Kool Kat Musik

18/08/2024

Hello Pop Fans! This week’s Featured Titles are up on the Kool Kat site.

The Linda Brady Revival (Linda Brady released an album in the 90’s for an indie label S.O.B.(Son Of Beserkley Records). The record featured Larry Lynch (Greg Kihn Band) on drums and Robbie Dunbar (Earth Quake) on guitar! She’s back with a new album that was co-produced by Jeff Murphy of Shoes! “Her voice recalls Chrissie Hynde and Katrina (of the Waves).” - Ken Kessler “A confident singer/songwriter with a keen melodic sense, steady pipes, and a knack for writing strong hooks.” - Mix Magazine)


Wyatt Funderburk (Trainspotters will know that Wyatt’s been behind some of the best power pop over the years, producing and mixing for the likes of Linus Of Hollywood, Silver Sun, The Wellingtons, The Connection and Kurt Baker. 2013’s “Novel and Profane” “calls up memories of Jellyfish ('You Know What To Do'), then takes a big old right turn into proper country-tinged pop, and goes right back around with the next song." - Popdose “Each track is a gem and it easily gets a nod for my top ten of 2013 list." - Powerpopaholic)

Groovy Uncle (“Making Excuses” is the 13th album from Glenn Prangnell’s Groovy Uncle and features Jane Wrangham and Jules Wi******er. “A splendid album that demands repeated listens, each highlighting a new lyrical gem. Beyond their splendid pop, there is an insight that taps deep into the soul.” - Stephen Morris “While many of the songs tip a Breton cap to the work of Lennon and McCartney there are some rewarding digressions into other musical areas. ‘Moonlight’ is a tender duet between Pragnell and Jules Wi******er haunted by the sound of 70’s AM radio.” - Shindig! Magazine)

Minky Starshine (Two titles 2011’s “Womanity” And 2009’s “Unidentified Hit Record” - with a discounted 2fer offer - from a band who hovers just above the sweetest sounds of the pop-rock soundscape. Their songs continue to feel like memories from our past, but are fashioned to recall the most notable melody makers in today’s hip indie culture. A towering mountain of melody and pop production that was both lament and celebration - and is as infectious as listening to a box of old 8-tracks in your Uncle Don's basement. “There is a definite Posies-meet-Jellyfish element to their classic power pop sound.” - Absolutepowerpop)

Fading Yellow Vol. 5 (Like Volume 4 in this long-running series of '60s pop-psychedelia with the emphasis on the ‘pop,’ this contains rarities from the UK branch of the retrospectively named ‘pop-sike’ genre. The focus here is a bit more on a frothier yet lighter shade of British pop-sike. The 22 tracks are mostly by artists whose names are unfamiliar even to many specialist collectors. Hats off if you're intimate with the career details of Toast, Angel Pavement, Sunchariot, Vigrass & Osborne and Alomd Marzipan. ESSENTIAL!)

Fading Yellow Vol. 4 (’Timeless UK 60's Popsike & Other Delights’ is the apt subtitle of this 25-track collection, which spotlights obscurities from the lighter side of slightly psychedelic-influenced British pop/rock of the late 60’s. It’s a pretty deep archival dig through material that hasn't often seen the light of day since its original release, in a genre that, at the time, never been the most heavily mined of 60’s styles. It's one of the best such digs, too, with the focus more on decent pop songs with imaginative arrangements and an occasionally (admittedly mild) touch of freakiness than the airy-fairy stuff.)

Until next week….

14/08/2024

Hello Everyone! Here to hip you to a brand new release on the Kool Kat label – AVAILABLE NOW – “DON’T STOP PLAYING GUITAR” by COLMAN GOTA!! “Don't Stop Playing Guitar” is Spain’s Colman Gota’s fifth album (and Kool Kat label debut). The 17 songs here feature lots of musicians, hours and hours put into it and a lot of ground covered. “Another hook laden record featuring Gota’s signature guitar work. Right out of the gate, screaming guitars straddle the edge before catapulting us through ‘Big In Taiwan’ and its catchy chorus. Ever jumped on a treadmill when its turned up too high? The ironically named ‘Always Late’ feels just that way – and it has a memorable melody. Things slow down (but just a bit) with the very catchy ‘Crack the Code’. Gota’s songs generally lean on a big, hooky guitar riff.” - Power Pop News You can listen to it here: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mgccqzIcYaOgUh85iEubCrnxWZ612cvsw You can order it through the Kool Kat site!

