Infidels - Never Forever

 

Infidels certainly take their time with albums, but it wasn't always like that. Their first two albums, 9:25 And Seven Seconds and Wondrous Strange appeared in 1987 and 1988 respectively. All For Nothing took 15 years to appear and this their fourth hits the racks 22 years on.

The quartet of Pete Drivere, John Hlumyk, John Koury and Dave Lisko are all singer songwriters and with their individual tastes, Infidels provides the ultimate in variety. But, most of all, this is an album that thrives on the joy of the Guitar and how the instrument lights up music.

This beautifully arranged and produced album, allows the band to fully demonstrate the way they can switch from genre to genre at will. At different times, it is Pop Rock, Americana, West Coast Rock, yet there is also Jangle Pop and a hint of Psych Pop. It can be a little Tom Petty and yet also Cheap Trick.

Splendid memorable chorus dominate with a high riff content and gripping Guitar solos. The twang of Amber Moon is matched by the Jangle on Evil Change Of Seasons. When The Clock Strikes 12 is prime time Cheap Trick and Don't Walk Away Marie is great Power Pop.

There is a slight Country Rock vibe at times, but both the rhythm section and the band's wonderful Guitar sound dominate the album. Plus, with four different vocalists, you can imagine how strong the harmonies are throughout. 

The band may have been separated by distance through the years, but they have been keeping themselves busy. Koury, Drivere and later Hlumyk were active Blue Ash's Frank Secich's Deadbeat Poets and Dan Lisko releases his debut album, Spiders & The Sun in a couple of weeks.

You can listen to and buy the album here. It is available on Vinyl, CD and as a download.

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Tsar - The Drugboy Tapes

 

I rarely write about the old these days and my ventures into Power Pop are considerably lesser. However, I am still often asked to name my favourite Power Pop album and without any hesitation, I choose Tsar's self titled album from 2000.

It is a little rockier at times compared to other Power Pop gems, but those first four songs would turn any stranger on to the genre. The quality continues throughout and likewise, I would name The Girl Who Wouldn't Die as one of my Top 10 favourite songs of all time, no matter what the genre.

It must have been around 2011 when I picked this up and it is wonderful that Omnivore have brought it to the attention of the next generation, 25 years after that glorious album was released. There is even an extra track added in Holding On.

I didn't realise at the time, how well formed the songs were in 1998. The story of how they were recorded is great too. Jeff Whalen and Dan Kern sort of begged and borrowed the recording equipment to get these demos down.

A mixture of buying an 8 Track Tascam from a thrift store, gathering equipment from a Music shop, paid for by Whalen's step dad without his knowledge. Bought on his credit card with the intention of returning them in 30 days for a refund. They gave themselves that time to record the demos and here are the results.

Calling All Destroyers appears twice, firstly in its original demo form when it was called The Glower, then as a live version on KXLU by the full band on their first Live performance after Steve Coulter and Jeff Solomon had joined to become a quartet.

The demos were shopped around Hollywood and a bidding war began culminating in the Hollywood Records release. These are lo-fi, but enthralling. The resulting album is bursts out of the blocks, but here there is a lot in common with the lo-fi gems that have become so hip in recent years.

Omnivore have remastered the original release adding greater clarity. They are a testament to the joy of that debut album and how it was formed. Omnivore recently released the fully fledged album on White Vinyl and newbies would also be highly recommended to grab that too.

The Drugboy Tapes can be bought on CD or as a download from Omnivore here. The CD can also be bought at all good Record shops.

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Here Is The News

 

Welcome to the first Here Is The News in a while. As with everything on I Don't Hear A Single, it contains no influence whatsoever from anyone but us. We get lots of releases, PR, label contact, but we have always decided what we like and want to tell you about. 

Tamar Berk - ocd  (5 September)

Dealing with the two soonest upcoming albums first. 5 September sees the release of the new Tamar Berk album. One of our greatest discoveries, her fifth album in five years and each one has seem progression and different routes taken.  old îs a much more reflective album, darker in places and a little less rock out. 

Berk has always managed to express her feelings to great effect without angst. Moodier maybe, but I've been living with the album for a while and it is a superb listen. Mature and her development as a solo artist has been and continues to be amazing to witness.

LINK

The Wellingtons - Baby Moon (19 September)

Power Pop goodness arrives with a great fanfare as Australia's The Wellingtons return with their sixth album, the first since 2017's End Of The Summer. The trailing singles make you realise what we have missed. Outstanding Guitar Pop.

Melodic to the extreme, packed with Big choruses, Riffs to die for and a chirpiness that at times hides the lyrical adeptness of the songs. You will be singing along until your heart is content which will certainly continue into 2026.

