2nd post this week and it feels like a big effort. This week I have been swamped with work due to hurricane Ian and have barely had any time to think about music.

Seventeen Years: here is a discovery, a new one. This Kansas City project is called Seventeen Years and have just released an album titled “Bedroom Gloom”. It is a lovely dreampop effort. It is naive and heartfelt. I am enjoying it very much. The band have been going since 2012, but well, it is never too late, right?

UJU: the latest single bby this filipino 4-piece is called “Summer” and was released 2 years ago in 2020. Yeah, it is an oldie, but I just found out about it and I thought I should!

Laveda: I have recommended this Albany, New York, band in the past. And I want to do it again. That’s because this month they released the single “Surprise”. The band also announces that next year they will be releasing their 2nd album, and for those in Toronto do check them out at the Monarch Tavern on the 29!

Martes Niebla: the Barcelona label El Genio Equivocado has just released on 12″ vinyl the mini-album “Insolación” by this cool project bby Paco Arenas from Blacanova. This is dreampop, shoegaze, with lots of experimental arrangements. It sounds dense, it sounds ethereal, it sounds powerful, quite an interesting release.

Parapertú: and continuing with the same Spanish label, I check out that Parapertú released a new album with them last August. This one has 11 songs and is called “Pantera Eras Tú”. I have enjoyed this band a lot in the past and so it is great to know the band continues crafting top pop songs. Definitely check it out.

—————————————————————–

Rich Handyside on vocals and guitar, Tim Naylor on bass and vocals and Richard Jennings on drums formed this superb sounding Fleet 80s band.

Tim Naylor put together a Soundcloud account 10 years ago with so many treasures by his band The Handsome Bastards. Let’s see what we can find there.

The first song that was uploaded was “Love and the Whole World Lost”. This track dates from 1988 and was released in 1989 on Stupid Rabbit Tapes as part of the mini album “Ooer Missus it’s the Handsome Bastards”. As far as I know this tape is not on Discogs.

From this same release we find the songs “Letter to David” and “Big City Wolves”.

Another track is “Jesus in a Winebar”. This one was recorded in 1989 and released on the EP “HB” also on Stupid Rabbit Tapes. About this song Tim says that the band ripped off the bass line of “Psycho Killer”.

Another track from the “HB” EP was “The Map of the World”,

“Good Terrorist (small arms)” is another track recorded on a 4-track in 1989. And then another great track called “Exhuming McCartney (we wish… OK McCarthy)”.

Then we find a live recording. It dates from January 1991 at The George. The song they are playing here is “Katherine” (also called “World Trade Center” which was to be the band’s first single.

And another live recording where they play “Frank the Famous” on January 1991.

Another detail I found online is that The Handsome Bastards supported Jim Jiminee many times in the late 80s including a gig at Fleet Football club.

Tim previously had been in the bands The Bright Young Things, Controls, Nobodies Daughter and Beating Hearts and you can find recordings by them on the Soundcloud. And after being in The Handsome Bastards Rich and Tim were in Sweet Hooligan in the early 90s.

Tim Naylor has also put together a discography of the tape label he released on as well as more information on it. You can check that here. I believe it was his own label.

Tim now lives in Guildford and is head of Public Relations at BCA.

The band sounded great, but only got to put out tapes. I’d love to hear the other songs they recorded and also, of course, find more information about them! Who remembers The Handsome Bastards?

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Listen
The Handsome Bastards – Big City Wolves

This week I start with the new schedule of posts. Hopefully this gives me a little more time…

Comet Gain: 8 songs make up the new EP from one of London’s top bands. “We Lived Our Lives Like This” seems to be a collection of recordings from many different times with many different people. It is a fine release, only digital as far as I know, that includes tracks like “Fists in the Pocket” or “I Know Where Dan Treacy Lives”.

The Happy Somethings: Derbybshire/Notts band The Happy Something is back with four songs. These are special songs, a special release, as this is put together as a fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support. The EP is titled “More Coffee” and the suggested donation is of 2.5 pounds sterling.

Prism Shores: very cool to discover this superb sounding band from Montreal. Their latest release just came out and is a 9 song cassette album titled “Inside My Diving Bell”. The band is formed by Jack, Ben, Luke and Nathan and they know how to make some wonderful jangle! A very good surprise and a band to keep an eye for sure!