A new music service with official albums, singles, videos, remixes, live performances and more for Android, iOS and desktop. It's all here.

13/08/2024

Hello Everyone! Every so often I review my radio/reviewer mailing list to see what reviewers are still active and who still have active radio shows/podcasts. Well, it’s that time again! I’m aware that new radio shows are popping up and new people have created review-based blogs/sites. So, if you are not already on my list, please message me and tell me what you do. If all good, you will begin receiving download links to all future Kool Kat Musik label releases. Thank you.

11/08/2024

Hello Pop Fans! Next week’s Featured Titles are up on the Kool Kat site.

The Linda Brady Revival (Linda Brady released an album in the 90’s for an indie label S.O.B.(Son Of Beserkley Records). The record featured Larry Lynch (Greg Kihn Band) on drums and Robbie Dunbar (Earth Quake) on guitar! She’s back with a new album that was co-produced by Jeff Murphy of Shoes! “Her voice recalls Chrissie Hynde and Katrina (of the Waves).” - Ken Kessler “A confident singer/songwriter with a keen melodic sense, steady pipes, and a knack for writing strong hooks.” - Mix Magazine)


Wyatt Funderburk (Trainspotters will know that Wyatt’s been behind some of the best power pop over the years, producing and mixing for the likes of Linus Of Hollywood, Silver Sun, The Wellingtons, The Connection and Kurt Baker. 2013’s “Novel and Profane” “calls up memories of Jellyfish ('You Know What To Do'), then takes a big old right turn into proper country-tinged pop, and goes right back around with the next song." - Popdose “Each track is a gem and it easily gets a nod for my top ten of 2013 list." - Powerpopaholic)

Groovy Uncle (“Making Excuses” is the 13th album from Glenn Prangnell’s Groovy Uncle and features Jane Wrangham and Jules Wi******er. “A splendid album that demands repeated listens, each highlighting a new lyrical gem. Beyond their splendid pop, there is an insight that taps deep into the soul.” - Stephen Morris “While many of the songs tip a Breton cap to the work of Lennon and McCartney there are some rewarding digressions into other musical areas. ‘Moonlight’ is a tender duet between Pragnell and Jules Wi******er haunted by the sound of 70’s AM radio.” - Shindig! Magazine)

Minky Starshine (Two titles 2011’s “Womanity” And 2009’s “Unidentified Hit Record” - with a discounted 2fer offer - from a band who hovers just above the sweetest sounds of the pop-rock soundscape. Their songs continue to feel like memories from our past, but are fashioned to recall the most notable melody makers in today’s hip indie culture. A towering mountain of melody and pop production that was both lament and celebration - and is as infectious as listening to a box of old 8-tracks in your Uncle Don's basement. “There is a definite Posies-meet-Jellyfish element to their classic power pop sound.” - Absolutepowerpop)

Fading Yellow Vol. 5 (Like Volume 4 in this long-running series of '60s pop-psychedelia with the emphasis on the ‘pop,’ this contains rarities from the UK branch of the retrospectively named ‘pop-sike’ genre. The focus here is a bit more on a frothier yet lighter shade of British pop-sike. The 22 tracks are mostly by artists whose names are unfamiliar even to many specialist collectors. Hats off if you're intimate with the career details of Toast, Angel Pavement, Sunchariot, Vigrass & Osborne and Alomd Marzipan. ESSENTIAL!)

Fading Yellow Vol. 4 (’Timeless UK 60's Popsike & Other Delights’ is the apt subtitle of this 25-track collection, which spotlights obscurities from the lighter side of slightly psychedelic-influenced British pop/rock of the late 60’s. It’s a pretty deep archival dig through material that hasn't often seen the light of day since its original release, in a genre that, at the time, never been the most heavily mined of 60’s styles. It's one of the best such digs, too, with the focus more on decent pop songs with imaginative arrangements and an occasionally (admittedly mild) touch of freakiness than the airy-fairy stuff.)

Until next week….

