SUPER! Price: $14.00 Artist: Benny J Ward Manufacturer: Kool Kat Musik Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL! RINEHEARTS ALERT!! “SUPER!” is the long-awaited first solo album by much-loved Perth power pop/garage-punk artist Benny J. Ward who’s best known for fronting the Hoodoo Gurus' Perth regular support band of choice Rinehearts. Their 2023 Dom Mariani-produced album “Full Bloom” received raves around the world. After years of honing his craft in beloved bands like the powerpop-driven Rinehearts and the high-energy Leeches!, Benny has been working towards the release of “SUPER!” for over two years, since he first began recording the album's tracks and releasing them as a series of singles. Having spent over two decades touring Australia and abroad, Benny distills his observations and energy into this vibrant debut. The album balances thoughtful songwriting with an easygoing spontaneity that makes it endlessly replayable. Brimming with poptastic charm and irresistibly catchy tunes, “SUPER!” is a joyous ride from start to finish - bursting with jangly guitars, glittering hooks, and pure melodic magic. Drawing from a rich palette of influences - from '60s garage rock and The Kinks to Elvis Costello and classic guitar pop - Benny has carved out a sound uniquely his own. Tracks like the sugar-sweet “Ice Cream Headache” (featuring Link Meanie and Nici Ward on vocals) and the anthemic “Tell Me Tell Me” show off his knack for earworms that linger long after the music stops. “A non-stop hook-a-thon with nary a duff track! With the release of ‘SUPER!, Benny J Ward has indeed stepped into the forefront of contemporary garage/power poppers! If the Rinehearts record didn’t do it (and it SHOULD HAVE!), this one seals the deal and cements it. YEAH!” - Wes Defford GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Apple Of Life Price: $15.00 Artist: Dom Mariani Manufacturer: Alive Records Description: Dom Mariani, widely recognized as one of Australia’s top guitar pop and garage rock musicians, makes his return with his anticipated second solo album, "Apple of Life.” The album showcases Mariani’s gift for melody and the power-pop sensibilities that shaped his work with The Stems, DM3, and The Someloves. Building on the pop side of his current roots rock band Datura4, "Apple Of Life" dazzles with the irresistible, hook-filled appeal that characterizes truly great pop music. "‘Apple of Life’ shimmers with lush slide guitar and rich harmonies, weaving a tune that’s both irresistibly catchy and quietly hypnotic” - 100% Rock "With its slide guitar, rich harmonies, and irresistibly catchy hooks, the song is a masterclass in Mariani’s signature brand of melodic power-pop. Following the bright jangle of his first single, ‘Jangleland,’ ‘Apple of Life’ takes things a step further with layered and hypnotic sound, yet effortlessly accessible” - ItsPsychedelicBaby “A master of the jangly guitar-based melody, Dom’s ear for an indelible, riff and catchy harmony are in full display. From the Spector-esque drum beat of ‘Breakaway’, the title track’s, infectious powerpop punch and the Cheap Trick-like shouter ‘World On Its Head’. A weeping slide appropriately transports ‘Where Do Lovers Go’ and ‘Jealous Love’, a snappy synth groove and tasty guitar solo drive ‘Breaking Point’ and ‘Jangleland’ are in pleasant company with its laid-back country, vibe and exquisite harmonies. Another winner from one of Australia's greatest treasures.” - Shindig! Magazine GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Giant Fox Pineapple Tree Price: $14.00 Artist: Icecream Hands Manufacturer: self-released Description: EN ROUTE - DUE VERY SOON! Formed in Melbourne in 1992, Icecream Hands - made up of band members Charles Jenkins (guitar, vocals), Douglas Lee Robertson (bass, vocals), Derek G Smiley (drums, vocal) and Marcus Goodwin (guitar, vocals) – are master craftsmen with a knack for delivering harmony drenched, classic guitar driven melodic rock. After a 13-year hiatus pursuing solo projects, the band returned in 2020 with the critically acclaimed album, “No Weapon But Love”. Now a new chapter in the three decade story of Icecream Hands begins with “Giant Fox Pineapple Tree”, their 8th album that’s a master class in harmony-drenched, classic guitar-driven melodic rock, destined