'Play On: A Raspberries Tribute' coming Sept. 12; Rick Springfield, Lou Gramm, John Waite, Marshall Crenshaw & more featured!

A stellar lineup of top-tier musicians are slated to appear on a forthcoming two-disc tribute to Raspberries. The news of the upcoming release of Play On: A Raspberries Tribute comes on a particularly notable day; today (Aug. 11, 2025) would have been Raspberries lead singer/keyboardist/guitarist Eric Carmen's 79th birthday....Robert Kinsler

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – PLAY ON: A RASPBERRIES TRIBUTE

ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAMER LOU GRAMM (FOREIGNER), RICK SPRINGFIELD, JOHN WAITE, VICKI & DEBBI PETERSON (BANGLES), MARSHALL CRENSHAW, BIRD STREETS AND THE LEMON TWIGS ARE AMONG THE ARTISTS FEATURED ON “PLAY ON: A RASPBERRIES TRIBUTE.”

"Raspberries is the sound of love at first sight."

Slated for release on September 12^th, 2025, Play On: A Raspberries Tribute (Think Like A Key) is a new tribute album celebrating power pop icons, Raspberries with a blockbuster 37 tracks covering almost the entirety of the group's four-album catalog.

Assembling chart-topping legends (four of whom scored # 1 records), indie favorites, and rising stars, the 2-CD set features Lou Gramm (Foreigner), Rick Springfield, John Waite, Vicki and Debbi Peterson (Bangles), The Lemon Twigs, Marshall Crenshaw, Kasim Sulton and Willie Wilcox (Utopia), Cherie Currie (The Runaways), The Chefs (featuring Stan Lynch from Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and Dan Baird of Georgia Satellites,) The Hudson Brothers, Shoes, and Karla DeVito (Meat Loaf), among those paying homage to the '70s power pop heroes.

Rick Springfield headlining a night of fun-filled melodic rock at
Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, CA on Aug. 2, 2018. 
Photo: Robert Kinsler

"I loved the Raspberries and how they blended pop with the darker Small Faces screaming and always loved Eric's writing, not just the power pop, but the ballads too. His voice could kick ass on both!"–Rick Springfield

The project has received the blessing of the band, with Raspberries founding member Jim Bonfanti providing drums on four tracks

("I Wanna Be With You," "Tonight," "If You Change Your Mind," and "I Don't Know What I Want") and Eric Carmen who contributed the classic count-in on "Tonight."

Ken Sharp and Fernando Perdomo produced the compilation. Housed in a deluxe 6-panel digipak with a 20-page booklet featuring liner notes by renowned music journalist Howie Edelson, offering his spirited take on the band's enduring legacy, Play On: A Raspberries Tribute proves that great pop-rock is truly eternal.

   Strictly limited to 200 copies, the Play On exclusive bundle—available only through the label’s website                                       (tlak.rocks/playon)—includes:

• 2 collectible Raspberries postcards signed by band members Dave Smalley and Scott McCarl
• An exclusive 7" 45 RPM vinyl single with picture sleeve featuring “Go All The Way” by Rick Springfield b/w “Tonight” by Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Lou Gramm (Foreigner)

All profits from the 7” will benefit the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation animal rescue (www.lindablairworldheart.org).

Alongside Badfinger and Big Star, Raspberries are hailed as the architects of power pop. Tallying the smash hits "Go All The Way," "I Wanna Be With You," "Let's Pretend," and "Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)," the group's electrifying sound was a thrilling combination of Beatlesque and Beach Boys melodicism hot-wired to the slashing power chord dynamite of The Who and Small Faces in one incredible package. Unabashed fans of the band include John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Stanley (KISS), Tom Petty, Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick), and Axl Rose (Guns N' Roses). Springsteen cited the band as a pivotal inspiration when writing and recording 1980's The River. Decades later, he penned the liner notes for the Raspberries Live On Sunset Strip CD/DVD, sharing his love for the band.

The 2014 film Guardians of the Galaxy spotlighted the band's biggest hit, "Go All The Way," introducing Raspberries to a new generation of music fans. 2025 saw the publication of a new super-sized 820+ page edition of Overnight Sensation: The Story of Raspberries by New York Times best-selling author Ken Sharp. 