04/08/2024

Hello Pop Fans! Next week’s Featured Titles are up on the Kool Kat site.

Caddy (NEW RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL! Pop fan favorite Caddy (Tomas Dahl) is back with his first since his 2021 covers album “Detours And Dead Ends Vol. 1”. “Caddy” is his first album of new original songs since 2018‘s “Ten Times Four”! He’s s been making music for nearly three decades as a member of bands like The Bittersweets, The Stanleys and The Yum Yums. If you’re familiar with some or all of those aforementioned bands, you know one thing is certain - you can pretty much be guaranteed lotsa loud and crunchy guitars!)

The Cleaners From Venus (“The other day I posted about Nick Saloman (Bevis Frond) marveling at his ability to create consistently great music over a period of 40 years. Martin Newell's been doing it even longer under various names, but mostly under the Cleaners From Venus moniker. The title track of ‘Lilli Bolero’ will stand up with any of the great Cleaners' songs. When I think of Newell's music I always think of Television Personalities, Guided By Voices, The Kinks and XTC.” - Bandcamp Snoop)

Blake Jones & The Trike Shop (Fresno CA's celebrated purveyors of psych-pop and quirky, heartfelt guitar rock, return with their new album “and still…”. Blake’s music is deeply informed by both the pop and experimental sides of the music of the 60’s, shaped by the punk and post punk ethics of the 70’s and 80’s, and often compared to the wild and witty likes of XTC, They Might Be Giants and Robyn Hitchcock)

Kelly’s Heels (Kelly's Heels is a London-based band, whose special brand of guitar-crazed pop has caught the imagination of a loyal band of fans worldwide. “An aural bombardment of power pop, harmonies, scorching guitar solos, bouncy bass lines, and hooks hooks . Deptford’s finest (Squeeze) aside there are hints of the Beatles (‘Love Will Remain’), Big Star (White Girl’), Apples In Stereo (‘Emerald OMG’) and The Jam (DNAnda’).” - Shindig! Magazine)
Greg “Stackhouse” Prevost (Former Chesterfield Kings frontman Greg Prevost is in a state of grace. Following the great reception of his third work - the acoustic yet soulful “Songs For These Times”, the man returns, right on time, with a new album under his arm. And it comes full of surprises and collaborations - more than ever. On “After The Wars” you will find true folk rock wonders, classy Baroque pop and psychedelia, country, blues, gospel, and - of course - straight ahead rock and roll.)

Elena Rogers (Produced by Jamie Hoover of the Spongetones, with clever instrumentation that’s both future-forward and familiar, “Prelude To Whatever” finds Elena playing in a rich palette of sounds, time signatures moods and tempos. She has one of the more imaginative minds in pop music today. After giving her first album ‘Opus One’ a spin, that became immediately evident. When I hear her work, I immediately think of They Might Be Giants and perhaps Laurie Anderson. Some even say Zappa, XTC or Oingo Boingo. ” - Power Pop News)

Ugly Things Magazine - Issue #66 (A WOW factor cover story this time: a mind-blowing, emotional interview with Michelle Phillips about the stratospheric highs and catastrophic lows she experienced with the Mamas & the Papas - the music, the men, the drugs, the power trips, and the magical, inviolable, fragile chemistry they shared as a group. 60’s garage punks The Emperors from Long Beach, CA, the continuing story of UK ‘70s punk outsiders the Subway Sect + more!)

Until next week….

03/08/2024

EPISODE #27 OF POPTASTIC SOUNDS! IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR ON-DEMAND LISTENING

Featuring new music from Aerial, The Trafalgars, Sergio Ceccanti, Deadlights, Paul Weller, Kingdom Of Mustang, Coke Belda, Mark Ward and Vegas With Randolph! Plus vintage tracks from The Wicked Whispers, Diesel Park West, The Byrds, The Daisies, The Supers, Various Artists, The Get Up Kids, Imperial...

28/07/2024

Hello Pop Fans! Next week’s Featured Titles are up on the Kool Kat site.

