"All That Jazz"

Hi,

Time to get back again and it's a manic Monday so im gonna catch some things up like as i need some light to shine on me... Yesterday was a bit busy weekend as i was with my friend waking hours up and talking about the recent CD sale happening and the current great new & upcoming releases ( which im gonna post in the coming days! ) while we we're having dinner somewhere in an overpopulated mall in Quezon City ( so many people this season isn't it?! ). I was very full when we parted ways and it was my first time eating a FULL hainanese white chicken meal! Im so full packed!!! But thanks anyway mate...

I wake up at 11:30 AM earlier and had the chance to listen to this swirly/indierock group who called themselves The Permanent Smilers. I first heard them back in July this year when Richard from the band emailed me and was very kind to send me some of their music including their newly released LP titled "Jazz Liberties". Heavily influenced by post punk band The Stranglers and mix it with jazz singers with a hint of classical music, The band plays music that recalls the heydays of indierock groups like Sugar and Pixies with Richard's voice not so distant far with Francis Black and Bob Mould in song's "Temporary" and "Curfew Of The Sun" with crunchy guitar lines washing along the lines.

The band is composed of Richard Lemongrower ( acoustic/electric guitar/keys/mandolin/oil drum/spade/percussion ), Johnny Cole ( bass guitar ) and Pete Fraser ( drums ). Richard formed the band after his previous band, The Lemongrowers ( who released 2 LP's in the mid 90's, "Segments" and "The Ultimate Mutation" respectively. ) folded in the late 90's. Influenced by New Wave and Ska in the 80's along with the Britpop cockiness of the 90's which he later mix up when he formed The Permanent Smilers. Their debut LP "Sit Down And Smile" was released last year on their own Citric Sounds label. It includes the shimmering 60's pop of "Without You" and the splattering powerpop of "My Beautiful You". A band to adored for if you loved indierock with a touch of true DIY ethic and class of their own.

Feel free to listen to them in their Myspace or Buy their records Here

"You'll Never Know"

Hi,


How's anyone? How's the music world revolving lately? Im a bit wee but im still around and STILL listening! Gosh! It's been so long since i write and thanks to Tom for asking me in Facebook if my blog is still alive and kicking and now i just wake up from a dream, A long lost dream... A happy feeling specially in this part of the year, a few days before Christmas falls and a mere month to welcome the coming year. To start things up, Which i usually do in rounding things off and there's so much great music that had been part of us this year but i just stumble on and it was great, great music... So lovely i very much adorn it...


Just a few days when i was browsing the web ( Myspace to be exact ) i discovered a lovely fellow who plays music reminiscent of The Hit Parade on a mary go round riding along with 80's popsters Prefab Sprout. Im talking about Kevin McGrother, a one man band who played happy, fun and jangly music reminiscent of classic 80's guitarpop. Recalling the days of great p!o!p! hits and the much loved indiepop music, Kevin started making music in the early 90's with Just Like Alice and after that a band named Tickety Boo, which released an EP but was laid off because of a court case.

The year 2008 was a really virtual change and ten years on, Kevin and co. strut their guitars and instruments to release the wonderful "Living In An Enid Blyton World", A collection of his past 10 years in recording and what a blast from the past!!! The first time i've heard the single "You'll Never Know" i was totally happy that music like this has been made and i just wanna smile, smile and smile while i was walking the laneways of our neighbourhood. With the whispering intro through the chimey piano chorus line, I feel like i was a child again, no worries to think about and when i heard the vocals i was reminded how Julian Henry made great music with The Hit Parade.

The title track show's a more janglier track in the vein of C86 ala Friends ( with matching horns, handclapps ), The Smiths, The Housemartins and many janglepop bands. "The Same Old Story" truly capture the Sarah Records sound as it also draws the closest comparison to The Hit Parade's "In Gunnersbury Park" with the tilting acoustic guitar lines mixing along with the beautiful lovelorn vocals of Mary Joyce followed by Kevin. A lovely record, beautiful pop melodies made by a genius.

You can visit his Myspace page and feel free to buy his beautiful album. A must have!!!

"Quiet Hearts For A Quiet Start"

Hello,

I'm gonna be rushing up to things as there are a lot of catching up to do but first let me get on to a bit of rounding up new releases and upcoming ones too...It was truly a cracking dawn when my speaker's blown to the sound of dreamy atmospheric's of Moscow Olympics new release "Cut The World" out now on Lavender label. After the release of their astonishing single debut "Still" on Fraction Disc comes this new mini-LP. Whew! Was it Keith fronting The Radio Dept. with Peter Hook on their bassline? This was a wonderful release with the new and very gazey "Ocean Sign" on it, Im really throwing myself offshore ( not to the sea! ) but through a waves of glittery guitar soundscapes. This really put our country on the map.

