‘A Million Miles Away.’ Nearly every track here is framed with an inspired guitar riff accompanying an instantly memorable melody. Sometimes the guitars are forceful (those opening blasts of distorted six-string on ‘The End of the Summer’ are pretty damned cool), sometimes they’re Beatlesque (‘When the Sun Goes Down’), and sometimes they even lean ever-so-slightly toward country-rock (the catchier than hell ‘King of the Whole Wide World’). Without fail, the hook is always king, and Allen and Flynt dole them out here like there’s no tomorrow.” - John Borack EXCELLENT!!... 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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Closer To A Ghost
Price: $12.00
Artist:
A View Of Earth From The Moon
Description:
A View of Earth from the Moon’s debut s an unashamed mashup of noisy 90’s Britpop, uninhibited garagey rudeness, and anthemic melodies that take the listener to a place where loudness is king. “I’m out there on my own with this one. I guess you could call it a solo record because this was the first time I did everything by myself. No live band in the studio, just me racking up countless hours of studio time, haha.” “Closer to a Ghost” is meant for an audience that likes loud and unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll. The album celebrates being “over the top” and many of Fickes’s influences are unmistakable. It’s “everything I’ve always wanted a record to be.” The twelve exciting tracks exhibit everything from blind irreverence to crippling obsession; from selfless love to complete emptiness; from boundless joy to unshakable regret. Singer/songwriter, Jonathan Fickes, is the sum of a farm town childhood spent listening to 60’s pop, a young adulthood playing folk music in New York City, and years spent in the vibrant Seattle indie rock scene with bands such as To the Sea and The Fraidies. “It’s not often that albums can evoke a strain of nostalgia while still presenting something new and re-listen worthy. A View of Earth from the Moon’s debut greets you like an old friend with the contradiction of new and familiar sounds. If ‘Closer to a Ghost’ conjures tones of 60’s Mod or 90’s Britpop, it may be due to Fickes’ love for Oasis and past of touring in a Beatles tribute band. ‘I Had to Go In to Come Back Out Again’ crashes open and continues to roll with heavy drum punches and attractive guitar rhythms, while ‘How I Lost You’ is a slow narrative with a morose breakup back story.” – The Big Takeover “A wonderfully evocative record from this Seattle combo that’s sometimes evocative of Teenage Fanclub, other times recalling early Posies, it’s all melodically stimulating with undercurrents of melancholy and mystery running through the proceedings. The glorious ‘Distance Runner’ is the highlight.” – John Borack/Goldmine Magazine 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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This Is Action City
Price: $12.00
Artist:
Action City
Description:
Action City came to be on December 27, 2019. Winston-Salem based musician, Michael Slawter was hosting a post-Christmas show at his guitar shop/venue Heyday Guitars. The drummer that evening was an old acquaintance from the Charlotte area, Shawn Lynch (Balderdash Ltd/The Eyebrows). At the end of the evening after everyone had left Shawn and Michael shared a beer and did some catching up. The subject of working together came up and a plan was hatched. Weeks later Michael and Shawn were face to face again with guitars in-hand working through new song ideas. Then the pandemic hit and the world shut down. Planned recording sessions were scrapped, so an alternate plan was hatched….let’s just do it ourselves. Software was downloaded and mics were borrowed. Weeks later, two songs were recorded. Over a series of weekends 2 songs were recorded each session. Before long they had accumulated 10 fully realized songs. On a whim LA-based engineer/producer Adam Lasus was contacted about mixing and quickly joined the fold, giving masterful direction and whipping the songs into a tizzy. Matt Tuttle in Winston-Salem mastered all 10 songs in quick order and gave Adam’s already keen mixing a more sonically dense feel. “Whenever I think of Winston-Salem, like many others I think of Mitch Easter and why not? The man literally saved us from the dressing up nonsense of the 80’s. Well! Michael Slawter is also a fine artist. The 10 songs here are a fine selection of guitar pop and all of its avenues. At times I'm reminded a lot of Chris Church, particularly on ‘In My Finest Hour’. When Action City rock, the certainly rock, especially on ‘Stay (Tiny Love Song)’ which has an 80’s Rush-like feel on the verse. Elsewhere the duo's versatility shines through across Surf (‘The Blame’), Power Pop (‘Beside Me’) and Psych Pop (‘The Lines You Blur’). The latter is a corking tune, top notch in fact. Very 60s, very jangly with a killer guitar solo, it ticks all the boxes. The record is a splendid listen. I can't wait for more.” – IDontHearASingle.com GREAT!!... read more »
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More Action City
Price: $12.00
Artist:
Action City
Description:
Action City (Michael Slawter and Shawn Lynch) are back with the followup to their terrific 2021 “This Is Action City” debut! Recorded in the Fall of 2021 and Spring of 2022, the boys re-enlisted Adam Lasus and Matt Tuttle once again for mixing and mastering duties respectively. Hey, why mess with a winning formula, right? The result is another hook-filled, guitar-centric, no frills collection that rests quite comfortably in the garage pop category! “On their sophomore effort, Action City come out with an army of 6 + 12 string guitars and riffs a-blazin’ on another 10-song, 60’s’70’s-inspired hookfest that whizzes by in a flash. Some of the tracks (‘The Leaving Lights’ and ‘Canadys Girl’ are prime examples) have a very Richard Turgeon-ish vibe, which is certainly a good thing! You can add some Guided By Voices (their poppier, more accessible side) and Jeff Shelton (in any of his guises) in there too. While familiar pop-craft and melodic virtuosity occupies center stage, this latest batch of songs ride on colorful guitar flourishes, there are hooks and earworms aplenty within, representing another level of songwriting and performance from Slawyer and Lynch.” – Max Humphries 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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Live at the University Of Cadiz
Price: $16.00
Artist:
Adam Levy & the Brass Buttons
Description:
HONEYDOGS ALERT!! Very kool recording of Honeydogs’ frontman Adam Levy terrific, spirited performance backed by the more-than-capable Spanish roots poppers The Brass Buttons that sees him revisiting his back catalog of both Honeydogs’ and solo recordings! TRACK LISTING: “10,000 Years”, “Aubben”, “Clemens In Plainview”, “At Ohms Never Die”, “Devices”, “Vermillion Billows”, “When Your Wells Run Dry”, “We Are”, “Our Post Morten”, “I Miss You”, “Two Weeks”, “Watching”, “Potter’s Field”, and “Naubinway”! 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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