tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54927142284620061642023-11-15T05:36:15.006-08:00THE OFFICIAL NOT LAME BLOGNot Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-83455533598534991272010-05-15T12:31:00.001-07:002010-05-15T12:31:46.790-07:00SONS OF BEACHESSONS OF BEACHES<br />By Mike Baron<br /><br /> There have been Beatle imitators and acolytes as long as there have been Beatles. Beatle imitators are legion. Three of the best are the Vinyl Kings, the Merrymakers, and The Rembrandts. <br /><br /> For the Beach Boys it’s another story. It took a long time for the collective musical consciousness to absorb Brian Wilson’s innovative chord progressions but finally, through osmosis and the ever-expanding pool of ever more sophisticated musicians, bands have finally caught up with the Beach Boys. Among the earliest and best of the Beach Boys pastiches is “Pale and Precious” by the Dukes of Stratospheare: Chips From the Chocolate Fireball. <br /><br /> The Dukes are actually XTC slumming. While most of Dukes deals in psychedelia inspired (again) by the Beatles as well as Jefferson Airplane, Floyd, Squeeze and a host of other bands, “Pale and Precious,” the album closer, draws inspiration from both early and late Beach Boys, combining the doo-wop choruses of “Let’s Do It Again/I Get Around” with the Van Dyke Parks collaboration “Surf’s Up.”<br /><br /> The first half of “Pale” features the advanced chord structures and fragile vocals of “Surf’s Up.” Midway the song breaks down into primordial Beach Boy doo-wop. This is an essential track for anyone who loves “Surf’s Up,” “Heroes and Villains,” and “Good Vibrations.”<br /><br /> Jeffrey Foskett has toured with the Beach Boys so he comes by his sound honestly. Foskett has his own voice which is apparent in any cover he does, but he is also the author of “Thru My Window,” the ultimate short and sweet Beach Boys song. Play this for the non-cognoscenti and they will swear it’s a long lost Brian Wilson composition. “Thru My Window” appears on several Jeffrey Foskett CDs including Stars in the Sand and Thru My Window. The latter used to be “the best Beach Boys album they never recorded.” No longer. That honor now belongs to Explorers Club.<br /><br /> Explorers Club’s Freedom Wind goes beyond the Beach Boys to build a near perfect distillation of everything that makes the Beach Boys great. Freedom Wind was my album of the year in ’08 and each new listening brings greater joy, the sign of a classic. If you love the Beach Boys you’ve got to get this record. No mere imitation, every song uses Brian Wilson chords to build unexpected yet logical pay-offs with stacked harmonies that pack a sneaky and unexpected emotional punch.<br /><br /> Sunrise Highway is another new band that uses the Beach Boys as a jumping off point. Less purely Wilsonian than Explorers Club, Sunrise Highway nonetheless effortlessly evokes the Beach Boys with its sunny harmonies and bittersweet chord progressions Songs like “Endless Summer” and “Lonely Guy” are obvious tributes. The rest of the album never strays far from the reservation while remaining totally fresh. “Big Brown Eyes” could easily be an Eagles song. The rest of the record is sui generis and pure delight. <br /><br /> The Sunchymes out of Northampton, England is another modern band eagerly following the Beach Boys trail. (Sunchymes is actually Aaron Hemington.) We are at the stage where Beach Boys-inspired bands are no longer a novelty. Their collective sound buoys the state of contemporary musicNot Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-38269424357579021272010-04-22T13:46:00.001-07:002010-04-22T13:46:34.603-07:00FOOL'S FACE LIVE AT LASTFOOLS FACE LIVE AT LAST<br /><br /> I saw Fools Face open for John Hiatt in Madison, WI in 1982. I had their two vinyl LPs, Tell America and Public Places on the Talk label. Fools Face did not disappoint, putting on a galvanizing fifty minute show.<br /> They have now released a live record, Fools Face Live at Last (Talk, 2005) that is among the greatest rock recordings ever made. The recording is superb, the audience is electric, and the music itself is timeless fist-pumping power pop, song after song after song. <br /> “To Be Someone” leads with pure rockin’ roots, a song from the heart of America, poignant bittersweet power chords like the Hawks or Spooner.<br /> “American Guilt” should be the national anthem. It has a massive hook and invites sing-alongs. “Cherokee persuasion, Navajo town, got my reservation for the burial ground… Tell America her heart is in the right place, tell America be sure not to hate, tell America to move at her own pace, tell America it might be too late…when push comes to shove and we don’t have love…” <br /> Guitars foam and snarl throughout. Listen to the guitar break on “Diamonds and Pearls.” It gave me a nosebleed. “Land of the Hunted” is a masterpiece of propulsion combining the urgency of 20/20 with the musical sass of the Buzzcocks. The recording was made in 2000 when these guys were in their forties and fifties. For anyone who loves rock this record will plunge you deep into your youth for sixty minutes.Not Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-67071335343098139662009-12-10T08:35:00.001-08:002009-12-10T08:35:53.115-08:00RIP JEFF GLENNTwo weeks ago, Not Lame Prez Bruce Brodeen shared the sad news with me that pop singer/songwriter and pop music archivist Jeff Glenn had recently passed away. Ironically, this news came a week after I had mentioned Jeff and his band the Retros in my most recent “Jangle On!” column. Like many of the other pop artists that I have come to know, Jeff was a talented, sweet and unselfish individual who believed that music is meant to be shared. And, like many of the other pop artists that I have grown to be long-distance friends with, I never met Jeff in person. We corresponded on numerous occasions via snail mail and email, and we even chatted a few times over the phone. The closest we came to meeting each other was August 2005, when Jeff hosted a Buffalo Springfield tribute show at the Mint in Los Angeles. I had airline tickets to fly to Los Angeles for a long weekend, but something came up and I never made that trip. I remember calling Jeff to let him know that I wouldn’t be able to attend the show, and in spite of his disappointment he let me know that he understood my circumstances. Come to think of it, I don’t believe that I ever heard Jeff express any ill will or convey negative thoughts toward others. The indie pop world was truly fortunate to have him as an ambassador for all things that are pop related. <br /><br />I’m not sure how Jeff and I first “met” – but Jeff was kind enough to share the recordings of his band – the Retros – with me. The CDR that contained the Retros’ original songs and several cover songs blew me away. The songs had a crisp, jangly pseudo-60s sound, and the group’s harmonies on tunes like “Girl” and “Hey, Don’t Go Looking For Love” were terrific. The group synthesized the sounds of two of my favorite 60s bands – the Beach Boys and the Byrds – in a magnificent manner. I found it hard to believe that an indie label hadn’t released the band’s material on CD, and I began a decade-long campaign with Jeff to release the Retros’ original songs on a commercial CD. I was equally impressed with how well the band covered classic pop tunes from the Beatles, Byrds and more obscure 60s artists’ catalogs.<br /><br />Although I never succeeded in my efforts to encourage the release of the Retros’ recordings, Jeff and his band mates were kind enough to record three wonderful cover tunes for each of the three tribute disc projects that I have been involved with. The Retros contributed “Long Time” (originally recorded by the Rose Garden in 1968) to the two-CD Full Circle: A Tribute to Gene Clark that was released by Not Lame in April 2000. Jeff and the Retros recorded another chestnut – “We’ll See” – for the Five Way Street: A Tribute to Buffalo Sprinfield that was released by Not Lame in May 2005. Last but not least, the Retros contributed a beautiful choir-like version of “He Was A Friend Of Mine” to the four-CD Timeless Flyte: A Tribute To The Byrds set that was released by RRO Entertainment in 2007.<br /><br />Jeff also contributed regularly to my own music library by sending me 240 Jeffrey Glenn’s Lost Jukebox CDR compilations. Each CDR contained roughly 30 songs from the 60s, and the CDR color graphics displayed a 45 label from one of the featured songs. Many of these compilations had themes – ranging from Beatles knock-offs to name songs to holiday songs to novelty songs. Nearly every one of the 240 CDRs had a jangly nugget within the featured tracks. Jeff was an avid collector of vintage 60s pop, and I suspect that his vinly collection exceeded 50,000 records. Jeff also volunteered to convert material in my own vinyl collection onto CDR for me. When I asked him to do a compilation of obscure Phoenix-area bands and he listened to the records I had sent him, he asked me if he could incorporate this material into his Lost Jukebox series of discs. Needless to say, I was flattered that he asked! Jeff also sent me eight Under The Covers at Hawthorne High CDRs – which included numerous covers of Beach Boys songs done by artists around the world. <br /><br />For those of you who had the pleasure of seeing Jeff and his Retros band mates perform at one of the Los Angeles International Pop Overthrow shows … or at a car show or at a party or at a wedding, you should count your blessings. You had the good fortune to see one of the nicest pop artists in his generation. Now, more than ever, I regret the circumstances that kept me from meeting Jeff in person four years ago. But every time I hear a Retros song, and every time that I play one of the many compilation discs that Jeff sent me, I will smile. Although my feelings may be melancholic, my day will be brightened by the musical legacy that Jeff has left all of us. Long may you run with your peer Spirits in the Sky, Sir Jeff!Not Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-77547021391944126412009-11-19T14:15:00.000-08:002009-11-19T14:16:29.860-08:00More EiseleAs if the previous weren't enough, James Eisele writes:<br />You are gonna freak when you hear my new cd (Perseverance). We purposely kept it all guitar - there are no keyboards or sax in any of it. My engineer said we should just focus on my guitar playing. He told me he wanted it to be the recording best representing my guitar playing. I think we achieved that. The recording is loosely based on Hendrix's Axis: Bold As Love, although we had to drop two songs off the cd because of possible copyright infringement. The songs will appear on our next cd when that gets worked out. It's too bad tho', those two songs are killer. <br />I'm also finishing up my next jazz/pop cd, Smooth Sailing. I think that's gonna be pretty good too - I've got Bob Corbit on that one as well as Tom McCarty on bass and Karri Daley (the gal that's sings on New Age). The songs are more recent so they have a little bit more to offer.Not Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-22682344242226615462009-11-18T08:43:00.001-08:002009-11-18T08:43:52.729-08:00THE EISELEY BROTHERTHE EISELE BROTHER<br /><br /> James Eisele is a gifted guitarist from Madison, Wisconsin who has been playing in blues bands for three decades. His blues guitar is drenched in bittersweet flletness with dazzling runs and shocking arpeggios. Now James has released two CDs, one devoted to the blues and one to jazz.<br /><br /> 3rd Degree Blues is the type of music you’d expect to hear at Blue Chicago, Buddy Guy’s Club, or the Buffalo Chip during Bike Week at Sturgis. Michael BB on keyboards and Bob Corbit on sax make this an ass-shaking, deeply moving experience.<br /><br /> Coming Into a New Age is a collection of jazz originals that evoke a smoky night club in Harlem late at night. James’ warbly voice is an acquired taste but those who acquire it can’t get enough.<br /><br /> Both CDs are available from CD Baby. On Facebook, check out James Jeffrey Eisele.Not Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-29245884402560544412009-11-09T08:03:00.001-08:002009-11-09T08:03:18.752-08:00Mike Baron's Top Ten 2009TOP TEN ‘09<br />By Mike Baron<br /><br /> The world have entered a gigantic metaphorical sphincter but there is progress in at least one field. Power pop has never been better. We are living in one of the great musical flowerings of history and it shows no sign of abating. I had a real problem picking just ten records for my top ten, so I kept on going. Just a little bit. We’ve still got a ways to go so I might have to update this list. <br /><br /> The qualitative differences among the top five are nugatory. One could easily choose any of them as the record of the year.