BS Stands For Brent Seavers Price: $14.00 Artist: Brent Seavers Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL!! Brent Seavers of The Decibels steps out with his first solo effort! The Decibels were about halfway through recording a new album when the pandemic started, so Brent had a lot of time on his hands. Just for fun, he started recording covers of different songs and filmed the process – uploading the music videos to social media. After recording about 20 cover tunes, he decided to record some of his original songs. They were received pretty well, so he kept going, eventually recording an album’s worth of songs. These tunes were a mix of songs Brent had written over his entire time with The Decibels, ranging from a few songs written in his early teens (“Me and My Melancholy Face” and “All The Better”) to newer songs (“Flatline” and “Play”) that were contenders for the latest Decibels’ album. Mostly out of pandemic-fueled necessity, he played and sang everything on this album – except for a few handclaps (reluctantly contributed by his children)! “The record sounds like The Decibels, not surprising, but also not like them too. Going solo has allowed him to drift a bit forward in time, from mid-60’s right up into the new millennium indie pop rock scene. Obviously there is some very Decibels-like material here, like ‘Out in the Rain,’ ‘Clean Reflection,’ and the jangle-heavy ‘All the Better.’ That band’s 60’s-meets-the-80’s vibe is also there on the Smithereens-ish ‘Flatline’ and the muscled-up California pop hue all over ‘Running Me Down.’ But I’m going to go out on a limb here to suggest the band haunting this record might actually be They Might Be Giants. That Brooklyn duo’s jocular sense of musical whimsey lurks on ‘Unlike Superman,’ ‘Me and My Melancholy Face,’ and most obviously on the fun sing-along ‘I Wrote a Song.’ Seavers even sounds a bit like TMBG’s John Linnell vocally on the album opener, ‘Play.’ On the other hand, should-be hit single ‘More Than a Friend’ is his own distinctive brand of melodic rocking out, with strong harmonies, and killer earworm chorus. This is a total album enjoyment collection.” – PopRockRecord.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Detours and Dead Ends Vol. 1 Price: $14.00 Artist: Caddy Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL!! Caddy is the brainchild of Norway’s Tomas Dahl. His latest offering (and third release on the Kool Kat label), “Detours and Dead Ends Vol. 1”, is a collection of late 70’s, early 80’s power pop and new wave covers. Tomas explains how he made it a sport finding the best, yet most obscure tracks - “I’ve spent many many MANY hours digging and searching. I loved it. It became a big part of the project. How can I find even more underground and unknown songs?” He truly uncovered some great gems, and then covered them to perfection – injecting a fresh, new perspective that results in him truly owning the songs! And, as a bonus, he gives you an excuse to dive into a Youtube rabbit hole looking for the originals. Track listing: “Walking On The Roof” (Sgt. Arms, 1982), “Heart of Stone” (SVT, 1981), “If I Call Your Name” (Junior Campbell, 1971), “Best Thing I Ever Did” (The Invaders, 1979), “Cost of Love” (The Cretones, 1980), “Violent Days” (Screaming Sneakers, 1982), “Not The Way It Seems” (Gary Charlson,1978), “Don't Wait Till Tomorrow” (Robin Lane & The Chartbusters, 1980), “Mark My Words” (Chrissy, 1980) and “No Money” (The Freshies,1980) “I am a Caddy fanatic. Tomas Dahl has a knack of making music that turns every mood to chirpy. I know when people hear the words covers album, they run for the hills, I know I do. It fills me with dread the way this lockdown has brought out the words ‘acoustic set.’ But wait! It really depends on the songs and thankfully there are no Beatles related covers here. I love The Beatles, but you know, other bands are available. The fact is that many of the songs here will not be familiar to most away from the die-hard pop rock fans, who are probably listening to Badfinger or Raspberries on rotation. Bar a magnificent cover of Junior Campbell's ‘If I Call Your Name’, all choices are from the end of the 70's/start of the 80's golden New Wave guitar pop period. All 10 songs have been given maximum Power Pop and it works. I'm not sure that ‘Detours and Dead Ends’ should even be classified as a cover album, it has been Caddied (sic) up so much to make it their own. This is a superb feel good album, a pleasure to listen to and one to explore. You'll learn something about artists you didn't know of and be reminded that Tom Dahl is a major talent.” – IDontHearASingle.