to satiate existing fans and draw in new ones aplenty. “Tinged with equal parts of melancholy, hope, and joy, the first single ‘Back On The Road’ reflects on the unconditional love we hold for the precious ones we farewell as they move into adulthood, seeking their hopes and dreams in a world unknown. Immediately resonating, loud and clear on the back of chiming guitars and that ever-solid backbeat, the song carries the hallmarks of the finest power pop – from The Beatles to Big Star, Nick Lowe to Teenage Fanclub. The band’s collective voices are a guiding light through the sparkling verses and skyward chorus, conveying that aforementioned love and optimism on high. Elsewhere on the album there’s a rallying cry for those keen to drop in and hear what the band’s been up to (‘Leaving Nobody Out’), songs about Charles Jenkins’ hospital stay (‘Tambourine Mountain’, ‘Carry On’), rediscovering joy (‘Do Ya Feel It’), finding the light in dark times of depression (‘Look For The Blue’), a tender message to a loved one (‘Mercy’), and musical memories in the wake of the loss of Smiley’s mother (‘In The Haze’). Across all of the album’s 11 songs, there’s a pristine musicality – complete with heartwarming harmonies, ornate flourishes, and, as always, a classic, overwhelmingly strong sense of melody, sonically uniting them all. - HiFiWay.Live GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Big Hits and Freak Disasters Price: $14.00 Artist: Lolas Manufacturer: Kool Kat Musik Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL! As the album’s title might suggest, “Big Hits and Freak Disasters” is NOT a hits collection (though as consistent as Tim Boykin is - all Lolas releases would easily qualify), but a brand new Lolas release. Whether he’s fronting either the Shame Idols or Lolas , Tim has always manifested an outstanding talent for the creation of melodic power pop songs, bubblegum, psychedelic pop, jangle pop and punk-pop. “Big Hits and Freak Disasters” is the first new Lolas release since 2021‘s “All Rise”. Since 2021, Tim has been releasing digital-only singles - until now! This 12 track release collects them all in one place and adds other new tracks to make up another typical, great Lolas record! “Having garnered praise over the years as one of the best acts in their field, Lolas always live up to their exemplary reputation. Because they are creatures of good habits, the band always retains their fixation on classic power pop rock. When it comes to high energy and high quality pop rock, Lolas are the band to go to!” - PsychedelicBabyMag “Don’t for one second think of this as an ‘odds ‘n sods’ collection! Yes, the songs have been recorded/released over the past couple of years, and the record’s title is inaccurate. There are no ‘freak disasters’ here, only a dozen top-notch pop gems that do nothing but solidify Lolas’ place as one of the most consistent, all-time great power pop bands. Yes Tim, you’ve done it again!” - Max Humphries GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Popsicle Drivethru Price: $14.00 Artist: Monogroove Manufacturer: Kool Kat Musik Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL! “Popsicle Drivethru” is Monogroove’s Kool Kat Musik label debut! Their music is a tantalizing mix of great alt-pop alternative songs that are sure to grow on you. The Crescent, CA band consists of Rin Lennon (guitar/vocals), Michael George (guitar/vocals), Alex Ritter (bass) and Jay Smith (drums.) Those who’ve already had an early listen have this to say about the record: “I gotta say, this is the best-sounding Monogroove album I’ve ever heard, and Rin Lennon's voice is the best it’s sounded since I have been following her career! And The Beatles have never been more in evidence as an influence!” - Probyn Gregory “If you’re looking for a record that will lift your spirits, make you smile, and have you absolutely rocking out, then you need to take a deep dive into ‘Popsicle Drivethru’. The band’s undeniable chemistry and stellar musical chops help power the record into the rock and roll stratosphere. That vibe comes through on every song. If you’re not already a Monogroove devotee, then ‘Popsicle Drivethru’ is a great place to start your journey to becoming a fan of the band!” - John V’s Eclectic Avenue. “Despite lineup changes over the