<br /><br />#1 The Shazam: Meteor. These big-hearted stadium rockers have been building toward this titanic yawp of iconic anthems for years. <br /> “So Awesome” opens the record with a twenty-one guitar salute to the joy of living, lead guitar as hard and elegant as the Golden Gate Bridge. “Don’t Look Down” is a power ballad with every lick carved in stone. You could climb the notes like a staircase. Hans Rotenberry’s vocals are winsome and masterful, going from cooed aside to anthemic bellow in a heartbeat. “Disco at the Fairground” is the best Move song the Move never recorded. Alternating sinister, earth-chewing minor chords with drunken sailor music hall choruses it crunches euphorically. Zappa would approve. <br /> “A Little Better” is a self-improvement song that might have come off Workingman’s Dead with a harder rock edge. “Always Tomorrow” is one of those bittersweet masterpieces built around a simple repeating guitar motif overlaid with Rotenberry’s pliant vocals filled with inchoate longing as is all great pop. <br /> “Let it Fly” is an emotionally potent paean to hope harking back to “Squeeze the Day” from Tomorrow the World. The hushed beginning telegraphs its hortatory heart before that heavy bass cuts in. The chorus with its muffled kettledrums sends chills down your spine. This is life affirming rock that will have you grabbing an invisible Telecaster and yelling “YEAH!” <br /> “Hey Mom I Got the Bomb” contains the lyric:<br /><br />I got The Bomb, yeah I got The Bomb <br />If you don't think I'll use it you're ridiculously wrong<br /><br /> You have to hear this to get the full effect. <br /> “Time For Pie” is a distillation of every great arena rock solo you ever heard.<br /> As far as I know you can only order the record from www.theshazam.com and www.notlame.com. Should be available from cdbaby.com shortly. You won’t hear about the Shazam in Rolling Stone or Spin. You won’t hear them on Big Radio, certainly not on MTV or VH-1. The Shazam are merely the tip of the iceberg. And the hardest part of the iceberg too. <br /><br /><br />#2 Campbell Stokes Sunshine Recorder: Makes Your Ears Smile<br /><br /> One man band Andy Morten conducts a clinic in power pop dynamics dancing unerringly from hook to bridge to chorus with the grace of a psychedelic Fred Astaire. “Track One” opens in off-hand manner but within the space of a heartbeat transforms into the first of many thrilling anthems. Morten does everything well. Aside from the obvious songwriting and singing his drums are propulsive and mellifluous and his guitar playing is melodically spot on.<br /> “She Looks Good in the Sun” nods to the Beach Boys but Morten’s style is as unique in its own way as Brian Wilson’s. His songs take unexpected but wholly appropriate turns. The one note wah-wah adds a delicious tension. “Tony Hazzard” is a goof on the disposable nature of pop music but the melody and dynamics are anything but. Like the other songs on this record they will echo in your skull.<br /> With its McCartneyesque bass pops and progression of elegantly thrilling chords “Mrs. Bumble” is an instant classic, a mini-suite reminiscent of “Suite Judy Blue Eyes” or any number of Beatlesque freak-outs. A bridge as delicate as spun sugar segues into a chorus that’s all get up and go. Simply sublime.<br /> “Everybody Loves the Good Times” is another insanely ambitious pop saga reminiscent of XTC without the clash of class warfare. Pitch perfect guitar adds poignant piquancy to a song with more changes than the second side of Abbey Road. This guy’s a pop Tchaikovsky. <br /> “Feel the Sunshine” is merely the fifth astonishing song on one of the best records of the year. Any year. <br /><br /><br />#3 Fun: Aim and Ignite<br /><br /> Highly original orchestral rock with elements of Broadway musicals, Beach Boys, Sly and the Family Stone, Van Morrison, Dexys’ Midnight Runners, and Dylan. A song like “Benson Hedges” with its soaring harmonies and spectacular lead vocal performance lends weight to an eloquent, incoherent rant about the singer’s fucked-up life. <br /> “All the Pretty Girls” could have come off Mika’s new CD, an irresistible dance ditty to a standoffish girl who threatens to leave. Very effective use of strings. “I Wanna be the One” matches Sly in its clever use of nursery-rhyme melodies incorporated into a larger structure. Fun is three guys: Jack Antonoff, Anderw Dost, and Nate Ruess. Doesn’t say who does what, but whoever sings lead has a commanding voice reminiscent of Freddie Mercury.<br /> “At Least I’m Not as Sad” incorporates children chanting an elemental tune embellishing a horn chooglin’ reggae that grabs your attention like a desperate meth freak with vocal pyrotechnics and myriad rhythmic changes.<br /> “Walking the Dog” also has reggae in the riddum and singing, a joyous paean to a woman who’s thinking of leaving, with a hook big enough to snag Moby Dick. “Barlights” has an almost gospel feel. <br /> ”The Gambler” is one of the most emotionally powerful songs I’ve ever heard. This is one of those great sui generis records like Dexys’ Too-Rye-Aye or Bryan Scary’s Flight of the Knife.<br /> <br /><br /><br />#4 Broken Promise Keeper: Ice Cold Pop<br /><br /> Straight-ahead pop rock as addictive as crack. Rob Stuart sounds effortless in everything he does, difficult to do when you’re providing your own rhythm section. Not only does he sound effortless he sounds unique in a way I haven’t heard since the first Marshall Crenshaw album. He defines his territory—the half acoustic straight ahead rocker (Tom Petty, Crenshaw, Billy Joel) and hits you with a triple combination that leaves you dazed and wanting more.<br /> “Directions,” Worship From Afar,” and “Kristine” constitute three of the most killer first songs I’ve heard in years. BPK is instantly likeable and instantly identifiable. Some bands play their entire careers without forging an identifiable sound. All those American Idol winners. <br /> “I Blame James,” call-checks James Kirk, James Bond, and James West as it speaks to the power of TV. Stuart’s take on “spy guitar” is pretty funny. The songs run one into another without breaks which I always like especially when they keep turning up the heat as they do here. Dig Stuart’s crazy bass line on “Look Out Hollywood.” <br /> Effortless ass-kickin’ mastery. <br /><br /><br />#5 Throwback Suburbia<br /><br /> Instantly memorable series of great songs reminiscent of a thousand bands and yet unique. Craftsmanship is old school—distinctive melodies, powerful choruses, and satisfying hooks. These guys have studied their Brill Bdlg.<br /> Keyboards give them country vibes, big guitars give them drama and tension. Jimi Evans’ honeyed tones sell everything from power ballads to lawn mowers and most songs feature three part harmonies. “Rewind” is a power ballad with guitar like the leaf spring off a Chevy truck smacking you in the head. I mean that in the best possible way. “Head Over Heels” is a joyful hand-clapper with sing along chorus. “Same Mistake” is a deliriously sweet castanet clappin’ dirge to self-destruction. I can almost see Lou Christie belting this at the Flamingo Lounge. <br /> “All About Me” is a pitiless self-examination of narcissism that ought to be the official anthem of the Y Generation. <br /> There’s more, much more and every one is a gem. The whole CD is a home run.<br /><br /><br />#6 Roger Klug: More Help For Your Nerves<br /><br /> ‘Nother (mostly) damned one-man band. This is a mammoth selection of songs showing off Klug’s writing skills and musicianship. Every song has a chorus and a hook which we take for granted but you’d be surprised how many Billboard and EW hits get by on one chord or less. “Tinnitus” is an opening guitar blast that leads into the exuberant “Dump Me Hard,” among the most upbeat of failed relationship songs.<br /> “I’m So Worried About Time” is an all-out rock onslaught that slides into a bluegrass break in the middle, then back to the avalanche. “For the Kids” is a heart breaker about a young woman geared toward motherhood. It’s not so much what Klug says but how he says it in elegiac chords that scream irony. Strong contender for Song of the Year.<br /> “The Day I Had My Brain Removed” jolts with an unexpected but deliriously sweet hook, then marches off to a Scottish breakdown. A guitar duel highlights “Hi-Hat” which features one of Klug’s more unexpected hooks containing the memorable phrase, “Bored as Ohio.” <br /> “When Dreams Dry Up” is another oxymoronic celebration of sadness alternating whispy Victorian regret with surprising vocal and instrumental vehemence. Klug is a clever wordsmith with unexpected rhymes, shifts, and dodges. <br /> And so it goes, one great song after another.<br /><br /><br /><br />#7 Curtains for You: What a Lovely Surprise to Wake up Here<br /><br /> Lilting melodies, soaring harmonies, and a liquid lead guitar that strokes the hypothalamus producing waves of pure pleasure land this Seattle quintet in the Top Ten. Like Explorers Club they mine the Beach Boys for inspiration but have a unique sound built around killer songs and Mikey Gervais’ sinewy guitar. I wish they’d mixed the vocals a little more upfront. Some lyrics remain opaque. Mikey and Matt Gervais with Nick Holman (b) and Peter Fedofsky (k) have an undeniable Everly Brothers vibe. .<br /> The first four songs are joyous celebrations of all things hooky, building one on another into an stoppable locomotive of power pop which barely slows for the plaintive “Chain Link Fence.” “Dumb Angel” is an instant classic, as is this record.<br /><br /><br />#8 Paul Steel: MoonRock<br /><br /> This record begins on such an impossibly high note it would seem impossible to sustain at album length. And Paul Steel doesn’t quite make it but his sheer pop exuberance coupled with impressive compositional skills makes MoonRock one of the year’s most exciting releases. “In a Coma” begins with irresistible hand claps, great tonic and a hook that ratchets up the tension. Steel stacks vocals into towering harmonic wedding cakes.<br /> The coda to “Moon Rock” is so overwrought as to overshadow the song, but the next song, “Oh No! Oh Yeah!” more than makes up for it with pop smarts, soaring harmonies and a honkin’ kazoo section. “Summer Song” is a bittersweet entry in the languid, end-of-summer blues similar to the Beach Boys’ “The Warmth of the Sun” or Scott Sax’ “I Am the Summer Time.” <br /><br /><br />#9 Lamar Holley: Confessions of a College Student<br /> <br /> Lamar Holley’s musical-on-a-disc dedicated to the trials and travails of a first year college student contains several jaw-dropping mini-suites. “Biology” is a twelve course feast in itself, a mid-tempo winner about what the narrator’s really thinking about in a boring biology class. The record’s mostly about girls—how to get them, how to lose them, their unobtainability. <br /> Holley’s got that Tin Pan Alley. vibe which yields well-balanced songs. He never cuts loose or rocks out, but charms with melody and crystalline arrangements. “Secretly” pines languidly to an oblivious girl, steel pedal guitar echoing the singer’s anguish.<br /> “Madame Shamrock” is so rich in harmonic variation you may wish to consume it in tiny bites, like triple XXX dark chocolate. Holley has stumbled onto a set of harmonics that affect the lizard brain. It is difficult to stop listening. You may play this song all day. A fire could start and you wouldn’t notice. While there’s nothing else here that matches “Shamrock,” there is plenty to thrill.<br /> Great production too.<br /><br /><br />#10 Vinyl Candy: Land<br /><br /> Land, a “rock opera” about an aspiring musician, presents a compelling narrative through an elegant succession of mini pop masterpieces that segue from one to the next. “All Along the Way” is typical of Vinyl Candy in that it which eschews the familiar first, fourth and fifth chords in favor of something fresher and more jazz-like. It’s not jazz—it’s fist-pumping rock with blistering guitars and intricate harmonies. But Vinyl Candy’s distinctive songwriting skills accompanied by monstrous guitar swirls give them a unique sound, one that does not suggest Jellyfish. Vinyl Candy sound more homogenous, more straight-ahead rock without Jellyfish’s charming eccentricity. . <br /> Vinyl Candy occupies a sweet spot all their own, each song an intricate mosaic of brilliant chords, musicianship and singing. Listened to all at once they tend to blend into each other. Listened to individually they sparkle. Vinyl Candy also shows what can be done with album art in a small package, although I would dearly love access to the lyrics, either through an insert on online.<br /><br /><br />#11 The High Dials: Moon Country<br /><br /> Insanely ambitious psychedelic twofer from the Montreal quartet incorporating their whole arsenal of buzzing guitars, stacked vocals and Zombie-like song structures. The guitar riff that opens “(Do the) Memory Lapse” attaches itself to your brain like the Alien face hugger. With songs like “Killer of Dragons” and “Oison my Bastard Brother” the meaning is sometimes obscure but the breadth and the scope of the music are enormous. <br /> At turns mesmerizing and threatening, Moon Country is as vast and mysterious as an undiscovered continent. The standing here doesn’t really reflect the quality of the music but the competition this year has been ferocious. The package is awful—a double cardboard sleeve from which the discs tumble every time you look at it, dark, muddy lettering and a cover painting that looks like a misprint. Produced “with the participation of the government of Canada (Canada Music Fund.” At least the Canucks know how to spend their stimulus money. <br /><br /><br />#12 Jeff Litman: Postscript<br /><br /> Heartfelt, personal and extremely melodic debut needs no lyric sheet because of the upfront intimacy of Litman’s voice. Acoustic power through excellent song structure—listen to “Complicate” and “Open Arms,” material that recalls Josh Rouse ca. 1972.