The Jessica Fletchers (2004’s “Less Sophistication” - that carves out a path of 60's/Brit-inspired garage/psych pop a la The Kinks, The Prisoners, early Blur, and Pink Floyd! “You don’t have to be a retro fan to see their appeal, but if you’re not you might not be able to look past the obvious ‘derivative’ nature of their music. Too bad for you, because the rest of us are going to be enjoying this insanely fun band for as long as they keep up this kind of solid work.” - PopMatters)

The Lust-O-Rama (1991’s “Twenty-Six-Screams” contains 19 tracks of adrenaline-drenched mid-60’s garage rock with raunchy pre-metal guitars and groovy organ sounds brimming with the sound of that era. So if you can’t get enough of The Sonics, The Seeds, and the early (pre-psychedelic) Yardbirds, Arne Thelin (ex-Cosmic Dropouts) and company have got you covered.)

Outrageous Cherry (2004’s “Our Love Will Change The World” offers love in packet form that features packets of a different kind: Two-to-three minute packets of sugary retropop that swings to the beat of the 1960s, finding middle ground between sloppy psych, Spector reverb, “Nuggets’”garage punk, and the syncopated stomp of Motown.)

STaLL (1998 debut from these lads from Milwaukee, WI. "Enjoyable 3 piece guitar-driven alt-pop. Simple melodies, great harmonies." - A Music Boy "Their bright, melody-driven sound melds strong rhythms and raucous guitars. Shared influences like The Replacements, Tommy Keene and Material Issue make up part of their musical equation" - Journal Sentinel)

The Tearaways (Two titles - 1999’s “In Your Ear” and 2006’s “Beat Your Own Mersey” from these First Division poppers! “If you took the Beatles and the Stones, threw them in a jar and shook it briskly, you would have The Tearaways. Lots of hooks, along with some power guitar grit and grim that makes the songs more 'rock' than 'pop'.” - John Greathouse)

Until next week….

21/07/2024

Hello Everyone! Here to hip you a new release on the Kool Kat label – AVAILABLE NOW! “VISIONS FROM INNER SPACE” by VELVET ATTACK! Velvet Attack are a heavily 60’s-influenced indie‐rock‐group from Dortmund, Germany who formed in November 2018 to play velvet popsike melodies boosted by prog/kraut educated guitar attacks. The five band members have been part of different musical projects (Jelly Planet, Damo Suzuki Band, Astra Kid, The Cheeks), and is reflected in their multi‐layered, refined sound. Out of the ashes of the Solingen/Dortmund power pop/psych band The Cheeks, their creative nucleus in the form of singer Kono and guitarist Chris Riza have reinvented themselves as Velvet Attack. On one hand, they stick to the classic combination of jangling Rickenbacker sounds with fine vocal harmonies as presented by groups from the past, let’s say from The Byrds to The Bangles but on the other hand side their rock attitude is rooted from punk prototypes to psychedelic from the 60’s. Originally released in 2022, and previously only available on vinyl on the German Soundflat label, the Kool Kat label is happy to bring their debut full-length “Visions From Inner Space” to CD! And what a fantastic musical attack that is! If it’s softer pieces like the folky psychedelic “Double Cylinder Man” and “I Cannot See A Forest Without Trees” or wilder rockin’ tunes like “Daughter of the Sun” and catchy pop‐beat‐tunes like “You Know Everything Better” and “Drinkin’ Water Prayin’ Wine” – this album is definitely top shelf! “The band can convince in the ten numbers of the album with a tradition-conscious, but completely independent sound spectrum. Occasionally, however, the Chesterfield Kings as well as the bands of the ‘Paisley Underground’ (Dream Syndicate, Rain Parade, et al) are available as reference points. The lysergic guitar playing unfolds a strong magnetism, and when Kono kicks in with his passionately blown blues harp on songs like ‘Hellfire’, certain similarities to the Pretty Things can be detected. They play at an enormously high level, write exciting material and know how to stage this with high effectiveness. When, as in ‘Daughter Of The Sun,, the tempo is further increased, the five create quite considerable pressure. A nice debut by the old hands which shows their passion for the sounds of bygone days.” - Ox Fanzine You can listen to it here: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_l-V_icoGWizdAYa1nYDSzBsLCfI1bnhTk You can order it from the Kool Kat site!

