Going Down To Liverpool To Do Something

Yes it's been a while, but we're back again, after some period spent on the non blog life for a while - apologies, we won't let it happen again!

One of the advantages of being able to attend Liverpool's International Powerpop Overthrow Festival is experiencing a plethora of powerpop bands from a pool which is truly international (as the name implies) encompassing musicians the whole length of Scandinavia, many parts of Southern Europe, regions of Asia, the USA and the UK etc, in intimate, cosy surroundings like the Cavern. Any serious music fan will already know how important the Cavern was in terms of rock music history and that musical heritage is still being carried on by the 175 bands that performed last week or so at the IPO Fest.

Since we could only attend the festival on Saturday, Mr Qwerty and I will be highlighting the bands that impressed us the most that day. This particular year the festival took place not only on the back and front stages of the Cavern but also across the road at the Cavern Pub, and round the corner at the Beaconsfield and the Grapes. Since the last 2 places mentioned are fairly close it wasn't impossible to catch the bands that we wanted to see, but a bit hectic, not helped by some skewed scheduling at the further venues, which resulted in us endlessly catching the last song by one band or another for the first two hours we were there.
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One such band was Slumberjet (think a little XTC, a little Neil Finn but like neither really other than that knack with an adventurous melody) who we caught for two and a half numbers at the Beaconsfield where the Irish 3-piece were delighting an audience of 2 or 3 interested parties and possibly the pub pooch. This embarrassing turnout must have been due to the crazy scheduling. We'd actually turned up to see the Romeo Flynns, but they didn't even leave the airport owing to some UK entry faux pas. Anyway Mr Q was very impressed with Barry O'Brien's slighty off-centre take on hooky, sometime pastoral psyche pop, and managed to catch them for a few more songs later when they played the Cavern main stage. Recommended is Barry O'Brien's own EP Spark, the 3 songs on the bands MySpace. Can't wait for a fully fledged Slumberjet Record. Soon I hope! More information on Slumberjet here: www.myspace.com/slumberjet

The first band to send our collective thumbs aloft were the Edinburgh collective: Honeybug. This 7 piece fit into an unusual and select niche only previously reserved for the likes of Curt Boettcher (Sagittarius, Millennium California, & Association), Harpers Bizarre, the Merry-Go-Around, the Turtles and Yellow Balloon.

Their harmony drenched soft pop, the level of sophistication and interweave is an awfully rare beast, even in the phenomenal world of powerpop. Thus it was truly a delight to experience their aural brilliance for the first time, from the delightful first song 'Time' which featured just Ni's piano and the bands glorious voices, to 'Anything For You' from their Naked Songs EP. 

Although their own material is very strong, it's arguable whether the real highlights were their crowd pleasing rendition of Jellyfish's 'That Is Why' and later and even better known, the Buggles 'Video Killed the Radio Star.' Both were nigh on perfect, particularly the Jellyfish cover which was frankly awe inspiring.

We are indebted to Debbie's Twitterfriend, Anne Marie for the recommendation and an introduction to main man Nigel Frayling-Kelly. Explore more at www.myspace.com/honeybug

You wait for years for new, well crafted soft harmony pop, then two come along at once.

Piano led by Yani Martinelli, Navy Blue too have a level of sophistication and command of the medium that impresses immediately. The material often recalls the mini symphonies and welded multi-strand short pieces of the Smile-era Beach Boys, the experimental touches of Harper's Bizzare, Ben Folds and Todd Rundgren. I even hear references from as far afield as Harry Nilsson and amazingly, Stereolab. But Madrid's Navy Blue make it all their own, in a rich melle of gorgeous flavours.

The band possess two excellent lead vocalists in the charming Yani Martinelli and lead/back-up singer/percussionist Angel Gago - a finer set of pipes than you could ever wish to meet. Their new album 'At Home' is as charming and seductive as they are. Investigate more at www.myspace.com/navyblueproject

Mini moved through the club like a clean waft of fresh air, delivering a tight set of dynamic, twisting, turning songs of love lost and unrequited, set to flawless and tasteful, inventive instrumentation.