LINK

Bird Streets - The Escape Artist (17 October)

John Brodeur  is a superb singer songwriter, taking unusual storytelling angles and displaying real depth in all that he does. Recorded with Jason Falkner, as always Brodeur wears his heart on his sleeve revealing a tenderness and exploring self doubt around wonderful memorable arrangements.

One of the most underrated artists around, his third album was recorded over four years and underlines his mastery of his art. It is also great to have Jason Falkner in tow, more about one of our great favourites later.

LINK 

The Len Price 3 - Misty Medway Magick (24 October)

The Len Price Three have been releasing singles that preview the joy of what is to come on this Wicked Cool release. Known for Mod Pop, but performing much more than that, this is an absolute Tour De Force. 

A Power Trio maybe, but the sheer pace and melody overwhelms you. Some might call them Garage Pop, but that gives an impression of noise and these are catchy songs that emphasise the tightness of the trio and the strength of Glenn Page's mellow vocals.

LINK

Cheap Trick - All Washed Up  (14 November)

Cheap Trick remain one of my all time stalwarts. A little too Rock for Power Pop, a little too Power Pop for Rock. Well into their sixth decade and still as relevant, this is their first album in four years and they sound as great as ever. 

Robin Zander in particular sounds as timeless as ever. The sound of my youth and still resonating now. All Washed Up is as melodic and sing along as you might expect. It is splendid that bands like Cheap Trick and Sparks are still releasing new material today that is just as engaging to an audience of over three generations.

LINK

The Salt Collective - A Brief History Of Blindness (21 November)

Stephane Schuck's second album has the songwriter and guitarist surrounded by what appears to be a I Don't Hear A Single who's who. Mike Mills, Chris Stamey, Mitch Easter, Andy Partridge, Jason Falkner, Kimberley Rew, Matthew Caws, Lynn Blakey and Aimee Mann are all involved.

Partridge adds two new songs, Falkner takes lead vocal on one of them. Aimee Mann appears adds vocals on two. As you might imagine from the cast list, the results are amazing a nd most of the material was not recorded remotely.

LINK

Nick Heyward - The Epic And Creation Years (4CD)  (31 October)

Nick Heyward's 90s were an inspired time. He mastered his solo years with three wonderful albums. From Monday To Sunday, Tangled and The Apple Bed. Enhanced by multiple bonus tracks including 12 demos, the strength of all three albums is revisited.

Coinciding with Brit Pop, Heyward shows that the period wasn't all about loud Guitar music. I've often been an advocate of how great much of the Pure Pop was around the outer circle of Brit Pop. Truth be known, the whole set is worth the admission for Kite alone, one of the greatest songs ever. The three individual albums are also released on Vinyl.

LINK

Finally Mommyheads return on 7 November with the release of No Quietus. I have the album here and it is truly wonderful. The New Yorkers are absolutely beloved here and more details will be released soon. Now almost four decades old, the band continue to be one of the most inventive groups that you are ever likely to hear.

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Yawn Mower - I Just Can't Wait To Die

 

Yawn Mower are a five piece from Asbury Park New Jersey, but don't expect this to be Springsteen-esque. I Just Can't Wait To Die is noisier than their excellent debut, fuzz laden, bigger sounding but also much looser. A little 90s Indie in feel, plenty in common with Slacker Rock. 

They also have a secret weapon in Nicole Scorsone whose violin complements the sound wonderfully. But don't expect Baroque Pop. This is violin that joins in the melee and the organised chaos bar the odd occasion. This is added violin that rocks in unison.

During slowed down moments, of which there are few, the band can sound a little like Deer Tick, particularly on the opener, Windshield Wiper, but equally they can get much heavier as witnessed on Igor The Exetor. 

However, this is an album of big riffs, even bigger choruses and unexpected Guitar solos. It is also incredibly melodic, but unstructured in style, you just get surprised by breakouts and the playing never ever meanders as it can do on albums with this sort of vibe.

It is a cracking listen, it just grabs a hold of you. There is also depth, never more so on the 6 minutes of Squirming, a song that gets heavier and heavier and noisier and noisier. But there are also great moments of Pop that just burst out into the sunlight.

Speedboat! is killer Pop Rock that doesn't betray the band's roots and Rascal sounds as adorable as ever. This in album that has allowed Yawn Mower to break out. They can easily adapt to a sort of heavier Weezer, but there is great variation particularly on the splendid Geothermal Springs. I Just Can't Wait To Die is a tour de force. Don't be fooled by the album title, this is more of a celebration.

You can listen to and buy the album here. 

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Superchunk - Songs In The Key Of Yikes

 

We adore the current revival of Power Pop, a different generation is bringing a noisier version to the genre. So to turn the tables nicely, this current wave is joined by a band well into their fourth decade who demonstrate that Guitars, Bass and Drums are not just for youth.

This year is fast becoming the year of returning heroes who want to show you what you've missed. It is becoming a modern day version of our previous retro home, Anything Should Happen. what with the likes of Splitsville, Cheap Trick and these four returning.