Pre-sale: 8/12 (tlak.rocks/playon)

Street date: 9/12

AUDIO TEASER:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2KUH3d_ZIc

TRACKLISTING

DISC ONE

1.  “Go All The Way” - Rick Springfield

2.   “I Wanna Be With You” - Vicki and Debbi Peterson (The Bangles)

3.   “Let’s Pretend” - The Lemon Twigs

4.   “Come Around And See Me” - Katie Ferrara

5.   “Goin’ Nowhere Tonight” - The Caulfields

6.   “Don’t Want To Say Goodbye” - Robin Taylor Zander

7.   “Might As Well” - Jesse Bryson feat. The Kennedys

8.   “It Seemed So Easy” - The Spongetones

9.   "I Saw The Light" - Adelaide Estep

10 “Ecstacy” - Eric Dover (Jellyfish/Imperial Drag) feat. Eric Singer of KISS on drums

11 “On The Beach” - Darian Sahanaja (Brian Wilson band)

12 “If You Change Your Mind” - Ken Sharp

13 “Nobody Knows” - Chris Price

14 “I Reach For The Light” - Bird Streets

15 “Drivin’ Around” – Popdudes

16 “Hard To Get Over A Heartbreak” - P-Hux

17 “Waiting” - Olivia Rubini

18 “I Can Remember” - Karla DeVito (Meatloaf)

DISC TWO

1.   “Tonight” - Lou Gramm (Foreigner)

2.   “Play On” - The Lemon Twigs

3.   “I Don’t Know What I Want” - John Waite

4.   “Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)” – Shoes

5.   “All Through The Night” - The Hudson Brothers

6.   “Should I Wait” - Marshall Crenshaw

7.   “Cry” - Kasim Sulton (Utopia)

8.   “Making It Easy” – Brasko

9.   “Last Dance” - Evan Stanley

10 “I Can Hardly Believe You’re Mine” - John Powhida

11 “Rose Colored Glasses” - Rob Bonfiglio (Brian Wilson band)

12  “I’m A Rocker” - Ken Sharp (feat. Wally Stocker of The Babys)

13  “Party’s Over” - The Chefs (feat. Stan Lynch from Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and Dan Baird of Georgia Satellites)

14  “Cruisin’ Music” - Ronnie D’Addario

15  “Starting Over” - Tori Holub

16  “Hands On You” - Cherie Currie (The Runaways)

17  “Every Way I Can” - The Toms

18  “With You In My Life” - Willie Wilcox (Utopia)

19  “Please Let Me Come Back Home" - Bambi Kino (feat. members of Nada Surf and Guided by Voices)

New Music in 2024: Robby Krieger and The Soul Savages, The Incurables, Popdudes

New releases from Robby Krieger and The Soul Savages, The Incurables and Popdudes are worth adding to your music library.

Artist: Robby Krieger and The Soul Savages

Title: The Players Club (Mascot Label Group)

You might like if you enjoy: Wes Montgomery, The Doors, Craig Chaquico

Tell me more: Leave it to founding Doors guitarist-songwriter Robby Krieger to continue to explore new corners of the musical universe with a masterful touch. The Robby Krieger and The Soul Savages' wonderful debut The Players Club was recorded at Krieger's own Love Street Studios in Glendale, California, with the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer joining forces with a bunch of good friends to track the disc. The album opens with "Shark Skin Suit," a decidedly funky track where Krieger's freewheeling slide guitar work fuses a winning mix of jazz, blues and even sitar-mining stylings that enhance the bewitching foray. Instrumental music lovers will love the diverse and far-flung influences that are artfully blended across the disc. Standouts include the psychedelic-flavored "Samosas & Kingfishers," the grooving funk sortie "Day In L.A.," adventurous jazz track "Killzon," the bouncy jazz cut "Ricochet Rabbit" (the latter featuring Krieger playing impressive octave jazz lines inspired by the late Wes Montgomery), and the ambitious genre-mashing closer "Math Problem." Among the top-tier musicians who perform on the album are bassist Kevin "Brandon" Brandon, keyboardist Ed Roth, and drummer Franklin Vanderbilt. A must hear album for fans of The Doors and Krieger's virtuoso guitar playing, The Players Club will be released on Jan. 19. Information: robbykrieger.com.