The Laughing Chimes: the song “Laurel Heights Courts (Single Mix)” flew under my radar last year. I had recommended the Ohio band’s “In This Town” album early on 2021, but late in 2021 they put out this song. And it is wonderful, pure bliss, fantastic jangle, very much like Choo Choo Train!

Delivery: and lastly I have to recommend this Melbourne band and their upcoming album “Forever Giving Handshakes”. The album which is coming out on November 11 will have 12 songs. Available on vinyl on Spoil Sports Records and on cassette on Antifa Records, you can preview the band’s first single “Baader Meinhof” on Bandcamp.

—————————————————————–

The snow sheep (Ovis nivicola), or Siberian bighorn sheep, is a species of sheep from the mountainous areas in the northeast of Siberia. One subspecies, the Putorana snow sheep (Ovis nivicola borealis), lives isolated from the other forms in the Putoran Mountains.

So there used to exist a Japanese band named after this particular type of sheep from the north.

I don’t know much about them. My first encounter with them was thanks to the song “A Way to the North Land” that appeared on the “Pop Comes Up! Bluebadge Compilation Vol.2” that was released by the Bluebadge Label in 2002 (BBCD-002). On this CD the band appeared next to great bands like Bad at Bowling, Camera Works or Unknown Readymade, that I have featured in the blog before.

Previously, in 2001, the band had contributed another song, “The Other October”, to “Mo-Rough”. “Mo-Rough” was a CD compilation released by Coa Records (COAR-0008) that featured bands like Cyclon 86 or Harmony Hatch.

Then we hear again about the band on a 2016 CD titled “Looking for a Key”. This was a double CDr released by Philia Records (PHA-13) that included the second CD as a promo. The original CD didn’t come with this promo CD. It seems the promo CD was only available at the great store Disques Blue-Very.  This CD was an album by Shino Kobayashi.

From what I understand Shino was part of the band Harmony Hatch and I believe also part of Snow Sheep. Other than the aforementioned releases, Shino had a split EP with the wonderful Ivory Pat in 2020.

Going back to the “Looking for a Key” CD, we find that the promo CD, the second CD, had 18 songs, 14 by Harmony Hatch and 4 by Snow Sheep. The CD is subtitled as a cassette collection. I am guessing it collected tracks from demo tapes. The songs by Snow Sheep were “Good Night, Good Night”, “The Other October”, “A Way to the North Land” and “Frozen Heaven”.

On Rateyourmusic there’s a tape that had the songs “Good Night, Good Night” and “The Other October”. This tape is titled “Harmony Hatch Meets the Sweet Onions” and was released as the first tape in Coa Records Tape Seeries (COAT-0001). It was released in the year 2000. I want to think that Shino was the Harmony Hatch, and someone from The Sweet Onions, who made up the Snow Sheep. Does that make sense?

Has to be. On The Sweet Onions Soundcloud, we find the song “Good Night, Good Night” by Snow Sheep. There we find the band member’s names! Great find! So indeed Shino Kobayashi was part of Snow Sheep, and also were Kentaro Kondo and Daisuke Kouguchi. And that’s not all, aside from “The Other October” and a “Way to thee North Land” we find “Frozen Heaven”, so all four songs that appeared on the “Looking for a Key” CD.

And indeed, Kentaro and Daisuke were part of Th Sweet Onions. So yes, I have figured this out!

Also I know that “Frozen Heaven” was released on a compilation album that doesn’t appear on Discogs sadly. It was the “Fantastic Fantasy” comp CD that was released in 2005 by My Charm.

So great to have find so much info about them! But why just 4 songs? I’d love to find out if there are more recordings and how this collaboration between the band members happen. Anyone can shed some light about this little known Japanese band?

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Listen
Snow Sheep – Frozen

So here’s the thing. I am having a hard time to keep up with three posts a week. So starting next week I’ll be doing two posts, on Tuesdays and Fridays and if I have an interview to publish it will be posted in any of the other days. I hope in the future I can pick up the great pace I have had for many years, but yeah, right now it is a bit of a struggle with the lack of time.

Again thanks for all the support to the blog and the label.

Kindsight: here’s a very nice Copenhagen band. Kindsight has just released “Love You Baby all the Time”, a digital single that sounds superb. This four-piece is clearly influenced by Swedish pop from the 90s, think The Cardigans, Pineforest Crunch or Backfish. I am really enjoying their sound and I hope to see a proper record in the near future.

