power pop criminals

2009-11-29T03:17:00.001-08:00

THE ADVENT WALL OF SOUND 2009

Here we go again, you liked the first two editions of advent wall of sound, so this year it's gonna be the advent v.3 and from the 1st of December to the 24th of December, everyday you'll have to click on one slice of the image. Everyday, each compartment will show a new album never posted before on this blog. Each post will be available for just one day (or maybe two). Don't click on a part before the day or somebody could be hurt. Now you can enjoy the spirit of powerpop.

Clues

Day 1 : # read here
Day 2 : # 175
Day 3 : # 149
Day 4 : # 130
Day 5 : # 182
Day 6 : # 178
Day 7 : # 192

Day 8 : # read here
Day 9 : # 33
Day 10 : # 122
Day 11 : # 184 (i forgot some scans, so click here if you want them)
Day 12 : # 18 (remastered & expanded 2000)
Day 13 : # 55 (remastered 2007)
Day 14 : # 197 (remastered & expanded 2008)

Day 15 : # read here
Day 16 : # 173
Day 17 : # read here & there
Day 18 : # 139 [Japan 2CD Edition]
Day 19 : # read here
Day 20 : # 34 (remastered & expanded 2004)
Day 21 : # read here (remastered 2007)

Day 22 : #
Day 23 : #
Christmas Eve : #

I hope you will enjoy the 2009 wall of sound...as much as i did.

2007-09-08T11:14:00.001-07:00

JACK LEE'S GREATEST HITS VOL.1 (1981)

After the Nerves had split and following Blondie's success, Jack Lee slowly put together and released a "special limited edition of 10.000" of his first solo album entitled "Jack Lee's Greatest Hits Vol. 1", on a small label called Maiden America. This album was also released in France by Lolita records featured re-worked recordings of Nerves songs, as well as new material. Then Jack Lee released his second eponymous album in France only (available here). In 2007, Jack Lee took part in the Radio Heartbeat Power Pop Festival and is currently working on demos for a new CD.

Special Note
This is the original "Special Limited Edition" (Maiden America MA 1001) issue of the first Jack Lee LP. In 1992, the album was reissued coupled with the french Nerves LP and the Plimsouls Zero Hour 12" EP on the poorly mixed "That's Totally Pop!" CD by the french label Revenge (a subsidiary of Lolita Records).

Songs
Good Times / Give Me Some Time / Come Back & Stay / Any Day Now / Stand Back & Take a Good Look / Hangin' On The Telephone / Woman / I'm Gonna Have Fun / Crime Doesn't Pay / Paper Dolls / It's Hot Outside

2009-11-23T07:40:00.001-08:00

VARIOUS - SANTA CLAUS & THE POWERPOP CRIMINALS (2009)

Before i even started my collaboration with a sadly defunct Powerpop blog, i had made a couple of Christmas compilations for my personal use, some of my closest friends got their copy as well. But, if you're familiar with the PPC blog i guess you all know the previous collections "A Christmas Blog Gift For You" (2006), "Another Christmas Blog Gift For You - Born To Greet" (2007) or even "Dreamland With The Pop Snowflakes" (2008). Soon, it will be another Christmas and what could be worse than a Powerpop Criminals Blog without a brand new Christmas compilation...The crew of PPC (indeed, that's me) wishes you all the best for the holiday season. Thanks for visiting, and have a cool yule!...Enjoy the spirit of Christmas and see you next week.

Clik on pix for details of the bands involved

2009-11-22T02:34:00.001-08:00

PARASITES - SALA MATISSE (2009)

Parasites, one of the longest running Pop Punk bands ever, are back with “Solitary”, their first new album in over a decade. '"Solitary" is a smorgasbord of short sharp songs played with precision and power that not only evoke the spirit of the Descendents and the Ramones, but also adds a generous helping of powerpop sensibilities to the mix. The result is a sweet as sugar, yet tough as nails concoction that goes down easy but still packs a punch. Touring Spain in November, Dave Parasite backed by Second Saturday performed a la Sala Matisse.

Special note: I got the show from a spanish mate at the Alta Tension and i made a special artwork for the PPC blog.

Songs
All The Time In The World / Stuck On You / Waiting Game / When I'm Here With You / Young And Stupid / Top Secret / The Next Time / Make You Mine / Make Up You Mind / What Should I Do / Someday / Never Giving Up On Vou / Really Really / Say It Again / Real Real Good Time / Hanging Around / Fool For You / Ronnie Is A Psycho / You're Gonna Be Mine / Letdown / Please Come Back / Hang Up / Refuge / Crazy

2009-11-20T05:46:00.000-08:00

VARIOUS - MIDNIGHT CHRISTMAS MESS AGAIN (1986)

In the late fall of 1984 Midnight International, an NYC based record label which catered to the growing Garage/Psych movement released its first Christmas compilation LP featuring thirteen different acts on fifteen cuts. The compilation proved to be so successful two more volumes were later released. "Oh No, Not Another Midnight Christmas Mess Again" was the second one featuring the outstanding Cheepksates, the Vipers, the Slickee Boys and more.

