Something Old...Something New (#32)

"Aladdin Sane" - David Bowie (released 1973)

   Bowie follows up the zeitgeist-tapping perfection of "Ziggy Stardust...'' with his hardest rocking album. Written during the craziness of his 1972 American tour (a lad insane) it's his final LP with the Spiders from Mars (Mick Ronson-gtr, Trevor Bolder-b, Mick "Woody" Woodmansey - dr) and released at the commercial peak of the Glam scene. The Stonesy rocking opener "Watch That Man" gets things off to a rollicking start (you can picture Mick and the boys tearing into this one)! When Bowie encouraged pianist Mike Garson to let loose his avant-garde style he unleashed a mind-blowing one-take solo on the title track! Garson's inventive skills are also on full display in the glittering theatrical ballads "Time" and "Lady Grinning Soul". "Drive-in Saturday" and "The Prettiest Star" portray Bowie's pop/rock side to perfection with the latter highlighted by another terrific Ronson solo! Mick Ronson is the unsung architect of Glam. His arrangements, guitar tones and solos for all Bowie's work throughout this period is impeccable! An infectious Bo Diddley vibe drives "Panic in Detroit" deep into your reptilian brain before the grinding sleaze of "Cracked Actor" ends side one. The stomping swagger of "The Jean Genie" closes with a stuttering swell of guitars and a place in classic rock history! Let's not forget the iconic album cover that's every bit as inspired as the music. Most critics were disappointed but aside from relegating "Let's Spend the Night Together" to the "Pin Ups" covers album which came out later that year I wouldn't change a thing. Still brilliant 50 years on!

"Chime School - Chime School (released 2021)

    San Francisco's Andy Pastalaniec is Chime School. A drummer for local bands Odd Hope, Sealbite and Cruel Summer he was inspired to create his own music when his girlfriend gifted him a 4-track Tascam Portastudio. He them proceeded to write record and produce this utterly charming debut album at home. A long time fan of jangly rock with upbeat melodies from the 60s (Byrds) and 80s (the C86 scene in Britain began with the release of a cassette by the New Musical Express in 1986. It showcased new indy bands and labels in the UK) he took these influences and ran with them! This album is a winner from beginning to end. An effortless barrage of hooks and melodies that are at once familiar but at the same instant fresh and exciting! With his ringing 12-string jangle and hints of dream pop he fashions one happy/melancholy pop gem after another. "Wait Your Turn", "Dead Saturdays", "Radical Leisure", "It's True", "Calling In Sick", the ten tunes fly by and it's impossible to choose a favorite as the guitar driven energy and breezy vocals make every song irresistible! Pick up this album and Chime School will always be in session. RIYL Young Guv or The Reds, Pinks and Purples (and you should!)

 Favorite Albums of 2021

2021 was another challenging year for the music community with remote recording and cancelled tours remaining the norm. With many established acts electing to sit on the sidelines until some sense of normalcy returns it was a good year to discover new artists and that's definitely reflected on my list of 2021 favorites. Remember, musicians pour their hearts and souls into their work so be sure to support them any way you are able (vinyl, CD, download)

1. Cloud Nothings - "The Shadow I Remember"

The band reunites with legendary producer Steve Albini at his Electrical Audio Studios and emerge with another revelation. Light and shade abound in these eleven densely compact post-punk marvels featuring explosive rhythmic discord and resplendent melodies around every corner! Good luck choosing a favorite.

2. Chime School - "Chime School" 

Springing from the head of the Power Pop Gods fully formed, Rickenbacker in hand, appears Andy Pastalaniec. Revel in the sweet jangling righteousness of his debut as Chime School. Class is in session for my favorite new artist of 2021!

3. The Reds, Pinks & Purples - "Uncommon Weather"

Glenn Donaldson cooks up yet another collection of engagingly warm indie pop recorded in the kitchen of his San Francisco home (seen on the album cover). He's been releasing his dependably pleasing tunes at the rate of two albums a year so I'm sure he'll be on next year's list too!