Spice World: the Australian four-piece is back with two new songs, “Dying to Go” and “What a Pity What a Shame”. These songs are actually the first offering from the band’s upcoming album to be released by our friend Álvaro on Meritorio Records. The album is set to be released on January 2023.

The Sundries: now to South East London, for this wonderful indiepop band! I am crossing fingers that I can make it to London next May to see Heavenly, and wouldn’t it be fantastic too for me to see some up and coming bands? For example I’d love to see The Sundries. Their latest release, the 4-song EP “Full of the Joys of Springs”, reminds me of the terrific Pocketbooks. Great songs, great melodies.

Orchid Mantis: now to Atlanta, Georgia, where I discover this dreampop band with an interesting name. Their latest song is called “Lucid Dreams” and from what I understand on November 11 the band is releasing an album where this song will be included!

Smut: and lastly we head to Chicago to listen to Smut and their upcoming album “How the Light Felt”. This record will be out on November 11 on CD and vinyl and will include 10 songs. Right now you can preview one of the songs, “After Silver Leaves”, which is ace.

—————————————————————–

Helvetia is the female national personification of Switzerland, officially Confoederatio Helvetica, the Swiss Confederation.
The allegory is typically pictured in a flowing gown, with a spear and a shield emblazoned with the Swiss flag, and commonly with braided hair, commonly with a wreath as a symbol of confederation. The name is a derivation of the ethnonym Helvetii, the name of the Gaulish tribe inhabiting the Swiss Plateau before the Roman conquest.

Thanks to stoneeyedkiller I have discovered this wonderful early 90s band from Guernsey, from the Channel Islands.

Helvetia seems a true mystery to me, and maybe to anyone that have stumbled upon their Soundcloud. There you’ll find a bunch of superb songs, all uploaded 9 years ago. Their music style is dreampop, with amazing female vocals. It sort of reminds me of Secret Shine, well with the girl vocals. It’s really good.

Uploaded are, as I mentioned, many songs. 3 of them, “Dreamy Dreamy Dream”, “Feel” and “Clear Head Cold Heart” were part of the “Cascade EP” that was recorded on 4-track tape.

The “Soundblind” EP was their 2nd release. This one was recorded on ADAT (8 tracks). This EP had 5 songs, “Waiting to Fly”, “Valentine”, “Circus”, “Temptress” and “Rollercoaster”.

The third release was “The Experiments” which consist of “Copter” and “Sue and Mary”. Their sound had changed by this time, being a bit more rockish.

Then I find a name. Phil Bartie. He works at Heriot-Watt University as an Assistant Professor of Computer Science. He was part of Helvetia. He has a website with some of his computer stuff as well as links to his music projects. These projects include Ztimenz and Babe Serene. Sadly he hasn’t shared any details about the bands.

And that’s all I could find. Would be great to find out who were the other band members and if they continue making music. And about the EPs too, if they were released in any form! Who remembers them?

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Listen
Helvetia – Feel

Chorusgirl: a new song from the upcoming album “Colapso Calypso” is now online! “In the Business of Dreams” is a top tune by Sylvie and as mentioned will be included in the album that will be released on October 14. The album is available to pre-order now on both vinyl and CD thanks to Reckless Yes Records. Can’t wait for it!

Field School: here is another album but this time around I don’t know the band. The album “When Summer Comes Around” by Field School will be released on vinyl  on November 18 on Spain’s Bobo Integral label. You can now preview “I Just Want to Paint You in Pictures”, one out of the 12 songs, that Charles Bert, ex-Maths and Physics Club, has penned. Indeed! this is his solo project and sounds superb! A must have!

Pete Astor: a new album by the ex-Weather Prophets came out on September 9. “Time on Earth” sounds superb. It was released by the German label Tapete Records and has 10 songs. You can preview three of them on Bandcamp.

Snow Coats: I’ve enjoyed the music of this Dutch band for quite a while. Well, now there’s an album out on Alcopop Records from the UK. “If It Wasn’t Me, I Would’ve Called it Funny” is coming out on September 21 on CD and vinyl. 10 songs of well-crafted punky pop!

