Strange Tide Price: $15.00 Artist: ANC4 Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL!! WOW!! Of course we love it (and please pardon the hype), but even if “Strange Tide”, ANC4’s second release wasn’t on Kool Kat we’d still rate as a Top 5 (or maybe even #1) “Best Power Pop Record Of 2021” – it’s that brilliant! The band delivers impeccably well crafted songs written by the songwriting duo of Roger Arvidson and Tomas Nilsson with the backing of a superb rhythm section made up of Janne Borgh on bass and Niclas Österberg on drums. “’Strange Tide’ is a 10/10 rated affair. The Swedish summer normally ends in August but this album will lengthen it to Christmas. It’s brimming with melodic songs, jangly guitars and lovely vocals. All 16 tracks have potential to be singles. ‘Being Nice’ is this year’s best power pop track. Roger Arvidson and Tomas Nilsson …. We salute you.” – Per Dahlqvist “It is not often you find a band that is consistent in the quality of their releases but ANC4 have proved they have the knack to pen and play a plethora of tip top pop. Album opener ‘Struck Gold’ is almost like an epiphany as every track on this album is gold and you will feel like you have won the musical lottery. You want jangle, you want harmonies, you want melodies and more hooks than Ikea’ curtain department, along with well crafted lyrics, then look no further than ANC4, this Swedish quartet has all you want and all you need.” Wayne Ford/The Ice Cream Man We could gush more, but have a listen…you will be pleased! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Feeling The Elephant Price: $16.00 Artist: Bill Lloyd Description: Bill’s 1987 (solo debut) masterpiece originally released on Throbbing Lobster Records gets remastered and doubled in length with the addition of 10 previously unreleased, high-quality bonus tracks from the same era! Recorded as (mostly) one-man band demos between 1983 and 1986, the original ten songs on “Feeling the Elephant” range from Big Star wistful jangle ("This Very Second") to Marshall Crenshaw roots pop ("Lisa Anne"), with side trips into the funky rock of "I Wanna Sit and Watch the Credits Roll" and the ghostly psychedelia of "Everything's Closing Down." It's hard to believe that this wasn't originally recorded as an album, because there's a flow and organic unity to these well-sequenced songs that makes the record a satisfying listen. The slightly new wavish, Let's Active-like title track and the ultra-catchy jangle popper "Nothing Comes Close" are particular highlights, but this is a power pop joy from start to finish. “Stuffed with ear candy, the record demonstrates Lloyd’s flair for choreographing shrewdly stitched pop rock in the time-tested tradition of the Beatles, the Beach Boys and the Byrds, while traces of like-minded successors such as Big Star and the Dwight Twilley Band are also occasionally referenced. Winking to life with robust hooks and radiant riffs, ‘Nothing Comes Close,’ ‘Lisa Anne’ and ‘This Very Second’ are buttoned tight with all the proper particles required to create perfect guitar pop. The clear and concise vocals, which sparkle in harmonic bliss to the jangly spirit of these tunes, add even more appeal to the proceedings. Further jewels include the experimental gothic drone of ‘Everything’s Closing Down’ and ‘I Wanna Sit and Watch the Credits Roll’ that bumps and grinds to power popping funk rhythms – along with the title track, which is propelled by quirky new wave styled arrangements and production values. While everything in Bill’s ample catalog demands a spin, those not familiar with his work are advised to start with ‘Feeling the Elephant, which not only holds forth as a veritable pop-rock classic, but an impressive debut effort as well.” – Beverly Paterson GREAT(ER)!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Too Loud, Too Fast, Too Much Price: $14.00 Artist: Doublepluspop Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL!! Over the past 17+ months, many artists have used pandemic time to get creative and crank out an album. Others used this time to revisit projects that they’d previously abandoned. Thankfully, Doublepluspop revisited a project that was supposed to be their debut album, a collection of tracks that has been sitting in a vault since 2002. Wanting to create a power pop band, frontman Paul Averitt formed Doublepluspop sometime between the late 90’s/early 00’s. Along with Jon Lenzer on guitar, Mike Bowman on bass and Neil Saunders on drums, they cut tracks in various studios, including a rehearsal space owned by Salim Nourallah. The band would split soon afterwards, the results seemingly never to be heard. In March 2020, Paul received a “cryptic” text message from audio engineer Coy Green, who had worked with Doublepluspop during their early days. The message contained a picture of two ADAT tapes and read, “I wonder what I’m going to be doing tonight.” Later that evening, Green sent another message stating that he was able to successfully transfer 12 Doublepluspop tracks to a format he could mix digitally. Green felt nostalgic mixing and mastering the project, stating doing so brought him joy. “It just blew my mind,” Paul explains. “I was like 12 songs? What are you talking about?’ I had no idea that we had done all that. None of us remembered this.” This collection of “rescued” songs make up Doublepluspop’s debut album “Too Loud, To Fast, Too Soon"” which we’re thrilled to release on CD! Consisting of hook-filled melodies whose music references include smatterings of Matthew Sweet/Weezer/Brit Pop influences throughout, which of course means lots of guitars making this another essential piece of power pop history rescued from possible oblivion that would have certainly made year-end “Best Of” lists if had been released back then! Includes a terrific take on Todd Rundgren’s “Couldn’t I Just Tell You”!! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Songs To Dream Along To Price: $14.00 Artist: Ian M Bailey Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL!! During the summer of 2020 English singer songwriter Ian M Bailey (The Lost Doves) began work on a brand new co-writing project with Glasgow’s songsmith Daniel Wylie of Cosmic Rough Riders. Following the release of the Ian’s “Shots Of Sun” EP to critical acclaim, Ian and Daniel agreed to start work on a full-length album which would soon become “Songs To Dream Along To”. Recorded and produced at Ian’s home studio Small Space Studios, the album sits rich in melody and fine songwriting interwoven with Ian’s trademark 12-string Rickenbacker, adding its unmistakable jangle to the blend of bass, drums, keys, strings and harmonies. The songs are rooted in respectful inspiration of artists such as The Byrd’s, CSN, The Association, REM, The Moody Blues, The Bee Gees, America, Lennon & McCartney and The Jayhawks to name but a few, “Songs To Dream Along To” nods a head and hangs its coat proudly on the hooks and melodies of some of the greatest songwriting predecessors. The record has already gained high praise from some noteworthy people! “Thank you for sending me these tracks. I love them! I can definitely hear the Byrds/America influences in ‘Everything Will Be Alright’ and is there something of The Association in the sound of ‘Take It Or Leave It?” - Bob Harris “Bailey and Wylie have created a mini-soundtrack of not just sunshine on a cold grey day, but hope…and sometimes hope is all we need.” - Rocking Magpie “Each song has been written and treated to a highly melodic and sumptuous arrangement, exploring various influences from REM to CSN and The Jayhawks to the Byrds” - Northern Sky “The fruits of the Bailey/Wylie collaboration are tracks steeped in 60’s folk-rock and West Coast close harmony vibes” - Folking.com “Hitching a lift on Ventura Highway, Bailey positively glides along this sun blissed two-lane blacktop with joyous inspiration” – Paul Kerr/Blabber’n’Smoke.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Homesick For Our Future Destinations Price: $14.00 Artist: It's Karma It's Cool Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL!! It's Karma It's Cool are a Lincoln, UK based four-piece indie rock/pop act who are set to cause fireworks with “Homesick For Our Future Destinations”, their second full-length release. With its thought-provoking title, the new album is filled with some serious future anthems. These guys flit between melodic power punk pop and indie rock rarely seen this side of the Atlantic as they create their own mesmerizing brand of music which seems to melt a heavenly pot of genre defining acts like Weezer, Green Day, REM, Pearl Jam, They Might Be Giants and even hints of The Allman Brothers into a cauldron of something plainly unique. It could of course, be one big hot mess, but these guys are seasoned pros delivering something incredibly triumphant, leaving the listener keen to stamp them with the time-honored reward of “new favorite band” at a time when lyrical music heroes are needed more than ever before. Following on from their successful debut EP, “Hipsters and Aeroplanes” and debut album, “Woke Up In Hollywood”, “Homesick For Our Future Destinations” has already been turning heads with singles “Coffee Cup Circles” and “She Slept With The Radio On” garnering music blog and radio attention ahead of the album’s release. The album is a richly rewarding experience of big harmonies and melodies, where philosophy meets rock n roll in a nostalgic psychedelic swirl that is impossible not to dig. "Reminiscent of Television or XTC" - Mike Badger/co-founder The La's "Ringing guitars and propulsive drums that bring to mind REM." - Johnny Pride, singer/songwriter/DJ GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Rave On! Price: $16.00 Artist: Radio Days Description: “Rave On!” is Radio Days’ fourth LP that features 10 power pop gems that translate to music the many souls of the band. Taking the Paul Collins’ Beat and The Knack experience as a starting