<br /> Kelly Jones joins Litman for “Maine.” <br /><br /><br />#13 Valley Lodge: Semester at SeaNot Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-76470878743146286862009-10-30T06:09:00.000-07:002009-11-03T07:29:50.193-08:00Eric Sorensen's JANGLE ON for October 2009!!!<span style="font-weight:bold;">JANGLE ON!<br />By Eric Sorensen, written exclusively for NOT LAME</span><br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=abcvp125dvd.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/abcvp125dvd.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a>I wanted to share a few “discoveries” with fellow jangleholics before I head north to relax and enjoy the Hudson River Valley, Maine and Vermont fall foliage. We’ll be taking plenty of CDs along for this autumn road trip. Before I discuss the latest in jangly discs and songs, top billing this month goes to the Roger McGuinn LIVE AT THE BASEMENT DVD released by ABC Entertainment. This DVD, which includes fourteen songs interspersed with Roger’s commentary, is available from numerous online sources for less than $15. McGuinn alternates between his signature Rickenbacker 12-string electric guitar and his signature Martin 12-string acoustic guitar on the featured songs. The DVD concludes on a very strong note – with McGuinn performing “John Reilly” and “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” on his Rickenbacker 370RM. This DVD is a MUST for any McGuinn or Byrds fan! <br /><br />And now, the best of the rest:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Tabasco Flowers-UNREST</span><br />As the liner notes explain, all songs are written, arranged and performed by Gregory A. Latinette … who is the sole member of the Tabasco Flowers. Latinette is pictured playing a Rickenbacker 12-string guitar in the jewel case insert so it should come as now surprise that this disc is overflowing with jangly, chiming tracks. “Easy Time,” “My Affirmation,” “Spark In Bethany,” “I Am Near” and “Should Never Come The Day” are the standout tunes. Latinette’s nasal vocals remind me of the Dashboard Saviors and the Bodeans, and his Rickenbacker chops are reminiscent of the Flamin’ Groovies. Long may you run, Sir Gregory!<br /><br />Speaking of the Flamin’ Groovies, Groovies alum Cyril Jordan and his new bandmates with Magic Christian have released their stellar sophomore effort – EVOLVER. This disc is overloaded with chiming, ringing songs: “All The Stars,” “In Your Arms,” “Run And Hide,” “Sha La La,” “Come And Go” and a lively cover version of the Beatles’ “Anytime At All.” The Rickenbacker 12-string sound is alive and kickin’ in the San Francisco area again thanks to Cyril Jordan and his new posse.<br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdcronk1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdcronk1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="right"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/MARK_CRONK/Page_1/CDCRONK1.html">Mark Cronk - PLAYING KATCHUP</a><br />The chiming “She’s The Girl” takes “Song of the Month” honors this month … and it is representative of a terrific pop disc that jangles from start to finish. Other standout tunes include “I’ve Seen Your Face Before,” “How Many Times” and “Irene.” Bruce Brodeen compares Mark’s work to the Spongetones … but I also hear some similarities with AM radio hits by Gary Lewis and the Playboys … and similarities to one of the most unheralded indie pop bands of our time – the Retros. Note to self: remind Jeff Glenn to release that superb Retros album that is already recorded! Until that occurs, PLAYING KATCHUP will keep fans of cheery, toe-tappin’ pop music happy. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.notlame.com/JEFF_LARSON/Page_1/CDLARSON5.html">Jeff Larson - HEART OF THE VALLEY</a><br />Add this disc to one of indie pop’s most impressive resumes. The very talented Jeff Larson shines again with the usual supporting cast (America’s Gerry Beckley) and yet another assortment of cream-of-the-crop songs. The singing and instrumentation are always spot-on, and chiming guitars sublty enhance “Sudden Soldier” and “Minus Marci.” Jeff Larson has long been a member of my Pop All-Star Band; this disc is further evidence that he stands head-and-shoulders above many of his peers.<br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdmaplewood2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdmaplewood2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/MAPLEWOOD/Page_1/CDMAPLEWOOD2.html">Maplewood - YETI BOOMBOX</a><br />This NYC-based band shows its affection for “canyon rock” once again. “Dust” and “Over The Hills And Down The Hollow” showcase the greatest amount of 12-string guitar and pedal steel guitar jangle’n’twang. For those too young to remember the Flying Burrito Brothers, Maplewood is the contemporary band that will definitely turn you on to the “canyon rock” genre of music.<br /><br />While First In Space doesn’t fall into the jangle pop artist category, their new disc GERONIMO is top-notch pop/rock from start to finish, and the song “It’s All Gone To Hell” does feature some chiming lead guitar riffs. The band represents a crisp blend of the Gin Blossom, Miracle Legion and Better Than Ezra.<br /><br />A country crossover pop tune that is achin’ to be played on mainstream radio is the very jangly “Amazing Love” from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s latest disc – SPEED OF LIFE.<br /><br />Although I haven’t heard the disc yet, the concept of A TRIBUTE TO RICH HOPKINS is quite appealing because it features the songs of Rich Hopkins – AKA the Godfather of Desert Rock. Rich was a founding member of Tucson’s legendary Sidewinders/Sand Rubies; he has released numerous discs on a solo basis or with the revolving members of the Luminarios; and he has produced many other groups in the southwestern music community. Rich is also a very unselfish artist who has contributed his efforts to homeless shelters and migrant worker causes. A TRIBUTE TO RICH HOPKINS is no different – all proceeds will go to the Greg Goode Scholarship Fund. You can order this disc from the www.sanjacintorecords.com website.<br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=maura.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/maura.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="right"></a>Last, but not least, I will mention that Maura Kennedy’s first solo album, PARADE OF ECHOES, will be officially released in January 2010. Fans don’t have to wait until next year to hear these terrific pop tunes – you can order the disc online from www.kennedysmusic.com. The same gorgeous voice, strong songwriting and textured guitars that the Kennedys (Pete and Maura) are known for are still here in abundance, but with a bit more edge and confidence. Catch the Kennedys in concert to enjoy the best of their collaborative and solo efforts.<br /><br />For those who like to surf the net and view YouTube videos, check out Scaler Wave’s great renditions of the Byrds’ “Turn! Turn! Turn!” and “Eight Miles High.” The Rickenbacker 370RM riffs and the video’s vintage touches are quite impressive.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Until next time, jangle on!</span>Not Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-58563216423133422712009-08-20T19:41:00.000-07:002009-08-20T20:02:46.174-07:00Eric Sorensen's JANGLE ON for August 2009!!!<a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=12stringC.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/12stringC.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">JANGLE ON!<br />By Eric Sorensen, written exclusively for NOT LAME</span><br /><br />Just when it appeared that chiming Rickenbacker guitars were falling out of favor, I discovered a surfeit of jangly albums and jangly tunes this past month – proving again that the "feast or famine" cycle still occurs in pop music scene. New discs and new tunes that have made my "Jangle Pop" play list over the past month include: <br /><br />Seven O'Clock Junkies - HERE COMES EVERYTHING<br />Wow! Sometimes a CDBaby search unearths a gem such as this 2003 release that features Darryl Everitt and a supporting cast. There are chiming, jangly tracks throughout this disc that merit comparisons with Dom Mariani and the Someloves, the Connells, the Gin Blossoms, Guadalcanal Diary, Smart Brown Handbag and Matthew Sweet. Standout tunes include "Don’t Talk To Me About Love", "I’m Not Following", "Everyone’s Allowed A Little Dreaming", "That Girl Is For Another Day" and "Sunday Night’s Goodbye". This is superb power-pop album that features a rich tapestry of chiming guitars in all the right places. Long may you run, Sir Darryl!<br /><br />Speaking of Dom Mariani – check out the stunning instrumental track he recorded with the <a href="http://www.notlame.com/Dom_Mariani_&_The_Majestic_Kelp/Page_1/CDMARIANI3.html">Majestic Kelp</a>, "<a href="http://audio.notlame.com/sounds07/cdmariani305.mp3">The Byrds Have Flown</a>". A very nice nod to Roger McGuinn and the Byrds!<br /> <br />The Wonderwheel - SAFE AND SORRY<br />The good folks at Rainbow Quartz have discovered a Norwegian duo – Oyvind Holm and Ulf Risnes – who combine their talents to conjure up Simon and Garfunkel, Seals and Crofts and Matthew Sweet references. The twelve original tracks feature plenty of strummy acoustic riffs and catchy layered vocals. This disc deserves "Top Ten" consideration for 2009. My favorite track: "If She Don't Mind" – which features jangly electric guitar and smooth vocals that hearken back to the Lennon/McCartney era of songwriting. Many thanks to Rainbow Quartz!<br /><br />Another recent Rainbow Quartz release worthy of mention is MAGIC CIRCLES by the June. "Sir Eugene Maddog" is as close to a jangly track as this album has to offer, but the disc lives up to its Rainbow Quartz pedigree by featuring excellent pseudo-60s psych-pop. <br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdjeremy15.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdjeremy15.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="right"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/JEREMY/Page_1/CDJEREMY15.html">Jeremy - JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE HEART</a><br />When he’s not recording gorgeous instrumental albums, producing the works of other artists and attending to JAM Records matters, Jeremy Morris still finds the time to release primo pop that is overflowing with jangly guitar riffs. His latest solo release – JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE HEART – will definitely please Rickenbacker fans! "Church of Byrds", "Love Is Gonna Win", "Vanity Fare" and "Sweet, Sweet Relief" all showcase Jeremy’s love for chiming 12-string guitar. I cannot think of another pop artist who is as prolific or as on top of his art form than Jeremy Morris. Long may you run, Sir Jeremy!<br /><br />It’s hard to use the word "prolific" without also mentioning guitar virtuoso Les Fradkin. If you’re in the mood for Bob Dylan tunes that feature an updated Rickenbacker 12-string sound, look no further than Les’ 2006 RRO release <a href="http://www.notlame.com/Les_Fradkin/Page_1/CDFRADKIN5.html">IF YOUR MEMORY SERVES YOU WELL</a>. This disc features Les’ interpretation of ten Dylan songs, and every track should make Bob (and Roger) proud. Here’s hoping that Les will book a show date on the east coast and I will finally get the chance to meet him and hear him perform!<br /><br />In the "blast from the past" category is MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH KISSING by Euphoria’s Id. I love it when indie labels dig up vintage material from the mid-60s. This disc features a Byrdsian version of "Morning Dew" and a cover of another jangly favorite from that era – "Hey Joe".<br /><br />Another, more current "blast from the past" is ON THE FLOOR OF HEAVEN by the Blue Shadows. The group featured the terrific Everly Brothers-like harmonies of Billy Cowsill (the Cowsill brother who sadly died during Hurricane Katrina) and Jeffrey Hatcher. The album has some wonderful ballads whose poignancy is strengthened by Hatcher’s Rickenbacker 12-string riffs. "Is Anybody Here" is one of my favorite all-time country crossover tunes.<br /><br />Robert Gray - BORN READY<br />Yet another CDBaby find. Although it’s not jangly, this album has a strong appeal due to its the Beach Boys-inspired melodies. Gray’s vocals remind me of Richard Snow...and to a lesser extent, Arthur Lee of Love. This is a very pleasing listen from start to finish.<br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdsweet13.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdsweet13.