Spirit Ghost: and I finish today’s reviews with this Austin band. I would dare say the sound of them is influenced by The Drums. At least on their latest single “No Future” I can see that. And that’s a good thing, this track sounds great.

—————————————————————–

Today we head to Milwaukee, to the early 90s. In this American city Al Hildenbrand, Tonny Myers, Rick Bauer, Joe Lampe and Joe Worachek formed Happytown.

To get a sense of their sound I head to Soundcloud were many of their songs are available to listen to. You’ll find there the following tracks: “Fade”, “Country”, “Poet’s Eyes”, “Falling Overe”, “Old River Control”, Quiet Man”, “Tigers”, “Five and Ten”, “The Stand”, “Every Man is King:”, “Rage”, “How to Say Goodbye”, “Fairheaven”, “Gathering Wood”, “Summer of Leaves”, “Misunderstood”, “Tornado”, “You Won the War”, “I’m One”, “Sleeping Beauty”, “Southbound”, “God’s Empty Chair” and “Drink at the Bar”.

There is also a good bio that helps me put things in context. The band released three EPs and a 14-song CD. The band played in Milwaukee’s east side, in Madison, Chicago and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Later on the band members would be in other bands. Al would be in Pet Engine and Slo Fi, Tony in Independent Idols and Rick in LoveMonkeys and ZenBetty. Joe Lampe moved to Madison and Joe Worachek to Denver. But they did a reunion gig in 2003 and one more time in 2012 (I think) at the Milwaukee’s Shank Hall on June 9th of that year.

At that last reunion show the band played the following tracks: “Country”, “Rage”, “Five & Ten”, “Sleeping Beauty”, “God’s Empty Chair”, “Gathering Wood”, “Drink at the Bar”, “Summer of the Leaves”, “The Stand”, “I’m One”, “Fade”, “Poet’s Eyes”, “How to Say Goodbye” and “Southside Girl”.

And lastly in 2018 the band played a 30-year reunion gig. On December 30 of 2018 they played at O’Donoghue’s Irish Pub in Elm Grove, Wisconsin.

There is a Facebook page for the band too. So worth checking that out. I find that Joe Worachek was the vocalist and guitarist, Al Hildenbrand was guitarist and vocalist, Joe Lampe the bassist, Rick Bauer the keyboardist and that there used to be another band member called Nick Verban who was the drummer.

The band used to rehearse at September Sound Studios, a place Worachek and Bauer had set up. Bauer had been living in California before being in the band. From what I gather he went to Berkeley and returned to Milwaukee and that’s when the band started.

I find a tape they released called “Sleeping Beauty Land”. This tape was a preview of the band’s CD that was to be released on November of 1992. It included three songs, “Sleeping Beauty”, “Gathering Wood” and “I’m One”.

There was also a self-titled tape that had the songs “Quiet Man”, “Fade” and “The Stand”. This one dates from 1992.

The band played at a few venues. Names I see include The Unicorn, at The Thirsty Whale supporting the Stringbeans, Shank Hall and Sherman’s Celebrity Club, Washington Park where they played along Blue in the Face and Edgar Winter in a free concert.

Another song that they recorded were “Whisper Time” which is not on Soundcloud but on Youtube.

All of these songs appeared on the band’s self-titled CD released by Wren Records.

Another interesting bit is that when reviewed by the local press they were often compared to REM and also to the Manchester bands of the time.

Sadly there releases are not on Discogs or Rateyourmusic. So I can’t find more info about them. I believe too is the first time I post about a band from Wisconsin, so maybe not many readers are from that state. But I am hoping someone remembers and can tell us a bit more about this great sounding band!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Listen
Happytown – Five and Ten

Back from holidays, 8 days in Tunisia visiting Roman and Carthaginian ruins as well as beautiful mosques. It was quite interesting. No indiepop there as far as I know, but had a good time. Next holidays in December for Christmas…

The Photocopies: now trying to catch up with some new music released the last week. I find two new songs by the prolific Sean Turner and his project The Photocopies. This new digital double A single has “Don’t Call Him Your Boyfriend” and “Start Again”. Good tunes as it is usual with him!

City Yelps: some noisy pop by this three-piecce combo formed by Shaun, Ged and Valentina from Leeds. “The City Yelps Half Hour” was recorded back in 2015 and it is finally available on Bandcamp.

