Utopian Ashes Price: $13.00 Artist: Bobby Gillespie and Jehnny Beth Description: Primal Scream frontman Bobby Gillespie has teamed up with French solo artist and Savages vocalist Jehnny Beth to release “Utopian Ashes”, a gorgeous, lushly-produced record that explores the loss, miscommunication and emotional inarticulacy that a married couple experience as they realize that their relationship is breaking down. The collection draws on the tradition of country soul classics, such as Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris’s "Grievous Angel" and George Jones and Tammy Wynette’s "We Go Together," to deal with the heavy realities of love turning sour. It’s an album for people who have dealt with the inevitable sadness that comes with age and acknowledged the realities of life. There is no sweetening of the pill, but it does achieve what should be the goal of all good art: to make us feel less alone. And while it’s not autobiographical, it channels heartfelt truth from the songwriters’ own experiences. The backing band features Johnny Hostile (bass) alongside Primal Scream trio Andrew Innes (guitar), Martin Duffy (piano) and Darrin Mooney. (drums). “The record sounds like Beth wandered into a Primal Scream session and got the guys to up their game. It's often greater than or equal to the best calm down songs from ‘Screamalelica’ and “Give Out But Don't Give Up’ when Primal Scream cribbed from the Rolling Stones’ swaggering roots rock. Gillespie, who brought in most of his Primal Scream bandmates, takes most of the leads, but Beth, who brought it along her longtime partner Johnny Hostile is his foil and equal. The lyrics, written in collaboration and often sung as dialogues, are mostly bitter, contemplating the afterburn of a relationship is still smoulders with anger and desire. ‘Remember When We Were Lovers’ (bolstered with horns and slide guitar) and ‘Your Heart Will Always Be Broken’ (with beautiful piano flourishes from Martin Duffy, who is stellar throughout the album) are two highlights. If the two can maintain this quality standard Beth and Gillespie could join the rarified country rock duet pantheon of Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood, and Emmy Lou Harris and Graham Parsons.” – Philadelphia Inquirer FILE UNDER: Late Saturday Night/Early Sunday Morning Listen EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Last Orders! Price: $14.00 Artist: Brinsley Schwarz Description: At the dawn of the internet, Ian Gomm self‐released an album of previously unreleased and hard to find recordings by his old group Brinsley Schwarz called, appropriately enough, “Rarities”. Taking inspiration from this long out of print album, Mega Dodo Records asked Ian Gomm to dig deep into his archive to see what other gems he might have. “Last Orders!” is the result of his search. The album contains some of the earliest recordings the band made for radio and television, outtakes, rehearsals, home recordings and much more. “Seymour (I Love You)” is a previously unreleased instrumental that datesback to 1970 and is followed by a broadcast version of “Funk Angel”. The Neil Young-inspired “Indian Woman” is another previously unreleased song that dates from the same period and reveals the band’s early heavier influences. “The Old Country” first appeared on the “Rarities” album and signals a change in direction to a more laidback country rock sound that would become the hallmark of their “Silver Pistol” album. It’s followed by several recordings from the “Silver Pistol” period including alternative versions of the title track, “Unknown Number” and “That’s What It Takes”. “She’s Got To Be Real”, with vocals from Ian Gomm, sees Brinsley Schwarz change direction again with a more soulful vibe that the band successfully blended with country rock to create their own unique style. For many Brinsley Schwarz remain paragons of British pub rock, and public interest to this collective doesn’t ever seem to wane! And, rightfully so!! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Game Dirt Price: $12.00 Artist: Chris Church Description: Pop vet Chris Church’s recent releases like “Limitations of Source Tape” and 2020's exploration of “Heavy Melody” (“Backwards Compatible”) have topped many “Best Of” lists. Between his vast back catalog, and those, it's easy to hear why his music reaches beyond the boundaries of the power pop form. Undoubtedly, he possesses the requisite command of melody and a powerful, instantly-recognizable vocal presence, but his compositions have an unforced depth and visceral openness that can't be learned. His tunes have what Neil Young – one of an eclectic clutch of keystone influences – would call “the spook”. Chris's new album (and Big Stir label debut) “Game Dirt” is once again something different and new, even by the standards of his exploratory career, reflecting a looser, more straight ahead rock and roll element, adding a pinch of alt-country and 90’s indie styles in with his pop rock sensibilities. As the record unfolds, it’s