Bands (Songs)

The Slickee Boys (Hazy Shades Of Winter) / The Vipers (Christmas I'll Be Home) / Cheepskates (Star) / The Psycho Daisies (Santa Is Comin' Down Again) / Woofing Cookies (Santa Ain't Santa) / The Love Pushers (Jesus Christ) / Das Furlines (O Tannenbaum Now) / The Ravens (Blue Christmas) / Howard & Jag's Xmas Vacation (Wreck These Halls) / The Holidays (Sleighbell Bop) / The Backbones (Coal In My Stocking) / The Iguanas (Christmas Eve At K.N.I (Kansas Neurological Institute) / Dementia 13 (Snow Is Falling)

2009-11-15T05:02:00.000-08:00

CHEEPSKATES - SONGS VOL 1 & 2 (1989-1992)

After their live album "Waiting For The Unta" (1988), the Cheepskates' next release was "Songs Volume One - Perry Como", a five-song curio that finds Faubert wrapping his pipes around such standards as "Catch a Falling Star" and "Dream on Little Dreamer." Strange, yet somehow fitting — and not nearly as strange as "Songs Volume Two", which contains Cheepskates interpretations of six Residents tunes. Trouser Press.

Special note: Rips 320 mp3, but these are not my rips - that means there's no artwork included.

Songs Volume One — Perry Como (1989)
Catch a Falling Star / Dream on Little Dreamer / Maybe / Round and Round / One Little Candle

Songs Volume Two — The Residents (1992)
Loneliness / When We Were Young / Mahogany Wood / Boy In Love / Semalina / Plains To Mexico / God In Three Persons Theme

2009-11-13T07:35:00.000-08:00

THE LEFTOVERS - SALA MATISSE, VALENCIA (2009)

The Leftovers formed in 2002 and road tested a sound over 350 dates and two continents that successfully combines the classic vibe of The Beatles (their favorite band) and the Beach Boys with the power pop of Elvis Costello, The Romantics and the Rubinoos, while keeping the upbeat energy of the Ramones and The Queers.

The Leftovers successful full length "Eager To Please" was produced by Linus Dotson (of Hollywood) and features Kim Shattuck (The Muffs), Brett Anderson (The Donnas), Parry Gripp (Nerf Herder), Coz Canler (The Romantics) and Jon Rubin (The Rubinoos).

The massive 2009 Fall Tour took the band from all the corners of the USA to Europe (United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany). So, Friday 6th November The Leftovers stormed Valencia (Spain) and performed a stunning 70 minutes show a la Sala Matisse.

The second leg of the USA tour (with The Queers) will start on November 27 in North Carolina.

Special note: I got the show from a spanish mate at the Alta Tension and i made a special artwork for the PPC blog.

Songs
Untouchable / Can't Stop / Telephone Operator / Run Away / Lose Your Head / She's The One / The Only One / Lost & Found / Adding Up / Nothing To Do / Get To Know You / Do You Wanna Dance / She She She / Girlfriend / Back In The U.S.S.R / Please Tell Me / Pick & Choose / Camel / Walking Out On Love / Dance With Me / Party 'Til We Die / Real Run Fast / You Know What To Do / Please Please Me / Woolly Bully /Gotta Go

2009-11-13T00:06:00.000-08:00

VARIOUS - POPGUN 2000 (2000)

This German-import, 24-track power-pop compilation features previously available material from bands like DM3, Waking Hours, the Double Naught Spies, and the Krispies, but the majority of "Popgun 2000" consists of then unreleased songs. Artists present in that category include the Shazam, Paul Collins, Martin Luther Lennon, the Chevelles, the Yum Yums, the Barracudas, and many more. It's a solid addition to the collection of most power-pop fanatics. AMG

Click on pix for details of bands involved

2009-11-08T07:45:00.000-08:00

FLESHTONES - HOUBA HOUBA TV SHOW (1982)

The Fleshtones live for the "Houba Houba" TV show in 1982. The performance was filmed at Le Palace in Paris.