4. Aeon Station - "Observatory"

Waiting 15 years for the follow-up to the Wrens "Meadowlands" (a masterpiece) to be completed by his musical partner (Charles Bissell) was long enough for Kevin Whelan. He took his songs and 3/4 of the band to form Aeon Station. This is as close as we'll get to another Wrens album so just immerse yourself in the melancholic beauty.

5. Flyying Colours - "Fantasy Country"

This quartet from Melbourne, Australia delivers my favorite shoegaze album of the year. The most fully realized album of their career is a glorious sea of Krautrock rhythms propelling shimmering waves of psych rock guitar. Dreamy vocals and keyboard textures help deliver a lavish listening experience.

6. Ducks Ltd - "Modern Fiction"

Sounding for all the world like a lost member of New Zealand's "Flying Nun" label this Toronto duo delivers the jangle pop goods on a great debut LP.  Earworm alert - Tom McGreevy and Evan Lewis construct some of the catchiest hooks and choruses you'll hear this year!

7. Lauds - "Lauds" EP

This five piece from Wilmington, North Carolina have produced an EP of stunningly beautiful guitar pop. It's easy to be swept away in the first rate melodies, tranquil vocals and clean production. RIYL Real Estate or R.E.M.

8. Split Single - "Amplificado"

From his 90s band, Verbow, to continuing stints as bass player for Bob Mould and Superchunk, Jason Narducy exemplifies musical excellence. His latest features drummer extraordinaire Jon Wurster (Superchunk, Bob Mould, Mountain Goats) and Mike Mills (R.E.M.) on bass. Head over to their Bandcamp page and check out "95 Percent" - sublime!

9. Neil Young & Crazy Horse - "Way Down in the Rust Bucket"

The Neil Young archives are a gift that just keeps giving. This show was recorded in 1990 and Young's majestic, snarling guitar playing is on full display as he and Crazy Horse hit the road in support of "Ragged Glory". With six songs clocking in at over 10 minutes, it's the feral shredfest we all need!

10. The Institutes - "Colosseums"

If you thought Britpop was dead these lads from Coventry beg to differ. Their debut fairly bursts with big chorus anthems in the style of Oasis. The opener, "All That You'll Ever Know", rockets out of your speakers and the momentum rarely subsides. Maybe the next big thing in the UK ignored by the U.S.

Honorable Mention

Robert Plant/Alison Kraus - "Raise the Roof"

Persian Leaps - "Drone Etiquette" (EP)

Tom Petty & Heartbreakers - "Angel Dream"

Cheap Trick - "In Another World"

The Black Keys - "Delta Kream"

 Favorite Albums of 2020

Not a good year for anyone. Music clubs shuttered, recording studios empty, low quality streaming continues to be the main way people consume music - and yet excellent new releases continued to appear like lights in the darkness to provide comfort, diversion and hope for better times to come. Do your best to support these artists during quarantine as they/we await the return of live music and an avalanche of new releases in 2021!

1. Cloud Nothings - "The Black Hole Understands"

Recorded entirely in quarantine, Dylan Baldi (guitar, bass, vocals) and Jayson Gerycz (drums, mixing) produce a marvel of melodic, hook-laden modern pop/rock gems, each one impossibly outshining the next. The ultimate comfort food in a year when we needed it most!

2. The Wild Giraffes - "Live and Later"

The first seven songs are the sound of the roof being blown off Cleveland's famed Agora Ballroom in 1981 (a mix of covers and stunning originals by guitarist Edgar Reynolds) followed by nine unreleased tracks giving us a view into what might have been. Legendary indeed!

3. The Beths - "Jump Rope Gazers"

Indie pop/rock from New Zealand has a rich history and these Auklanders proudly carry the torch. No evidence of the dreaded sophomore jinx here as Elizabeth Stokes (she of the sublime vocals) writes twelve more instant favorites. A rich album that gets better with each listen.