The Umbrella Puzzles: our friend Ryan has just released “On the Meadow”, a 5-song EP CD on Subjangle Records. As usual with this label the release is very limited, 125 copies. So make it quick if you don’t want to miss this little masterpiece of thoughtful and mellow indiepop.

The Vapour Veils: as you know I’ve become a fan of this Stockholm band after discovering them not so long ago. Their latest single is “Eleanor” and it is terrific. But that’s not all, this month they also released “I Am Human and I Need to be Loved” (we get the Smiths reference of course) which is also really good!

Heavenly: and lastly some news that really surprised me and I am very excited about. Heavenly will be performing a one-off gig at the Bush Hall in London on May 20 2023. Pete, Amelia, Cathy, Rob will be on stage and on drums will join them Ian Button from the Swansea Sound. It does look though that the gig is now sold out but rumours are that there will be another date. I have bought a ticket for this gig… and I don’t know yet if I can make it to London then with baby and all. Crossing fingers.

—————————————————————–

There is an account on Soundcloud by Peter Long (a.k.a. immed8), a composer and sound artist based in the Blue Mountains, close to Sydney. He uploads there his experiments and works in progress while his finished work is on Bandcamp. The interesting bit is that within all of his song there is one by an Adelaide band called the Fortune Tellers.

This song is called “Writing Monday” and dates from June 1987, much older than his other songs. He also shares with us the band members names and none of them is Peter Long. I wonder then what was his involvement with the band? Did he record the track?

The Fortune Tellers were formed by David Bosanko on drums and vocals, Deryck Charles on keyboards, Steve Fieldhouse on guitar and vocals, David Norris on vocals and Greg Vincent on bass and vocals.

Then I find the connection. Greg Vincent and Peter Long were in a band called Ashram Poets in the early 2000s. From what I understand Fortune Tellers would change names and in 1988 release a 12″ on Greasy Pop Records as Morning Glory. I have never heard of them to be honest.

It seems that “First Light” was Morning Glory’s only release. I’ll try to track it down.

Now I wonder why they changed names. Anyone knows? They have the same band members.

We also know that Greg Vincent was involved in the band Primitive Painters. that Steve Fieldhouse was in Found Objects and has a website for his work as an audio engineer and producer. David Bosanko had been in a band called Dandelion Wine before being in Fortune Tellers.

I now wonder if there are more recordings by Fortune Tellers. And where does “Writing Monday” comes from? A demo tape? Would be great to find out.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Listen
Fortune Tellers – Writing Monday

I’ll be on holidays next week. So this is the last post until Monday 19. I’ll see you soon!

The Catherines: a new song by Heiko and Sandra and as usual it sounds lovely. “She’s My Light” is the name of this great new track that is about their local cinema “Abaton”. The song will be part of the band’s upcoming album “Wanna Meet Our Neighbours?” which will be released later this year or early next year.

Wily: Many years ago I interviewed the Primary Colours, the band that came after was called Wily. The good news is there is a new collection of songs recorded by both bands, from 1982 to 2019, a “Best of”, on Bandcamp. It has 27 songs and I suggest checking it out, lots of superb songs in here!

Roller Derby: “Only You” is the newest song by the Hamburg-based trio. This shimmering, mellow, song is really good. The band will be playing live on September 21 at the Reeperbahn Festival, and I wish very much to be there. How much I like Hamburg, been so many years. Maybe next year I will visit.

Bleach Lab: now we head to London to discover this band that cites Mazzy Star and The Smiths as influences. Their latest release is “If You Only Feel it Once” which is coming out in November. It looks like it will be a digital release. But you can preview 2 out of 5 tracks now. And that’s great.

Fleeting Joys: a new song by the California duo! “Everything You’re Running To” is a superb swirling single. On top of that, this song is raising money to support Ukraine by donating to the World Central Kitchen.

—————————————————————–

Been struggling lately to find time to write these posts about obscure bands. Baby has started to go to daycare but between work and house chores I find less and less time available to do things I love. I wonder how people in the same situation as me managed?

I guess Im managing. But I am not buying many new records. I am not listening many physical records. It is becoming harder and harder. I only listen to music when I prepare these posts.

The good thing is that I am listening to many new songs thanks to Rollercoaster, a superb shoegaze band from Shannon, County Clare, Ireland. Clearly influenced by Ride, the band has a great sound of their own. 6 years ago they uploaded a trove of songs to Soundcloud and I am listening one by one and enjoying it a lot.