years, the jangly guitars that have always been the signature of this band are still intact and there are still plenty of harmonies to make you fall under the spell of this band’s late 60’s folk rock stylizations. But as today isn’t yesterday, there’s more muscle now on show, especially behind the drum kit, than on previous albums. Their albums always make me think of sunshine and ‘Popsicle Drivethru’ is no exception. If your musical tastes lean towards harmonies, old school pop songwriting and guitars, then Monogroove might well both suit your ears and bring a smile to your face.” - BluesBunny “Monogroove is one of those bands with that shiny 60’s British Invasion sound. This time around my first impression was of The Knickerbockers. There’s a few other power pop-garage bands out there, but these guys especially remind me of LMNOP and The Easy Button on ‘Popsicle Drivethru’. 14 songs, about three minutes each (including a cover of ‘Good Lovin’’). Every one a pop banger. How could you want anything else?” - PitchPerfectSite GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Misty Medway Magick Price: $15.00 Artist: The Len Price 3 Manufacturer: Wicked Cool Records Description: The Len Price 3 are an adrenaline pumped pop band from the UK, forged in the traditions of their Medway Delta roots. “Misty Medway Magick” is their first full-length since 2021’s “Ip Dip Do”. They are a revelation to those who encounter them, encompassing all of what you would want from a band in one invigorating sonic experience. Their dazzling live performances feature a thunderous set of well-honed melodic nuggets played at breakneck speed, complete with shiny pop hooks and chrome glazed harmonies. But dig a bit deeper and you will find a rich lyrical content that is full of acid tongued lyrics and wry social observations. With each album and single release receiving glowing reviews and every live show leaving behind a highly satisfied audience full of enthusiastic devotees, The Len Price 3 are fast becoming a true national treasure. “’Margate Sands’ kicks proceedings off in typical style: we’re immediately in North Kent, where the guitars are loud, the harmonies are crisp as the sea air and superfluous frills nonexistent. ‘Emilys Shop’ continues much the same vein: short, sharp shocks of sound choruses you're already singing along with after one listen and nothing as frivolous as a guitar solo. This is far from monochrome though. ‘She Brings The Morning’ and ‘The Luckiest Guy Alive’ could almost be early Stone Roses cuts and hit more like early 90’s chiming slabs Byrds-y neo-psych-pop while ‘Strange Love’ is northern soul, stomper meets Kitchen Sink drama, And ‘Ha Haw's Daughter’ is The Open Mind's ‘Magic Potion’ colliding with The La’s.” - Shindig! Magazine GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Waterloo Sunrise Price: $14.00 Artist: The Rockerati Manufacturer: Kool Kat Musik Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL! Brighton, UK’s David McCarthy has more than just his first name in common with one of our all-time faves Dave Edmunds! David McCarthy is at the heart and soul of The Rockerati, singing, writing, playing guitar and sometimes everything else in the studio too, just like his musical hero Dave Edmunds used to do at Rockfield studios. “Waterloo Sunrise” replicates Edmund’s Swan Song Records-period records to a tee! With a little help from his friends, his idea of the perfect 21st century rock'n'roll band comes together in The Rockerati. Vive Le Rock has already given “Waterloo Sunrise” an 8/10 rating, writing "original, over-driven rockers that totally hit the spot" and Uncut's Terry Staunton said "full-on, fearsome rock 'n' roll, the next great band fans of Rockpile and Creedence have been crying out for." Our very own Max Humphries has crowned the record as “the best Dave Edmunds album he never made!” So far 2025 has seen tracks playlisted on rotation on “Little Steven's Coolest Songs In The World” SiriusXM channel and plays on other “Underground Garage” shows including Bill Kelly’s “The Blackhole Bandstand”. More coast-to-coast airplay throughout the US has come from FM and college stations including WMFU. One thing you can't accuse the Rockerati of is bandwagon jumping - the rock'n'roll train may have left the station 50 or 60 years ago, but