15/07/2024

Hello Everyone! Here to hip you to a brand new release on the Kool Kat label – AVAILABLE NOW – “”BIG NEW LIFE” by VINYL KINGS! There are good bands and there are good people. Sometimes we get both. The Vinyl Kings, a top-shelf band of veteran songwriters, players and producers - who first played together as a long-ago Nashville-based cover band named the Del Beatles - are such a band, as evidenced by both the artistry and message of their third and, perhaps final album ”Big New Life”. Jim Photoglo, Harry Stinson, Larry Lee, Josh Leo and Michael Rhodes have individually produced, written songs for, played on recordings by, or toured with such artists as Bob Dylan, Elton John, Neil Young, Carole King, Sting, Shania Twain, Vince Gill, Steve Winwood, Tina Turner, Mark Knopfler, Dan Fogelberg, Glenn Frey and more! Their first album, 02’s “A Little Trip” - their nod to The Beatles, who inspired each of the band members to pursue a life in music, received rave reviews and developed somewhat of a cult following. After all, it's a little hard to buy the concept of an album of Beatles-esque music, but Beatles fans who found it loved it, intensely. "The genius of the record is that they managed to create an album of original tunes echoing the evolving sound and feel of the Beatles - neither impression, nor caricature, but a pure, loving homage." - Dale McCurry The “Big New Life” journey began in January 2023 when they released “Smoke Rings for Renee” (written by Photoglo) on the occasion of the passing of Leo’s wife. Though separation and loss are stimuli for this collection (Rhodes played on these songs as a founding member until the day he died), it emerges as a story of survival, a celebration of triumph, stunningly sustained through 11 compositions of gratitude, perseverance, and joy. You can listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtX7sYtpE3hixxk-vjDRSfA You can order it through the Kool Kat site!

The Vinyl Kings are an accomplished band of veteran Nashville musicians.

15/07/2024

Hello Pop Fans! Next week’s Featured Titles are up on the Kool Kat site.

Carl Cafarelli (The author of 2023’s “Gabba Gabba Gabba Hey! A Conversation With The Ramones”, has written for Goldmine and DISCoveries among others. Insisting that an infinite number of tracks can each be THE greatest record ever made, the book ties together threads connecting classic rock, soul, pop, punk, hip hop, and bubblegum across decades of hits, misses, critics' darlings, one-hit wonders, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and complete unknowns.)

Dropkick (2008’s “Dot the i', now expanded features the original album remastered plus 10 recordings from the period of the original sessions and 4 live rehearsal room recordings made prior to the album launch gig in Edinburgh, March 2008.)

Rain (First-ever release of lost psychedelic pop album from this post-Jackie Lomax Alliance, Anglo-American trio with a classic Beatles-meets-West-Coast sound. Features Beatles-indebted song construction and harmonies with an early Buffalo Springfield/Byrds-style West Coast feel.)

The Reflectors (They’re back with “Going Out Of Fashion”, their first since 2021’s “Faster Action”. It’s a testament to this remarkable era for power pop enthusiasts, leaning towards an 80’s sound that doesn’t hide but polishes and shines its hooks. While many comparable bands from the 80’s often evolved into mainstream pop rock, The Reflectors retain their trademark smooth sound, while showcasing a newfound edge.)

Kevin Robertson (The Nick Bertling-produced “The Call of the Sea” continues Kevin’s s legacy of juxtaposing the smoothest of Teenage Fanclub/Dropkick-style vocal delivery with the jangle riffs that coerse through the most vibrant of psyche-pop and rock inflections.)

Velvet Attack (NEW RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL! Germany’s Velvet Attack are a heavily 60’s-influenced indie‐rock‐group who play velvet popsike melodies boosted by prog/kraut educated guitar attacks. On one hand, they stick to the classic combination of jangling Rickenbacker sounds with fine vocal harmonies as presented by groups from the past, let’s say from The Byrds to The Bangles but on the other hand side their rock attitude is rooted from punk prototypes to psychedelic from the 60’s. This is the CD debut of 2022’s “Visions From Inner Space”.)

The Yum Yums (On “Poppin’ Up Again” The Yum Yums put together the essential ingredients of the music of the Ramones, the Real Kids, the Plimsouls, the Devil Dogs, the early Sweet and the Ohio Express, the 60's and the 70's, bubblegum, glam and punk and pop! “One of the attractions of their punk is the 60’s songwriting influences that abound. Almost every song carries the punk and pop in equal parts.” - Paul Blowfish)

Until next week….