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Abdicate The Throne + bonus disc Price: $19.00 Artist: Caper Clowns Description: “Abdicate The Throne” finds Caper Clowns exploring different areas of music not present on theior first two releases, displaying a giant leap in both maturity, delivery and songwriting! “The only question about Denmark's best export is can their third album live up to the quality of the first two. ‘The Buca Bus’ was an absolute gem of a debut album and the follow up, ‘A Salty Taste To The Lake’, was third in the IDHAS Best 100 Albums of 2018. ‘Abdicate The Throne’ not only hits the heights of previous offerings, but it reveals a lot of hidden depths. Known for their live performances, the lockdown could have really slowed the band up, but that time has been used to play around with that they do. This is a very different Caper Clowns album. True, there are still the Crowded House-like elements that enhanced their popularity. Songs such as ‘I'd Be Me’, ‘Space & Time’ and ‘Four Letter Season’ fit that bill and match what has gone before. Having five vocalists in the band was never fully utilized until now and the varied song writing of all has taken the band to another level. Different genres are successfully tackled and the results are fascinating. Being a band that previously rocked you gently, a song with the pace of ‘April Fool’ makes you sit up, real 70's glammed up power ‘op. ‘Be There (The Ever- Changing Tone)’ is pure Andrew Gold piano pop. ‘The Club Of Humanity’ goes all 80's synth. ‘What She Became’ borders on country rock and the band really let go on ‘On Your Kaleidoscope’, edging towards psych pop, which could be the best song on the album. ‘Under Your Command’ is a song that dallies with psych pop even more. It is almost Toy Town. ‘Alec In A Line’ is bluegrass and the closer, ‘Valley Of The Queens’ is largely instrumental with just 7 lines song. It is a gentle meandering finish, something you could imagine on a Nick Frater album. A perfect end to a perfect album. There is more than enough here for existing fans, but more importantly, there is lots more for newcomers. I can't wait to hear these songs live. A different side to Caper Clowns is revealed here and I like it. I like it a lot!” – IDontHearASingle.com COMES WITH AN 11-SONG BONUS LIVE DISC - “LIVE AT FERRITSLEV FRITIDSHUS”, DENMARK 10/30/20!! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Pandora's Box Price: $12.50 Artist: Cloud Eleven Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL!! “Pandora’s Box” isn’t so much a “new” album than a collection previously unfinished song fragments and covers that had been buried on old cassette tapes, plus some outtakes from other albums, and a few covers. During the lockdown of 2020, Rick Gallego would discover a stray chorus here, a verse there, and commence to completing the songs, then record them. Rick explains “In some ways, ‘Pandora’s Box’ is ‘Terrestrial Ballet’ part deux. Sometimes it just feels good to clean out that old junk drawer.” “Cloud Eleven (aka Rick Gallego) has been a reliable figure in power pop since the late 90’s, and although he’s mellowed he remains a potent talent.” – Powerpopaholic.com “Cloud Eleven's self titled 1999 debut was a revelation and Gallego has never disappointed since. He makes ace sounding albums, expertly arranged and full of harmonic joy. His albums are song cycles. Long may this continue.“ – IDontHearASingle.com “Gallego’s songs and arrangements are crafted with a unique combination of hues, tints, tones and colors; one flick of his brush too many and his songs might tilt toward another form altogether. He makes music for himself and we are blessed he is able to share it with us. It’s pure bedroom-psych-pop from the Brian Wilson/Wondermints school of soundscapes. His songs are touched by the spirit of harmony-laden Beach Boys, while balanced on a tightrope of his own devising; what a gloriously creative and fulfilling place that must be to hang.” – Alan Haber/Pure Pop Radio “Gallego makes beautiful kaleidoscopic pop with strong 60’s influences..." – Shindig! Magazine “Cloud Eleven's inspired, passionate, and soulful pop will make you remember why you love music so much in the first place..." – Vendetta Magazine "Rick Gallego is in the same class as the very best pop song makers over the past 20 years..." – Seth Swirsky High praise indeed (and well-deserved)!! And, as always – GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