Buy the CD Here or Direct from Lavender

Another lovely release was from the melancholy yet very catchy lovelorn kids from Richmond, CA. "Half-Steps Towards Bright Skies" was Apple Orchard's debut release and also their first on their fledging label, Haymarket Recordings. This marks the heavy output made by Ryan & Dale which took the LP 2 year's to be made but now has been widely released to critical acclaim. This includes new songs but still carrying that same sound mix only to broader horizons which can be heard on trace on "Unfazed", "The Cloud Fleets" and an old favorite "Midnight Stars And Kisses". Hearing them now is like hearing Trembling Blue Stars riding on a winter train, This is the start i guess and we're waiting for more! Can't wait for that compy on Haymarket and the Sonnet LVIII LP or a Golden Teardrops EP or finally a Sodajerk LP release but it will see the light of the day...Keep your fingers crossed.

Buy the CD Here or visit Apple Crumble ( Japan )

Now we go to upcoming and new bands that set up the tone of Filipino music nowadays, Let's start with The Fantasy Lights. Another melancholy yet very dreamy outfit armed with heavy synthesizers and organic laptop's, Patryk and co. have just released an EP on the beloved Cloudberry label. Check them out if you'd loved the music of Brighter, Trembling Blue Stars and many Sarah Records acts.

Another lovely act that should be heard by the globe was the charming sister's Ria & Chary Silva, They composed the lo-fi, acoustic outfit The Wentletraps. Formed by the loved of music and was not quite an idea to be a live band but more of a studio project but at last these guys made it sure that their music was to be heard, Hearing them remind me so much of The Softies and Rose Merlberg ( and her other outfits as well ). I loved their cover of The Radio Dept. song titled "Bus" and The Smiths "This Charming Man". Im sure there will be more to follow...

As the once heralded guitarpop outfit had parted ways last year, A new crop of talented band emerged from the ashes of that group. Im talking about The Camerawalls. It was spearheaded by the former singer/guitarist of Orange & Lemons Clem Castro. It was a joy hearing their demo "Markers Of Beautiful Memories" on their Myspace page and i was delighted to hear that they are up to a new LP this year. The band which composed of Clem ( guitars/vox ), Law Santiago ( bass ) and Ian Sarabia ( drums ). Hearing them puts me in nostalgia when i first heard OnL back in 2003, This one was great! A far cry from their mainstream counterparts! A hint of Trash Can Sinatras, The Housemartins and a dose of Mozzer on this fledging group. I hope they sustain that musical feeling... A true marker of beautiful memories.

That's the first part of this round up and i'm off to my friend's place to get some drinks and keep an eye soon to a lot more of great music...

"Feel The Beat And Do It Anyway"

Hello,

How are the popkids and fans feeling nowadays? It's been close to a year since i last wrote an article but it's kinda refreshing to be back!!! Thanks to the wonderful world of music and a lot of great new bands to hear on in with new releases to catch on their backs...I just woke up after a drinking spree last night with the Ortega boys and it was lovely to see a brand new day passing by with the sounds of electro-tinged pop from the beautiful London based band, Sparky's Magic Piano.


The band which is comprised of Marion Turnbull ( vocals ) and Oliver Bartlett ( guitar/synths/effects ) plays music which may bring to mind the likes of St. Etienne, Freezepop, Stereolab and Club 8 on their electronic mode. They have just released their LP late last year titled "Feel The Beat And Do It Anyway" on the Melody Factory label which features songs filled by love layered by beautifully crafted electronic music, Songs such as "Something Somewhere", "You Like Her" really mend my ears and my favorite track "Like Falling In Love". This is pure, crisp indiep!o!p! music you must chilled on! Cloudberry Records have also released an EP which is also my personal fave none other than "Falling In Love". They have been playing around the UK since last year and im sure there is a lot more coming in from them, I can't wait and surely will feel that beat and i'm really doing it anyway!!!

Buy the CD Here or Direct from Them

"From DNA To Yesterday"

Hello,

Im back on track as i just got home from a rainy and dull ride from Cavite and i feel a little weary and lovesick! ( or the feeling is really there? ) maybe due to slight changes of weather...Whew! I just changed my clothes and put this ready to be heard disc of mine and gosh, Is it them? I find this long lost band a gem that really needs to be heard as they play soft jangly guitarpop reminiscent of those past indie stalwarts like The Sundays, The Band Of Holy Joy, April Showers and The Popinjays or any female fronted popgroup you had in mind that point's into that musical direction! The band im talking about is No Flags Etc..




Formed in Swansea, South Wales in 1986. The band played music that was meant to be pure pop, jangly and ironic with class! Having the momentum they are long been longing for, They quickly released their first single titled "Wonderful" on "12 inch format, Indeed it lives up to it's name as it capitalizes them to a wider broad. The chance of releasing a debut LP was already on their hands ( titled "Voila Godot" ) but sadly it was shelved... Tragedy seems to struck them when founding member Martyn died and things got lose out of hand. But in 1996, Things got well again with a contract with Canadian label Hi-Rise landing on them but again it didn't work that well because of another reason. But luck was really on their way as the great Firestation Records of Germany included one of their earliest song "Rubble" ( and a rare one too! ) on their great series , The Sound Of Leamington Spa Volume 5 in 2004 which attracts unknown fans across the globe.