The material flowed smoothly and effortlessly for half-an-hour of relentless entertainment. The band connected well with the audience and lead singer (and drummer) had oodles of charisma, with bags to spare. Also, great to see a band with two lead singers plus strong vocal harmonies and back-ups - all band members sing - and perform like their life depended on it. Their cover of Cliff Richard's 'We Don't Talk Anymore' was a showstopping demonstration of just how great a powerpop song this was. Mini did the 1980 #1 Alan Tarney penned hit total justice and didn't shortchange us at all when they included all the vocal pyrotechnics of the original, delivered with stunning and appropriate acrobatics!!

Mini were new to us but we will go away with nothing but admiration for their standout song 'Since Yesterday' - a tremendous showcase for the incredible vocal performance and quality of lead singer Scott Richardson and guitar of the Gary Davies. The song has an expansive sound which takes in both Macca (Circa 'Band on The Run') and Stevie Wonder (Circa 'Innervisions/Believe When I Fall In Love') with a dose of psychedelia to tag out with. Unmissable.

Mini's EP with a nice self-depreciating title of 'Must Try Harder' should be purchased immediately - find out more about Mini: www.myspace.com/soundofmini

If memory serves, almost one week on, I believe Smash Palace opened with the superb career high 'Steal Her Thunder' from their 'Over The Top' album. A wickedly perfect soaring slice of pop psychedelia that recalls both fellow New Jerseyites 'The Grip Weeds' and (of course perfect PP reference) the Byrds

Although the crowd wasn't huge, Smash Palace can't realise their almost legendary status as the wonderful 'Juliet To Me' (from both the 1st album & the fully realised/rounded version which graces 'Over The Top') was requested by audience member. Leader Stephen Butler seemed genuinely humbled by the fact that some people in England might know their stuff when he asked "How do you know that song?". "Cos I bought the album when it came out" replied the English guy. Yeah Stephen that makes at least of two of us - and I'm sure many more!

The band (formerly the main shakers from the obscure, rare & underrated 'Quincy') continued with 'She' (From the last album 'Everybody Comes & Goes') and a very nice cover of the Beatles 'Hey Bulldog' in recognition of their being at the Cavern. Personally I can't believe how far they've come from that now passe sub U2/New Romantic sound of 1985's 'Living On The Borderline'. www.myspace.com/smashpalace and www.smashpalacemusic.com/

Unfortunately due to switching from one venue to another we were only able to catch 2 songs by Peter Parker, which was a real shame. His break speed guitar work welds Chuck Berry to Marc Bolan, and chugs and splutters like no other. An arresting spectacle, Parker jerks and quirks like a man who’s eaten tourettes tablets for breakfast. He’s only one man, and although great, I think fronting a band would serve him well. The songs available at www.myspace.com/peterparkerrocks and MySpace Vids are gloriously hooky and blew these writers away.


Radio Days, an Italian band from Milan, made a visual statement soon as they appeared - all clad in all black, thin ties, skinny frames and a front line of white guitars. The Band had fabulous stage presence and unstoppable energy! Their set was over way too quickly for us.

These guys had definitely done their powerpop homework. They performed brilliant covers of both the Rubinoos "I Want To Be Your Boyfriend" and a sublime Paul Collins' Beat: 'Rock 'n' Roll Girl'. These covers perfectly placed their own songs which revisits the best in the short sharp shocks of bands like the Romantics, the Ramones, Green Day and of course, the Beat. www.myspace.com/radiodays



My husband and I were pleasantly surprised to find out while doing research for this article that the origins of Irwin Starr from Denmark date back to the excellent Shiner 22. Who? I hear you say, but we had discovered the music of Shiner 22 many years ago (one and a half brilliant albums in 'Mint' and 'Where's The Catch') and often wondered what had happened to them.