This 1990s band recorded the following songs: “Velvet”, “Uncounted”, “Time Will Tell”, “Smile”, “Rain”, “Penetrate”, “Out on the Blue 6”, “In an Hour”, “Mood Swings”, “11”, “Broken” and “Blindmans Lipstick”. It doesn’t look like they released any records sadly.

The band has a Facebook page with photos of them and some more details. There we learn the band played The Rock Garden of Dublin on June 1, 1992, the Theatre Royale in Limerick on February 16, 1993, The Village in Cork on March 20, 1993 and The Knights in Shannon on April 23, 1993.

The band was a four piece. But can’t find the band members names anywhere.

And yes, I can’t find any other details sadly.

So I am hoping some of you will be able to help me! Were these recordings from demo tapes? Or where do they come from? Were they involved with any other bands?

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Listen
Rollercoaster – Penetrate

The Reds, Pinks & Purples: four songs from a recent gig in San Francisco make up a new live EP by this prolific band. “Heaven Help Us We’re Too Attractive” features the talents of Kati Mashikian, Thomas Rubenstein, Lewis Gallardo, Andrew Hine and Glenn Donaldson when they played at Thee Knockout on Sept. 2.

Quivers: the Melbourne combo is back with a 7″! Two new recordings, “If Only” and a cover of Lucinda Williams’ “I Just Wanted to See You So Bad” that are sung by Bella Quinian, the band’s bassist. The band is to tour the US next week. Sadly I won’t be around and I will miss their gig which is quite a shame.

Grade School: another cool 7″ that just got released is the self-titled record by this North Vancouver band. It will be out on the 16th thanks to Kingfisher Bluez Records and it will include two songs, “Grade School” and “Goin’ Good!”. Nice jangly and mellow pop!

Space Daze: here’s a new song by this superb solo-project from Seattle. The song is called “Maybe Not” and I’m really liking it. There are no details about the track, so I’ll leave the mystery for you all to figure out.

The Crystal Furs: I have recommended previously the two first singles from the band’s new album “In Coastal Light”. You’ll find them also as the two songs you can preview in their Bandcamp. The album is now available to pre-order on both vinyl and CD  and will include 10 songs. Hoping to hear them soon!

—————————————————————–

After my interview with Hiroshi from Johnny Dee I knew I had to check another band he had been in, Johnny Johnny.

It took me a while to listen to their songs. But as they say it is better later than never. This band features Hiroshi Tsutsumida and Tsuyoshi Shimoda, both from Johnnny Dee. I always want to learn more about the Japanese scene, but it is a bit harder to find information in English (or sometimes even in Japanese). For example I tried interviewing Tsuyoshi about the great band he was in after Johnny Dee, 101 Dalmatians, but no luck.

According to an interview on the Anorak Crumble blog that our lovely friends Toshiko and Fabien used to run, Johnny Johnny was formed in 1994 and released a the 12″ single “Still I Always…” in 2001 on the Bananafish label. About the band name Hiroshi says:

First of all, we recognized Jonny Dee was disbanded then, so I named the band Johnny Johnny…like Southern Death Cult → Death Cult → Cult. There is a Prefab Sprout song with the same name, and we were also aware of Duran Duran.

After Johnny Johnny we know that Tsuyoshi was also in Thee Windless Gates and two years ago released an album with a new band called Bug’s Lunchtime. Another band Hiroshi was in and is worth mentioning is The Korova Milk  Bar, who I interviewed him about!

About the label that released their one and only record, Bananafish, I don’t have much info. This label had released a CD compilation in 1998 with great indiepop bands including 101 Dalmatians, Chain Letter and Flower Bellcow.

Johnny Johnny’s release was a 12″ vinyl record that had “Still I Always…” on the A side and “Still I Always… (Good Drivin’ Mix)” and “Style” on the B side.

The artwork looks cool. An old map and six people that look mysterious. 3 of them with hats. One lying down, two hugging, other two sitting down and one standing up not facing us.

The band would also contribute two songs to compilations. “Everything is Allright” was on 2002’s “Pop Comes Up! Bluebadge Compilation Vol. 2” (BBCD-002) CD and “Style” was on “These are the Songs We Always Wanted to Hear” on Firestation, also in 2002.