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a>I have always been a big fan of cover tunes when they are performed with reverence for the original songs. Three recent albums are loaded with excellent cover songs from the 60s and 70s: <a href="http://www.notlame.com/MATTHEW_SWEET_&_SUSANNA_HOFFS/Page_1/CDSWEET13.html">UNDER THE COVERS VOL. 2</a> by Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs (AKA Sid and Susie); OUT OF THE BOX by Dwight Twilley; and COPY CAT by Andrew Gold. If you dig how Andrew covers Lennon/McCartney and Brian Wilson tunes, you will also enjoy his 1998 LEFTOVERS album...and his classic GREETINGS FROM PLANET LOVE by the Fraternal Order of the All. Andrew Gold is a one-man Pop All Star Band! <br /><br />"Song of the Month" honors go to "New Driftwood" by the Trap. Runner-up tunes include "The Rain Inside" by the Electric Marmalade, "False Prophets" by the American Hot Club Band and "Hey Gene" (in memory of Gene Clark) by the Choir. <br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=nlipo12.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/nlipo12.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="right"></a>Last but not least, this year’s <a href="http://www.notlame.com/V/A/Page_1/NLIPO12.html">INTERNATIONAL POP OVERTHROW VOLUME 12</a> compilation includes many pop gems and a few jangly sparklers. Look no further than "His Vision Of Her" by the Smiling Eyes, "Fishwife" by Plasticsoul, "Thank You" by the Starfire Band, "Anna" by Jeff Littman, "Sorting Out The Rules" by K.C. Bowman, "My Star" by Sugar High and "See About Me" by the Shamus Twins. <br /><br />For those of you who are fortunate enough to attend the IPO Festival in Los Angeles this month, I am envious that you may see some of these artists perform live. For those of us on the east coast, there is always the Charlotte Pop Festival the last weekend in September to look forward to. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Until next time, jangle on!</span>Not Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-68030145289536085612009-08-20T19:33:00.000-07:002009-08-20T19:39:27.755-07:00Mike Baron's Review of the new SHAZAM album!!!<a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=nlshazam1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/nlshazam1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Shazam - METEOR (Not Lame)</span><br /> <br />Nashville’s The Shazam have been around since 1993, stunning audiences with anthemic, hook-laden rock in the spirit of their two poles, The Who and The Move. They moved beyond those obvious influences on ‘03s stunning TOMORROW THE WORLD, a blast of rawk big enough to fill ten Olympic stadiums. <br /> <br />The Shazam are part of the underground independent pop scene, the guys who gather for the Charlottesville Power Pop Festival, International Pop Overthrow, or SXSW. Shazam have been with Not Lame since 1999’s masterful GODSPEED THE SHAZAM. This is the first disc Not Lame has produced in three years, not counting their annual<br />INTERNATIONAL POP OVERTHROW compilations. METEOR is a titanic yawp of brilliantly executed hard rock anthems alternating with hooks so sweet they take your breath away. Hans Rotenberry, who wrote and sings the songs, has carved style from extreme rock dynamics crossed with a sweet, supple voice. <br /> <br />"So Awesome" opens the record with a twenty-one guitar salute to the sheer joy of living, lead guitar as hard and elegant as the Golden Gate Bridge. "Don’t Look Down" is a power ballad with guitar written in rock. You could climb the notes like a staircase. Rotenberry’s vocals are winsome and masterful, going from cooed aside<br />to anthemic bellow in a heartbeat. "Disco at the Fairground" is the best Move song the Move never recorded. Alternating sinister, earth-chewing minor chord guitars with drunken sailor music hall choruses it crunches euphorically. Zappa would approve. <br /> <br />"A Little Better" is a self-improvement song that might have come off WORKINGMAN'S DEAD with a slightly harder rock edge. "Always Tomorrow" is one of those bittersweet masterpieces built around a simple repeating guitar motif overlaid with Rotenberry's<br />pliant vocals, filled with inchoate longing as is all great pop. "Let It Fly" is more of the same only better, harking back to "Squeeze the Day" from TOMORROW THE WORLD. This is life affirming rock that will have you pumping your fist in the air and yelling "YEAH!" <br /> <br />"Hey Mom I Got the Bomb" contains the lyric:<br /> <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I got The Bomb, yeah I got The Bomb<br />If you don't think I'll use it you're ridiculously wrong!</span><br /> <br />You really have to hear this to get the full effect. <br /><br />"Time For Pie", the closer, is a distillation of every great arena rock guitar solo you ever heard.<br /> <br />As far as I know you can only order the record from <a href="http://www.notlame.com/THE_SHAZAM/Page_1/NLSHAZAM1.html">notlame.com</a>, just as all the underground indie popsters are only available online, most with cdbaby.com. You won’t hear about the Shazam in Rolling Stone or Spin. You won’t hear them on Big Radio, certainly not on MTV or VH-1. But the Shazam are merely the tip of the iceberg. And the hardest part of the iceberg too.Not Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-61892774980946897332009-07-29T20:03:00.001-07:002009-07-29T20:15:17.213-07:00Have you heard the new Cheap Trick...on 8-TRACK???<a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cheaptrick.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cheaptrick.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a>Cheap Trick's latest album, THE LATEST, is available digitally, but the pop-rockers are going back in time to also release <a href="http://cheaptrick.shop.musictoday.com/Dept.aspx?cp=10_21036">the album as a, get this, 8-track</a>! You always hear people decrying the demise of vinyl, but aren't 8-tracks best left to 70s nostalgic reminising? I remember the stereo in my mom's car and how, as the 80s went one, one by one her Carpenters and Neil Diamond 8-track were eaten and spooled all over the front seat until she broke down and bought a cassette player--in 1988!!! <br /><br />Here's a preview widget of the new album!!! What do you think? Rocks pretty hard--pretty sure I'll be buying it on CD! Or possibly reel-to-reel.<br /><br /><center><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyNDg5MjM*OTgwNDYmcHQ9MTI*ODkyMzUwNjk2OCZwPTEyMDc*MSZkPUZRQkxxVG9nRmt5M*ZtdlImZz*yJm89NGMyYzlkZWM3ODA1NDU*MTk5YWFmOTNmZDI4NGMwNTgmb2Y9MA==.gif" /><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" id="playerLoader" width="425" height="371" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab"><param name="movie" value="http://farm.sproutbuilder.com/load/FQBLqTogFky3FmvR.swf" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><embed src="http://farm.sproutbuilder.com/load/FQBLqTogFky3FmvR.swf" width="425" height="371" name="playerLoader" align="middle" wmode="transparent" play="true" loop="false" quality="best" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed></object></center>Not Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-326271230810064312009-07-29T19:46:00.000-07:002009-07-29T20:02:42.090-07:00What new on the NOT LAME shelves??? 07. 29.09 Part One<span style="font-style:italic;">Here's some of the newest releases straight from the Boss's desk to your ears!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdpeter1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdpeter1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/PETER_&_THE_PENGUINS/Page_1/CDPETER1.html">Peter and the Penguins-HOW TO CHOOSE A SWEETHEART</a><br />SWEDISH IMPORT! A stunner for fans of The Spongetones and other newer bands that have arrived in the last few years happily digging up the Mersey sounds of early Beatles like The Fore and The Offbeat!!!<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"They usher in the new beat(le-esque) era, and are the latest, fab stewards of the good ship Beatle-esque to steer the ears of melodic pop fans and denizens of the beat music era to a rousing chorus of yeah, yeah, yeahs.There`s no doubt about it: Peter and the Penguins is the Beatle-esque `it` band of the moment. If Beatle-esque and beat pop are your game, then you`re in for a great time, and you can`t beat that!"</span> - Alan Haber, Buhdge.com<br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdgrah6.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdgrah6.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="right"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/David_Grahame/Page_1/CDGRAH6.html">David Grahame - DT & THE DISAGREEABLES</a><br />MORE BIG, BIG NEWS! Another bonafide power-pop classic - no question! Forty copies arrived the other day and only a few are left - DO NOT WAIT! If you have noticed, in the last few months, I have made available some of long out of print titles from David Grahame. Yes, for a short time.The latest one to be unearthed is DT & THE DISAGREEABLES. It's hook after hook after hook. Usually such albums leave the passionate pop fan breathless at the end. But as with his body of work, the feeling here is "ready for me, bring it on". Such is the light, easy and transcendent joy of albums such as DT & THE DISAGREEABLES.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"Top 5 of 2004! The mercurial Mr. Grahame strikes again, doling out a bunch of sweet pop tunes that are impossible to shake."</span> - John Borack, Amplifier<br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdcarpenter6.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdcarpenter6.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/MICHAEL_CARPENTER/Page_1/CDCARPENTER7.html">Michael Carpenter - REDEMPTION #39</a><br />COMES WITH BONUS 15 song CD-R "best of" compilation called THE NOT LAME YEARS!!! LIMITED!!! The latest evolutionary step for Carpenter is REDEMPTION #39, for me his most consistent, most accomplished project yet. The album showcases an uncompromising, stylised sonic palette that reflects the album`s starker themes and content. While it has the familiar colors of power-pop and alt-country, his fans have come to expect from his solo output, this material comes from a more distinct creative place. <br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdpleasers1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdpleasers1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="right"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/THE_PLEASERS/Page_1/CDPLEASERS1.html">The Pleasers - THAMESBEAT</a><br />SKINNY TIE ALERT!! Japanese Only CD!!! The Pleasers were all about the Merseybeat side of that new strain of Beatles inspired power pop that was evolving at the time. They were a bit too worshipful of those sounds(and looks - they all dressed in matching suits and skinny ties <span style="font-style:italic;">a la</span> The Knack) to make a dent on the upheaval of the music scene of the time but just listen to the samples below and you will find that this is a band that is great find for many Not Lamers. This CD has twenty-four tracks total. Twelve from their released EPs of the time and twelve bonus. Extremely Highly Recommended!<br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdcox2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdcox2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/TONY_COX/Page_1/CDCOX2.html">Tony Cox - UNPUBLISHED</a><br />A FIND!!! Yeah, this what pop fans are always looking for: that unknown, undiscovered treasure and Tony Cox IS. UNPUBLISHED is an album of gorgeously executed, perfect pop songs will leave you breathless - as good as anything else you will hear all year. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"10 out of 10. This Tony`s first release and consists of 11 self-penned, perfectly crafted pop songs. If you love melodies that float around your head for days you will love this album. Tony`s songs are effortlessly structured in a classic pop style." </span>- CD Universe<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"It is refreshing to be able to listen to an album made in 2009 that marries itself so lovingly with 60`s PowerPop. Tony Cox will find his place in the PowerPop spotlight." </span>- Modern PowerPop blog<br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdleftovers2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdleftovers2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="right"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/THE_LEFTOVERS/Page_1/CDLEFTOVERS2.html">The Leftovers - EAGER TO PLEASE</a><br />The Leftovers have moved into my Top 10 for 2009 so far! Filled with ultra-catchy power pop gems, EAGER TO PLEASE successfully combines the classic 60s sounds of the Beatles, Beach Boys and Phil Spector and the 70s PowerPop of Elvis Costello, the Romantics and the Rubinoos, while keeping the upbeat energy of the Ramones and the Queers.<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />"Pure pop perfection - add a strong punk influence, <span style="font-style:italic;">a la</span> the Ramones, salt in a bit of Elvis Costello and pepper with The Beatles and you are feasting on the tasty treat we know as "The Leftovers"."</span> -Smart PunkNot Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-51423552767178599992009-07-12T20:34:00.001-07:002009-07-12T20:50:44.369-07:00Here's the news you've been waiting for...the return of THE SHAZAM!!!