4. Nick Piunti & the Complicated Men - "Downtime"

With five fantastic albums over the last six years Nick Piunti has become the model of Power Pop consistency and excellence. Top notch writing, great vocals and searing guitar make every song a winner. It's nice to see him receiving increased airplay with each release and there is more on the way in 2021!

5. Nada Surf - "Never Not Together"

This band never disappoints. Each release hones their sweet-sounding mellifluous Indie Pop to a fantastically finer edge. Singer Matthew Caws carries each tune with his engaging vocals and continues to write songs of deceptive intricacy. 

6. The Persian Leaps - "Smiling Lessons"

After crafting my favorite album of 2019 ("Electrical Living") Drew Forsberg returns with a terrific eight song EP! Slashing guitar rhythms support compelling melodies and addictive choruses. In a better world this music is heading up the charts and on everyone's playlist!

7. Kestrels - "Dream or Don't Dream"

Halifax, Nova Scotia gifts us Chad Peck setting his swirling shoegaze ablaze with fiery guitar, including a remarkable appearance by J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. My favorite "new" find has been recording since 2009 so I have a catalog to catch up on!

8. Close Lobsters - "Post Neo Anti: Arte Povera in the Forest of Symbols"

Scottish indie rockers return after more than 30 years and they haven't missed a beat, recapturing the jangly pop goodness of their legendary C86 years! They have been a favorite of mine since the "What is There to Smile About" EP in 1988. Welcome back, but what's up with the unwieldy title?

9. The Hanging Stars - "A New Kind of Sky"

Dreamy, psych-tinged, harmony-laden songs dripping with gorgeous pedal steel guitar. These young Londoners echo the best of Americana while putting their own stamp on each tune. RIYL Band of Horses, Byrds

10. AC/DC - "Power Up"

Following a tumultuous five years (Malcom Young's Passing, Brian Johnson's hearing issues, drummer Phil Rudd's plethora of legal problems) the band improbably returns with their strongest album in decades! Twelve succinct Angus/Malcom compositions loaded with explosive rhythms, searing guitar, and throat-ripping vocals! Straight hard rock and nobody does it better!

HONORABLE MENTION:

Bob Mould - Blue Hearts

Caddy - Electric Hero

Muzz - Muzz

Best Coast - Always Tomorrow

Old 97s - Twelfth

The Jayhawks - XOXO

Neil Young - Homegrown

Something Old...Something New (#31)

"Mr. Tambourine Man" - The Byrds (released 1965)

   From the moment you hear Jim McGuinn's ringing 12-string Rickenbacker guitar on the opening track there is a musical revolution in the air (ask Tom Petty or R.E.M.)! The Byrds create the folk/rock genre virtually overnight in Los Angeles by marrying the melodic social consciousness of American folk music with the sharp pop of the British Invasion. The original lineup (too talented to last long) is Jim McGuinn (lead guitar, vocals) Gene Clark (vocals) David Crosby (vocals, guitar) Chris Hillman (bass) and Michael Clarke (drums). This album boasts four definitive covers of Bob Dylan songs including the title track which becomes a #1 single! Singer/songwriter Gene Clark bursts onto the scene by contributing to all five original tunes. The sparkling "I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better" is a personal favorite and includes an outstanding undulating guitar solo. "Here Without You" is beautifully haunting and "I Knew I'd Want You" glows with the singular harmonies of McGuinn, Clark and Crosby "It's No Use" is the hardest rocking tune on the record highlighted by a couple fiery guitar bursts. This is a classic debut album that plays like a Greatest Hits package! The 1996 Columbia remaster includes dramatically improved sound, 6 bonus tracks and informative liner notes. I can only imagine what it was like to initially hear this perfect harmony of songwriting, guitars and voices pouring from your speakers in 1965!