Amazingly they still have a web site www.shiner22.net/ but main man Fjeder (aka Pete Shiner) now leads Irwin Starr, who were superb BTW. Their song 'Sally Can't Wait' is as solid a gold piece of powerpop if ever you heard some and remained the high point of their hot and sweaty set in the bowls of the Cavern Pub. The audience was a little thin on the ground but was frequently peppered by streams of scantily clad young women on a night out, a sight which thrilled the band enough to make up for the paucity of numbers and provided a few laughs for us in the audience and the band at the irony of the whole thing. See Irwin Starr's Facebook page

Peter and the Penguins are able to capture the essence of Beatlesque harmonies, melodies and song structure without sounding totally derivative of their idols. The exception might be the infectious 'Surprise' which is such a dead ringer for 'Please Please Me' it may as well have been a Rutles song!

However the band more than redeem themselves with very original spin given on their song 'There Goes Pete Best' which tells the story of how the writer is about to get Pete Best's autograph, but has a change of heart when he questions why he'd want the autograph of "...the unluckiest bastard in the world".

The Penguins went down a storm with more than a sprinkling of dedicated fans amongst the throng. Their nifty cover of the Spongetones "She Goes Out with Everybody" was another highlight and prompted our purchase of their latest album 'How To Choose A Sweetheart' at the gig as a souvenir of a great concert. Go to www.myspace.com/peterthepenguins to find out how to get your copy.


Mellowmen were initially the band that compelled Debbie to pick Saturday for the day that we would attend IPO as we'd seen them twice before - again, they were our favorite band of the day.

Their songwriting, musicianship and performance makes one wonder why their name isn't better known. The sheer energy of the show had the audience as much engrossed in the music as the band members were themselves transfixed by something outside our immediate vision (see photo below for evidence). The men of Mellow began with Out Of Shape Part I from their 2004 EP of the same name, a crowd pleaser to the anointed as many of us sang along about just how 'Out of Shape' we were. From beginning to end these guys give their absolute all and by end of the performance are completely hung out to dry. When they come off stage they resemble the MC5 in that classic cover shot from their second album 'Back in the USA'(pic) - although musically they are not at all alike - they certainly capture that energy and commitment.

This time the Men had a surprise for us all when lead guitarist Anders Lofgren came over all Pete Townshend like and suddenly smashed his guitar into splinters in 60's pop-art style. It was certainly a great end to a terrific day!

Best personal surprise of all, Debbie got an advance promo of 4 new tracks of the band from hunk bassist Jonas Lofgren - the contents of which indicate that their projected fall second album promises to be brilliant - can't wait! www.myspace.com/mellowmen
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It seems churlish to complain, the IPO is a free festival and although he seems a little more aloof than when I first met him 5 years ago in New York, there's no doubt that it's the enthusiasm and drive of David Bash that flies the powerpop flag so large and so high, but I feel that a 7 day festival and 175 bands, while admirable is spreading the goods a little thin. For me, the influx of indie and other extraneous styles sometimes dilutes the artist mix a little too much.



Posted by Mr Qwerty & Debra47
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Happiness is a Warm Fuzz

Here's another record that failed to make our best of the year only by virtue of the fact that it was released too close to the end of 2008 for us to place it in our catchment. Certainly, it would have featured in our top 5 EP's of the year as it's as solid a pink piece of prime modern bubblegum as one could ever wish to find.

The great thing for 'Gum aficionados like me, is that each generation brings something fresh to the genre without taking something important away, unlike the Heavy Metal genre for example which seems intent on removing essential elements piece by piece, dimension by dimension to end up with some ghastly one dimensional shadow of its original reference. By contrast, this fine EP has pedigree which reaches all the way back to Kasenetz Katz & The Archies, thru Chinn & Chapman, Fizzy 80's Electronica, Betty Boo, Hanson, right up to today's Ting Tings.

The Warm Fuzzies hail from the rich musical heritage that is Athens, Georgia, but apart from maybe the odd minor nod to Pylon, buck the lineage completely and serve up their very own slab of delicious dessert.

Their 6-song EP specially packaged in an eco-friendly "arigato pak" comes complete with a comic-style liner (like Bazooka Joe's did) and topped with a scratch-n-sniff (ala Raspberries 1st) that smells just like bubblegum!


As soon as your player hits binary you're up and grooving to the Warm Fuzzies infectious concoctions. References abound, Weezer and The Rentals are obvious pointers, but I hear reaches back to 'Gums' mid 60's inception, plus the idiosyncratic influence of Devo, Cheap Trick, TMBG & that nerdy cool of The Feelies, Presidents of the USA, Wheatus and Bowling For Soup.