The Incomplete Completeness – A Retrospective 1977-1996 Price: $14.00 Artist: Dennis Dalcin Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL!! Veteran garage rocker Dennis Dalcin started playing guitar, singing and writing songs in a band called Bite in 1972. In 1974 he formed The Look (sort of a cross between The Who and Alice Cooper). Next came The Shades in 1976, with Marla Misenheimer (bass/vocals) and Gary Heslin (drums/vocals). Marla had played bass and sang in Snails with Richard Barone (The Bongos). The Shades began as a punk band, but evolved into a mod/pop/garage sound later on. Dennis helped form Perfect Strangers in 1982 with Chris Suggs (guitar/vocals). They were only a duo at the start, morphing into an electronic trio, before eventually settling in with a new wave/country-punk sound. He then formed The Petal Pushers in 1988 playing in a garage/psychedelic vein, recording a few tunes that never got released. IOHO, Dennis’ most shining moment was when he formed The Lears with Paul Mutchler (later of The BellTowers) in 1990. Their (only) legendary CD "The Story So Far..." was released by Get Hip Records in 1997, garnering great reviews from all over the world such as “fans of The Optic Nerve and The Byrds are going to have a field day with this one! This collection of rare 45's, compilation tracks and unreleased material by The Lears is one of the finest examples of folk rock since the ‘60s! If you enjoy the The Byrds' jangly pop stylings, this one is mandatory!” The Lears also recorded numerous tracks for inclusion on a number of singles, EP’s and compilation LP’s released on various other labels. They even recorded 3/4 of an unreleased 2nd album entitled "Return Flyte" before calling it a day in 2000. “The Incomplete Completeness” is a 17 song cache of previously unreleased tracks spanning most of Dennis’ career featuring music like the Byrdsy/Pink Floyd-like psych of The Lears and The Petal Pushers, the Julian Cope/Teardrop Explodes/early Krautrock-like at times Perfect Strangers and The Shades, solo recordings and a pre-Lears nameless studio amalgam that included Dennis, Terry Carolan and Richard Barone that all serve as a terrific and interesting introduction to this very talented musician/bandleader! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Somewhere Flowers Grow Price: $18.00 Artist: Electric Looking Glass Description: WOW!! One pill makes you larger and one pill makes you small – go ask Alice when she’s ten feet tall. Follow this LA quartet down the rabbit hole and you’ll find this technicoloured Electric Looking Glass, a charismatic Carnaby Street concoction, taking a dose of The Left Banke with a dash of The Beatles and a sprinkle of Small Faces. The baroque pop quartet bring us a 1967 springtime reverie with “Somewhere Flowers Grow”. You might easily mistake them at first for an obscure Apple Records signing but Electric Looking Glass insists they are forward thinking tomorrow-people making music for NOW! With every member boasting such an eclectic variety of singing, playing and songwriting talents, the group is the marmalade at Mad Hatter’s tea party - composed of Arash Mafi, Brent Randall, Johnny Toomey and Danny Winebarger. Self-producing in their own analog wonderland, the lads pay loving homage to the kaleidoscope pop of yesteryear with impressive attention to detail. “They are a sum of their influences. This album is sugar-coated with sunshine and power pop with a whimsy and quirk that is both charming and infinitely heartwarming. With visuals reminiscent of The Monkees and a wardrobe to rival Procul Harum, you’ll be bewitched with their magical mellotron, honeyglazed Hammond, jangly guitars and lilting harpsichord that will transport you back through the time vortex to 60’s London in full swinging gear. Living in their own anglophile analog wonderland, the nostalgia that runs ever-deep in the baroque sound is captured so perfectly, so much so you wouldn’t think to question their origin at all. A melting pot of paisley peppered sounds that recall Honeybus and 60’s power pop duo Lyme and Cybelle. No doubt about it, it sounds like the real deal, a record that’s bound to put a Cheshire smile on your face, truly a must have for the baroque enthusiast and collector. This debut is an ode to longing, a foreword to fantasy and an artisanal amour for the psych and baroque pop genres.” – MOOFmag.com BRILLIANT!! GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Collected - The Best Of John Howard Price: $18.00 Artist: John Howard Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL!! Long