Artist: The Incurables

Title: Inside Out & Backwards (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Ramones, The Romantics

Tell me more: The Incurables' new album Inside Out & Backwards (set for release Jan. 19 courtesy of Big Stir Records) celebrates the Detroit-based garage-pop-punk rock quartet with a set of 10 irresistible rockers that delight on first listen. "When I Grow Up," the sweeping "Far Away" and heavy "Someday" explode out of the gate, showcasing the outfit's dynamic songwriting, rousing approach and solid chops. "Soda Pop" is an all out infectious and fun track. More nuanced, "Man Of Few Words" showcases a dynamic drums and bass-powered rhythm, layered guitars and evocative vocals. "When You" is a driving power pop original bolstered by strong '60s-minded lead vocals and harmonies positioned amidst exuberant instrumentation. The Incurables revisit old school punk on the aptly-pegged "Go Away." The album closes with the wonderful "I Told Myself (Absolutely Nothing)," which is a perfect fusion of melodic rock and punk stylings that morphs into a wonderful detour for a surprising a cappella finale. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Artist: Popdudes

Title: The Denny Laine EP (Record label)

You might like if you enjoy: Denny Laine, Wings, Badfinger, Popdudes

Tell me more: Despite being a co-founding member of both the Moody Blues and Paul McCartney's Wings, English singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Denny Laine had a 60-year career that often flew under the radar. In the wake of his tragic death from a rare form of lung disease on Dec. 5, 2023, Southern California-based power pop heroes Popdudes recorded the aptly-titled tribute The Denny Laine EP available now that goes a long way to shine a welcome light on Laine's legacy. The five-track EP is a marvelous celebration of Laine's craft, as well as the terrific talents of Popdudes (drummer John Borack and singer/multi-instrumentalist Michael Simmons), with the selections focusing on Laine's time with Wings (1971 to 1981). The range of material on the EP is truly a delight with several guests' notable contributions elevating the collection. Things kick off with the reflective "No Words," showcasing Simmons' wonderful vocals and Borack's nuanced drumming. "Spirits of Ancient Egypt" captures the otherworldly melodic flourish of the 1975 original version, with Stephen Alva providing lead vocals on the Popdudes' take. The lovely McCartney-penned "The Note You Never Wrote" captures the exuberance of the version included on Wings at the Speed of Sound that featured Laine on lead vocals; Addison Love contributes flashy guitar work on the cut. The bouncy "Again and Again and Again" finds Love on lead vocals, with the version fully capturing the melodic and lyrical strengths of the 1979 classic featured on Wings' final studio album. The soaring "Time to Hide" — a song Laine wrote and often sang in concert with Wings — is bolstered by explosive choruses and Alva's harmonica work wrapped in a truly marvelous arrangement. Information: https://michaelsimmons.bandcamp.com/album/the-denny-laine-ep.

Robert Kinsler

New Music Roundup: Garbage, Holsapple & Stamey, The Bablers, 'Big Stir Singles'

June 2021 is proving to be especially rich in terms of new music releases. Here are four highly-recommended titles worth a listen...

Artist: Garbage

Title: No Gods No Masters (Infectious Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Garbage, The Pretenders

Tell me more: Garbage has returned with a deluxe two-disc album Go Gods No Masters, the band's seventh studio album and first full-length effort since 2016's Strange Little Birds. This is an album that finds singer Shirley Manson, co-producer/drummer/guitarist Butch Vig, guitarist Duke Erikson and guitarist Steve Marker tackling hot topics with a no-holds-barred assault. Indeed, the opening sortie "The Men Who Rule The World," electro-goth graced "Waiting For God," dance floor-ready "Godhead" and the title track are especially powerful songs that resonate in the here and now.  From the release of the band's groundbreaking self-titled debut in August 1995, Garbage was celebrated as a unique artist able to artfully blend synth and alt rock sounds with grace and force (a style sometimes referred to by the band as "sci-fi pop"); the new track "Wolves" continues in the tradition as Manson sings "Which one of my two wolves will I give my attention to tonight? Which one will I decide to feed? Which one will I decide to fight?" –  "The Creeps," "Uncomfortably Me" and New Order-mining "Flipping the Bird" are also immersed in that intoxicating fusion of disparate genres. The second disc of the special edition is loaded with bonus tracks that are terrific. My favorites include their 2017 standalone original "No Horses," a brilliant reworking of David Bowie's “Starman”, an inspired take on the Bruce Springsteen/Patti Smith nugget “Because the Night” (featuring Screaming Females) and “Destroying Angels,” the latter a 2018 single with Exene Cervenka and John Doe of the legendary Los Angeles punk band X. Information: garbage.com.

