I Don't Hear A Single Albums Of The Year 2024 : 51-60

 

For the last eight years We have compiled annual Best Of 's  because these posts seem so popular and the aim of this Blog is to get exposure (and Sales) for the artists. A reminder that anything reviewed on I Don't Hear A Single is highly recommended. A reminder that only new albums are included among these 100.

Narrowing things down to this 100 has been really difficult. The 100 albums are posted in reverse batches of 10. For each album, A song is embedded from the album and a link is provided to the IDHAS Review where you can find further details and how to listen or buy the album.

We now reach the halfway point.

51 Gustavo Warnunk - Semi​-​Detached Tales Vol. I      IDHAS Review

52 8X8 - Life During Wartime      IDHAS Review

53 The Reflectors - Going Out Of Fashion     IDHAS Review

54 Lava Fangs - Sub Auroram      IDHAS Review

55 Dave Cope And The Sass - Hidden From The World     IDHAS Review

56 Hoaster - Everything Is Great        IDHAS Review

57 Brent Seavers - Exhibit B      Exhibit B by Brent Seavers

58 The Martial Arts - In There Like Swimwear      IDHAS Review

59 Pantomime Horses - Forever Polyester      IDHAS Review

  

60 The Drywall Heels - Today's Top Hits Playlist     IDHAS Review

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The Drywall Heels - Today's Top Hits Playlist

 

It has been almost eight years since the splendid debut EP and we've just had a series of singles in 2020, but it is delightful to have the Canadian quartet back with six shortish songs. Short they may be, but there is a lot packed into them.

This is intelligent India of the highest order. Super melodic crossing genres whilst having one foot in Indie Guitar Pop whilst using the other leg to trawl the genres. Sunday Plans is great 70s Classic Pop Rock, a little McCartney vocal wise.

Yet, Screens is wonderful Jangling 80s Indie, that Jangle is absolutely wonderful. Little Critters is all smooth on the verse, but the chorus bursts into prime 70s New Wave Costello. The contrast of styles works beautifully.

Any Hollow is very 60s, a lot of Merseybeat, a little Beat Pop, but with an added gentle Psych Pop arrangement. Thirty even mixes West Coast Pop with a little 70s Classic Rock. Caterina is an absolute gem of a song. a great example of how Pop can lift your heart with a twelve string Byrds Jangle that adds to the vibe without ever taking the thing over.

Caterina is on the current Listening To This Week, but the whole offering here demonstrates great versatility and above all melody. The whole album is so tastefully arranged, allowing the songs to breathe. There is also a lot to be said for saying what you want to say and getting off. Splendid!

You can listen to and buy the EP here.

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I Do Hear A Single Part 1

For those who aren't scholars of the IDHAS Blog, I Do Hear A Single is the Singles And EP's Review Section of the blog. We haven't had one for a couple of months, so the current feature will be a two part affair, each featuring four artists.

Here's the first four :

The Kickstand Band - Summer Dream EP

Michigan seems to be the centre of the Pop world at present and Detroit's Gordon Smith and Allison Young are adding to that reputation with this third Summer EP. The Kickstand Band offer up great dual harmonies to chirp up your life.

The lead off on the Five Track EP is Stay Inside. A great two minute slice of melodic pop. You know our feelings here song wise, say what you've got to say and move on to the next song. The final days of Brit Pop when two minute songs were fleshed out to six are long gone.





The great news is that the EP is available as a Name Your Price here. You can find all the band's back cat there too plus an opportunity to buy the bands three Summer EPs on one CD for 10 dollars.

The Drywall Heels - The Drywall Heels EP

More great pop from Toronto's The Drywall Heels. I've loved all that I've heard from the band this year, culminating in this poptastic five track EP. Great harmonies, the band groove a bit more than hook, but it's really enjoyable listening.

This EP is available as a Name Your Price, so what have you got to lose?




You can listen to and download the EP here.

Red Cabin - Willow Tree / Falling Apart

New York's Jonathan Foster is the man behind Red Cabin.  He writes great Pop Rock that compares well with the mid 70s heyday of the genre. Memorable choruses are the order of the day here. Willow Tree was one of my favourite singles of last year.

The feel at times is Alan Parsons Project without the pomp.





You can listen to the EP and download as a Name Your Price here.

Allen Clapp - Six Seasons

The last of the four is someone more familiar to many of you. Psych Pop genius, via The Orange Peels, Allen Clapp. Six songs of the usual quality, few serve the genre better. simply because of the hooks he provides.

This storming EP deserves your attention.




You can listen to and buy the EP here.