<span style="font-style:italic;">Bruce has got big news for you guys!!!</span><br /><br />Hey - Hey - <span style="font-weight:bold;">HEY!</span><br /><br />One of the true classic, hot rocking bands in the last 15 years...RETURNS!<br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=nlshazam1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/nlshazam1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a>Ladies & Gentlemen, won`t you please welcome back... <span style="font-weight:bold;">THE SHAZAM!!!</span><br /><br />Recorded at Sage & Sound in Hollywood, METEOR is produced by Mack, who produced Queen, Black Sabbath, Sparks, Billy Squier, and has worked with Electric Light Orchestra, T. Rex, The Sweet, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Elton John and the Rolling Stones, among others. Collaborating with Mack marks a turning point in the band's 15-year career, giving them the opportunity to record an album with the rock legend who worked on the very albums that influenced their music.<br /><br />And YOU, mighty rawk fan, have the salivating opportunity to sink your teeth into a "whole lotta (Shazam) love" - with a very special Limited, Super Special Edition of METEOR. How long this version will be available is completely unknown. Could be days, a few weeks...but it will be gone before METEOR drops on August 4th.<br /><br />Where you stand right now, inside the velvet-rope access to the pantheon of rock Gods (this site, <a href="http://www.notlame.com/THE_SHAZAM/Page_1/NLSHAZAM2.html">this link</a>!), you have a chance - a rare, limited chance - to snag this extremely limited version of The Shazam's new CD. For $22, you will own, enjoy and experience the digipak edition of METEOR <span style="font-style:italic;">and</span> receive a professionally replicated six-song mini-CD of unreleased, never-before-heard Shazam rarities called HERE'S TO ALL THE MISFITS... AND a 10-song CD-R THE BEST OF THE SHAZAM, which includes one more totally unreleased Shazam track (and, trust me, this is an unheard bonafide Shazam classic!) from the GODSPEED THE SHAZAM sessions. This unheard Shazam gem will tease 'n' tantalize you as an exclusive preview of the upcoming 2010 release of the 2 CD Deluxe reissue of GODSPEED THE SHAZAM, one of the great achievements in real, righteous rock 'n' roll in the last fifteen years, then, now and forever. Amen.<br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=nlshazam3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/nlshazam3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="right"></a>Click Here to view information on the six tracks on <a href="http://www.notlame.com/THE_SHAZAM/Page_1/NLSHAZAM3.html">HERE'S TO ALL THE MISFITS...</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">BOTTOM LINE: This extremely, limited, super special edition of METEOR is strictly limited to 250 copies. Rest assured, you will own a future eBay rarity, much sought after by those late to the party and not tuned into the Not Lame lifestyle. <a href="http://www.notlame.com/THE_SHAZAM/Page_1/NLSHAZAM2.html">To order this special edition, click here</a>. </span><br /><br />***** If you want to simply order just the single CD version of METEOR (and not this special edition on this page), <a href="http://www.notlame.com/THE_SHAZAM/Page_1/NLSHAZAM1.html">click here to order single CD version</a>.*****<br /><br />Okay, exhale the (just and proper) hype and let's continue to talk about this new Shazam album. The Shazam's garage rock and power-pop roots intertwine to make METEOR the band`s biggest sounding record yet. "So Awesome", the explosive lead-off track, sets the stage for the whole gamut of The Shazam`s modern classic rock: big, Who-sized guitars collide with glittering insanity, melodic hooks, anthemic rockers, sweeping balladry, layers of vocals, resounding drums, guitars, guitars, guitars. With each successive Shazam album, the band has grown from small-screen to wide-screen in terms of production and grandeur. It was the stripped-down English Mod approach of their 1997 debut that gave The Shazam the credit for starting Nashville`s "power-pop" scene. With sophomore release GODSPEED THE SHAZAM came mellotrons, theremins and overblown psychedelia. Dubbed their "experimental" album, REV9 was the bridge from GODSPEED to TOMORROW THE WORLD's full-tilt arena rock. METEOR is everything Shazam all at once.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=nlshazam322.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/nlshazam322.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></center><br /><br />All songs on the album were written by singer/guitarist Hans Rotenberry, whose soaring vocals were never more inspired than on METEOR`s 11 powerful tracks. Drummer Scott Ballew, with the band since its formation in 1994, is Rotenberry`s creative foil. Ballew`s distinctive thundering beat is the engine that makes The Shazam run. Jeremy Asbrock`s crisp guitar work and newest member Mike Vargo`s melodic bass playing are the perfect complement to Rotenberry`s and Ballew`s exuberance.<br /><br />Now is the time celebrate an event in the middle of summer and remind yourself of the true, visceral, transcendent joy of what rock `n roll means in 2009 and beyond. METEOR is not just another album to put on your shelf and occasionally play. It will be a precious piece of your life, a sideman, a stately presence, a reminder of how a great piece of music colors the corners of your life with more meaning, more joy and the spirit of that rock flame that burns inside real music fans.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Engage. Enjoy. This one is for you. Right here, right now. </span>Not Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-75739476337878861972009-07-12T20:18:00.000-07:002009-07-12T20:33:27.758-07:00Eric Sorensen's JANGLE ON for July 2009!!!<span style="font-weight:bold;">JANGLE ON!<br />By Eric Sorensen, written exclusively for NOT LAME</span><br /><br />Jangly music may not be as prevalent as it was five years ago (the influence that Boomers have on popular music may finally be dissipating), but it’s still out there. It’s just getting a little harder to find and INTERNET resources are certainly useful in finding it. New discs and new tunes that have made my “Jangle Pop” play list over the past two months include: <br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdpeter1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdpeter1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/PETER_&_THE_PENGUINS/Page_1/CDPETER1.html">Peter & The Penguins - HOW TO CHOOSE A SWEETHEART</a> <br />Fans of Beatlesque pop have good reason to be excited about this 14-track album that brings back fond memories of the Spongetones’ early albums. The album features formulaic Fab Four-inspired pop tunes (period lyrical content, the construct of the melodies) that are overflowing with chiming, ringing Rickenbacker 12-string riffs. Want proof? Just listen to "She Took Me By Surprise", "Sweetheart", "There’s No Living Here Without You" and "That Day Will Come". You will be hard-pressed to find another new pop album that jangles as much as this one does!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Radio City – RADIO CITY</span><br />Radio Heartbeat Records has reached back--30 years into the past--to release these gems by an overlooked power-pop band from that era. The album credits indicate that three band members shared 12-string guitar duties...and it’s all good! "Don’t Mistake Love" and "Little Runaway" are the best of the chiming tracks, but the entire album is a feast for power-pop purists.<br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdfiremarshalls2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdfiremarshalls2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="right"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/THE_FIRE_MARSHALS_OF_BETHLEHEM/Page_1/CDFIREMARSHALLS2.html">The Fire Marshals of Bethlehem - THE WORLD FROM THE BACK SEAT</a><br />This is the sophomore disc from a group that reminds me of the Kennedys, the Living Room Legends and the Trolleyvox. In other words: this band features excellent boy-girl vocals and lots of chiming guitars. "High Times" and "Off The Track" are the standout tunes on this top-notch disc.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Two Pound Planet - SONGS FROM THE HYDROGEN JUKEBOX</span><br />The wait for the re-release of this Mitch Easter-produced 1993 album was well worth it! The songs on this album deserved as much commercial airplay as the tracks from the Gin Blossoms’ NEW MISERABLE EXPERIENCE, but that was not the case. Sixteen years later, pop fans can still admire the talent and songcraft that was concentrated in this superb album. Although only one track – "Gone" – falls neatly into the jangle-pop category, SONGS FROM THE HYDROGEN JUKEBOX remains a worthy example of how a pop album should be built from start to finish.<br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdholsappelstamey2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdholsappelstamey2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/PETER_HOLSAPPLE_&_CHRIS_STAMEY/Page_1/CDHOLSAPPLESTAMEY2.html">Peter Holsapple and Chris Stamey - HERE AND NOW</a><br />Sometimes you can go back...and former bandmates and musical pals Holsapple and Stamey have done just that. "Early In The Morning" sounds as Byrdsian as any song that Holsapple and Stamey have released together and the track has a distinct Velvet Crush/Chastain-Menck vibe to it. "Tape Op Blues" concludes the album with a nice strummy track. Like their earlier collaborations, HERE AND NOW will be a timeless testament to this duo’s talent!<br /><br />Other jangly songs that have caught my ear include: "Built To Last" by the Lemon Clocks (a band that includes Jangle All Star Pop musician Jeremy Morris – AKA Jeremy); "Sweet Relief", a new jangly solo track by Jeremy; "Coming Of Age", a terrific chiming Rickenbacker tune from the next album by GAT (Graham Allman Talbot); "Another Day Without You", from the forthcoming album by the Crown Prince of 12-String, Horst-Peter Schmidt; "I Feel Alright", by Your Gracious Host; "Journeyman" by the Lovetones; "Come With Me" by the Pete Best Band; "Billy" by Gyllene Tider and "Goodbye" by Ice Cold Pop.<br /><br />Yes, jangly tracks may be a little harder to find these days, but they’re worth the search. Thanks again to the talented indie artists who share their material with me, and thanks to my good friend in Rhode Island, Ray Verno, who discovers jangly nuggets through the INTERNET. If anyone ever asks you what a Rickenbacker 12-string guitar sounds like, tell him/her "You’ll know it when you hear it!"<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Until next time, jangle on!</span>Not Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-69935173871958071142009-06-18T13:14:00.000-07:002009-06-18T13:24:00.570-07:00More info on THE BEATLES: ROCK BAND!!!<center><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=beatlesrb.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/beatlesrb.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></center><br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=Beatlesinstruments.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/Beatlesinstruments.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a>More info is becoming available about this September's THE BEATLES: ROCK BAND game, and, I'm starting to get the feeling that many Power-Poppers will be going out and getting an XBOX360 just for this! Just look at what the set comes with! The instrument peripherals include Ringo's Ludwig drum controller, a Rickenbacker 325 and Gretsch Duo Jet-inspired guitar controllers and a Höfner 500/1-inspired bass controller. That's just beautiful, if you ask me. Now just check out the trailer:<br /><br /><center><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bpBDOolcs9g&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bpBDOolcs9g&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object></center>Not Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-83828134145868643002009-06-18T13:04:00.000-07:002009-06-18T13:13:50.791-07:00Mike Baron's THE POP UNDERGROUND STRIKES BACK!!!<span style="font-style:italic;">NOT LAME best buddy Mike Baron has been writing insanely fun missive for Breitbart's Big Hollywood, and, this time, he wants everyone to know about the BEST in current Power-pop!!!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=power-pop-300x226.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/power-pop-300x226.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">THE POP UNDERGROUND STRIKES BACK</span><br />by Mike Baron<br /><br />Few shows illustrate how low the state of popular music has fallen than “American Idol.” While AI regularly finds singers of talent, the songs they feature are mostly chestnuts. The show also encourages the type of singing that is more at home on Broadway than in small smoky clubs. The judges put an inordinate amount of focus on vocal pyrotechnics encouraging contestants to test the outer limits of their ranges. The most exciting news to come out of the most recent season is the possibility that Adam Lambert might join Queen, replacing the ill-considered Paul Rogers.