perfectly clear that, musically, the only rule is that there are no rules. It's thus that the twangy “No Depression” vibes of “Lost” and “Smile” rub shoulders with the epic “Trying”, awash with shifting time changes and bittersweet major-7th chords. There are the crunching riffs and searing solos of “Hang”, and there's “Know” (as in “know your enemy”), which sound like the Brian Jones and Mick Taylor iterations of the Stones playing at the same time. There's the '90s alt-rock march of “Down”, the near-new-wave stutter of “Praise”, and a pair of sparkling Big Star-worthy ballads in “Removed” and the closing “Sunrise”, each draped with hooks and indelible choruses that easily stand with those of their influences. In less subtle hands, the album might play as a virtuoso rock and roll history lesson. But it’s digging at something deeper than that, as the edges are left rough and he’s found favoring truth over polish. Those who know Chris's music have come to expect an attention to pop songwriting craft, but here he reinvents himself to create a record celebrating reinvention. The fact that he plays all the instruments with a hint of abandon and produced/mixed it himself with a distinctly non-modern sonic approach proves again how his disregard for expectations remains intact. So too does his gift for following a song wherever it may lead, and giving it the passionate delivery it deserves. So, perhaps more than ever, does “the spook”. GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Penny Novelettes Price: $18.00 Artist: Cleaners From Venus Description: Martin Newell has been quite prolific these past few years, issuing a cache of CDs and download-only singles and EPs. Now comes “Penny Novelettes”, his latest offering under the Cleaners From Venus moniker (which he has been doing since the 80’s), where all words and music are by Martin. The record was home recorded/produced on an 8-track Tascam Portastudio. “Everything was recorded using various guitars, keyboards, drum sounds and kitchen implements. What's the point of blathering on about them? This is worth listening to in the headphones.” - he unabashedly declares. And we not dare question him any further! “His music very often calls to mind a groovier Guided By Voices by way of 80’s new wave. The songs here are power pop in the mold of Big Star and mid-60’s British Invasion bands with a guitar sound that resembles a more clattering version of ‘80s pop hits filtered through the his home recording techniques and sonic creativity. Hordes of bands followed in Newell’s footsteps in the ‘90s, taking up lo-fi as an ideal and opening up all kinds of sonic possibilities. Unfortunately, like most innovators, the Cleaners from Venus have largely gone overlooked and underappreciated. If you have a penchant for lo-fi guitar pop then you’ve come to the right place! Newell’s vocals often have a slight resemblance to Robert Pollard or Syd Barrett depending on the song.” – PopMatters.com To our ears, his music is like good old-fashioned “comfort food”. With every release you pretty much know exactly what to expect and what you’ll get – his instantly identifiable voice, his undeniable take on British life and his clever way with chord changes that have the ability to take a left turn during a song but, without fail, always manage to work magnificently! 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

Ten Easy Pieces Price: $13.00 Artist: Danny Laj and The Looks Description: Ever since falling in love with rock 'n roll at 9 years old after listening to a Beatles cassette, Danny Laj has been (for the most part) obsessed with the genre. Things got a little deeper when he discovered the Undertones and Teenage Head in a box of 45's that was to be discarded in a local radio station’s trash in the early 90's. That led him to a whole new world consisting of punk rock and underground music. Years went on, with him searching continuously for different laneways of music found within the towns and cities he’s lived in. The past two years have seen spending quite a bit of time with his 4 track recorder writing a big collection of songs, re-working old ones, and even trying his hand at covering songs by Canadian artists he loves. The result is “Ten Easy Pieces”, his most focused effort yet. After demoing and having more than three records worth of material, Danny eventually got together with his lifelong mate/longtime bassist Jeanette Dowling and drummer Dusty Campbell and started recording the latest Looks effort. Recording bits and pieces in down time from touring, everything finally came together and the band invited some of their friends to play on the record, including Paul Loewenberg who played some keys, Greg Mihajic on harmonica and keys, Dunstan Topp who plays drums on one track, and Zack Tymchuck who lends his hand on percussion for one track. "This record proves to be a melting pot of classic influences all thrown into a set of three-minute pop anthems. It’s an album fit to brighten up any day with authentic 60’s beat generation