10/07/2024

Hello Pop Fans! Next week’s Featured Titles are up on the Kool Kat site.

Don and The Goodtimes (In many ways they were one of the quintessential Northwest bands. Fueled by a classy high-stepping image and hot instrumental licks born of old R&B and Northwest stalwarts the Kingsmen, Wailers and Sonics, this collection shows their always excellent material ranging from ‘60s punk to sunshine pop.)

Gyasi (“Rock n’Roll Sword Fight”, recorded live in the USA, captures the unforgettable experience of Gyasi commanding the stage. The singer/guitarist/songwriter from Nashville is a modern-day glam rock god, resurrecting the heavy, iconic sounds that T.Rex, The Stooges, and Led Zeppelin made legendary.)

Shindig! Magazine - Issue #153 (XTC: Forty years since the release of “The Big Express”, Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding recall the album’s genesis. The Rascals: No longer “Young”, the hit quartet embrace psychedelia and spirituality and succumb to the pressures of fame. And much, much more!)

sparkle*jets u.k. (“Box Of Letters” is their first full-length set of original music since 2002, and follows their2023 return with their covers collection “Best Of Friends”. Vocalist/guitarist Susan West, singer/guitarist/producer Michael Simmons and bassist Jamie Knight, here chiefly augmented by longtime collaborators Tisha Boonyawatana (keys/ vocals) and Joel Valder (drums) - make good on a promise left dangling at the end of 02's “Bamboo Lounge”.)

Psych! British Prog, Rock, Folk & Blues 1966-1973 (A newly compiled, 3CD, 64 track (!) set that celebrates an extraordinary era in British Pop and Rock music that saw an expansion of musical styles that heralded Psychedelia and the arrival of Prog Rock. It coincided with the launch of the eclectic, occasionally esoteric Deram label - then described as a “hip label for groovy people”.)

Vinyl Kings (NEW RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL + 2002’s “A Little Trip” with a special 2fer offer! A top-shelf band of veteran songwriters, players and producers - who first played together as a long-ago Nashville-based cover band named the Del Beatles. “ALT” has been described as "Absolutely, positively, freakish channeling of the original spirit of the Fab Four amplified to 11. A masterwork of melodious metamorphosis.” “Big New Life” fllows in that same tradition!)

Until next week….

09/07/2024

Youn gotta hear this!

Finally, a song that answers the age old question. Huge shout outs to all the power pop gang. This was written and created by Sun Sawed in 1/2 songwriter, gu...

05/07/2024

Hello Everyone! Here to hip you to a brand new release on the Kool Kat label – AVAILABLE NOW – “”GOT TO BE STRONG” by TERRY ANDERSON & THE OLYMPIC ASS-KICKJIN” TEAM!! “Got To Be Strong” is Terry Anderson & The Olympic Ass-Kickin’ Team’s first new recording in 12 years! Drummer Terry Anderson writes the songs and sings lead on ‘em. On bass and supporting vocals, there’s Jack Cornell, who produced and mixed the record and has been making music with Anderson for 40+ years, dating back to the aforementioned early local heroes The Fabulous K***s. Dave Bartholomew, who’s been on stages since his mid-teens, is in charge of the guitar work – sometimes jangly, sometimes crunchy, always grabby – and provides more supporting vocals. Greg Rice is on keyboards and contributes even more supporting vocals. Guests on the record include fellow travelers Don Dixon, Dave Adams, Roger Gupton, and Terry’s multi-instrumentalist son Will. ”After songs about Thunderbird wine, purple GTOs, the Betty Ford Clinic, Willie Mays (RIP), and one getting one’s posterior down the road, what’s left for Terry Anderson and the boys – the NRBQ of NC, the Rockpile of Raleigh – to write and sing about? Turns out the answer was staring us in the face (and ringing in our ears) the whole time: chainsaw repair. So, yeah, Terry and his teammates kick off their newie with ‘Chainsaw Repair Shop,’ a rocking symphony to cacophony and location location location. That’s followed by an ode to a versatile bit of head- and neckwear, “My Bandana” (‘I wear one for fashion, one for style/In the throughs of passion once in a while’). It’s a typical semi-wacky start to a visit with the OAK team because, as John Prine famously opined, ‘It’s a Big Old Goofy World.’ In goofiness, there is brilliance – and, in the best cases, vice versa. However, starting with song 3, things get a little – dare we say? – serious. From ‘Best Day Ever’ on, it’s all about relationships, ‘Dilapidated Heart’ (broken-down love), ‘Regret Avenue’ (‘I’m such an idiot’ love), ‘Magnificent’ (former love), ‘Doesn’t Exist’ (imaginary love), ‘Box Wine Row’ (supportive love), and the title track (lustful love, featuring a vocal cameo from the reliably soulful Dixon). Throughout, the words and stories are as relatable as the music, which consistently lands on the sweet spot between roots rock and power pop, is head-bobbable and hip-shakable. But the most essential relationship is revealed in the record-closing ‘Ride Along,’ a midtempo rocker with a ‘hey hey hey’ hook. Sounds like the perfect way to get along in the big old goofy world, especially when Terry Anderson & The OAKT are doing the driving. Just don’t park next to a chainsaw repair shop.” - Rick Cornell You can listen to it here: https://terryandersonandtheolympicasskickinteam.bandcamp.com/album/got-to-be-strong-2 You can order it through the Kool Kat site!

