As well as being the leader of possibly the best band in recent years, Ex Norwegian, Roger Houdaille has become a record label empresario. Think Like A Key have already released some fine Archive stuff from the likes of Kaleidoscope, Ollie Halsall and Patto, but I Don't Hear A Single concentrates on the new.
With releases planned for Novelty Island and Bordello And Clark, the future is bright, but the first new release is from Joe Kane's The Poppermost. Glasgow's one man band, a key part of the UK Pop Rock scene and Hits To Spare should spread that worldwide.
I created some waves by dissing a recent Merseybeat type album, but this is different. The album is fun. Wit and knowledge is added to the new songs. They are performed with style amd much love rather than trying to reinvent the wheel as though Kane is the new sensation.
There is an attention to detail with even added control room banter. These songs sound as though they were recorded in 1963-4, they aren't trying to do it by numbers. For that reason, Hits To Spare has an affectionate air about it.
Comparisons will be made to The Rutles, but they were performing pastiches of known Beatles songs. These songs are more of a tribute to the era, recorded on vintage equipment. Hits To Spare, Laziest Fella In The Realm and Goodnight Georgia Peach are probably the stand out songs. Egg and Chips is also a really endearing opener.
However any of these 14 songs will get toes tapping. Yes it all sounds very familiar, that is the point. A reflection of an age that so many Power Poppers adore, but with a new set of songs to enjoy. I'd normally avoid this sort of thing like the plague, but this is so beautifully done that I can only applaud.
You can listen to and buy the album on CD, Vinyl or Download here. You can find out more about Think Like A Key here.
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