Last Week’s Jams (9.25 – 9.29)

While it seemed like a slow week, in my brain at least, there was lots of really great stuff to cover over on the site. We were happy to host the new video from Seablite, so be sure you drop in and give it a couple of looks. Plus, our Rock n’ Recipes features returned with Spain’s Melenas, who dropped their new Ahora LP on Friday. Plus, Austin was alive and kicking with new stuff from Molly Burch, Semihelix and Sun June. Seeing our old friends in Pop Filter return to the fold was just a little cherry on top of a great week of music. There’s lots more for you to find in this playlist!

Friday Album Streams: The Small Intestines, Hartle Road, Melenas + More

What’s the old cliche? When it rains, it pours? It’s a freaking downpour over here, as there’s just too damn much good music, or at least for my ears. I tried to pick up what I was laying down, and spread some suggestions out for you. No bullshit. Just tunes and their labels for you to stream.

Hartle RoadMAXX II (K Records/Perennial)

The Small IntestinesHide in Time (Lost & Lonesome/Meritorio)

MelenasAhora (Trouble in Mind Records)

Plastic CandlesFuton Stereo Mix (Paisley Records)

Molly BurchDaydreamer (Captured Tracks)

Buildings and FoodsInfinity Plus One (Self-Released)

The PopgunsPopism (Matinee Recordings)

 

 

 

 

 

WIAIWYA Releases Holiday Compilation

Our friends over in the UK will likely already be all over this one, but just wanted to make sure everyone was in the know on our end, as WIAIWYA just dropped an incredible holiday compilation titled 24. It’s 24 songs from some of the finest purveyors of pop music around; Pete Astor, Love Burns, the Orchids, the BVs, and a bunch bunch more of artists we’ve been covering on this site for some time. I have a feeling there’s a little something for everyone in this mix, so feel free to sample a tune or two below, then if you feel so inclined spread the holiday cheer by telling a friend!

Travel to the Moon and Back with WIAIWYA

I’m not sure there’s a label quite like WIAIWYA; it’s a label that blends their love of pop with really creative releases (did you see that 7777777 series?). Today the label announces a 38 song compilation that celebrates the adventures of Apollo 11. They tease us with three delightful pop tracks from Darren Hayman (Hefner), Mikey Collins (Allo Darlin) and Whoa Melodic…all powerful songwriters who’ve graced these pages. Oh, and you loved that Jeanines track from earlier? They’re on here too! So, if you’re wanting to blast off into space and relive the Apollo adventures of 50 years ago, jump on this pop rocket ship and blast off…or just fall in love with all the effort put into another unique release.

The Perfect English Weather Drop New Tune

Some songs are built to make you swoon, and perhaps that’s unintentional, but considering the consistency with which the Perfect English Weather accomplish said feat, seems it’s all part of their game. A guitar cascades across the sky, whilst a happily plodding piano sets the rest of the musical scene. Wendy has this quietly powerful melodic presentation of the vocals; I think the work on the chorus is quite special here too. This track will appear on the group’s Don’t You Wanna Feel the Rain LP, but for now, you can download the single direct from the band’s label, Matinee.

Another Single from the Next Popguns LP

A few weeks back we brought you the latest from legendary indiepoppers The Popguns, and why not share another ditty with you today. Listening myself, I’m not sure there are many acts out there writing pop music this good, or even in this manner anymore. It’s got a natural energy that moves the song forward, but the way the vocals take on the melodies provides the perfect balance…and builds the release pop fans all long for! They’ve titled the next release Sugar Kisses, which is fitting considering the band’s propensity for crafting ear candy. Look for the new release from our favorites Matinee Recordings this Friday.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/324798574″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Late to the Game: Fresh Hit from The Popguns

I was beginning to worry that one of our favorite purveyors of indiepop had gone too dormant, but as luck would have it, looks like Matinee Recordings have gotten their hands on another new album from the Popguns. The band has been going at it for thirty years, yet Wendy Morgan still has the pipes to make all those indiepop fans swoon; her performance here is definitely the star of the show. She turns melodies atop the band’s sharp jangles and steady beats, washing over you with emotion tugging notes. Look for Sugar Kisses, the new record, on June 14th.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/323343932″ params=”color=00aabb&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Fresh Indiepop from The Popguns

popLast year the Popguns returned via Matinee Recordings, making a big splash with throngs of indiepop masses.  But, it looks like once that songwriting bug hit the band, they couldn’t stop, already prepping the release of a new EP.  The opening track, “Still Waiting for the Winter” should already have piqued your interest, having appeared on the aforementioned album, Pop Fiction.  But, there will also be three exclusive new tracks to reassure your fandom.  I’ve posted one of those new tracks below, and it’s perfect…no need for more words other than that.  Look for the Still Waiting for the Winter EP this July.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/210604608″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Indiepop Gem from The Popguns

091jacketIt seems like it’s been far too long since our friends at Matinee Recordings have unleashed something new on the masses, but they’re now ready with the much anticipated return of The Popguns.  The Brighton act had largely been quiet until the last few years, tweaking their line-up a tad, and writing their first new material in 18 years.  This single below is the feature on the group’s Lovejunky EP; the shimmering guitar work has this attraction you can’t deny and Wendy’s voice has this matured innocence to it that’s inescapable.  You’ll be able to get your hands on one of the rare cherry red 7″, numbered by hand, but you better act quick because songs like this get a lot of love.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/01-Lovejunky.mp3]

Download: The Popguns – Lovejunky [MP3]