"12" - Sloan (released 2018)

   Question: How many bands release a dozen albums with the same lineup and make album number 12 their best ever? Answer: Sloan! This Canadian alt rock/power pop quartet is a model of democracy as each member writes and sings three of their own songs while playing a variety of instruments. The album explodes out of the gate with the sublimely careening power pop of "Spin Our Wheels" Chris Murphy (vocals, bass, drums) creates the year's catchiest tune while also contributing the crushing "Wish Upon a Satellite". Patrick Pentland (vocals, lead guitar) just might outgrunge Nirvana on "All of the Voices" and showcases his hard driving guitar on "The Day Will Be Mine". Andrew Scott (vocals, guitar, drums) displays a beautifully constructed introspectiveness on "Gone for Good" and the record closing "44 Teenagers". Jay Ferguson (vocals, guitar, bass) crafts pretty pop with the delicate tunefulness of "Right to Roam" and "The Lion's Share". His "Essential Services" wouldn't sound out of place on "Sgt. Pepper"! There is more, but suffice to say there is not a weak moment on this album. This is a multi-talented group with plenty of songs that I've enjoyed in the past but this record blew me away! The superlative songwriting, addictive melodies and faultless harmonies make this album an absolute joy - looking forward to "13"!

Favorite Albums of 2019

It seems to get a bit trickier each year to find the musical gold buried among the mountains of corporate endorsed shit that passes itself off as the next big thing. Commercial radio is officially dead - here are my picks for favorite music I've heard over the past year via satellite radio, college shows and music podcasts - Long Live Rock!

1. Persian Leaps - "Electrical Living"

   Last year's collection "Pop That Goes Crunch" was in my top ten and is an apt description of the twist Drew Forsberg applies to the Power Pop template. Each track begins with a memorable riff or melody but doesn't settle for simply repeating this pattern. As each verse or chorus comes around more hooks, textures, rhythms and harmonies spring up to carry each tune to new heights! This is exquisite pop songcraft and each listen unlocks a new favorite - "Electrical Living" is brilliant!

2. The Jellybricks - "Some Kind of Lucky"

   No luck involved - this Harrisburg, PA quartet has been producing excellent Power Pop for over 20 years and this is their crowning achievement! A dozen punchy hook-filled songs with tight dynamic performances and topped off with their sublime harmonies! Put it in the time capsule as an example of pop perfection!

3. Spielbergs - "This is Not the End"

   In a year with no releases from Cloud Nothings or Japandroids this will scratch your post punk melodic noise itch! This trio from Norway manages to fulfill the promise of last year's Distant Star EP with an ideal mix of distorted guitars and anthemic choruses! They smartly mix things up with a few quiet moments and the noise fueled epic "McDonald's (Please Don't F*ck Up My Order)" - we've all been there and it's good to have the Spielbergs on our side!

4. The Appleseed Cast - "The Fleeting Light of Impermanence" 

   Christopher Crisci has been leading this band from Lawrence, KS for over 20 years and I just discover them at the end of 2019?! How to describe their music - maybe Built to Spill meets the Wrens? It often takes a couple minutes for melodies to unfold in these ever evolving songs and your patience is always generously rewarded. An album that begs to be listened to from beginning to end - I have a big back catalog to check up on!

5. Young Guv - "Guv I & II"

   Ben Cook is a multi-talented musician who has flown under the radar for most of his career. A veteran guitarist for many projects and now as Young Guv his gifted songwriting skills are on full display. He is a power pop whiz amid jangling guitars and Teenage Fanclub shimmer on "I" and a soul pop dynamo on "II". I can't think of another musician who could pull this off - impressive!

6. William Tyler - "Goes West"

   Guitar phenomenon William Tyler's last album "Modern Country" was an all instrumental affair featuring his incredible and imaginative electric guitar artistry. This is an all acoustic outing and I am thrilled to report that it is equally enthralling! It's difficult to record an instrumental album that doesn't approach tedium but he's done it - again!!

7. Moving Panoramas - "In Two"

   My favorite dream pop album this year is from an Austin, TX outfit led by singer Leslie Sisson. Driving rhythms - check. Shimmering guitar/keyboards - check. pretty/ethereal vocals - check. It all comes together to create a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience - similar to the best of the Dum Dum Girls. 