Artists: Peter Holsapple & Chris Stamey

Title: Our Back Pages (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: The dB's, The Finn Brothers, Alex Chilton, The Continental Drifters

Tell me more: Released as a special vinyl edition on Record Store Day on June 12, the wonderful full-length album Our Back Pages featuring Peter Holsapple & Chris Stamey will be released on audio CD and on digital on June 18. Our Back Pages is a 13-track collection where Holsapple & Stamey revisit songs they helped craft while in the dB's as acoustic-styled versions that are simply spectacular. Along with their stellar lead and harmony vocals, the two artists used acoustic guitars, toy piano, a ukulele, a banjo, a harmonium and other instruments in the creation of the revisited songs recorded for the self-produced set. The two artists – who began playing music together while in grade school in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in the 1960s – found fame when they formed the dB's in 1978. It's almost criminal to celebrate one track on the collection without failing to acknowledge another. The rootsy "Today Could Be The Day," lovely "From a Window to a Screen," shimmering "Black and White," melodic "Picture Sleeve," opulent "Nothing Is Wrong" and wistful "Darby Hall" are among the great songs on "Our Back Pages." Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: The Bablers

Title: Psychadilly Circus (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, Badfinger, Crowded House

Tell me more: The Beatles have influenced countless artists over the past 60 years and continue to cast a huge stamp on popular music. Look (and listen) no further than Finland-based quartet The Bablers whose new album Psychadilly Circus is a bona fide celebration of the glorious sonic universe created by John, Paul, George and Ringo. The songs display their magic quickly, from the stirring "Love Is Everything," harmonies-rich "Psychadilly Circus" and expansive "Queen Of Yesterday" to the Lennon-esque "All Because Of You," celebratory "Walking On Sunny Beach" and acoustic "Child Of War." Singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Arto Tamminen, guitarist Hannu Pikkarainen, bassist-keyboardist Pekka Gröhn and drummer Janne Haavisto are recognized as "the Finnish Supergroup of Pop," with all four members each holding at least one Finnish Grammy for their work outside of the band. Information: BigStirRecords.com.

Artists: Various artists

Title: Big Stir Singles: The Tenth Wave (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Pop rock, melodic rock, indie rock

Tell me more: Nothing like going out with a melodic bang. Burbank, CA-based Big Stir Records has just issued Big Stir Singles: The Tenth Wave, the final installment in the label's current series of audio CDs collecting their tuneful weekly singles campaign. Loaded with 22 (!) tracks, a diverse field of 11 artists are heard via their A- and B-sides issued in October and November 2020. The set kicks off with the mylittlebrother nugget "Howl" and the hard charging Nick Frater original "California Waits." The momentum and range of material remains strong to be sure; my favorite A sides on the long set also include the splendid take on John Cale's 1973 classic "October Surprise" from October Surprise, D.F.E.'s "I Sy We Take Off And Nuke The Site From Orbit" (which recalls the brilliant style and sound of Bright Blue Gorilla), a lovely version of the 1970 soul classic "O-o-h Child" courtesy of the Popdudes and sing-along "No Weapon But Love" from Icecream Hands. Great B sides featured on The Tenth Wave include Frater's melancholy foray "The Afterparty," Whelligan's sharp "Anyone Who Never Had A Heart," D.F.E.'s joyful "Yellow River," The Speed Of Sound's rousing "No Kicks" and shining Anton Barbeau & Allyson Records track "Octagon." The disc closes out with Icecream Hands' beautiful original "Can You Feel My Love." The Tenth Wave is a great introduction to the Big Stir label and its talented field of talent. Information: BigStirRecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

Year-end Sounds Abound

As 2018 draws to a close, I wanted to highlight a diverse group of wonderful releases sure to please discerning listeners.