<br /><br />I would love to see Adam Lambert join Queen. I already know all the songs. And that’s a problem. Singer/songwriters have been moving off-grid since the nineties. With the demise of the major music conglomerates, innovative talent understands it’s up to them to record and release their own material. The internet makes this possible. No one knows the extent of the effect downloading has had on the music industry, but if we are to judge from the reaction, it has been devastating. The Recording Institute Association of America has brought suits against parents whose children illegally download songs.<br /><br />The music press that used to serve a vast range of interests is dying. No Depression and Blender bit the dust last year. Paste is asking its readers for financial contributions. Rolling Stone and Spin long ago gave up covering innovative grass-roots rock in favor of the ever-dwindling supply of “mainstream” acts. Rolling Stone now resembles an uncomfortable cross between The Nation and Vanity Fair.<br /><br />The remaining music rags seem to be involved in a conspiracy to cover the same artists. How else to explain the simultaneous cover appearances of such bands as Vampire Weekend, Connor Oberst, and Bat for Lashes? These are the “official,” industry sanctioned “edgy artists.” Trouble is, all these music venues are waiting for someone else to sanction an artist before they’re interested. They are missing the forest for the trees.<br /><br /><a href="http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/mbaron/2009/06/02/the-pop-underground-strikes-back/#more-147966">Continued here.</a>Not Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-77500807189246361342009-06-02T20:16:00.001-07:002009-06-02T20:52:30.626-07:00Gone Troppo: EMI's Announced ANOTHER Lackluster George Harrison Best Of.<a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=George_Harrison_roll.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/George_Harrison_roll.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a>My sweet Lord...can George Harrison get just a little bit of respect? A little?<br /><br />I receive regular updates on all things Beatles and the other day, this announcement showed up in my box:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">Collection Features Harrison's Solo Hits from 1970's All Things Must Pass Through 2002's Brainwashed, Remastered, Plus Live Recordings from 1971 Concert For Bangladesh</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Hollywood, California - May 5, 2009 - Capitol/EMI confirms the tracklist for George Harrison's first-ever career-spanning solo hits collection, Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison. To be released June 16 (June 15 internationally), the CD's special packaging includes a 28-page booklet featuring previously unseen and rare photos, and newly-written liner notes by Warren Zanes. The collection's 19 tracks have been digitally remastered by Giles Martin at EMI's Abbey Road Studios, and will be available in CD and digital formats.<br /><br />"Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison is a gathering of material that takes us far into the territory that was ultimately a place unique to George Harrison," writes Warren Zanes in his liner notes essay for the new collection.<br /><br />This collection is the first to span Harrison's entire solo recording career, including the #1 Billboard Pop singles "My Sweet Lord," "Isn't It A Pity," "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)," and "Got My Mind Set On You." Let It Roll also features live recordings of three timeless Harrison-penned Beatles songs, "Something," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," and "Here Comes The Sun," from his 1971 all-star Concert For Bangladesh benefit at Madison Square Garden</span><br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=BestofGHCover.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/BestofGHCover.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="right"></a>Almost everyday I think about a George Harrison Greatest Hits album. He's the only one who has never really gotten the one he deserves. John has had box sets and numerous single discs, Paul McCartney's WINGSPAN from a few years back was the final word and even Ringo last year released the stellar PHOTOGRAPH: THE VERY BEST OF RINGO STARR which made number one on my favorite 2008 "best of/reissue list. <br /><br />Yes...even Ringo.<br /><br />But George's solo work has been sorely ignored. It started in 1976 with the release of THE BEST OF GEORGE HARRISON with one whole side made up of Beatles cuts. Compare that to SHAVED FISH or BLAST FROM YOUR PAST, John and Ringo's best-ofs, respectively, from roughly the same time period. There was no reason for the Beatles tracks, but the solo stuff was great, going as far as to include "You", "Dark Horse" and the studio cut of "Bangla Desh". And it had a hideous cover to boot.<br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=Dark_horse.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/Dark_horse.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a>Many years later, things improved nicely with THE BEST OF DARK HORSE (1976-1989), which covers a very neglected time-period in Harrison's career, but, of course, it's out of print, with new copies going for as much as $80. (I bought my copy in middle school and still play it regularly.)<br /><br />Still, Harrison deserved an exhaustive collection, especially in the wake of his death! Nothing materialized, until now. Here's the track listing for LET IT ROLL:<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />1. Got My Mind Set On You<br />2. Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)<br />3. The Ballad Of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)<br />4. My Sweet Lord<br />5. While My Guitar Gently Weeps [Live] - Concert For Bangladesh<br />6. All Things Must Pass<br />7. Any Road<br />8. This Is Love<br />9. All Those Years Ago<br />10. Marwa Blues<br />11. What Is Life<br />12. Rising Sun<br />13. When We Was Fab<br />14. Something [Live] - Concert For Bangladesh<br />15. Blow Away<br />16. Cheer Down<br />17. Here Comes The Sun [Live] - Concert For Bangladesh<br />18. I Don't Want To Do It<br />19. Isn't It A Pity</span><br /><br />No "Ding Dong", no "Hari's On Tour". No "Dark Horse", no "You". No "Love Comes to Everyone", no "Crackerbox Palace". Nothing from GONE TROPPO or the LIVE IN JAPAN album. And the Bangladesh stuff? IT'S JUST BEATLES COVERS!!! No. No, please, take it back.<br /><br />Sorry, but this collection is not only unnecessary, but insulting. Look: can we Harrison fans get a box set of some sort? At the very least a two-disc collection? Please??Not Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-26531308204200861282009-06-02T20:10:00.000-07:002009-06-02T20:13:28.349-07:00Want to see the Kinks reunited?Yeah, me too. So there's this guy who is trying just to do that and is making a film about it. Problem is he needs your help...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/775822192/do-it-again-one-mans-quest-to-reunite-the-kinks'><img border='0' src='http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/775822192/do-it-again-one-mans-quest-to-reunite-the-kinks/widget/card.png' /></a></center>Not Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-1194515509540087262009-06-02T19:33:00.000-07:002009-06-02T20:07:23.812-07:00What new on the NOT LAME shelves??? 05. 02.09 Part One<span style="font-style:italic;">Here's some of the newest releases straight from the Boss's desk to your ears!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cddisciplines1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cddisciplines1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/THE_DISCIPLINES_(Featuring_Ken_Stringfellow)/Page_1/CDDISCIPLINES1.html">The Disciplines - SMOKING KILLS</a><br />THE POSIES ALERT!!! Posies co-leader Ken Stringfellow hooks up with a Norwegian garage band as a member and the Disciplines is the result and it kicks butt and is highly melodious.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"The production and instrumentation are spare and the vocal attitude is tough, yet the proceedings are rife with unconventional melody and song-structure reminiscent of early Squeeze. Here is hoping these Norsemen keep Stringfellow high-strung for a long time to come."</span> - NewsOK<br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdsinceros1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdsinceros1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="right"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/THE_SINCEROS/Page_1/CDSINCEROS1.html">The Sinceros - THE ART OF SUNBATHING</a><br />Finally! A mini-power-pop, new wave classic from 1979 available on CD! I get asked about this one 4 or 5 times a year about why it has not been released on CD yet... well, the wait is over! This includes the hits "Worlds Apart" and "Take Me To Your Leader" plus three bonus tracks include both sides of a non-album single and a rare live track recorded at My Father`s Place, New York. Members of the Sinceros went on to play with the Teardrop Explodes, Squeeze, Nick Lowe and Van Morrison. <br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdcregan1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdcregan1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/J.P._CREGAN/Page_1/CDCREGAN1.html">J.P. Cregan - MAN OVERBOARD</a><br />A wonderful out of nowhere find! <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"On his solo debut he emphasizes the pure pop (for now people) and it`s all catchy as hell. Although opener "Carolyn (The Pledge Drive)", with its Nick Lowe/Brian Jay Cline-style country/roots vibe, might be lumped in with his band work, it`s a springboard to the power pop stylings of "Count to Three" and "Barbara is Strange", perhaps the album`s best track - pure ear candy with Beatlesque backing vocals, tambourines, fine Telecaster work, and a great melody."</span> - Absolute PowerPop Blog<br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdprettynice1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdprettynice1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="right"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/PRETTY_&_NICE/Page_1/CDPRETTYNICE1.html">Pretty & Nice - GET YOUNG</a><br />I Love This Band. A most excellent, cool quirky pop in the vein of my much beloved Field Mice. Each listen reveals something new `n fresh. Add XTC, early Squeeze and Brainiac to the mix. GET YOUNG is ten tracks of sharp-toothed, heavily armed, snappish pop songs.<br /><br />A one-two punch, a collection of brashly anthemic pop songs without an aural snag to be found, and something much stranger. Listen in and wait as the pop walls begin to crumble. "Piranha" is a ravenous number that recalls the blistered pop audacity of early XTC, repeating its hooks like a mechanical hound relentlessly tickling your feet with its animal tongue.<br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdclockwise1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdclockwise1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/CLOCKWISE/Page_1/CDCLOCKWISE1.html">Clockwise - FADERS ON STUN</a><br />Really cool find from Canada, listen up, please! Catchy, clever, hook laden, three minute, guitar-driven, power-pop. Comparisons can be made to early Costello, Joe Jackson, Squeeze and Crowded House.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"Clockwise matches the cartoony flair of their album cover with a cartoony flair to their power pop, which recalls Sloan (opener "Opposites Attract"), Elvis Costello & the Attractions ("Boomtown"), and The Odds ("Upside Down")."</span> - Absolute PowerPop Blog<br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdwildbores1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdwildbores1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="right"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/WILD_BORES/Page_1/CDWILDBORES1.html">Wild Bores - WILD BORES</a><br />Evokes memories of the Vulgar Boatmen, Tom Petty, the Jayhawks, the Black Watch and for the more obscure minded, Rich Creamy Paint and Self. At times The Wild Bores sounds like the pure poppiest version of Pavement, if they were more direct, as the guitar lines are so spiffy and riffy. It has a rootsy pop core that will be appealing to Not Lamers. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"Akin to the reflective, and hopelessly sentimental artistry of Paul Westerburg, Ray Davies, John Mellencamp, Fountains of Wayne, and the master of them all, Bruce Springsteen."</span> - Minor 7thNot Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-44146950697929983792009-06-01T14:18:00.000-07:002009-06-01T14:29:10.945-07:00The 2009 Charlotte Pop Fest is ON!!!