it's still rattling around the rails at the edges of town, a ghost train passing through and picking up new fans every time. It's good time rock'n'roll, no agenda, no trauma, no sob-story - music made for fun for a fun listen - and there's not much of that about! "You've seen that pyramid on your money with the eye on it? That's the symbol of the Illuminati I'm told, and that pyramid was made from The Rockerati." - Bill Kelly "Brings back the glory days of pub rock and amps up the energy." - Todd-o-phonic Todd/WFMU "If you’ve ever gotten a head rush from listening to Nick Lowe’s ‘Pure Pop For Now People’ or Rockpile’s ‘Seconds of Pleasure’ you’ll be salivating for more." - 50thirdand3rd.com So, if you’re a Dave Edmunds, Rockpile or even Terry Anderson’s OAKT fan, this one’s for you! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Baby Moon Price: $14.00 Artist: The Wellinngtons Manufacturer: Kool Kat Musik Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL! In conjunction with Australia’s Pop Boomerang Records, we’re able to offer The Wellingtons’ “Baby Moon” here in the US! This is particularly of note because, as of this writing, not much mail is coming to the US from Australia due the tariff situation. The highly anticipated and welcomed “Baby Moon” is the first full-length release of new music from the Wellingtons since 2017’s “End Of The Summer”! “’Baby Moon’ is Power Pop at its very, very best. If you ever want to know why I love the genre, then listen to this from start to finish. Newcomers may just want to head off to ‘I Won't Turn Away’ and you will immediately want to play the whole album. The band offer up big choruses, memorable riffs and most of all harmony and melody. They also have a weapon in Kate Goldby who takes vocals on two songs and takes them in a more earthy indie pop rock direction on ‘The Things I Did Before’ and even gets a little Bangles-like on ‘Not Ready To Give Up’. The band themselves are not frightened to take chances themselves. I defy anyone to write a better indie rock song than ‘End Of The World’. They also show that they can jangle on the excellent ‘Better Me’, a song that takes you back to those CD buying days of Not Lame. ‘Sound Asleep’ shows that things can get slower, the vocal reminds me a lot of Jeff Whalen of Tsar and The Brothers Steve. ‘The Long Goodbye’ may be the best Weezer song that they didn't write. The sheer power pop joy of the two opening songs are worth the admission alone. Both ‘She Still Loves Me’ and ‘Always Gonna Be That Girl’ are reminders to an old man like me of all the previous waves of the genre are adored. Power Pop may be a little noisier now, but this album is a reminder of how music can cheer you up and look at the bright side. Wonderful!”- IDontHearASingle GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

I Wanna Be A Teen Again: North American Power Pop 1980-1989 (3CD) Price: $30.00 Artist: Various Artists Manufacturer: Cherry Red Records Description: The Knack kicked open the doors for a global power pop explosion, and a year or so later, almost as quickly, the doors closed again, but not before a mass of their contemporaries followed them through. Soon, a bunch of others got caught up in the excitement and the record business relearned the power of guitar-driven pop - the first few years of the 80’s were as exciting for power pop as the last couple of the 70’ had been, and even when it returned to the underground, the music continued to flow throughout the decade. The 3CD/77 track “I Wanna Be A Teen Again” (that includes tracks by Kool Kat artists The Fad and The Mosquitos) follows the 80’s power pop explosion from its hypocenter early in the decade to its enduring late period gems, exploring both leading and lesser lights, the old hands and new talents who made it such an exciting musical happening. By the middle of the decade, the term power pop had been all but retired, but a handful of new bands found success by avoiding it, whilst new movements, including the Paisley Underground and indie pop, helped keep others alive under new brandings. All the while a small number of holdouts, the pop equivalent of the soldiers lost in the jungle after the war had ended, strove to keep the music and the name alive. Packed with classic cuts and long-overlooked rough diamonds, it’s