Having several line-up changes over the past year's, Only Rob Thomas ( bass ) and Wayne Hughes ( guitars ) remain on the original core of the Flags lineup. They are now joined by long time singer Sian Wilson ( who already are with them through their early years ), Paul Boorman ( guitars ), John Corbett ( drums ) and finally their tech who sometimes also play with them, Niall Feldman. Now the band is nowhere to be cut again from releasing their great music to fans across the globe as they just released their full length ( of old & new recordings ) titled from "From DNA To Yesterday" which was co-released by the band with Apple Crumble Records of Japan. It includes early favourites "Don't Bring Me Back", "Wonderful" and my fave "You Skin Me Smaller" ( this one is gorgeous! ). Im looking for more as the band is setting out new songs to be recorded and released soon! You can hear the band's music snippet's Here



Check out the interview with the band's Sian Wilson and the band's new recording session's Here

Buy their releases Here or direct from Apple Crumble

Thanks to Rob Thomas for the help and kindness

"Safe"

Hello,

It's been a while and gotta shake that giggling summer feeling that i feel...Thanks to that great news that this band has already gotten up the webspace that i long been waiting for their astonishing sound and musical direction, Im talking about the mighty Moscow Olympics. I just get the desire back into writing when i heard their new songs they uploaded on their Myspace. They just keep getting better and better whenever i see them play live or hear their demos as each time it was different just like harmonies waving around my head!.

The band ( originally known as The Lubitels but had to dropped the name when one of their member leave & in respect to the former ) which play music that recall those dancings days mix with a beatiful wash of noise that can be aligned with the likes of Blueboy in their "Popkiss" and "Unisex" days, New Order with Bobby Wratten on their lead and The Wake on their MBV mode. Consist of Aj Domingo ( vocals/guitars ) , who used to be a former Candyaudioline, Soft Pillow Kisses, Colour Contest member and also currently a member of soul specialists, Soul Connection. Richard Olaguera ( guitars ) also a former Colour Contest and used to be with Fingernail Cocktail and now leads Soul Connection, Jojo Sarmiento ( keyboards ) who is a member of Dorian Of Juniper Bells, The Violet Hour, She Came To Stay and plays now in the monicker of Joaquin Esquivel, Dino Amparo ( drums ) another former Candyaudioline and lastly the girl with the bassline in her side, Melanie Valera ( bass ).No wonder Peter Hahndorf voted them as one of the best bands not residing in the UK or US on his recent trip in Manila and on the TweeNet Poll.

They are currently mixing some new songs & I can't wait to hear for more as prior to what i heard on their new tunes like the hypnotic yet chillbending track "Safe" ( which is my favourite now! ) which reminds me of Blueboy's "Imipramine" on their shorelike guitar waves! We want more & I hope the world is listening for this beautiful supergroup...Surely they will!.

Pay them a visit Here

"Pop Goes The World"

Hello,

How are you guys? It's Summertime!!! And it has been a long time and i'm back on the current mood to write some new music and event's that happened to me in the past year and month's...Wow! I miss this but hey don't think that i also stop listening for the past months as it was a no-no specially when i gotten hold of listening to this band one hot afternoon, So cloudy day that it perfectly fit to what im listening at that moment.How come you wouldn't loved this new but great band from Gothenburg, Sweden who called themselves The Electric Pop Group.

The band was formed by accident (or by nature of love?) when Martin Aamot (guitar/drum programming/vocals) met Linnéa (keyboards) back in May 2003.The meeting spark what will be the core of the very lovely song "Popgirly" (I really loved this song...It came from the heart!) with it's dreamy guitar lines mix with the JAMC'ish drumming which Martin wrote for Linnéa.The idea of forming a band soon followed as Martin's brother, Erik Aamot (guitar/vocals) also came aboard.In fall of 2006 the band has grown into a five-piece unit as they were joined by Gustaf Murman (guitar) and Jimmi Thunholm (bass guitar) which typified their crowning sound of heartache and gorgeous melodies.It's like The Field Mice was reincarnated along with the bunch of Sarah Records bands like Another Sunny Day or The Hit Parade, They played songs that echoes those bands like they upstart the revolution of twee 15 0r 20 year's ago.

The debut self-titled LP was released December of last year to critical acclaim to the loyal indiepop followers earning them one of the bands to look up to as they jangle our cold heart's with brimming glitter of soft tunes which speak slowly to your ears.Just as the band was so busy rehearsing and making new tunes, Linnéa opted to leave the band just this month due to reason of lack of time practising with the band...A bit sad but life must go on.They are schedule to play this year's Indie Tracks Festival on July with the likes of The Orchids, The Hermit Crabs and many more...

Let's keep hoping there's more from them as we listen to their heartwarming tunes along the way, Here are a couple:

The Electric Pop Group - "Popgirly"

The Electric Pop Group - "She's Playing With Your Heart"

There's more Here

Buy the album direct Here or if you're in Sweden you can buy it Here