<a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cpf-header-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cpf-header-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a>James Deem just sent me a message that the <span style="font-weight:bold;">2009 Charlotte Pop Fest</span> is a go, and just check out the acts signed up so far: the Posies, the Spongetones, Bill Lloyd, Myracle Brah, the Singles, the Jellybricks, Starbelly, Cliff Hillis, Dennis Schocket, Josh Burch, Cool King Chris, Crisis, the Everyday Things, gogoPilot, Barry Holdship, Ed James, Tony Low, Leisure McCorkle, Chris McKay & the Critical Darlings, Scott’s Garage, the Stars Explode, the Stellas, stratocruiser, Transmission Fields, U-Phonik, the Vinyl Strangers and James Deem, with more to be announced!!!<br /><br />You have go to get your tickets now! $50 for a three-day VIP pass is a steal!!! <a href="http://www.charlottepopfest.com/tickets.aspx?id=55">Click here to check 'em out</a>!Not Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-46453147664329674732009-06-01T14:05:00.000-07:002009-06-01T14:16:17.447-07:00All the details of the new BIG STAR box-set!!!<span style="font-weight:bold;">Just posted on the Rhino website!!!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=519760.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/519760.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a><span style="font-style:italic;">Big Star - KEEP AN EYE ON THE SKY (Boxed Set)<br />$69.98 CD / Release Date - 09/15/2009<br /><br />Big Star inspired a fevered allegiance among fans of power pop, giving rise to a cult of believers who spent decades spreading the gospel. Their enthusiasm turned this obscure Memphis pop band-one that got little airplay, sold few records, and only played a handful of times- into a remarkable rock and roll resurrection story. Big Star's trek from obscure Memphis band to standard bearers for an entire genre of music has never been fully mapped-until now. Rhino presents the definitive look at the definitive power-pop band with a four-disc boxed set divided between key cuts from Big Star's three studio albums and unreleased music. KEEP AN EYE ON THE SKY will be available September 15 from Rhino Records at all retail outlets, including www.rhino.com, for a suggested list price of $69.98 (physical), it will also be available as a digital release the same day. A Deluxe Edition release of Chris Bell's solo album I AM THE COSMOS is due September 14 from Rhino Handmade.<br /> <br />KEEP AN EYE ON THE SKY spans 1968 to 1975 and shows the progression of Big Star through selections from such studio precursors as Rock City and Icewater; music from Big Star's acclaimed recordings (#1 RECORD, RADIO CITY, and THIRD/SISTER LOVERS); and relevant solo work by group principals Alex Chilton and Chris Bell, who formed Big Star in 1971 with bassist Andy Hummel and drummer Jody Stephens. The collection also uncovers a trove of unreleased demos, unused mixes, alternate versions of songs, and a 1973 concert recorded in Memphis. <br /> <br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=Big_Star_-1_Record.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/Big_Star_-1_Record.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="right"></a>In these 98 tracks you can hear what turned artists as diverse as Cheap Trick, R.E.M., and The Replacements into Big Star fans. Spotlighting the band's roots, the boxed set opens with several songs recorded before Big Star formed, including “Try Again,” one of the first songs Bell and Chilton wrote together. Those early cuts are followed by Big Star's 1972 debut #1 RECORD, reimagined here using a mix of album tracks and unreleased alternate mixes of favorites like “Thirteen,” “When My Baby's Beside Me,” and more. Among the disc's rarities are “Country Morn'” (issued as a flexi-disc single by a Big Star fanzine), the demo for “I Got Kinda Lost,” and an unreleased acoustic demo of Chilton singing Loudon Wainwright's “Motel Blues.” <br /> <br />Ardent Records, the band's label, experienced problems with distribution that hindered any chances at success for #1 RECORD. Its failure was a major blow to Bell, who quit the band to go solo. In 1974, the Alex Chilton-led Big Star regrouped and released RADIO CITY, an album more attuned to the band's live energy that featured the power-pop confections “September Gurls” and “Back Of A Car.” The second disc of KEEP AN EYE ON THE SKY opens with a trio of unreleased demos: “There Was A Light,” “What's Going Ahn,” and “Life Is White.” The original song sequence for RADIO CITY follows, combining album versions with unreleased alternate mixes (“Way Out West” and “You Get What You Deserve.”) The disc features unissued versions of “She A Mover” and “Mod Lang,” several unreleased demos for Big Star's third album, plus Bell's acclaimed 1978 single “I Am The Cosmos” and its B-side “You And Your Sister.” Sadly, Bell died in a car accident a few months after the single's release. <br /> <br />When Big Star reconvened in 1975 to record THIRD/SISTER LOVERS, only Chilton and Stephens remained (Hummel left shortly before Radio City's release). Famed Memphis maverick Jim Dickinson was enlisted to supervise the recording, which languished on the shelf for years before its release in 1978. Despite its bleak timbre, wild dynamics, and fragility, the music possesses a startling grace. KEEP AN EYE ON THE SKY's third disc opens with seven demos (most previously unreleased) for songs that appear on THIRD/SISTER LOVERS, including “Jesus Christ,” “Take Care,” and “Holocaust.” Among the album's 19 songs collected here is “For You,” “Kizza Me,” and “Kanga Roo.” Also featured is “Lovely Day,” an early, unreleased version of “Stroke It Noel” with different lyrics; Chilton vamping with photographer Bill Eggleston at the piano for Nat King Cole's “Nature Boy” and a raucous cover of The Kinks' “Till The End Of The Day.” <br /> <br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=bigstar72.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/bigstar72.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a>The collection's final disc contains unreleased highlights from three sets Big Star performed at Lafayette's Music Room in Memphis in January 1973. It is the best live recording ever of the band. The show captures Chilton, Hummel, and Stephens playing many of the songs on #1 RECORD, which had just recently been released. The set list includes a retooled version of “ST 100/6” lengthened by both guitar and drum solos (with a middle eight heisted from the Rock City song “The Preacher.”) Also in the repertoire are “There Was A Light” and “I Got Kinda Lost.” In addition, the concert includes fully formed versions of several songs recorded later for Radio City: “Back Of A Car,” “Way Out West,” “O My Soul,” and a particularly rocking “She's A Mover.” Those originals are mixed with a selection of covers: Todd Rundgren's “Slut,” T. Rex's “Baby Strange,” The Kinks' “Come On Now,” and The Flying Burrito Brothers' “Hot Burrito #2.” <br /> <br />The lavish packaging for KEEP AN EYE ON THE SKY includes extensive liner notes, rare and never-before-seen photos, and insightful essays about the cult of Big Star and the band's history. In the notes, Stephens reflects on the band's belated triumph. “Sure, it would've been nice to have been huge at the time. But, here we are, 30 years later, and Big Star is still playing, our music is turning up in movie soundtracks, and young people are still excited to discover the records. I mean, if that isn't success, I don't know what is.”</span>Not Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-86311769830853199732009-06-01T12:42:00.000-07:002009-06-01T13:53:49.430-07:00What new on the NOT LAME shelves??? 05. 01.09 Part One<span style="font-style:italic;">Here's some of the newest releases straight from the Boss's desk to your ears!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdradiocity1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdradiocity1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/RADIO_CITY/Page_1/CDRADIOCITY1.html">Radio City - CLASS OF '77</a><br />MAJOR FIND Old School Power-pop Fans!! If you can`t get enough of 70s power-pop bands that were writing songs under the influence of the Beatles, Big Star and Blue Ash and you lament the fact that there`s just not as many of these records as there should have been. Enter Radio City into your life.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"8 out of 10. The playing is exceptional, and energy on tracks like "Tomorrow" & "Play It Like A Man" compares well with Elvis Costello or The Rubinoos, full of Rickenbacker riffs and strong drumming. For fans of Buddy Love, The Wigs, Doug Derek & The Hoax and The Toms it`s a no-brainer."</span> - Absolute PowerPop Blog <br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdgrah5.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdgrah5.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="right"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/David_Grahame/Page_1/CDGRAH5.html">DAVID GRAHAME David Grahame - EMITT ROAD</a><br />MORE BIG, BIG NEWS! Another bonafide power-pop classic - no question. 40 copies arrived the other day and only a few are left - <span style="font-weight:bold;">DO NOT WAIT!</span><br />If you have noticed, in the last few months, I have made available some of long out of print titles from David Grahame. Yes, for a short time.The latest one to be unearthed is EMITT ROAD. David Grahame is always up to something. What it is, even he`s not sure. Titled to titilate and punish those who continually beat Grahame over the head with comparisons to `dead man walking`. EMITT ROAD gives the listener twelve straight ahead pop tunes and fifteen industrial instrumentals that are so off course from Grahame`s usual, that one might guess Frank Zappa first.<br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdklug4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdklug4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/ROGER_KLUG/Page_1/CDKLUG4.html">Roger Klug - MORE HELP FOR YOUR NERVES</a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">My declaration: this CD is not only one of 2009's best, it is one of the best indie power-pop CDs of the last four years!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"It is a pop genius at play, at work, at his very best delivering the goods. This disc is an embarrassment of riches clocking in at just under an hour with 17 tracks. None of them are throwaways. Klug's mostly a one-man band with inspiration up to his ears. Too many highlights to mention, a sure contender for Top Ten of the year."</span> - Bloody Red Baron. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"...combines his love of power pop from the Raspberries to Matthew Sweet with a equal affection for the heavy guitar sound of late 1960s British rock."</span> - Cincinnati.com <br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdpope3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdpope3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="right"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/GREG_POPE/Page_1/CDPOPE3.html">Greg Pope - PETE</a><br />YES! Seven new songs from Greg Pope, whose solo debut POPMONSTER dazzled amazed a LOT of you Not Lamers in the last nine months. Rightfully so. It was in my Top 5 for 2008 and here he goes again, blowing me away and surely you, too. There are parts of this album that evoke Cheap Trick first two albums, classic The Shazam, Matthew Sweet and more. PETE starts off into a classic, CLASSIC power-pop treasure called "Fall Into Your Arms". You listen to this now and let it-melodic perfection stun you to play it again. The six songs that follow that one do not let up, either. Grade: Solid A all the way.<br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdsimplecarnival1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdsimplecarnival1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/THE_SIMPLE_CARNIVAL/Page_1/CDSIMPLECARNIVAL1.html">The Simple Carnival - GIRLS ALIENS FOOD</a><br />HUGE FIND! Gorgeous vocals all over. While the Simple Carnival are certainly influenced by Brian Wilson, this not another blind homage. This is a modern artist refining what inspired him to create and making it his own, updated for the present. STUNNING. Melodically rich, inventive & effortlessly hooky, start to finish. The melodies are simple and summery but OH so sweet in their special swooning affect. <br />Reminds me a lot of Cherry Twister - soft pop rock with a keen appreciation for early 70s AM radio - influences of Harry Nilsson abound as does the fact that Boller`s vocals remind me of Jeff and John Murphy of Shoes, as do some of the songs. <br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdformer1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdformer1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="right"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/fORMER/Page_1/CDFORMER1.html">Former - "...AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH"</a><br />Great hard-rocking power-pop. Much of the material reminds me of Bleu (a whole lot!) and Cheap Trick. Some albums just hit you right between the head and ears right out of the gate, with Song Number One. Former does that, for sure. Lead off track "Lies" will leave you breathless.