a timely examination and celebration of this action-packed era. The rest: Stiv Bators, The Knack, The Know, The Romantics, Nikki & the Corvettes, Zeros, M‘N'M's, The Flashcubes, Radio City, Screen Test, Moondogs, The Pranks, NRBQ, Utopia, The Shivvers, Eric Carmen, Hilly Michaels, Promise, The Late Show, The Heats, Off Broadway, Shoes, The Everythingers, Rick Springfield, SVT, Tommy Hoehn, Phil Seymour, David Quinton, The Flamin' Groovies, The Plimsouls, 20/20, Great Buildings, The Go-Gos, The Wigs, The Rubinoos, The Toms, The Michael Guthrie Band, Eddy Best, The Decoys, Marshall Crenshaw, The Bongos, The Floor Models, Paul Collins' Beat, Dwight Twilley, Cheap Trick, Bruce Moody, The Bangles, The Spongetones, Club Wow, Jim Basnight & the Moberlys, Steve Rosenbaum, Let's Active, Ramones, Fastbacks, Game Theory, The DB's, Katrina and the Waves , Candy, Julian Leal, Riff Doctors, The Beat Rodeo, Gary Herrewig, Windbreakers, Tommy Keene, The Smithereens, Sex Clark Five, The Patriots, Flying Color, Bill Lloyd, The Long Ryders, Chris “Klondike” Masuak, The Infidels, Redd Kross, Material Issue, The Pursuit of Happiness and Velvet Crush! What a ready-made mix tape! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

The Direct Records Story Volume Three Price: $16.00 Artist: Various Artists Manufacturer: Kool Kat Musik Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL! The Direct Hits’ Colin Swan provides the lowdown: “‘Volume Three’ of this series finds us moving more towards the latter half of the 80’s and also features a couple of tracks that were recorded outside of our studios, usually by bands or singers we just really liked ourselves. For example, the opening Page Boys track here was one that Dan Treacy passed onto us initially, it came through the post along with hundreds of other cassettes sent to our Poynders Court address...bands hoping to secure a Whamm! records contract, which of course, they eventually did. The Lola Jones from Tooting supplied us with a finished tape, which remained unreleased till now, and the excellent version of ‘You Baby’ here by Sunshine Park was also presented to us complete. In the summer of 1985 we were in the process of moving the studio from the tiny room at 204 Tooting Bec Road to Love House studios at Love Lane in South Norwood, Croydon. This move marked a big improvement in the quality of our recordings. We started to make decent sounding backing tracks for local talent, sometimes people around the area who had never even sung before, some of which were fantastic, some not so good! Jenny Brett was one of our greatest finds, and she really should have gone on to do bigger and better things. By 1985/86, we began to wind down the cassette releases, with a view to getting a proper record deal for some of our artists, writing songs for them, and even choosing covers to showcase their talent. The lesson I learned from the whole Direct Hits experience was that we should have paid for our own recordings, thereby owning them for future re-releases, if only we’d had that much foresight! Sadly a lot of promises made by our record label (the Direct Hits were given our own Forbidden Records marque) to be in a position to release not only our own records, but other artists we wanted to release records by. In spite of many promises, this never materialized. Over the following years, we continued to record tracks in the hopes that one day we would be able to help other bands and singers and in time, possibly get a couple of our songs to a much wider audience via even relatively small artists, which is actually how Buckmaster-Swan started out, as jobbing songwriters. On reflection, thinking we could achieve this was somewhat naive. There just wasn’t the capital or resources available to small indie labels. What we did end up with though, apart from the great fun we all had in a very creative environment during that period, was a wealth of material much of which, I hope still sounds fresh and exciting after 40 plus years! It’s a real pleasure to be able to bring many of these to you via this series of releases, in partnership with Kool Kat Musik. I look forward to putting together our next compilation...I hope you enjoy this one!” Looking forward to “Volume Four” for sure! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none