Special note: The video was transferred from the original VHS to DV and then converted from the uncompressed video to DivX 6.8 PAL with a two-pass compression. Time: 12'51 - Size: 151mb

Set
Shadow Line / All Around The World / Cold Cold Shoes / Ride Your Pony

2009-11-08T07:36:00.000-08:00

LENE LOVICH - HOUBA HOUBA TV SHOW (1982)

Lene Lovich guests in the "Houba Houba" TV show hosted by Antoine DeCaunes. Subtitled in french, DeCaunes takes a singing lesson with Lene Lovich who will sing "Bird Song" with Les Chappell playing guitar.

Special note: The video was transferred from the original VHS to DV and then converted from the uncompressed video to DivX 6.8 PAL with a two-pass compression. Time: 7'06 - Size: 83mb

2009-11-08T07:23:00.000-08:00

JOHN FOGERTY - FRENCH TV (1995)

Promoting the release of "Blue Moon Swamp", John Fogerty performed acoustically live "Proud Mary" and "Joy Of My Life" on the french TV show "Nulle Part Ailleurs" in 1995.

Special note: The video was transferred from the original VHS to DV and then converted from the uncompressed video to DivX 6.8 PAL with a two-pass compression. Time: 6'17 - Size: 73mb

2009-11-05T11:15:00.001-08:00

TRIBUTES OR NOT TRIBUTES.... STRIKES BACK (2009)

In 2006, i made my first "Tributes or not Tributes" compilation and until august 2008 two other collections were added. So, after an overlong 15-month hiatus, "Tributes or not Tributes" strikes back with plenty of great covers performed by some of the best power pop acts we all dig.

Special note: Please delete [2-13] M.C - Til We Meet Again which was not supposed to be there

Links are independent. Previous collections are still available.
2006 - Tributes or not Tributes
2006 - Tributes or not Tributes Rewind
2008 - The Return Of Tributes or not Tributes

Click on pix for details of the 49 bands involved

2009-11-04T04:43:00.000-08:00

THURMAN - THE READING FESTIVAL (1995)

Thurman performing live at The Reading Festival in 1995. The show was aired on cable TV a few years before i could digitally record it in the PC. Thurman opened for Teenage Fanclub.

Special note: The video was transferred from the original VHS to DV and then converted from the uncompressed video to DivX 6.8 PAL with a two-pass compression. You need both parts of the video file to unrar. A sampler can be watched on the PPC Channel.
Time: 23'29 - Size: 275mb

Set List (1 + 2)
Talk To Myself / English Tea /Cheap Holiday / Lewis Brightworth / Famous / This Way / Benny

2009-11-03T06:12:00.000-08:00

TEENAGE FANCLUB - THE READING FESTIVAL (1995)

Teenage Fanclub performing live at The Reading Festival in 1995. The show was aired on cable TV a few years before i could digitally record it in the PC. Thurman opened for Teenage Fanclub.

Special note: The video was transferred from the original VHS to DV and then converted from the uncompressed video to DivX 6.8 PAL with a two-pass compression. You need both parts of the video file to unrar. A sampler can be watched on the PPC Channel.
Time: 26'37 - Size: 312mb

Set List (1 + 2)
The Cabbage / Radio / About You / Mellow Doubt / Star Sign / Don't Look Back / Sparky's Dream / I'll Make It Clear / The Concept

2009-11-01T06:50:00.001-08:00

THE MOP TOPS - INSIDE (1995)

Hailing from Sweden, The Mop Tops was formed in 1985. In the beginning of 1990 they released their first record, "Run Away". It was a four-song extended play which was very well received by the press. Later that year the group released their second record, "Everybodys´Girl. In 1991 the group disbanded but reunited again in 1993. Now the group had more than 200 songs. 1995, a demo was sent to Velodrome Records, a small record-company in Gothenburg, which led to the recording of their CD debut "Inside".
"Inside" was released in November 1995 and was received with fantastic rewievs all over the world, the music magazines compared the group with Plimsouls, Tom Petty, Matthew Sweet and The Beatles. The french radiostation "Pop Dreams" in St.Etienne voted "Inside" to the best record of 1996. Featured on some of the best Power Pop compilations, the band released a second masterpiece "Ground Floor Man" in 2008 available thru CDBaby., Kool Kat, Jam Records, Not Lame or Amazon.