  

8. The Resonars - "No Exit"

   It is easy to take Matt Rendon for granted. He has been writing and recording Resonars albums since the late 1990s and they are models of consistent extraordinary excellence! Navigating the convergence of garage, power pop and psychedelia like the genius songwriter he is - here's the latest in his spectacular catalog!

9. Bob Mould - "Sunshine Rock"

   Old Mould continues his late career roll with another album of distortion filled angst but there are glimmers of light (even strings!) as he charges through ten new emotion-filled tunes and a cover (the Shocking Blue chestnut "Send Me a Postcard"). The fourth album with his killer rhythm section from Superchunk - Jason Narducy (bass) and Jon Wurster (drums).

10. The New Pornographers - "In the Morse Code of Brake Lights"

   The combination of A. C. Newman's songwriting and the voice of Neko Case (she never sounds better than with this band) produces another winner for this Canadian supergroup! Keyboards dominate the collection of uniquely quirky yet catchy tunes - nobody sounds quite like The New Pornographers.

Honorable Mention: These releases also caught my attention over the past year

Extra Arms - "Up From Here"
Potty Mouth - "SNAFU"
Swervedriver - "Future Ruins"
Tacocat - "This Place is a Mess"
Ex Hex - "It's Real"
Juliana Hatfield - "Weird"
Liam Gallagher - "Why Me? Why Not"
Richard & the Young Lions - "Volume 2"

Something Old...Something New (#30)

"Bandwagonesque" - Teenage Fanclub (released 1991)

Despite the cutout bin cover art this album is a great introduction to Teenage Fanclub. The band's third release is when their sound coalesced into the enticing, melodic, fuzzed out alternative power pop style which they've been subtly refining ever since. The Bellshill, Scotland quartet is made up of four singer/songwriters with the majority of songs written by Norman Blake (guitar, vocals) and Gerard Love (bass, vocals). Raymond McGinley (guitar, vocals) and Brendan O'Hare (drums, vocals) each have one tune on this remarkable album. Piled high with catchy melodies and wistful harmonies the Fannies are often favorably compared to the legendary Big Star. The album kicks off with a squall of feedback that transforms into the flowing radiance of "The Concept". From the lyrical beauty of "December" and "Sidewinder" to the charging pop of " Star Sign" and "What You Do to Me" guitar distortion has never sounded so sublime! "I Don't Know" features a recurring knee-buckling guitar riff that propels this track to the next level. "Metal Baby" contributes plenty of sugary crunch while "Pet Rock" rocks hard leading to an intense guitar outro. "Alcoholiday" starts with another pretty melody and eventually unfolds into some outstanding six-string interplay that I wish lasted another ten minutes! "Is This Music?" provides the album with a joyously pulsating instrumental for a finale, and there you have it - a superb collection of songs brilliantly arranged and performed! Teenage Fanclub are one of the most consistently excellent bands in Rock history and this is exhibit A.

"Future Me Hates Me" - The Beths (released 2018)

The remote island country of New Zealand has a surprising history of producing some of the finest indie guitar pop groups around including; The Bats, The Chills, Crowded House and the Mutton Birds among many others. With this potent combination of brilliantly crafted songs and guitar punch the Beths debut album proudly carries on this tradition! The band is led by singer/songwriter Elizabeth Stokes whose clarion voice carries every song and provides an undeniable charm to this record. The album revolves around heartbreak and failed relationships which is evident even in the title. It's this dichotomy with the bright upbeat instrumentation and the band's fresh energy that keeps these songs happily stuck in your head! Jonathan Pearce (guitar, vocals, producer), Benjamin Sinclair (bass, vocals) and Ivan Lukatina-Johnston (drums) provide the perfect base for Stoke's sunny lilting voice. Many of the tunes feature the soft/loud dynamic found in so many great rock bands (Nirvana, Pixies) but the transition is so seamless all you remember are the catchy hooks that pile up like so much spun gold in the verses and choruses. Some of my favorites on the record are "Little Death", "You Wouldn't Like Me", "Great No One" and the title track, but honestly every one of the ten tracks is faultless. Each year you hope to hear a great new band that becomes a favorite and in 2018 we lucked into the Beths!