point, the songs of the album take a metaphoric trip from the scratching 70’s riffs (“I Got A Love”) back to the Beatlesque vibes (“Between The Lines”), moving across the British pub-rock of the Elvis Costello legacy (“Till The End Of The Night”) and through the 90’s power-pop of Teenage Fanclub and Weezer (“Walk Alone” and “No One To Blame”). It’s a tribute to rock ’n’ roll, an exciting journey on the Buddy Holly rollercoaster and the title is homage to the 50’s minstrel. It travels at high speed surfing the waves of the jingle jangle British invasion and lend on the 70’s punk-rock territory (‘Lose Control’). They also utilize the talent of a bunch of great international guests on the power-pop hymn “What is Life?” - namely Paul Collins, Kurt Baker, The Yum Yums and Psychotic Youth all on vocals! “Full of perfect pop songs in the neighborhood of three minutes long - with hooks to die for and melodies you can whistle all day. The album takes you on a musical journey through the history and pre-history of power pop - from Buddy Holly (the inspiration for the album title) to the British Invasion to the Big Star/Raspberries heyday to the new wave to the alt-rocking '90s. If you're like me and have been excited for years about a follow-up to Radio Days' last album ‘Back In The Day’, ‘Rave On!’ will be everything you hoped for and then some. This is a vintage Radio Days release - and in my book, it's the band's best album yet! When it comes to songwriting, vocals, and musicianship, the band is at the very top of its game. You could randomly select any song on the album and land on a potential radio hit. With the Paul Collins' Beat and The Knack cited as the album's starting inspirations, you've got a good idea of what to expect here. Songs like ‘I Got A Love’, ‘When I'm With You’, and ‘What Is Life?’ are prime slices of power pop right out of the textbook! Elsewhere, the band gets a touch punky on ‘Lose Control’, tips the cap to Teenage Fanclub on ‘Walk Alone’, masterfully rips off Weezer on ‘No One To Blame’, and shows off its elegant side on ‘Till The End Of The Night’ and the Beatlesque epic ‘Between the Lines’. It's a great mix of songs. Just importantly, it's a mix of great songs! If you love power pop, you'll be raving about ‘Rave On!’” – FasterandLouder.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Bells Of Lightning + bonus disc Price: $39.00 Artist: Starry Eyed and Laughing Description: Starry Eyed and Laughing were either 15 years ahead of their time or 10 years too late. Either way, in 1974 they were voted the Rickenbacker twangers most likely to succeed. Even before they signed to CBS, one British paper observed “By the end of '74 the group will be set fair. They'll emerge fully in '75 - how's that for crystal-gazing?” The critic concerned echoed the hopes of most pop pundits. Starry Eyed were well-respected, loved even. They wrote their own songs - the sort you felt you'd known all your life - and played as if they'd just emerged from the grooves of The Byrds' “Fifth Dimension”. Named after the first line of the last verse of Dylan's “Chimes Of Freedom”, the quartet released a few singles and two exceptional albums in the mid-70’s “Starry Eyed & Laughing” and “Thought Talk” before re-convening from time to time in the 90’s to today. “Bells Of Lightning”, their latest release, once again finds founders Tony Poole and Iain Whitmore in fine jangly form. COMES WITH AN 11-SONG, ALL-COVERS BONUS CD “LOVE SONG” FEATURING “AMERICAN DREAMER” (GENE CLARK), ”BIRDS OF ST MARKS” (JACKSON BROWNE), “TO RAMONA” (BOB DYLAN) “WHAT GOES AROUND” (JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE), “LOVE SONG” (LESLEY DUNCAN), “NATURE'S WAY” (SPIRIT), “LOST HER IN THE SUN” (JOHN STEWART), “IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY TODAY” (MOBY GRAPE), “HEY THATS NO WAY TO SAY GOODBYE” (LEONARD COHEN)”MURDER IN MY HEART FOR THE JUDGE” (MOBY GRAPE - RECORDED LIVE FEATURING RICHARD TREECE FROM HELP YOURSELF ON LEAD GUITAR) AND “RABBIT HILLS” (MICHAEL CHAPMAN)! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Magnetic Price: $14.00 Artist: The BellTowers Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL!! WOW!! Raise your hand if you love 12-string drenched, 60’s-inspired sounds!! We certainly do! Master janglers The BellTowers are back with “Magnetic”, their Kool Kat label debut! After a series of singles on the Market Square, Hidden Volume and Hypnotic Bridge labels, have delivered their first full-length record since 2015’s “Day Breakaway”. The band - Paul Mutchler-vocals, guitars (formerly of The Lears), Eddie Foeller-guitars, Marshall Huggins-vocals, bass, keyboards and string/brass arrangements and Bill Langbein-drums, percussion) decided to go into a professional recording studio to be able to record on a 24 track MCI 2-inch recorder. The record was recorded during the summer of 2018 at Alpaca Ranch Recordings. In the age of digital, they wanted to experience recording magnetically – hence the