New Music from Business of Dreams

In my monthly Corey Cunningham update, today we have a synth driven pop hit from his Business of Dreams project. Immediately your ears are hit with bouncing rhythms, quite playful from the get-go. Vocally, Corey dreamily drapes his voice atop those beats, allowing juxtaposed feelings to mesh perfectly in your speakers. Listen closely at the 1.20 minute mark, where a nice little guitar dances around in the chorus, furthering the delight for listeners. This song will appear on the debut Business of Dreams LP, which comes via Cunningham’s label, Parked in Hell, on February 2nd. Listen now and thank me later.

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Have You Heard Smokescreens?

smokescreensAdmittedly, I’ve got a bit of a man crush on Corey Cunningham (musically speaking); I’ll swear by anything he does…Terry Malts, Business of Dreams…and now Smokescreens. Even better, is he’s teamed up on this project with Chris Rosi of Plateaus (they’ve been quiet lately, amiright?). The end result is something you’d expect if you knew the history of these bands: huge pop with sound with enough grit for you to still act like you’re tough. While the bouncy verses are great, I’m stuck on trying to hit the same perfect notes that come in the glorious chorus. Their new tape hitson February 2nd via Parked in Hell.

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Top 50 Albums of 2016

top50You’ve all been waiting, anxiously. Waiting for our arbitrary list of the opinion of four folks who run this site, and what we think were the best albums of 2016. It’s really really important. We’re going to make our site great again with this list. We’re going to win, bigly. But really, it’s just a list of the stuff we loved the most that we covered throughout this year on our site. The comment section is open, so feel free to tell us where we’ve gone wrong or what we’ve got right or anything else fitting. Read more

More Music from Business of Dreams

businessI’ve already expressed my undying affection for Terry Malts, and one of the band members, Corey, has been working on Business of Dreams as a side gig. The other night, while we were all on the verge of tears, he dropped this new tune. You’ll hear the vocals hiding a bit, but I think that forces the song’s emotional appeal upon the listener. For me, it speaks of a period of longing, looking for something new, something that can make your life worth living. When the world looks bleak, sometimes it’s best to listen to your friends speak to you through their craft.

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New Terry Malts Video

Have you bought the new Terry Malts LP yet? If not, I’m not sure what you’re waiting for, but in case you needed more convincing, then enjoy this brand new video from the group. Personally, I love the black and white aesthetic of the performance video; it seems to also fit the band’s sound. As far as the track goes, you’ll just need to listen to hear everything you love about pop music; I think the moment at the 1.50 mark where Phil and the band turn towards a classic guitar pop sound is brilliant. How folks haven’t discovered that this is one of the strongest group’s working today is beyond me. Grab Lost at the Party now from Slumberland Records.

Happy Punk from Girl Tears

girltearsI cringe at the word pop punk,so I wanted to stay away from that with the latest single from Girl Tears, though I think there are definitely poppies elements hanging about in this single. That said, it’s a furious tune, hitting you with pummeling drums right from the start; it sort of reminds me of the hook laden punk that Terry Malts bring to the table. As quickly as the song bursts into play, it wraps up and is over…that might be the song’s only detracting quality. You will have more tunes to enjoy soon, however, as the group releases Woke Against the Tide on October 28th via Sinderlyn.

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Spend Time with A Step Forward Compilation

hbThere’s a bunch of people out there trying to be cool, trying to spread the news on what’s “good,” but I’m always keeping an eye on those that truly care, like Heartbreaking Bravery. Steven’s put together A Step Forward Compilation, a compilation of demos, live recordings and new tracks by tons of great acts, all benefiting Rape Victim Advocates (good causes always warrant posts!). Some bands on the comp like DTCV andTerry Malts offer new tunes, which should get you excited, while you’ll get hand-picked favorites from Trust Fund and Pile…not to mention live and demo versions galore. It’s a good cause, filled with good tunes, so support the people.

Play More Terry Malts!

terrymaltI’m not ever going to get tired of raving about Terry Malts; I’ve been aboard this bandwagon since the beginning. Their new album, Lost at the Party, comes out in two weeks, and I think this might be their best work to date. They still employ those shredding guitar riffs, but as this song displays, there’s a propulsive energy that exemplifies everything the band’s always been about. I love the balance between the distortion and steady hand of the verses. You’ve been wanting a band to make pop music cool again? Well, then look no further…grab the LP from Slumberland Records on October 14th.

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It’s Terry Malts Time

terrymaltPerhaps one of my favorite acts, Terry Malts, are back for the attack…making it my favorite time of the year. Hearing their new single, not only has me looking forward to the full-length, but also reflecting upon their past. Now, I can’t vouch for the entirety of the LP, having not heard it, but, my first run through sees the band pulling from their storied history (which I also adore). They’re often quick, energetic and infectious…and my ears hear them looking further into the spectrum of pop. In all honesty, I expect them to mix it all up, leaving listeners with a record they’ll play time and time again…just like their other LPs. Look for Lost at the Party on October 14th via Slumberland Records.

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Corey Cunningham is Business of Dreams

businessSurely you’ve heard me rave about everything Corey Cunningham has done, from his projects like Magic Bullets, Terry Malts and his own solo work. But, he’s just come out that he’ll be working under the moniker of Business of Dreams, crafting delightfully dark pop music. Please don’t label it as strictly synth pop, as there’s definitely more. Just take the opener on his new EP, which takes a slight turn around the 1.20 minute mark with a twinkling guitar chord. If you’re asking me, I’ll trust anything Corey touches, and this new EP he’s just put up is now available digitally, so it’s time for you to fall head over heels with his new work.

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