Favorite Albums of 2018

Despite the corporate sponsored sewage poisoning our precious airwaves there remain many wonderful artists creating great music! Commercial radio has abandoned Rock 'n' Roll so immerse yourself in Satellite, College or the Internet(podcasts) and discover the hidden wealth of exciting new sounds! Here are my favorites from 2018 although I'm certain there are many more I have not heard that deserve a place on my list - Rock on!

1. Cloud Nothings - "Last Building Burning"
   Once again Cloud Nothings bring it like like there's no tomorrow! Equal parts passion, explosive drumming and an avalanche of guitar noise power each track. From the blitzkrieg opener "On An Edge" through the upbeat closer "Another Way of Life" the energy level is unrelenting and invites you to uncover new sonic wonders with each listen - WOW!

2. Superchunk - "What a Time to Be Alive"
   While attempting to make sense of our poisonous political climate Superchunk has created a modern day masterpiece! Scorching guitars, a thundering rhythm section and Mac McCaughan's impassioned voice propel every hook-infused gem - Long Live Superchunk!

3. The Choir - "Artifact: The Unreleased Album
   The final lineup of this legendary Cleveland group recorded their only album in 1969 where it remained unreleased until 2018! A treasure trove of tunes that capture the magic of their contemporaries such as Procol Harum and the Left Banke! Omnivore Records terrific remastering has it sounding as fresh as the day it was created!

4. The Beths - "Future Me Hates Me"

   My favorite new band is an indie pop group out of New Zealand. Elizabeth Stokes is the main songwriter and a delightful vocalist. Loaded with fuzzy guitar-laden earworms this is an easy album to fall in love with on first listen - can't wait to hear what they come up with next!

5. Sloan - "12"
   Flying under most Americans radar this Canadian quartet of singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalists knock it out of the park on their 12th album! 12 songs and not a dud in the bunch, plus the mesmeric opening track "Spin Our Wheels" gets my vote as catchiest song of the year! Time to check out their back catalogue.

6. Nick Piunti - "Temporary High"

   If there has been a more consistently excellent Power Popper over the last five years I am unaware of them. Nick Piunti has been on a four album tear since 2013's "13 in my Head" and shows no signs of slowing down (lucky us)! Ten captivating tunes performed at the highest level!

   7. Soft Science - "Maps"
   It's one mesmerizing tune after another on the second release by this Shoegaze/Dream Pop outfit from Sacramento, California. Katie Haley's ethereal poppy vocals sit atop the whirling mist of distorted guitars to take you to your happy place - wonderful!

8. The Persian Leaps - "Pop That Goes Crunch"

   The first album by this Minneapolis, MN lo-fi jangle rock trio is a collection of previous EPs and a new track so you know it's packed with good stuff! Influenced by Guided by Voices and Teenage Fanclub makes it part of a well balanced musical diet - dig in!

   9. The Grip Weeds - "Trip Around the Sun"

   The Grip Weeds have been forging their distinctive mix of jangly Power Pop tinged by psychedelia at the pace of a new album every few years for decades, so here we are - another outstanding set of polished musical diamonds!

10. Extra Arms - "Headacher"
   Ryan Allen and his Extra Arms mix things up a bit after 2016's "Basement Punk" by cranking up the distortion and I like it! This a rocking record loaded with outstanding songs and wonderfully aggressive guitars - There's something in that Detroit water!


Honorable Mention: any of these albums could sneak their way into my top ten 

Ruler - "Winning Star Champion" The Longshot - "Love is for Losers"
Interpol - "Marauder"
The Spielbergs - "Distant Star" EP
Caddy - "Ten Times Four"
Chris Richards & the Subtractions - "Peaks and Valleys"
Yo La Tengo - "There's a RiotGoing On"
En Attendant Ana - "Lost and Found"