album’s title. The songs here range from folk rock, psychedelic, garage to power pop. Layers of 12 string jangle, fuzz, electric sitar, organ, harmonies, strings and brass. Songs of dreams, heartbreak, memories of the past, and hope for the future. The album is dedicated to Eddie Foeller, who passed away in November 2020. “Byrds-like throughout! Arthur Lee/Love-like at times, ‘Annabel Lee’ sounds like a ‘Forever Changes’ outtake and ‘Dusted’ is very early Love-like too. The Acid/fuzzed-drenched ‘Wait’ is straight outta the ‘Back From The Grave’ series! There’s so much to ‘love’ here!” – Max Humphries GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Past Perfect Tense Price: $14.00 Artist: The Raves Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL! The Raves are a power pop band based in Atlanta, Georgia and were most active in the 80’s. Originally formed in 1971 and called Nod, the band consisted of three Yoakum brothers and Ken Kennedy. Unusual for that time in the southern United States, they played original rock music in the vein of The Pretenders, Badfinger, Big Star, and other pop rock bands. In 1980 the group changed the name from Nod to The Raves. The group also had their own local public-access television program titled "Eh, Wot's This?, a mix of original comedy sketches and music videos that aired from 1980-82. An LP titled “The Color of Tears” was released on their own label later that year. The group disbanded in 1983. In 1992, a limited edition CD titled “Past Perfect Tense” combining tracks from “The Color Of Tears” along with newly recorded material from 1989, was released. The Raves’ music is power pop at its finest - with tight vocals, soaring and jangling guitars, powerful bass and a driving beat... but it's really the songwriting that sets them apart. The songs are instant classics and as immediate today as when they were recorded. “Unabashed power pop was their calling card, rooted in the likes of the Raspberries, but in practice more tangibly resembling Shoes, The Rubinoos, and a variety of their equally obscuro contemporaries on the Titan Records imprint (e.g. the Secrets and Arlis).” – WillfullyObscure.com “The Raves truly have a solid grasp of the style of music they play. Bulging at the seams with chirpy rhythms and sighing harmonies shaped of oohs, ahs and woo woo woos, ‘Past Perfect Tense’ would have pierced the airwaves from sea to shining sea had it been recorded a decade and a half earlier.” – Beverly Paterson “The Raves have the power pop style DOWN PAT! A road that’s plenty of fun to travel.” – John Borack Now in 2021, Kool Kat Musik brings you a fully-fleshed out, nicely packaged, remastered version of this classic power pop release! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

The Devil's In The Details Price: $22.00 Artist: The Szuters Description: Following up 2020’s brilliant “Sugar” looked like a tall order for The Szuters, but ”The Devil’s In The Details” is every bit as brilliant! All of their trademarks are firmly intact – first-rate, needle sharp, hook-filled songs, top notch musicianship, and on the money harmonies – all ensure that there is no drop-off of quality! Four lads from the Midwest making a splash in America is not unusual in the annals of rock history. From Cheap Trick to Redd Kross, the Midwest has been bringing its' brand of pop-rock to ravenous audiences hungry for its catchy and heavy hooks for more than 30 years. However, with the success of young grunge and alternative bands from cities like Seattle, North Carolina, Chicago and Athens, alternative rock has taken a solidly trendy slant leaving the old-school pop-rock movement baffled by the lack of enthusiasm for their music in popular culture today. Well, the times they are a changin'. Don't expect another flashy band with trendy hair and little substance, a closer listen to American modern-rock and album-oriented rock stations shows that the U.S. is currently being pleasantly surprised by four lads from Ohio. “The Szuters have achieved one of the hardest feats in music, creating a sound all their own. Struggling to come up with a band to compare them to is an exercise in futility. One thing has to be said about this band, while many musicians are in the game for the money, sex or fame, The Szuters are in it for their love of music. You can hear it in every note the band plays. While at this point super stardom eludes them, the band keeps making the music they love. It is the authors hope that success does find this band, they truly deserve it. Indeed, The Szuters are America's Best Kept Secret, all you have to do is listen to any of their albums to understand this. Now it is up to you, we have let you in on the secret. All you have to do is get their albums and discover their magic for yourself, then do like we have, spread the secret to everyone you know. What good are secrets if you can't tell people about them?” - Keavin Wiggins GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none