10 track album

03/07/2024

Hello Pop Fans! Next week’s Featured Titles are up on the Kool Kat site.

Terry Anderson & The Olympic Ass-Kickin’ Team (NEW RELEASE ON THE KOOL KAT LABEL! “Got To Be Strong” is roots poppers Terry Anderson & The OAKT’s first new recording in 12 years! “They are the NRBQ of NC, the Rockpile of Raleigh” - Rick Cornell Don Dixon is among the guests on the record. Welcome back boys!)

The Cretins (The Cretins were very much a part of the pop punk revolution that infected the 90’s. The Boston-based band developed their own sound early on but always managed to stay true to some of the best parts of the genre exemplified by bands like Green Day and The Descendents. 25 years later they still sound just as vibrant!)

The Proctors (“Snowdrops and Hot Air Balloons” contains songs that “bear a resemblance to the fluttering, almost celebratory jangled riffs of 80’s/90’s acts like Choo Choo Train and Rain Parade and wrap the same crisp riffs within the subtle gaze textures of acts like The Mekons, Aberdeen, and The Field Mice, creating an alluring spectral atmosphere.” - Janglepophub

J Prozac (Jay Gauvion (aka J Prozac) has expanded his pop punk roots into power pop, heart-worn sleeve heartland punk and garage rock while still keeping the big hearted “whoa ohs”, snotty vocals and powerful punk rock guitar riffs of his former bands in check.)

SUPER 8 (“Retro Metro” is a captivating collection of twelve original songs, inspired by Ryan's deep love for 60’s jangly guitar pop, showcases his mastery of the craft, weaving intricate melodies and irresistible hooks that feel both classic and cutting-edge indie. It’s a testament to his enduring creativity and relentless pursuit of the perfect pop song.)

A Pretty Song - Sunshine, Soft & Studio Pop 1967-1972 (“A Pretty Song” is Teensville Records’ latest offering in their acclaimed “Sunshine, Soft & Studio Pop” series. Featuring an array of 31 never-before-on-CD cuts spanning the era 1966-1972, the disc highlights the neglected side of well produced but non-hit commercial songs)

Pavid Vermin (Glenn Robinson has been making music since the late 90’s under different names - mostly as a drummer. He makes homegrown punk rock for the masses. The fast-paced, three-chord tunes max out around two minutes and have a hard-edged yet throwback feel.)

Until next week….

01/07/2024

POPTASTIC SOUNDS! - EPISODE #26 IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR ON-DEMAND LISTENING

Featuring new music from The Prisoners, The Woggles, Lava Fangs, The Anderson Council, Caldwell, The Grip Weeds, Valley Lodge, The Embryos, Dolour, John Larson and The Silver Fields, Earth Quake, David Woodard, The Well Wishers, Child Of Panoptes, The On and Ons, The Night Times, The Mike Bell Carte...