<br /><br />"This Nashville band describes their music as "loud pop", and I can`t disagree. High-energy rock/pop that recalls Swirl 360, Steve Bertrand`s Avion, and Rob Bonfligio in spots, Former is truly worth checking out." - Absolute PowerPop Blog<br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdas1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdas1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/THE_A%60S/Page_1/CDAS1.html">The A's - THE A'S / A WOMAN'S GOT THE POWER</a><br />YES!!! Finally out on CD - a long time coming! The debut is one of my all time favorites from the late 70s - time retire my burned from vinyl CD-r!<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"4 stars. Their music forged a path that encompassed power pop, punk, and a retro, almost mod, texture. They did it with accessible hooks and catchy numbers."</span> - AMG<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"If anything, The A`s resembles the Boomtown Rats` Tonic for the Troops in the way it combines wit, street savvy and relatively intricate hard-pop arrangements."</span> - Trouser Press. <br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdlovebang1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdlovebang1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="right"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/LOVE_BANG/Page_1/CDLOVEBANG1.html">Love Bang - THE RULE OF 72'S</a><br />JELLYFISH ALERT!!! Love Bang is the unreleased project that Eric Dover of Jellyfish finished before joining J-fish. Jelly fans will notice many elements of the future sounds of Jellyfish`s BELLYBUTTON here but what this reminds me most of is classic, great Crowded House with more balls, more guitar bite. That sound permeates almost all the digital grooves of this album making it not only a keeper beyond its pedigree. At the time this was recorded, there was The Odds, Jellyfish, Crowded House, Michael Penn and The Grays. Add Love Bang to the mix of that striking group of talent. Bottom line: major find for not only Jellyfish and Crowded House fans, but fans of well-written post-Beatle commercial pop. <br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cddannyecho1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cddannyecho1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/DANNY_ECHO/Page_1/CDDANNYECHO1.html">Danny Echo - DANNY ECHO</a><br />Danny Echo used to be called The Rye Catchers, a favorite here at Not Lame. It is flat out guitar driven rock that is not afraid to crank it up and rock it up without losing sight of melody and hooks. Lead-off track "Out Of Style" is anything but pulling off a edgier Jellyfish sound, while "Tomorrow Today" perfects the poppiest side of Oasis - better than the band has been able to pull off for years.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"Wonderfully addictive and thoroughly enjoyable, this is all that power-pop rock and roll is meant to be. Highly recommended."</span> - The Power Of PopNot Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-86494969464004154832009-05-19T09:51:00.000-07:002009-05-19T09:59:08.956-07:00BRANDON SCHOTT - HOMEGROWN RECORDINGS VOL. 3 and 4 -- Courtesy of TooPoppy!!!<a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=homegrown-3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/homegrown-3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a>TOO POPPY is just TOO KICKASS! They are back with TWO more volumes of Brandon Schott's HOMEGROWN RECORDINGS--download them now!!! Here's <a href="http://toopoppy.blogspot.com/2009/04/exclusive-brandon-schott-homegrown.html">volume three</a>, and here's <a href="http://toopoppy.blogspot.com/2009/05/exclusive-brandon-schott-homegrown.html">volume four</a>. Let them know that Not Lame sent you!<a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=Homegrown-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/Homegrown-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a>Not Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-3298986244935000092009-05-19T09:44:00.000-07:002009-05-19T09:50:26.497-07:00Free GRAND ATLANTIC download!!!<a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=l_64a77f69c38248319530529ecb8fa5d5.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/l_64a77f69c38248319530529ecb8fa5d5.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a>Aussie fave-popsters Grand Atlantic--you can buy their awesomely catchy album <a href="http://www.notlame.com/Grand_Atlantic/Page_1/CDGRANDATLANTIC1.html">here</a>--got a special gift for all you Not Lamers...a fun acoustic cover of the recent Beyonce hit "Single Ladies" --<a href="http://download.yousendit.com/WnBUa3NhU1BRYS9IRGc9PQ">download here from YouSendIt</a>.<br /><br />Their second album HOW WE SURVIVE is scheduled for June 1st release through Laughing Outlaw Records.Not Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-2042301917025549752009-05-19T09:23:00.000-07:002009-05-19T09:43:43.776-07:00Eric Sorensen's JANGLE ON for May 2009!!!<span style="font-weight:bold;">JANGLE ON!<br />By Eric Sorensen, written exclusively for NOT LAME<br /></span><br /><br />Although 2009 got off to a slow start when it comes to jangly pop tunes, things are hitting their stride nicely – in time for "top-down" spring and summer weather. Some very familiar names and some new artists have released chiming, melodic pop in recent months. Here are new discs and new tunes that have made my "Jangle Pop" play list of late: <br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdboolevards1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdboolevards1-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/THE_BOOLEVARDS/Page_1/CDBOOLEVARDS.html">The Boolevards - REAL POP</a><br />I must have discovered this disc on CD Baby about the same time that Bruce Brodeen added the disc to the Not Lame online catalog. In the genre of jangle-pop, this is an early contender for CD of the Year! The disc features seventeen songs – none longer than 3:13 – by the pop trio of John and Joe Nowik and Hugh Murphy. Murphy’s Rickenbacker 12-string and Rickenbacker 6-string guitar riffs chime and ring throughout the songs – so much so, that it’s probably unrealistic to choose a favorite track. The clever jewel case graphics include "Nutrition Facts" that cite 100% teenage angst, two part harmony, hooks and melodies, Rickenbackers and background harmonies...and 0% long guitar solos, drum solos, wordy message songs, loud angry vocals and rap and talking. Long may you run, Sirs John, Joe and Hugh … and thanks for sending me the Boolevards buttons for being the first customer to purchase your disc from CD Baby! <br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdspongetones3-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdspongetones3-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="right"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/THE_SPONGETONES/Page_1/CDSPONGETONES3.html"><br />The Spongetones - SCRAMBLED EGGS</a><br />Jamie Hoover and his bandmates prove once again that they are at the top of their game when it comes to Beatlesque pop. The Fab Four from North Carolina favor chiming Rickenbackers on "All The Loving", "Inevitable You", "Pick That Up For A Song" and "She’ll Be Gone". When it comes to the Spongetones, the songs don’t need to jangle to grab my attention. These guys are in a league of their own when it comes to writing and recording primo pop tunes. The Spongetones’ "Infatuation" is still the finest Beatles knock-off tune in the past thirty years! <br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdhumbugs3-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdhumbugs3-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/THE_HUMBUGS/Page_1/CDHUMBUGS3.html">The Humbugs - ON THE UP SIDE</a><br />This is a very catchy pop album that holds listener interest from start to finish. Jangly tracks include "One More Day", "Calico Eyes" and "Take A Chance". While the Boolevards favor a retro sound, the Humbugs embrace a more contemporary power-pop sound. Both approaches work equally well for the two bands!<br /><a href="http://www.notlame.com/THE_GILLIGANS/Page_1/CDGILLIGANS2.html"><br />The Gilligans - MY NAME IS WILLY</a><br />Somewhere between the Boolevards’ retro sound and the Humbugs’ contemporary sound is the sophomore release by this Midwestern band. The most chiming tracks are "She’s A Boomerang", "Look" and "This All Starts With You"...but the entire disc features top-notch pop.<br /><br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdresonars3-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdresonars3-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="right"></a><a href="http://www.notlame.com/THE_RESONARS/Page_1/CDRESONARS3.html">The Resonars - THAT EVIL DRONE</a><br />This band never misses! The pseudo-60s (think Hollies) hooks and harmonies jump out at the listener from every song. "World Apart" even opens briefly like the theme song to THAT THING YOU DO! Although the Rickenbacker riffs are not as pronounced on this disc, they are evident in the melodic layers of every song. Turn the treble setting up and you’ll find them!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.notlame.com/MARTY_WILSON/Page_1/CDWILSONPIPER1.html">Marty Willson-Piper - NIGHTJAR </a> <br />Another superb solo disc from Church alum Marty Willson-Piper. Marty seems to favor a more strummy acoustic approach to the songs on this album, but his guitar chimes on "High Down Below". Even without his signature Rickenbacker 12-string...it’s all good. Nightjar represents a talented singer/songwriter/musician at the top of his art form.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.notlame.com/THE_LOVETONES/Page_1/CDLOVETONES3.html">The Lovetones - DIMENSIONS</a><br />This disc proves that the Rainbow Quartz label hasn’t signed every contemporary jangle-pysch-pop band in the world … but it won’t surprise me if this band releases its next disc under the Rainbow Quartz moniker. "Memory Lane", "A New Low In Getting High", "Love And Redemption" and "Journeyman" are standout chiming tracks. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Steve Pearson and British Racing Green - IMPATIENT</span> <br />The jangly title song and "We Call It Love" are worth the price of admission!<br /> <br /><a href="http://s688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/?action=view¤t=cdsull1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv243/notlameblog/cdsull1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" align="left"></a>This month’s "blast from the past" disc is <a href="http://www.notlame.com/Billy_Sullivan/Page_1/CDSULL1.html">ALL-AMERICAN POPSTER by Billy Sullivan</a> – an interesting blend of the pop sounds of the Beach Boys, Herb Eimerman and Jeff Larson. My favorite jangly tracks on this disc are "Everywhere I Go" and "When Your Light Turned On". My favorite cover song – "In My Room". If this is Billy’s only album, it is one he can certainly be proud of. ALL-AMERICAN POPSTER will sound just as good ten years from now … and twenty years from now. <br /><br />My fellow jangleholic pal Ray Verno has also been busy unearthing jangly pop tunes. Leading the pack this month is "Summer In Paradise" by the Beach Boys with Roger McGuinn. Pop musician/pop journalist Gary Pig Gold refers to this brief collaboration between the Beach Boys and Roger McGuinn as the "Beach Byrds". The Beach Boys’ stellar harmonies and McGuinn’s marble-textured Rickenbacker 12-string resulted in one of the finest cover songs ever – a remake of the Mamas and Papas’ "California Dreamin". If you’re lucky, the terrific video of this song is still archived on You Tube. Ray also turned me on to jangly tracks by Will Dailey, Larch, Papa Doo Ron Ron, Steve Roberts and Invisible, Inc. <br /><br />Jangle Box inventor Steve Lasko did me a huge favor by turning me on to the multi-track talents of Craig T Fall. You can check out Craig’s "demo" renditions of classic Byrds and Beatles tunes at http://www.bluepacific1.com/Music-Frameset.htm.<br />Craig’s terrific version of "Bells of Rhymney" reminds me a lot of Tony Poole’s killer version of the same song on the 2007 TIMELESS FLYTE: A TRIBUTE TO THE BYRDS four-CD set. Craig, who has worked with Terry Melcher and the Beach Boys – among others, also contributed some very cool sound clips to the Jangle Box http://www.janglebox.com site. While visiting the site, check out some of the features of the new Jangle Box 2!<br /><br />Head’s up to my fellow jangle-pop fans: both Horst-Peter Schmidt and Graham Allman Talbot (AKA GAT) will be releasing new albums later this year. Stay tuned to the "Jangle On!" column and you may get to hear exclusive tracks from both artists...and others!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Until next month, jangle on!</span>Not Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5492714228462006164.post-39150609357414344102009-05-08T12:59:00.000-07:002009-05-08T13:01:48.515-07:00The awesome new TINTED WINDOWS video!!!You NEED this album NOW!!! <a href="http://www.notlame.com/TINTED_WINDOWS/Page_1/CDTINTEDWINDOWS1.html">Order it NOW!!!</a><br /><br /><center><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/U-7y1UxNkHM&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/U-7y1UxNkHM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center>Not Lamehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18371986819678455608noreply@blogger.com0