Title: Aquaman (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (WaterTower Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Hans Zimmer, Rupert Gregson-Williams
Tell me more: With a thoughtful blend of instrumental music courtesy of composers Rupert Gregson-Williams and Joseph Bishara as well as two contemporary songs, Aquaman (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) is one of the year's best soundtracks. Whether it was because of the artistic power of the story and inspiration of the film's stunning locations, or primary composer Gregson-Williams' connection with the compelling superhero origin tale, the new soundtrack is an intoxicating mix of symphonic-draped romanticism and dynamic electronica that delights across its length. The sweeping "Arthur," propulsive "Kingdom of Atlantis," gorgeous "The Legend of Atlan" and romantic "Reunited" are among the dazzling tracks on the soundtrack penned by Gregson-Williams. Listening to the songs on the disc, Skylar Grey's poignant "Everything I Need" is particularly stirring; the relevant "Ocean To Ocean" from Pitbull and Rhea effectively addresses Arthur Curry's character arc with apt lyrics and weaves a dose of Toto's 1982 classic "Africa" into the sonic moodscape. Information: AquamanMovie.com.

Artist: Tom Brumley and the Buckaroos
Title: Steelin' the Show (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Buck Owens and His Buckaroos, Chris Hillman & Herb Pedersen
Tell me more: Pedal steel player Tom Brumley was best known for his role in Buck Owens' '60s band the Buckaroos but his talents come to the fore across the 17-track "Steelin' the Show." Gathering tracks featured from nine classic Owens albums, the firepower featured on the collection will amaze those who have never heard Brumley's steel work (the acclaimed musician passed away at the age of 73 in February 2009). The speedy "Tom Cattin'," graceful "The Neosho Waltz," buoyant "Steel Guitar Rag" and Scottish-flavored "March Of The McGregor" showcase Brumley's virtuoso-meets-artful approach to playing his instrument. In addition to all the instrumental gems, the memorable country-western ballad "Together Again" (featuring Buck Owens and His Buckaroos) is featured on the essential set. The audio CD comes with a wonderful, fully-illustrated 16-page booklet that includes liner notes penned by author-Grammy nominee Scott B. Bomar. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Michael Simmons, Andy Reed, Cait Brennan, more
Title: White Lace and Promises: The Songs of Paul Williams (Curry Cuts)
You might like if you enjoy: Paul Williams, Cait Brennan, power pop music
Tell me more: Paul Williams is one of modern music's all-time great songwriters and that is displayed in spades via the terrific 23-track White Lace and Promises: The Songs of Paul Williams. Many leaders of the contemporary power pop genre are featured on this title that captures the diversity of Williams' song craft genius. The dreamy "Fill Your Heart" from songstress Andrea Perry, melodic rocker "Special to Me" (a choice song in the 1974 rock flick "Phantom of the Paradise") performed by The New Empire, the baroque pop ballad "Let Me Be The One" interpreted by Michael Simmons and lush "An Old Fashioned Love Song" from Cait Brennan are among the stellar cuts on this affecting tribute. Singer Andy Reed hits "Rainbow Connection" out of the park via a tender and wistful cover of the 1979 classic. Information: amazon.com.

Artist: Popdudes
Title: Maximum Rock Stupidity (Not Lame Media / Crab Apple Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Cheap Trick, Paul McCartney and Wings
Tell me more: An audio collection that comes as a bonus companion to Southern California-based author John M. Borack's new 414-page Shake Some Action 2.0: An Updated Guide to the 200 Greatest Power Pop Albums 1970-2017, the Popdudes' Maximum Rock Stupidity is a great collection featuring mostly-faithful covers of some of the most melodic tunes penned this side of the Beatles' "Abbey Road." The Popdudes (featuring Sparkle*Jets U.K. front man Michael Simmons and the aforementioned Borack) unleash rip roarin' takes on material ranging from a ferocious tear through a mini-medley of Cheap Trick's "Hello There" and "Top of the World" and sweet reading of Paul McCartney and Wings' "With A Little Luck" to a shimmering cover of ABBA's "Waterloo" and equally-rousing turn with the Turtles' 1968 hit "Elenore." One of this writer's favorites on the disc is a introspective version of Men At Work's "Overkill." Other classic songs covered include the Electric Light Orchestra classic "Xanadu," John Fogerty-penned "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" and Walter Egan's enduring 1978 Billboard Hot 100 entry "Magnet and Steel." Information: http://www.goodmusicguy.com/shake-some-action-2-0-book-200-greatest-power-pop-albums/




Robert Kinsler

Power Pop's 200 Greatest Albums are explored in author John M. Borack's 'Shake Some Action 2.0'

John M. Borack is widely acknowledged as being one of the world's experts on power pop music. A talented author, drummer and bona fide fan of the genre, today comes exciting news that his long-awaited Shake Some Action 2.0 is due in September.