melodies fused with country, folk and post-punk influences." – LouderThanWar.com "I'll say that ‘Ten Easy Pieces’ is the best album yet from Dany Laj and The Looks who have delivered a set of pop/rock and roll songs that absolutely delights from start to finish. Laj as a songwriter is as rock-solid and dependable as Carey Price between the pipes. He and Dowling have infused their music with their special chemistry, and that especially comes through on this release." – FasterandLouder.com "Combine all of the best ingredients of Power Pop into a 60's Blender in the Garage and press repeat." - Boris Boden/The Secret Weapon EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Deadlights Price: $10.00 Artist: Deadlights Description: Deadlights is the latest musical endeavor from Well Wishers frontman Jeff Shelton. Following the release of “Shelf Life” The Well Wishers 11th full-length, Jeff made a concerted effort to take a break from his tried-and-true formula of punchy him, melodic power pop and venture into the darker and more lush sonic realms of dreamp, Britpop and noise rock. With the assistance and encouragement a Bay Area cohort Bill Taylor (Songs For Snakes) the songwriting and recording began in earnest in late 2020 and eventually Deadlights was born! Jeff also sought the assistance of Nashville artist Lindsay Murray (Gretchen’s Wheel) who lent a beautiful lead vocal to “All We Love” and former Trip Wire bandmate Mark Nicholson for some bouncy bass work on the track “Come Down Slowly”. In all, the album’s 10 tracks meld the dreamy melodic 90’s pastiche of bands like Ride, Stone Roses and Sundays with the noisier post-punk sentiments of Swervedriver, Sonic Youth and The Chameleons. “It's a glass of wine and headphones album. The kind of record I've been itching to make for a long time.” explains Jeff. “Deadlights takes Shelton’s unerring pop rock sensibilities in a new direction, upping the dreamy guitar quotient in a Matthew Sweet meets Swervedriver sort of way.” - Pop Rock Record “Equal parts jangle-pop, shoegaze and 90’s alt rock, the song “Breaking Down” also evokes the 70’s heyday of power pop. It's a concentrated blast of dense, swirling and tuneful fun, perfect for summer drive without a face mask.” - Rick Anderson “The mood is a bit darker, the guitars a bit fuzzier and the hooks? Thankfully still plentiful.” – Dagger Zine GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Fatal Mistakes Price: $14.00 Artist: Del Amitri Description: Throughout their entire career, Del Amitri have mastered the art of timeless, melodically focused pop rock. “Fatal Mistakes” was recorded over three weeks in March in a country house in deep England, and is their first studio album since 2002’s “Can You Do Me Good”! It's a bizarre collection of stories powered by guitars, drums and keyboards played entirely by the quintet. “Close Your Eyes and Think of England” is their European farewell, a ballad of pure bile and remorse, sweetened with a sledge hammer of sarcasm. The result is the brilliant sound of a 35-year-old band that does what it does best: melodic rock songs with a lyrical bite, soulful comfort and a refreshing buoyancy. You can hear that in the lament "Close Your Eyes And Think of England" and also in the hook of "It's Feelings," with Currie's soulful, scratchy voice that hits the alternative radio vibe of the 90’s. And it resonates in the driving power pop of the album opener "You Can't Go Back." This contrasts with the fragile, painful "Lonely," a song that lives through its emptiness and is peppered with CSNY-style harmonies, and feels different than anything the band has done before. “While the lyrics on ‘Fatal Mistakes’ have grown a bit darker and more introspective, Del Amitri seems to have picked up where they left off music-wise, with memorable melodies and superb orchestration that leave you wondering why they waited two decades for a new album. Granted, Justin Currie never retired, in the interim releasing four solo albums which could have been lost Del Amitri albums. His songwriting chops are still sound, and his voice hasn’t lost a bit in 20 years. The group performs the gut-wrenching songs with the most charming, beautiful music, which has always been their strong suit. There’s really no excuse to wait for 19 years to hear that Del Amitri are still at the top of their game. Let’s hope we don’t have to wait a long time for the follow-up.” – HooksandHarmony.com One of our all-time faves!! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Hang Johnson Price: $15.00 Artist: Diesel Park West Description: In our ongoing effort to present previously unreleased Diesel Park West recordings to the masses, please welcome “Hang Johnson”, originally recorded in 1999. Bands rarely stay unchanged be it those who find success or those who have only stayed relevant by virtue of creativity. Diesel Park West can hardly claim success if worldwide recognition is the marker and yet creatively it might be said they are a hugely successful band and one which is without question influential. After their debut album “Shakespeare Alabama” had run its initial course in late 1989 the band parted with drummer Moth Smith after a series of missed shows and unreliability among other more deep-rooted issues. It was a painful parting no matter how inevitable and one which remained an unhealed wound for the next ten years despite the band going on to have their biggest hit single so far in 1992 and also recording a string of deeply rich albums during the nineties starting in 1993 with the magnificent “Corporate Waltz”. Shows were better and better and the tsunami of creativity just kept a rollin’ with Smith’s replacement becoming a seriously important contributor. However bands are after all made up of human beings who are perhaps more than most affected by backward leaning emotion especially after time and events have moved on with Diesel Park West being no exception to at least this one rule. So it was that at the tail end of 1997 after a one off reunited hometown gig the band (Geoff Beavan/bass, John Butler/vocals + guitar, Rick Willson/ guitar + vocals and Dave “Moth” Smith/drums) felt almost obliged to record again with the original members. The resultant album is this “Hang Johnson” recorded in early 1999 named too after graffiti still at that time visible on the wall of a Freemason lodge not far from the studio written by a disgruntled student in the heady political year of 1968 aimed at LBJ and his extended bombing campaign. The record captures what might have developed between the original four had things been different but of course as if on cue after a few London shows old resentments resurfaced. These performances here however are fantastic with Willson’s sinewy Telecaster guitar snaking in and out of Butler’s singing which seemed to be unimpaired by time. The songs are underpinned by Beavan’s extraordinary bass playing and yes the idiosyncratic precision of Smith’s drumming. Just like the old days and sadly just like the old days in every way so it was that the reunited line up eventually folded by mid 1999. Songs like “Singing Life” and “Travel The Earth” capture the spirit while “You’ll See” is an outright Diesels’ definitive classic worthy of anything on “Shakespeare Alabama” if not above. It’s difficult to rock n’ roll and be emotionally soulful at the same time but this record manages to do that very thing. The band of course shook itself down regrouped and carried on into the noughties the tens and now the twenties continuing as it does to this day but for those interested in this particular short-lived but highly charged slice of time, “Hang Johnson” is a must! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

The Best Of Dropkick Price: $19.00 Artist: Dropkick Description: Having released around 16 official albums, Dropkick, the premier sunshine power pop band from Scotland’s east coast were somewhat spoiled for choice when it came to compiling a best of album. So spoiled for choice in fact that they’ve only gone and spoiled their fans with this brilliant 27 song set! “Over the years there have been several line ups of the band (although it’s intriguing to note that essentially there have only been eight members including some who left and then rejoined) and it’s tribute to Andrew Taylor, the primary songwriter, that there’s a signature Dropkick sound portrayed throughout. Sure, enough, their roots are in bands such as The Byrds and Big Star, but Taylor et al can stand on their own two feet and this dig through their past more than proves that point. How they cherry picked the selection is not known to us but their first three albums are conspicuous in their absence, the earliest selection here being ‘Dog And Cat’ from 2006’s ‘Obvious’. To be honest, we haven’t heard those first three albums, but ‘Dog And Cat’ portrays the band setting out their stall, firmly in thrall to jangled pop with a mandolin providing much of the jangle. There’s a refreshing sense of innocents setting out into the fray here but, one year later, on Give It Back, the band have fleshed out and flex their muscles somewhat, the song a harbinger of much to come especially with its sinewy guitar solo. Whether it’s the appearance of a mighty organ groove amidst the clangourous guitars of ‘Hold On’, the pedal steel inflected ‘Come Home’ or the Beatles' like guitar harmonics and swelling organ notes of ‘I Wish I Knew’, with a fine McGuinn type guitar solo at its centre, Dropkick maintain a kite mark of quality throughout. ‘I’m Over You, Goodbye’ brings us bang up to date, plucked as it is from the 2020’s ‘The Scenic Route’, and it finds Dropkick in rude health. The songs are not presented in chronological order allowing for a fine sense of variety throughout. It’s a cracking collection. So if you are new to the band then prepare to be impressed, for those in the know, this is a handy pocket book edition of some of the best songs to have come out of Scotland.” – Paul Kerr/Blabber ‘n’ Smoke GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none