Check out some terrific new music titles available now.
Title: Tiddlywinks (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: R.E.M., the Monkees' "Headquarters," The Minus 5
Tell me more: Originally released in 1980 via Rounder Records, NRBQ's album Tiddlywinks has just been reissued via a delightful expanded edition courtesy of Omnivore Recordings. The Louisville, Kentucky-spawned band has always been a genre-defying delight; Tiddlywinks showcases the troupe's eclectic sonic instincts in spades. Band mates Terry Adams (piano, clarinet, harmonica, vocals), Joey Spampinato (bass, guitar vocals), Al Anderson (guitar, vocals) and Tom Ardolino crafted some of NRBQ's most beloved tracks on their eighth album including two winning singles (the propulsive "Me And The Boys" and "Never Take The Place Of You," the latter a particularly lovely soul-mining original). Additional standouts include the buoyant opener "Feel You Around Me," Baroque folk ballad "Beverly," rollicking "That I Get Back Home," '50s-flavored cut "Want You To Feel Good Too" (featuring plenty of great piano work from Adams) and power pop nugget "You Can't Hide." The bonus track "Big Goodbyes" is very interesting with jarring blasts from guests The Whole Wheat Horns and Adams' own harmonica work providing a haunting delivery over the course of its almost four minute run. The reissue features updated artwork and liner notes from original engineer Tom Mark. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: Dogs And Cats/Living Together — Special Edition (Kool Kat Musik)
You might like if you enjoy: Goo Goo Dolls, Fountains of Wayne, Psychic Rain, Something Corporate
Tell me more: In 2022, Kool Kat Musik cast a well-deserved spotlight on The Stayawakes with the release of the band's acclaimed Pop Dreamz. Fast forward to 2023 and the record label has reissued The Stayawakes' 2018 under-the-radar effort Dogs And Cats/Living Together — Special Edition. An outstanding album of energetic power pop, the album opens with the dashing "Slumbers," an original which struck this listener as a magical collaboration between the Gin Blossoms and Goo Goo Dolls. The album's top-tier tracks abound, including the cascading "Keepsakes," literate "Little Explorer," aptly-titled "High School Weirdness," and artfully sumptuous "Overdue." Lead singer Andrew Ricks' poignant lead vocals have a perfect fit in the musical brew created by guitarist Peter Foulk, drummer Steven Hart, keyboardist David Pryce and bassist Jimmy Cooper. The "Special Edition" also includes six additional previously-unreleased tracks not included on the original 2018 release. Information: KoolKatMusik.com.
Title: Now In 3-D (Kool Kat Musik)
You might like if you enjoy: Beyond Veronica, the Muffs, the Bangles' early albums
Tell me more: Lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Bonnie Veronica and lead guitarist Kirk Larsen fronted Portland-based power pop/garage rockers Beyond Veronica for 15 years before forming the harder-edged Panthervision. On their wonderful new debut album Now In 3-D (available Feb. 3, 2023 via Kool Kat Musik) the quartet (whose lineup also features drummer Ben Asher and bassist Ty Gerhardt) provide proof that modern rock can simultaneously be melodic, bold and flat out fun. The parade of tuneful tracks include the driving opener "Say What You Like," undeniably catchy "Trouble," raucous "Out in the Street," lively "Through My Window" (which recalls the sound of the Bangles' All Over The Place era), psychedelia-tinged "Mister Riley" and bewitching lead guitar-loaded "I Need You." Panthervision also shines on an amped up cover of the 1966 Love classic "Can't Explain." Panthervision's forceful brand of power pop is elevated by shining harmonies embellishing the rapid fire pacing. Information: KoolKatMusik.com.
Title: Electronphonic Chronic (Easy Eye Sound)
You might like if you enjoy: The Shins, Modest Mouse, Dan Auerbach
Tell me more: In 2015, Dan Auerbach (of The Black Keys) went into the studio with Leon Michels, Homer Steinweiss, Nick Movshon and the late Richard Swift (who passed away July 3, 2018) to record The Arcs' debut album Yours, Dreamily. The ensemble recorded so many tracks that didn't make it on that debut that they put together the best of those cuts to complete and release as a way to honor Swift resulting in the newly released Electronphonic Chronic. The sound of the album is a welcoming brew of electronica, neo-psychedelic rock, funk-fed grooves and indie rock. The dreamy "Keep On Dreamin'," shimmering "Eyez," hypnotic "Heaven Is A Place" and low-fi delight "Califone Interlude" are among the early standouts; the magic continues with the soul-flavored "River," Americana-tinged "A Man Will Do Wrong" and soulful ballad "Only One For Me" on the marvelous disc. Information: thearcs.com.
Robert Kinsler
Thank you for The Stayawakes + Panthervision reviews!! Much appreciated!!
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