The quartet's 2022 album, Wild Loneliness is a magnificent listen, but leans more towards Pop Rock. You can read my review here. This follow up is a much much noisier affair. Mac McGaughan is partly worried, partly angry about these times and he's gonna tell you why.

This may be the 12th album in, but it sounds as new and fresh as a debut album. Past releases are acknowledged, but this is a much more straight ahead rocked up Power Pop. It is a slightly punkier affair with the rhythm section holding the whole thing together.

The female duo of founder member, Laura Ballance and Laura King are locked in allowing the twin guitar assault from McCaughan and Jim Wilburn the freedom to let loose. The whole album just completely grips you from start to finish.

The riffs are massive, the choruses stay with you and are killer and the solos just grab a hold of you. Songs In The Key Of Yikes. The calmer parts sound like the likes of Weezer have been given a slap, told to get angrier and ditch all the modern pop nonsense. But is those heavier riffs that really light up your life. Absolutely Superb!

You can listen to and buy the album here. It is available on Vinyl, CD and as a download.

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Listening To This Week Playlist 25 August

 

The last LTTW Playlist of August offers up another wonderful 28 songs. As usual, returning heroes and new artists for us and maybe you. It is a cracking listen. As well as the traditional version, we have put the playlist on Spotify and you will see the link below. 

Remember this is early days on Spotify for us, so the following there is nowhere near our one here. The weekly playlist is largely for submissions, not just the usual stuff that we dig out ourselves. The song order is not about song preference, but how the playlist flows.  

All embeds open in new windows to aid scrolling. Links to the artists will also appear on I Don't Hear A Single Social Media sites over the next 24 hours. This will help you to discover more about the artists who appear here. 

The Spotify Version   (JJ Sizza is not on Spotify)

Link To Spotify

Cheap Trick - Twelve Gates

KEYS - The Greatest Joke Of All

KEYS · The Greatest Joke of All

Ex Press - The Man Who Cured Your Boredom

Maple Mars - Couldn't Have Been A Better Time

Desert Kites - Ostrich (Sleep Until I'm Dead)

Thom Chapman - Lucy Hides

The Len Price 3 - Gypsy Magick

The Len Price 3 · Gypsy Magick

Harker - I Ruin Everything

Pummelled - Ferris Wheel

Fascinations Grand Chorus - Static Heartbreaks

The Energies - Island Of Tears

Bird Streets - It's A Start

The Boojums - Wings Of Fire

Jets Overhead - Ordinary Dreamers

Noah Sties - Have You Moved On Yet? (Sandcastles)

Repeat - Day After Day

Garry Pitcairn - People Eat People

The Penske File - Lions

Tom Adamson - Payphone

JJ Sizza - Warts, Flaws & All (Not On Spotify)

Michael Michael Motorcycle - Mr. Fantastic

Marni - Washed Up

The Valery Trails - Universe

Baba Chaka - Stupid People

Baba Chaka · Stupid People

Kid Blank - Just Begun

Robot Dinosaurs - Turn This Ship Around

Slumberland - Days Like These

Garrett Anthony Rice - I Found Myself Today

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Richard Turgeon - Shungite

 

I'm a big fan of San Francisco's Richard Turgeon. We've covered a few of his albums, the last being his previous album, Life Of The Party. You can read my review here. He normally specialises in Pop Rock that treads heavily into Power Pop, but Shungite is a little different.

This is a crunchier affair. The riffs are just as great, but a little rockier. The albums does feel like a breakout from Turgeon to a more Indie Rock, slightly 90s area, although this is the 90s of the melodic, not the self reflection and woe is me that dominated the earlier part of the decade.

Fortunately, the chorus are still killer which will keep long time fans happy, but the different direction suits Turgeon well. The more balls effect is a bit more shake your fist affair than the previous tap your feet joy. The man has been let loose.

The best example of the new direction is Small Fry which is 100mph in your face excellence that changes direction at will without ever calming down. That can be contrasted to This Is The Last Song which is nearer to the Power Pop that Turgeon is noted for, a rockier version maybe with a killer guitar solo.

There is even room for a closer that slows things down with Deep Cuts that even sounds like Soundgarden when they calmed down a bit and the Guitar solo strips paint. The album is at its best when it keeps the gripping riffs of Turgeon's back catalogue such as on the title track.

Songs Of Discontent and Signs are other great examples, both opening with memorable riffs. Shungite is a cracking listen. As always, it is available on CD of the Kool Kat label with 4 Bonus Tracks. The whole thing is a celebration of the joy of the Guitar.

You can listen to and buy the album here. You can buy the CD at Kool Kat here.

