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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