So what do you get for the price of your Chewy Chewy few dollars:

• 'Hey Milunka' opens with a 'Pictures of Matchstick Men' incessant high pitch guitar crochet riff, followed by a run on something which sounds like a resident arcade one arm bandit, then a flutey Casio picks up the gauntlet and gives in to off-the-wall lyrics with a nursery rhyme melody in the classic 'Gum tradition. 'Hey Milunka' is a great opener sitting exactly where the strongest track should - be at the helm.
  

• Gotta mention that the Casio sounds like the classic VL1 Tone model (circa 1980) - the same synth as used famously on Trio's 'Da Da Da' and the Human League's 'Dare'. This tiny hand held instument was an innovative little beast which doubled as a calculator - I used mine at school back in those early electro days.
  

• 'Space Invaders' opens with fizzy Moog and toy fuzz guitar and addresses that very serious issue of encroaching on your colleagues space in the office. In fact, this could have been the soundtrack to Ricky Gervais' "The Office", later personified by Steve Carell in the US version of the same. "Disorder, ...border, ...space invader".
  

• 'Your Dairy King' - employs the band's knack of including great puns in both their song titles and lyrics, plus (in fine 'Gum tradition again) the all important confectionery link. 'Your Dairy King' features brand loyalty in a song which raises the ad jingle way above its usual disposable status.
  

• 'Why Do Girls Wear Big Sunglasses' - is perhaps the bands best song other than the hit starter. This manages the stupendous feat of recalling for this writer, both XTC's 'I'm Bugged': "You're all look like insects, in your brand new sun specs" and John Fred/Playboy band 'Judy in Disguise' - all top notch 'Gum references.
  

• There's an infectious cheesiness that pervades the whole Warm Fuzzies experience. A fact not overlooked by the band themselves as they celebrate with their collective tongues in their cheeks, when they promote their love for cheese in their sign-off 'Queso Love'.
  

The band may not have intended it, but for this writer, this is not a million miles away, in concept, from another grand trash aesthetic & artistic project: 'Groovy Neighborhood' by Pianosaurus, produced by the dBs/REM/Continental Drifters shaker Peter Holsapple, where all the songs were performed with vigor and enthusiasm on toy instruments with wonderful aplomb.

The Warm Fuzzies hook-laden guitars, cheesy cheapo synths, grunge pop and magnetic melodies are 'bob-on' fantabulous. However don't go to your local record stores (not that there are any left anymore, anyway) - take a magic swirling trip to your local candy store (although in the UK we call them sweets and we would buy them at Tuck Shops). Anyhow, it's in the Tuck Shop where you'd find the Warm Fuzzies, right next to Swizzlers Love hearts, Penny Arrow Bars and Chocolate Firemen in the box labeled 'Happiness is a Warm Fuzz' - indeedy! Buy, buy, buy.

We've secured a fine interview with the band to accompany this review, which we'll feature very shortly.

Buy Bubblegum at CD Baby
Hear them from our link (above) or at their MySpace site

Criminally Overlooked But Not Buried Underground

With the phenomenal amount of music released these days from every corner of the industry, it isn't surprising for a band or two to get lost in the shuffle - in fact in this business it's a downright certainty.

The Ravines is one such example of a criminally overlooked record from recent years. As a duty, we felt we should seek it out, dust it down, give it an airing and make you feel as ashamed (as we were) when the proverbial needle hit the groove.

The Ravines first CD Manifesto of a Broken Heart was actually released back in 2005 on the C-Side Records label and harks back to a simpler time musically (ie: somewhat earlier than 2005!). Singer/Songwriter Chris Corney and drummer James Crossley originally met back in 2000 when they played in Peterborough band the Contrast.

Their sound encapsulates Americana crossed with an inherent Britishness. My favorite track is title track Manifesto of a Broken Heart which features a rootsy Keith Richards' guitar and the stuck-to-roof-of-your-mouth catchy riff.