I do believe that they were also on a compilation called “Airport Terminal 01” with the song “Still I Always…” from 2004.

Not much more info about this band. Was it short-lived? Did they make more recordings? Why only just one release and why a 12″ with so little songs? Maybe I should get back in touch with Hiroshi and find out!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Listen
Johnny Johnny – Still I Always…

The Spanish Amanda: “Let them Eat Art!” is the new EP by the wonderful English band. A true favourite of the blog, it is no surprise I interviewed them back in the day. This EP has 4 songs, “Cats in Uniform”, “The Boy Salome”, “(I’ve Given You Everything You Need) to Destroy Me” and “Watch the Man Burn”. The release is available digitally and it sounds really good. And from what I understand it is free!

Do You Think I’m Flexi: this flexi release on thee UK’s Repeat Records features a song by the Swansea Sound (a combo that has members from the Pooh Sticks and Heavenly) and a track by Simon Love. The flexi will be available on September 30 but pre-orders are up now. It is very limited, 100 copies, so make sure to get your copy soon.

David Christian: 15 more songs by the leader of Comet Gain on this collection titled “Summer’s Ashes, Winter Spines”. These songs are mostly acoustic, with a sound closer to folk than to indiiepop.

Rayventuras: the Berlin band is back with their second album “Blues and Greens”. It is now up on the band’s Bandcamp and includes 10 songs. This new effort after their debut “Sandpaper Honey” sounds superb, with a punchy sound.

Dentist: and now a fun, poppy, catchy band from Asbury Park, New Jersey. This trio has just released the album “Making a Scene” which is available on vinyl and CD. The record has 12 songs of terrific punky pop.

—————————————————————–

I can’t seem to find the releases of the Pennsylvania band Waiting for Rain on Discogs. Just one compilation appearance… that’s when their song “Shame” appeared on “In Your Ear: The MAPPS A & R Trip” released by MAPPS in 1994.

That CD compilation featured bands from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. That’s where the band was from. I also know that “Shame” was one of the tracks on a 1993 CD EP release called “Voodoo Pocket”. This CD had “Shame”, “Ugly Shoes”, “Candy Apple Red” and “The Way it Goes”. This was the band’s first release. In any case you can find all four songs on all digital platforms.

The surprise comes when I find a Soundcloud for what looks like another release but it has no name. The songs there are: “Firefly”, “Candy Apple Red”, “Special”, “The Way it Goes”, “Sidestep”, “Little Heart (Big Problem)” and “Sway (The Trumpet Song)”. It also tells us that the Leigh Valley band was around from 1988 to 1998.

I do find a name related to the band. Paul Kleinert. He was the composer, lyricist and guitarist for the band. There is an article on a newspaper called The Morning Call from Allentownn, Pennyslvania. It dates from October 18, 1996. There Paul describes the band’s sound as: “It’s a strong dose of ’80s pop sensibilities with a little bit of honesty and a reality check or two. It’s really nothing special, nothing unique.” He mentions the name other band members, bassist Jeff Larish and guitarist Don Andreas. At that time they were promoting a record and were to play The Funhouse in Bethlehem. This new record was called “If You Must…” and was the band’s fourth release on their own label New Ink Records that was based in Fogelsville. Also this new release would see for the first time drummer Steve Herring in the band. Another cool detail is that Ken Heitmueller from the great band Suddenly, Tammy! produced the songs that were recorded in a church in Columbia, Lancaster County.

It is also good to find that Paul Kleinert continues making music with a band called PK and the In-Betweens. He has a website that has some music by his new project.

Then I find an interview with him on a website called Skope Mag. It is mostly about his current band but he does mention some details about Waiting for the Rain. For example that Jeffrey and him co-founded Waiting for the Rain, they had actually played together in high school.

Then a Facebook page for the band! Cool! There are links to the Morning Call newspaper for articles about them, but you need to pay to access them. Then there’s a link to the Reading Eagle, a scan on Google News. On this article from February 7, 1997, they mention some of the songs that were on their last release, “If You Must…”, like “Half the Way”, “Maria”, “Special” and “Room 101”.

Then there’s a tape that had some more songs. Was this a demo tape? It had the songs “Uncle Wiggly”, “Court Jester”, “The Way it Goes”, “Have a Feeling” and “The Pleasure Song”.