Here is the media release...


Power Pop's 200 Greatest Albums are explored in author John M. Borack's latest book, Shake Some Action 2.0

The best of the long-lasting musical sub-genre known as "power pop" – short, snappy tunes that owe a debt to artists such as the Beatles and the Who and are fed by ringing guitars, vocal harmonies and memorable melodies - is examined in author John M. Borack's upcoming book, Shake Some Action 2.0: An Updated Guide to the 200 Greatest Power Pop Albums, 1970-2017.

The new book, due in September 2018 from Not Lame Media, is an update of sorts of Borack's now out-of-print 2007 book Shake Some Action: The Ultimate Power Pop Guide. Here is what to expect from SSA 2.0:

• 414 pages of pure pop-inspired passion that even the most casual power pop fan will appreciate but a serious one will get totally geeked about.
• Newly written and/or expanded reviews of the outstanding power pop releases that Borack lauded in his first book.
• All new quotes from nearly every artist featured in the new, updated Top 200, speaking about their respective albums.
• Nearly 60 new entries included in the Top 200.
• A collection of various record reviews that Borack has penned over the past several years which feature many over-looked, high-quality albums you'll want to make sure to add to your collection.
• Borack's year-end 'Best Of' lists from 1996-2017 – unearth and discover what you might have missed.

In addition, the book comes bundled with a 24-track audio CD collection from Borack's power pop band Popdudes, titled Maximum Rock Stupidity. The CD contains several rare and/or previously-unreleased tracks.


In describing his book – his third music-related title – Borack says "Shake Some Action 2.0 will be laid out in similar fashion to a Billboard chart; albums have climbed up or slid down the chart, with new efforts from 2008-2017 replacing those that have fallen out of the Top 200. Among those making their 'chart debut' in the new book will be acts such as Van Duren, Sorrows, Silver Sun, The Exploding Hearts, Starbelly, The Jags, and the Len Price 3."

You can get more information on the upcoming book and pre-order it here.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John M. Borack is a music journalist and musician from Southern California. 

Borack's music reviews, columns and feature articles have appeared in periodicals such as Goldmine, Amplifier, The Garden Grove Journal, Audities and Popsided. He has also contributed to the book and website The Trouser Press Guide to '90s Rock, and has written liner notes for CDs by such diverse artists as The Windbreakers, DM3, Tommy Keene, Raspberries, The Rooks, Starbuck ("Moonlight Feels Right"), The Rembrandts, The Lolas, The Toms, sparkle*jets uk and The Scruffs, among others. He is currently a contributing editor for Goldmine, and writes a monthly column titled Power Pop Plus for the magazine's website.

Borack also penned the extensive notes for Rhino Records' Poptopia! Power Pop Classics of the '80's and has served as executive producer for the CD compilations Beyond Belief: A Tribute to Elvis Costello (SpyderPop Records, 2015), Right to Chews: Bubblegum Classics Revisited (Not Lame Recordings, 2002) and Shoe Fetish: A Tribute to Shoes (Parasol Records, 2001), a tribute disc spotlighting the work of the DIY power pop pioneers.

In 2008, Not Lame Recordings published Borack's first book, Shake Some Action: The Ultimate Power Pop Guide, which quickly sold out four small pressings.^[1][2] 

In 2010, his second book, John Lennon: Life Is What Happens was published; subtitled 'Music, Memories and Memorabilia,' it served as a biography of the late Beatle as well as a memorabilia guide, with many rare photos included. September, 2018 will see the release of Borack's third book, titled Shake Some Action 2.0: A Guide to the 200 Greatest Power Pop Albums, 1970 - 2017. Borack's next book, The Beatles: 100 Pivotal Moments that Shaped a Band and its Music, is scheduled for publication in 2019.