The harmonizing, the jangly guitar, and rumbling bass on the third track Supersize is infectious. Fifth song Best Friends also grabbed me; the harmonies in particular recall the Contrast's greatest song Caught in a Trap, to which of some of these guys contributed, of course

Overall The Ravines material reflects an experienced world weariness of angst and hope dashed with buzzword modernity in the use of language like 'downsize' and 'supersize'. Much of this feeling culminates in the closer The Getaway. A great and sure way to end the album.

If you looking for references you may already know, try these for size: Gin Blossoms, Goo Goo Dolls and Scottish bands the Silencers and Diesel Park West. All decent and seminal in their own way.

It is hard not to fall in love with this album, and it will only improve on repeated listens. Roll down those windows when you are listening to this once spring comes and make sure you drown out those hip-hop monkeys at the traffic light.

For full length tracks check out their page here. If you love the bands music as much as us you can purchase their CD at CDBaby .

Best Albums of 2008

It is never easy to simplify and boil down all the greats from one 12 month period into one finite list of the very best for a particular year. However, this is what we've attempted to do. Here is a list of my favorite albums of 2008, in no particular order. I've also included favorites from my husband (Mr Qwerty). Most of the time our taste in music is quite similar but there are some genres that he prefers more than me and vice-versa. It's an eclectic list and also includes our favorite compilations, acts outside our remit and other goodies. Hope that there is an artist or band on this list that encourages you to look further and seek out their music. In 2009 I will be looking forward to discovering many more, new powerpop bands and the next International Pop Overthrow Festival in Liverpool.

Powerpop Albums of the Year
1 Adrian Bourgeois - Adrian Bourgeois
2 Sloan - Parallel Play
3 Third of Never - Moodring
4 Gurus - Now
5 Roger Joseph Manning - Catnip Dynamite
6 Junipers - Cut Your Key
7 Liam Finn - I'll be Lightning
8 Julie Ocean - Long Gone and Nearly There
9 Galaxies - Here We Go
10 The Quarter After - Changes Near
11Explorers Club - Freedom Wind
12 Class Three Overbite - Horses For Courses
13 Feeling - Join With Us
14 Ike - Where To Begin
15 Presidents of the USA - These Are The Good Times People
16 The Major Labels - Aquavia
17 Raconteurs - Consoler of the Lonely
18 Scott Murray - Vinyl Generation
19 Greg Pope - Popmonster
20 Lund Bros - Songbook IV

Honorable Mentions Which Might Be Outside Of Our Remit
1. Counting Crows - Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings
2. Mark Kozelek - The Finally LP
3 Winterpills - Central Chambers
4 Black Francis - Svn Fngrs
5 Dexateens - Lost and Found
6 Brent Cash - How Will I Know If I'm Awake
7 Boo Hewerdine - Toy Box No. 1 (e.p.)
8 Jeff Hanson - Madam Owl
9 Black Crowes - Warpaint
10 Killers - Day & Age
11 Duffy - Rockferry
12 Kings of Leon - Only By the Night
13 Lindsey Buckingham - Gift of Screws
14 Dwight Twilley - Singles
15 Envelopes - Here Comes The Wind
16 All American Rejects - When The World Comes Down
17 Greg Laswell - How The Day Sounds

Legendary Comebacks of the Year
Famously, the likes of Glen Campbell and Neil Diamond and other legendary old timers have put out substantial albums this year to equal (in some cases) their finest work. Less trumpeting and flags were erected for Beau Brummels' mainman Sal Valentino's contribution this year. His album, Every Now and Then quietly appeared to no particular fanfare. Understated, unassuming - Sal even revisits past glories, but it makes me happy that guys like Sal are still marking worthy statements which are vying for attention in the crowded marketplace.