overdue, specially-priced 2CD career retrospective (including a cache of previously unreleased tracks) by one of the UK’s best artists you probably never heard! This 2CD set was curated by Edward Rogers (host of The Atlantic Tunnel and quite an artist himself) who also wrote the copious liner notes. “What happens when you meet THE SPECIAL artist who can put a thrill in your heart from a twinkle in their eye? Well in 1974, that artist was John Howard. He was discovered playing in the Troubadour Folk Club. The music world was at his feet -wined and dined at the most fabulous London restaurants, photos by THE photographer (Dezo Hoffman), clothed by the finest haberdashery in town. He was groomed to the be the next Elton John meets David Bowie! He had the songs, looks, charisma and style, Pop music had a new contender. As we all know, not every artist who is a star achieves commercial success, and London streets are not paved in gold. That doesn’t stop a true artist from creating the precious art they were born to make. For most artists that would break their spirit but John found a respectable way to pursue his musical career by playing London’s fashionable restaurants and piano bars. He continued to release singles, like 1978’s ‘I Can Breathe Again’ produced by Trevor Horn of ‘Video Killed The Radio Star’ fame! By the mid-80’s he had a successful career in A&R working at MCA, EMI and Universal, while still pursuing his songwriting career. Listen to these songs and feel the emotions revealed in his lyrics as the writer opens himself up and invites you into his private world. He reveals little segments of his life through each lyric. Feelings we can all relate to! Maybe by wearing his heart on his sleeve and revealing his true feelings he has alienated some but I believe this should be the mission of every true artist. Unlike Scott Walker before him, John never stopped performing and entertaining in all the London cabaret and night clubs. He may not be a household name, but it doesn’t stop him from writing an amazing collection of songs. The songs contained here is the ultimate collection of this artist’s finest work to date. Taken from over fifty years’ work, it’s the first time John’s finest songs are available on CD in the United States! I am honored to have worked with John, selecting some of my faves so you can discover the magic music of his music John Howard. I hope you enjoy the musical journey.” –Edward Rogers (taken from the liner notes) GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Copious Notes Price: $14.00 Artist: Richard X Heyman Description: “Copious Notes” is Richard X Heyman’s 14th album (my how time flies)! We remember picking up his debut 7” “Vacation” for $1 back in the early 80’s! “This guy is a pop music genius! He’s a multi-instrumentalist, a great singer and a phenomenal songwriter. So here it is in all its jingle jangle, heavenly chorused and multi-tracked majesty. ‘Copious Notes’ is the real deal because RXH is the real deal!” - Greg Godovitz/Rock Talk “Beginning with the addictive pop melody of ‘Nearly There’ and the upbeat rocker ‘Choices We Make’, the album is balanced nicely by the gentle, graceful ballads ‘Cedarbrook Park’ and ‘But Our Love’ which truly shine with Richard’s amazing songwriting talents.” - JP’s Music Blog “The songs range from melodic pop to all-out rock and roll with just a few ballads to round things out. The results are extraordinary with some already calling ‘Copious Notes’ one of his best to date.” - Copper Magazine “Heyman reaches back to his 60’s roots and cuts an album that is trippy, but it kicks, too.” - Punknews.org “Continuing in his masterful pop style, ‘Copious Notes’ kicks off with ‘Nearly There,’ a Left Banke-inspired number…after that it’s a jubilant journey from jangly to wistful to complex, piano-driven pop…and back again to perfect power pop.” - Schizomusica "A richly textured pop-rock mix that’s permeated with infectious hooks and jingle-jangle guitar. You’ll hear fresh musical ideas as well as echoes of 60’s British pop and West Coast rockers like the Byrds." - Americana Highways “Heyman proves he’s still doing what he does best at an exceptional level. His song craft is as diverse as the instruments he plays on this album (guitars, vibraphone, drums, piano, shaker, etc.) as many forms of nostalgic rock’n’roll and bits of Motown won’t go unnoticed. A meticulous and nostalgic record that’s as timeless as anything in his catalog.” – Take Effect EXCELLENT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Chapter Three Price: $13.00 Artist: The Legal Matters Description: On their third effort, “Chapter Three” – we’re treated to twelve new Legal Matters (Andy Reed, Chris Richards and Keith Klingensmith) songs including the drumming of Donny Brown. The songs were written by Chris Richards and Andy Reed and cover all sorts of topics – the pandemic, Trump, honesty, affliction and affections - seriously all over the map – all done with their signature loving harmonies!! “I avoid mentioning lockdown and Covid in reviews, not out of callousness, but in a belief that music should be a diversion from the strain. I will mention it here though, because as we see signs of coming out of the tunnel, I can think of no better album to accompany me than one by The Legal Matters. The trio seem to be joined at the hip - their music always comes across as brotherly, tight and united. There is a real bond between the three and this album more than any confirms that. The Legal Matters have far more in common with Crowded House and the harmonies are more Simon And Garfunkel or The Everly Brothers. I would never have associated Andy Reed with the wonderful ‘The World Is Mine’. It is all barrel piano, a little Toytown Psych and has far more in common with bands Like The Successful Failures. ‘That's All’ is all Roy Orbison 60's twang and could almost appear on the ‘American Graffiti’ soundtrack. You would think Reed wrote it, he didn't. This also underlines how collaborative the album is. ‘The Painter’ is spot on 70's piano pop yet ‘Please Make A Sound’ has a cracking 80's synth sound running through it. ‘Make Things Up’ is splendid twang. ‘A Memory Of Sound’ is jaunty pop at its very best and the closer, ‘Passing Chord’ is an absolute vocal masterpiece. The Legal Matters usually do mellow best and there is plenty here to keep those fans happy. But there seems to be more chances taken on this album and boy do they work. The harmonies are as tight as ever, but the songs seem to have even more oomph. There are plenty of bands that harmonize well. Perhaps, a few too many that made that California scene a little done. They should have gone to Michigan, because The Legal Matters could come up with any of those albums easily, but no other band could have come up with something as varied and great as this!” – IDontHearASingle.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none

Handful Of Hits Price: $14.00 Artist: Tommy Ray Description: RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT MUSIK LABEL!! Tommy Ray came into his own between 2011 and 2018 as the primary songwriter and front man for power-pop heroes The CRY! With the band on indefinite hiatus, he released “First Hits Free” (his 2020 Kool Kat label debut) and now, with the band STILL on hiatus, “Handful of Hits”! The record continues his flair for merging 50's melodies, the jangle of 60's pop hooks, 70's glam-rock, and honest gritty street-level lyrics. Think a poppier Replacements, Tommy Stinson/Bash & Pop and you’re on the right track! Tommy’s influences? If you don’t already know, here’s the 411 right from him “Ramones. Exploding Hearts. Ramones. Paul Collins. Ramones. Beach Boys – (get the idea?)! I really like a 3 minute pop song that moves. You know, ‘Don’t bore us. Get to the chorus.’ I’ve been playing tons of music and busking in downtown Portland during the recent protests. Where there are people, I will play music. I play mostly standards from the past 50 years. Never gets old. It’s my favorite thing to do. My dad plays a little guitar and slams through the old hits like a savage for hours. I learned from him…” “He’s back again with 11 new powerpop hits. “In Love Again” opens on a melancholic teenage note before hand claps and Jerry Lee Lewis piano take over in the catchy “No No No”. Third song “On My Wall” slow things down and brings a romantic touch to the album before it quickly fades and let “One Step Closer” brings more sun and fun while “Closer/School Daze” keeps us pogoing and partying (“I don’t care what they say, every day is saturday!”) with its ’77 punk chorus. The Johnny Thunders influence can especially be heard in “Beer, Wine & Whisky” while “Feel The Pain” will take you to the 60s and “Loser’s Anthem” and its slight new wave touch will make you dance for less than 3 minutes. “If You Need Anything” and “Runnin'” will probably bring The CRY to your mind if you were into them, check them out if you haven’t yet! The last song “I Didn’t Do It” has a bit of this early Hanoï Rocks thing to it that will leave you wanting more.” – Veglam.com GREAT!! ... read more » Quantity in Basket: none