The Popguns – So Long

It’s been a quiet couple of years for The Popguns since 2014’s Pop Fiction album and subsequent singles especially if you ignore last year’s side project The Perfect English Weather and the hit & miss album Isobar Blues. The good news is that they are back and June will see the release of the new album Sugar Kisses. So Long is the first single taken from the album and it features their trademark, infectious jangle pop sound. What’s not to like? It’s currently available as a free download so hurry! Sugar Kisses will be out on Matinee Recordings. Pre-order it … Continue reading The Popguns – So Long

Blonde on Blonde

I am old enough to remember the term Blonde Movement, coined by then Melody Maker writer Chris Roberts back in the day, to describe a late 1980’s musical movement which was defined by the hair colour of vocalists of The Primitives, Darling Buds, Transvision Vamp and to a lesser extent Birdland! Amazingly the first two bands from that list are still releasing music a quarter of a century later. The Primitives for a number of years now whilst The Darling Buds have just released their first new material for almost 25 years. The former release a new EP on Elefant … Continue reading Blonde on Blonde

Mixing It Up………….

A mid-April mix for your listening pleasure. Click here to take you to a Playmoss playlist featuring these and other tracks. The Death Of Pop – Busy With The Boys A track that takes a few listens to get into. Not sure what that annoying dib-be-do (sic) sample is doing in there either but it all comes good in the end! Facebook Youthmemory – City Flipside of their new single Neo Tokyo. Japan’s Youthmemory “go” all Radio Dept. and dancey shoegaze on us to great effect. Superb. Did I mention it was superb? Homepage Sea Pinks – Into Nowhere A … Continue reading Mixing It Up………….

Something For The Weekend? Three revisited

This week’s threesome covers new releases from bands I have mentioned before. Verbludes – долги Indiepop from Russia. Apparently it’s about being in debt. I think my ears are! The Death Of Pop – Like Always This is the first we have heard from The Death Pop for almost a year. It’s a finely polished tune encompassing their jangling guitar sound. It’s also their best track for some time. Facebook Peach Club – Mission Impossible Another assault on the senses from Norwich based riot grrrls Peach Club. Mission Impossible is an honest and memorable blast at sexism and double standards … Continue reading Something For The Weekend? Three revisited

Bruising/Personal Best – Split 7″

Two of my favourite discoveries of recent years have joined forces for a forthcoming split 7″ single for the Too Pure singles club. Personal Best give us mishapen guitars and lyrics that bite whilst Bruising take a more romantic approach with a sweeter, candy coated effort. Neither side of the split disappoint and this excellent 7″ is definately one for your valentine! You will need to subscribe to the Too Pure Singles club to get it although it may be available separately at some point in the future. The Personal Best track can be picked up digitally via their Bandcamp … Continue reading Bruising/Personal Best – Split 7″

Various Artists – CD16

I spotted this compilation over the weekend. It’s inspired by the 30th anniversary of the release of the NME C86 cassette and features a number of bands championed on this blog including the likes of Pale Spectres, Yumi Yumi Hip Hop, E’Spaniel and The BV’s. It’s available on limited edition CD via Peruvian label Impermeable Records. It’s also available as a free download. Facebook Continue reading Various Artists – CD16

Something For The Weekend? Forthcoming Releases

This week’s pack of three focuses on three forthcoming releases to keep an ear out for. Peaness – Seafoam Islands The flip side of the new single due for release at the end of this month on Oddbox Records. I did not hear much from Peaness in 2016 but they are off to a cracking start in 2017. Is it garage? Is it rock? Is it indie? Who cares because it is perfect pop to these ears. The limited 7″ single has now sold out of it’s pre-orders but keep an eye on their Bandcamp page in case any more … Continue reading Something For The Weekend? Forthcoming Releases

Smokescreens – Out Of Time

Out Of Time is a taster taken from the forthcoming self titled release by Smokescreens. Their line up includes Corey Cunningham from Terry Malts/Business of Dreams as well as Chris Rosi of Plateaus. The track itself invokes comparisons to the jangle pop bands that appeared on the C86 cassette but I reckon they like a bit of noise as well which prevents me tagging them as twee. It also has a nice catchy chorus that reminds me of The Pastels. Cannot wait for more. The Smokescreens cassette will be out on Parked in Hell sometime soon. Facebook Continue reading Smokescreens – Out Of Time

Records I Like Top 10 2016

Blimey. This year’s list was hard to compile given that I restrict myself to just 10 choices (self-inflicted stupidity!). I have been listening to plenty of punk, coldwave, indie-pop, riot grrrl, queercore, garage and post-punk but I think this selection is a fair reflection of my listening habits these past 12 months. Tracks missing the cut include the likes of Underworld, Joanna Gruesome, The Radio Dept., The Legends, Earth Girls,The Liminanas, Red Sleeping Beauty, Massive Attack, Jessica & The Fletchers, Vital Idles, Useless Youth, E’spaniel, Nice Try, Hate Week, Primetime, Tape Waves, The Wolfhounds, Merchandise, Slam, Blind Delon, Lad’s Mags, … Continue reading Records I Like Top 10 2016

Finishing Off….. 2016

After scrolling through my bookmarks here are some releases that deserved posts of their own but a busier solstice than usual has prevented that so please divert your ears into the direction of the following: Swimming Tapes – Set The Fire / Souvenirs Excellent debut 7″ from this London based alternative pop band. Facebook Son Bou – Cinta Indiepop from Barcelona. Out now on cassette from Snap! Clap! Facebook Kamikaze Girls – SAD Kamikaze Girls could be described as an angrier and noisier version of Curve. Stitches is a must hear. Facebook Fascinations Grand Chorus – Actor/Actress More dreamy 1960’s … Continue reading Finishing Off….. 2016