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Various - I Wanna Be A Teen Again : North American Power Pop Of The 80s (3CD)

 

I'm taken back to my Anything Should Happen Days with this ace 3 set. Cherry Red do a really good job on these collections and this is Prime Time ASH. In some sets, label problems prevent  completion and so some artists get multiple songs.

There is also usually tracks that seem to have tenuous links to the chosen period. Not a bit of that here, this set really does what it says on the tin. This is a great selection of songs that cover the period. It is too good to list individual descriptions of songs.

Those in the know about American Power Pop in the 80s may have a lot, but there are many surprises and rarities. You look for a weakness and can't really find one. There are certainly some forgotten artists, but plenty that you'll know.

It is also a great introduction to the younger members of our following about how joyous the genre can be as well as a great way of having wall to wall quality. 78 songs and a 13,000 word will delight.

This sort of thing will be a more regular feature on I Don't Hear A Single. We will always be a place for the new, but the occasional celebration of the past seems in order. Another feature that will return is Here Is The News. 

The coverage of upcoming releases was incredibly popular, but we just haven't had the time lately to get round to one. lately. That will now continue as a once a month post. Look out for the next one that will appear before the end of the month.

Disc 1

1  Stiv Bators - Not That Way Anymore

2  The Knack - I Want Ya

3  The Know - (I'm Always Touched by Your) Presence Dear

4  The Romantics - When I Look In Your Eyes

5  Nikki & The Corvettes - Just What I Need

6  Zeros - They Say That (Everything's Alright)

7  Mn'M's - I'm Tired

8  The Flashcubes - It's You Tonight (Basement Tapes Version)

9  Radio City - Don't Mistake Love

10  Screen Test - Nothing Really Matters When You're Young

11  Moondogs - When Sixteen Wasn't So Sweet

12  The Pranks - What's The Point

13  NRBQ - You Can't Hide

14  Utopia - I Just Want To Touch You

15  The Shivvers - Please Stand By

16  Eric Carmen - It' Hurts Too Much

17  Hilly Michaels - Calling All Girls

18  Promise - Back In My Heart

19  The Late Show - Take A Chance

20  The Heats – Remember Me

21  Off Broadway - Quick Turns

22  Shoes - She Satisfies

23  The Everythingers - Saccharine

24  Rick Springfield - Jessie's Girl

25  SVT - Love Blind

26  Tommy Hoehn - Get Away

27  Phil Seymour - Precious To Me

28  David Quinton - Make Up Your Mind

Disc 2

1  The Flamin' Groovies - So Much In Love

2  The Plimsouls – Now

3  20/20 - The Night I Heard A Scream

4  Great Buildings - Hold On To Something

5  The Go-Gos - How Much More

6  The Wigs - Tell It All

7  The Rubinoos - Let's Make It Tonight

8  The Toms - (I Wanna Be A) Teen Again

9  The Michael Guthrie Band - Sorry About That

10  Eddy Best - Things I Should've Said

11  The Decoys - Not The Tremblin' Kind

12  Marshall Crenshaw - Cynical Girl

13  The Bongos - The Bulrushes

14  The Floor Models - You'll Come Around

15  Paul Collins' Beat - The Kids Are The Same

16  Dwight Twilley - I'm Back Again

17  Cheap Trick - If You Want My Love

18  Bruce Moody - AM Romance

19  The Bangles - Mary Street

20  The Spongetones - Here I Go Again

21  The Fad - Where The Colours Are

22  Club Wow - What's With You

23  Jim Basnight & The Moberlys - I Want To Be Yours

24 Steve Rosenbaum - Girl From Seventeen

25 Let's Active - Every Word Means No

Disc 3

1  Ramones - My My Kind Of Girl

2  Fastbacks - Now Is The Time

3  Game Theory - Too Late For Tears

4  The dB's - Love Is For Lovers

5  Katrina And The Waves - Do You Want Crying

6  Candy - Whatever Happened to Fun…

7  Julian Leal - You And I

8  Riff Doctors - Turn Me On

9  The Beat Rodeo - Just Friends

10  Gary Herrewig - Hurt You Too

11  Windbreakers - Can't Go On This Way

12  Tommy Keene - Places That Are Gone (Geoff Emerick Version)

13  The Smithereens - Strangers When We Meet

14  The Mosquitos - That Was Then, This Is Now

15  Sex Clark Five - I Want You Mine

16  The Patriots - It Don't Show

17  Flying Color - Dear Friend (Album Version)

18  Bill Lloyd - Lisa Anne

19  The Long Ryders - I Want You Bad

20  Chris 'Klondike' Masuak - How Could He Resist?

21  The Infidels - I Can't Make You Mine

22  Redd Kross - Ballad Of A Love Doll

23  Material Issue - Renee Remains The Same

24  The Pursuit of Happiness - She's So Young

25  Velvet Crush - Walking Out On Love

You can buy the set directly from Cherry Red here. It is available in the States from Kool Kat here.

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