Reissue of the Year
I bought it on vinyl in 1977 and when it first came out on CD in the 80's/early 90's but I'm still happy to lay out a third time for Dennis Wilson's sublime Pacific Ocean Blue, this time including his unfinished follow up Bambu. Often overlooked, even by Beach Boys fans, Dennis in any other band would be the major songwriter and central talent. This release proves beyond any doubt that we lost one of our finest musical contributors back in 1983

Compilations
Goo Goo Dolls - Greatest Hits Volume 2
VA - International Pop Overthrow Volume 11
Gripweeds - Infinite Soul (Best of The Gripweeds)
Linus of Hollywood - Attractive Singles

Holiday Recommended Books For The Music Lover

At this time of year many of us look for the perfect book for the
serious music lovers on our Christmas list. That person may indeed
be us as it is so tempting to purchase this type of gift for oneself.

This Is Your Brain On Music - Daniel J. Levitin - Plume, 2006
Extremely well researched book that delves into the mysteries of how
our brains and other receptors are affected by music

Music Lust - Nic Harcourt - Sasquatch Books, 2005
Written by KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic. Book is broken down into
various themed chapters that describe bands and/or musicians that
fall into that particular category. For example the chapter for Good
Enough to Eat lists bands that have names describing food. The
individual who loves music combined with an obsessive love of lists
needs this book!

Lost In The Grooves - Kim Cooper and David Smay - Routledge, 2005
This is one of those books you can get lost in. Described on the
cover as a capricious guide to the music you missed this is the type
of book that fanatical music collectors love. Here's where my husband
found that the James Gang and Martin Mull were worthy of re-evaluation
and discovered Fool's Face for the first time. If this kind of thing
sets your heart racing, then this is the book for you.

Listen To This - Alan Reder and John Baxter, Hyperion, 1999
Musicians from different genres recommend their favorite artists and
recordings which gives this book an original outlook. For fans of
Peter Buck of REM you will gain insight into the bands and influences
that impacted his music. Highly recommend the book because of the
unusual music that is mentioned but also for the depth of the research
done.

The Green Book of Songs by Subject, 4th Edition - Jeff
Green,Professional Desk References, 1995
This is the book that all disc jockeys would have loved to have gotten
their hands on in the days of early 70's free form radio. The book is
divided into all types of categories and songs that fit into those
categories are listed. The categories range from Africa - world. I
myself used to make up playlists of the 3 perfect songs that would go
together thematically if I were a DJ. At the time I purchased the
book I hesitated due to the price but in retrospect I am glad I made
the acquisition as I haven't seen it since.

The Encyclopedia of Record Producers - Eric Olsen, Paul Verna & Carlo Wolff, Billboard Books, 1999
As essential as directors of movies are the legendary producers of
records. Here are the visionaries behind the stars,the ones twiddling
the knobs, sliding the sliders and dishing out the direction and
advice. Pretty thorough and gives discographies which feature their
misses as well as their hits. As a companion to this volume, can we
also recommend the BBC book The Record Producers which accompanied
their radio series of the same name, where fuller accounts and
interviews are conducted with a number of classic producers. Not all
are obvious with some surprise entries.

Shake Some Action - The Ultimate Power-Pop Guide - John Borack,
Not Lame, 2007
Essential for any fan of the genre, this book lists the top 200 power
pop albums and discusses each record. But this book is a variable
feast for the fan and additionally contains another 14 riveting
chapters that none of us can afford to be without. Seasoned powerpop
hack veteran Borack has pretty much rounded up every important
commentator, musician and mover/shaker on the jangly genre that is
worthy of a sniff and nailed a comment, a top ten or other important
fact for us ever grateful servants of this thing we love. Unfortunately this
book is now out of print but was originally available from the Not Lame
site.

Old Rare New: The Independent Record Shop, Barry Seven, Black Dog
Publishing, 2008
Although a rare experience now - this book recreates the feeling and
experience of finding that unusual record shop in a new town that has
you salivating beyond control. It panders to those of us of a certain
age, but lets face it, unless you remember the record shop of
yesterday then this book will probably not appeal in the first place.
Well researched and contains a couple of stores that are our
favourites too.

All books listed above with the exception of Shake Some Action are all
available at Amazon. There are even reasonably priced used copies of
many of them. Hope this list has been an inspiration for this holiday season.

Bopp Till You Drop

Andy Bopp, lead singer, guitarist, and main songwriter with the band
Myracle Brah shocked fans last month with a radical departure from the
norm. First make a solo album, and then make it an all acoustic affair
with eight stripped down versions of previously released songs, then
add four new songs to the package to keep the fans happy.