The band reunited in 2013 when they played at The Funhouse in Bethlehem on July 5th. I wonder how did that go for them. The support band was Brother JT. The songs the band played that night were “Brave as Thunder”, “Sweet Maria”, “Sidestep”, “Half the Way”, “Candy Apple Red”, “Throw ’em All Away”, “Shame”, “Ugly Shoes”, “You’ll Be Mine”, “Dandelion”, “Sway”, “Beautiful Disguise”, “Fine By Me”, “Dancing’ Queen”, “The Way it Goes” and “Show me the Light”.

There is some live footage from that gig on Youtube of course. Here is the band playing “Beautiful Disguise”, “Fine By Me” and “Dancin’ Queen”.

Some more details I find is that Paul Kleinert is an Economics teacher. That the band played at the Talent Show in the Dorm Cafeteria in Spring 1991. They won that gig. The band also played on June 16, 1993, at the Zodiac Club opening for 4 Non-Blondes. Other gigs include November 7, 1992, at The Peppercorn Club in Center Valley, November 13, 1992 at The Funhouse, and November 21 at the Moravian College.

That there was a tape called “Stop and Wonder” that had the songs “Brave as Thunder”, “Gonna Bee Alright” and “Lord Help the Man”.

Then we know that the original lineup of the band was with Jeffrey Larish, Bill Howard, Paul Kleinert and Anthony Febbraro.

And that’s it! Quite a lot about this band! Who remembers them?

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Listen
Waiting for Rain – Ugly Shoes

Appleseeds!: “Anything Goes” is the new single by this Copenhagen combo that have a PO! inspired band-name. The song sounds so good. You wonder when they will be releasing a record or something…. and yes, they do tell. This new single will be part of their debut album that will be released in the fall and that will include 10 songs!

Swiss Portrait: another fantastic band that knows how to craft quality indiepop is Swiss Portrait from Edinburgh. This solo project by Michael Kay Terence has the perfect pop sensibility if you ask me. His latest single is a great example of it. Check out “Hideout”, I totally recommend it.

Tall Dwarfs: there is a new compilation on CD and LP by the classic band from New Zealand formed by Chris Knox and Alec Bathgate. “Unravelled: 1981-2002” is out now thanks to Merge Records and includes 55 songs by this legendary duo! Must have!

The Golden Rail: “Silver Linings” is the first single from the new album, the 3rd album, by the Melbourne combo that features Ian Freeman, Jeffrey Baker, Dave Chadwick and Saki Garth. In the past I have done interviews with Ian about the legendary bands he has been in like Mars Bastards or The Palisades.

Mt. Misery: and lastly a new EP from this great Hartlepool band! “The Times it Takes” is already out in its digital format and has 4 songs, including a cover of the smash hit “You & Me Song” by The Wannadies.  A very strong release that I hope you will enjoy as much as I did.

—————————————————————–

Five guys, a four-track, in a basement, in 1991. That’s how Paul Dain, guitarist of Simple Simon, describes the recordings by this East Lansing, Michigan, band.

One year ago he uploaded the only demo tape recorded by Simple Simon to Soundcloud. This demo had 8 songs, “A Reason”, “Fool to Think”, “Mary Winndham”, “Mind Collapsing”, “Little Memory”, “Wasting it All”, “A Reason (Muzak mixx)” and “No Words”.

The five guys in the band were Cameron Jamieson on vocals, Darren Tibbits on drums and vocal, Curtis Larkin on acoustic guitar and keyboards, Brad Barnard on bass and Paul Dain on guitar.

There is not much more info here about the band, but we know Paul and Darren had been in a band called No Big Deal previously in 1989 when they were freshmen at the Michigan State University.

I don’t have much more info. I do believe Darren Tibbits is nowadays a creative director at his own company Skully Rebels and used to be a copywriter. He is now based in Minnesota.

I also think Curtis is nowadays in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area. He is involved in digital marketing. I am not sure about Brad Barnard, MAYBE he is now an executive director at Raytheon Missiles & Defense in Arizona? But could be another Brad I stumbled upon. And Cameron, could be an strategic account manager at Henry Schein in Detroit. Linkedin are the top results for their names… no Soundcloud or other related music websites.

Anyways, I do hope we find out more info about them soon. They had some quality songs and you wonder what happened to Simple Simon!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Listen
Simple Simon – Fool to Think