Andy highlights material mostly from his early career with songs from
Life From Planet Eartsnop, Bleeder, Plate Spinner and both Love Nut
albums (Andy's Pre Myracle Brah outfit). If you don't know Love Nut
- their two albums on Merkin are also worth checking out.

Entitled This Guitar Kills Singer Songwriters the solo album was
released on October 21 on the Rainbow Quartz label.

It was interesting to hear the acoustic versions of songs I'm already
very familiar with and to hear the new material. In general I think
if you have never heard Myracle Brah's music you need to go back to
their extensive catalog to truly appreciate this solo album by
listening to the original Myracle Brah versions first. Personally, I
prefer the crunchier sound of the electric guitar vs. the acoustic.

For those of you not familiar with Myracle Brah, their music is
defined by extremely short, under 3 minute powerpop gems that have an
immediacy and passion that grabs you. Perhaps one of the reasons
there is a rawness to their sound is due to the fact that Andy Bopp
does all of his recording in the garage of his home; when the mood
strikes him he can just meander down to his studio and capture his
inspiration.

I was fortunate to see Myracle Brah in the fall of 2004 when they
performed at Arlene's Grocery in NYC for that particular year's
International Pop Overthrow Fest; their performance far surpassed my
expectations.

Back to 'This Guitar Kills...' - The album begins with a favorite of
mine in its original format Whisper Softly- This version is
stark, but it's catchy, haunting melody pervades. Other favorites on
the album include "Broken" , Good Day To The Night and "Hearts on Fire".
I believe Lennon and McCartney would have been quite chuffed to
have come up with these melodies.

All in all an album for committed fans rather than a new audience, but
as a sketch before the full canvas of another Brah album, this will do
just dandy.

Some interviews with Andy Bopp are found here:

• Interview With Andy Bopp of Myracle Brah
  

• Solo Acoustic Set and Interview on WFMU dated October 23, 2007.

Discography

Love Nut

• Bastards of Melody - (Merkin) 1996

• Baltimucho (Merkin) 1998

Myracle Brah

• Life on Planet Eartsnop (Not Lame) 1998

• Plate Spinner (Not Lame) 1999

• Myracle Brah (Not Lame) 2000

• Bleeder (Not Lame) 2001

• Super Automatic (Rainbow Quartz Records) 2002 - 14 song compilation

• Treblemaker (Rainbow Quartz Records) 2003

• Can You Hear the Myracle Brah (Rainbow Quartz International) 2007

The Vinyl Resurgence

While back in the U.S. for my Mom's funeral I was able to return to a favorite record/CD shop in New Jersey. In the past my husband and I have spent many long hours combing through the used CDs and albums there. How many of you have fond memories of hunting through the browser for that rare album? I'm sure many readers have favorite record shops from their youth?

When I was a teenager I used to look through the import and the alphabetized sections hoping to come across an unusual album. My husband also had the experience of being able to visit over 30 record shops in his adopted home town, tramping miles to hunt through the sale bins for imported and cut-out albums. It was not unusual on some occasions to come home with 30+ albums tucked under his arms.

Since the introduction of the CD in the 80's and more recently the explosion of the MP3 (and similar) there is now a generation of young people who didn't experience firsthand the discovery of new bands as a result of perusing through vinyl. There are many who opine that the sound of vinyl is warmer than the digital option. Also with album covers being much larger you end up with a much bigger visual treat, a greater package and some genuine works of fine pop culture and yes, art!

When I was back in the U.S. I saw an ad for turntables being sold in 2 separate record/CD shops. This is the first time that I had seen a renewed interest in turntables despite the fact that the one shop has always sold new and used albums. The second shop where I saw turntables being sold was in the university town of Ithaca. While there (at 'Volume') I had a conversation with one of the co-owners of the shop in regard to the sale of vinyl. He said there was definitely a strong interest in the black plastic way of listening to music and that the college students wanted the artwork, the lyric sheet, the inner sleeve and moreover: 'the real thing' when it comes to purchasing music.

Vox Pop on Twitter
On Twitter recently I asked a few people if and why they purchase vinyl. Reasons ranged from "I like the warmer sound of it. Nostalgia, maybe?", "There's also the cover art and the cool gatefolds. Artists were able to do some great things with the larger canvas." Other responses included "there's something about the depth and warmth of sound on vinyl that I really like." and "I'm purchasing vinyl because I like the feel, the big cover art and the sound and it will be more durable and valuable than a CD."

Commercial Rise
Amazon's recently launched vinyl store now has over 250,000 titles in stock. In the next few months Oasis, Kings of Leon and Bob Dylan will be releasing new vinyl titles. U2 and Van Morrison will also be re-releasing their back catalog on vinyl. On September 2, 2008, Capitol Records released the first in a series of vinyl reissues of albums from some of their biggest artists, featuring classic releases from the Beach Boys "Pet Sounds" and Steve Miller "Greatest Hits 1974-78" alongside more recent blockbusters from Coldplay "Parachutes" and Radiohead "OK Computer". Subsequently, Capitol followed up these 13 launch titles with the September 30 release of Jimi Hendrix' 1970 album "Band of Gypsies" and John Lennon's popular "Imagine", and on October 28, the iconic label will release albums from The Band, Megadeth, Roxy Music, and Paul McCartney & Wings.

L.A. indie label HackTone Records, will issue its first vinyl release, "Ready for the Flood," from former Jayhawks Mark Olson and Gary Louris this fall. The Pretenders new release called "Break Up the Concrete" came out recently on October 7. The vinyl version of the album, to be released on September 23, features two 10" discs with a gatefold, die-cut to shape and debossed with concrete texture with a full Album CD in Mini Jacket.

In addition to old material appearing on vinyl, 180 gram releases of new material are being marketed too. Ben Folds new album "Way To Normal Package" will contain: a CD, 180 gram vinyl, 24 page booklet, bonus DVD and Bonus CD with live 9 live songs.

Despite the fact that the 12 inch vinyl record was in decline for the past 20 years, worldwide sales of LP records doubled in 2007 after an all-time low in 2006. Turntable sales in the U.S. have increased more than 80% from 2006-2007 and are expected to rise again this year according to the Consumer Electronics Association.

One of the great things about the new vinyl movement, it's an independent phenomena - so far the big corporates have not climbed on the bandwagon and stomped all over it with their ugly size 13's - to much extent so far!

The Hunt
For those of you who are just now discovering vinyl you may wonder where the best place is to find those obscure vinyl treasures. I highly recommend the following places:

Used record shops
Record shows
Garage sales
Flea markets/car boots
Thrift stores
Ads in local newspapers
Ads in magazines such as Goldmine or Record Collector -UK
Gemm
Ebay
Internet forums
Library sales
College radio stations
Craigslist

For new and older vinyl:
Amazon , Rhino , and Sundazed are recommended.
This author has compiled a fabulous list of worldwide vinyl retailers.

Innovative?
If you need a creative solution for your new acquisitions once you start collecting vinyl here are directions for making a record holder

Experiences
Recently I read Vinyl Junkies by Brett Milano. Not only does he delve into the reasons for obsessive hunts for vinyl but he also did extensive research into the habits of serious music collectors such as Peter Buck of REM and Roger Manning of the band Jellyfish. I highly recommend the book.


Further Reading
Vinyl Gets Its Groove Back

We're Having a Vinyl Revival
Vinyl Revival: How A Dead Format Came Back for Another Spin
Vinyl Gets Another Spin
Vinyl Records Make a Return
Vinyl En Vogue

Cut Outs in the UK - Many shops were seasonal and set up just to sell American imports which came into the country as ballast from freight ships. The albums were supposed to be junked after they reached the UK's shores, but of course many of them were not, and were sold to unscrupulous wholesalers who would then sell them on to retail outlets for very little. Lucky for us collectors here, they were - a good proportion of my collection of American material is made up of these cut-outs - containing rarities and fabulous albums that soldin tiny amounts which have since allowed me to discover great
artists which would have otherwise be lost. MrQ