Songs
Plastic Moon Rain / Inside / Sending Letters / Sweet Dreams / Love On A Carousel / I Want To Tell You / The Loner / Melancholy / She's So Fine / I Wish I Knew You / Whenever I'm Alone / I Won't Give It Back

2009-10-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

THE DENVER MEXICANS - THE DENVER MEXICANS (1988)

Aaron Price formed the Denver Mexicans with his drinking buddy, bassist Dave Provost (of Droogs fame); on drums was Steve Bidrowski, who also played with Bruce Joyner in the Unknowns.
Sometime in 1986, the trio recorded 8 tracks produced by Billy Bremner (ex-Rockpile). Billy fitted in neatly with the Denver Mexicans take-it-as-it-comes attitude. All the tracks were original band compositions, except a cover of "John Coltrane Stereo Blues" - a song that Dave Provost was very familiar with as a former member of the Dream Syndicate himself, and one that should have give you more idea of where the combo draw their inspiration from. Presenting a very "live" sound, the record was released as an 8 track mini album in the USA. In Germany, Still Sane Records picked up the scent via a review in "Option" magazine. Due to pressure of other commitments with the Droogs, Dave Provost quit the Mexicans and was replaced by Marco Fox. The revised line-up cut three new tracks (same studio, same engineer) that were added to the German issue with a revised cover art which shows the shell of a Mexican church, one of the oldest buildings in downtown L.A. Jon Storey B.o.B #31.

The Denver Mexicans recorded a second album "Empire Town" available on CD (1990).

Songs
Denver Mexican Theme / Rain / Lonesome Road / Cold Steel / Down / Too Far Gone / Dogs Of Surf / John Coltrane Stereo Blues / Restless / Car Crash Salvation / Ezras Parade

2009-10-25T03:52:00.000-07:00

CHEEPSKATES - SECOND AND LAST (1986)

Led by the monstruously talented Shane Faubert, the Cheepskates began life as an anomaly to NY's garage rock scene in the mid 80's. They always were scouring for vintage paisleys and deeper, more intelligent accomodations of a derivative sound. They crafted pure pop, clear expressive, refreshing timeless pop treasures. They first released the classic "Run Better Run" in 1984 (reissued in 2005). Then, the original lineup split while recording the follow-up (hence the title "Second And Last"). After losing Keith and guitarist David John Herrera (who went on to release "A Handout From a Cheepskate" in 1989), the Cheepskates continued on as a trio of Shane Faubert, bassist Tony Low and new drummer Jeremy Lee and they released "Remember" (1987), "It Wings Above" (1988), "Waiting For Unta" (1989), and "Confessional" (1990) all available in CD format. Opting out of the Cheepskates in 1992, bassist Tony Low and drummer Jeremy Lee formed their own group, which became, by mid-decade, a tuneful hard-rock quartet named Static 13. Tony Low released "Dandelion In The Year Of The Rooster" (2000), "Sleight Of Hand" (2002), and "Time Across The Page" in 2007. Shane Faubert released three solo albums, the stunning and visionary "Kalkara" (1990) plus "San Blass" (1993) and "Squirrelboy Blue" (1997) and should release his fourth album very soon. So, Along the "Songs Volume One" (1989) and "Songs Volume Two" (1992), "Second And Last" is the only Cheepskates album not available on CD .

Click here to order the Cheepskates and Shane Faubert albums.

Click here to download some Shane Faubert demos. Visit also his blog here.

Songs
Turn Around / Everything / Yours and Mine / Reel Dreams / Good Life / You Don't Belong Here / Every Man's a King / About You / Kustom Shuffle / Tell Me I'm Wrong / Around Here / Too Tired / She Comes Back / Only Grey

2009-10-24T08:05:00.001-07:00

VARIOUS - POPCAN (A REFRESHING TASTE OF PURE CANADIAN POP) (1997)

This 1997 compilation features some of Canada's finest indie pop bands, from Vancouver to Halifax. "Popcan" is an exemplary collection that showcases a just fraction of Canada's incredible indie pop scene.

Click on pix for details of the bands involved

2009-10-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

VARIOUS - WE WANT THE AIRWAVES (1999)

Another excellent Power Pop compilation released in Spain by Munster Records with bands from the U.S.A, Canada, Spain, Sweden, Denmark and Australia.

Click on pix for details of the bands involved

2009-08-30T03:37:00.000-07:00

SPARKS - RELATIVITY (1979)

"Relativity" is a HOAX.

It has never been released (promotional, official or unofficial). This was a total hoax launched by some guy who made the artwork and wanted to see how far this could go. If we consider the number of results with Google, we could see this as a successful move, but if you read some features about it, i would say this is rather lame to see a rock magazine not checking what it is written. Even better, some guys have tried to sell it on ebay or anywhere else. Finally, all the "torrents" shared around are fakes. So, if you read anything about, whatever it is, please don't believe it except this: HOAX and FUN TO BE SPREAD AROUND.

Special note: I got the HQ copy of the "HOAX" artwork by an european northerner mate. Please never sell, never buy this hoax, just give it. Of course, the album shared here today is only the "audio hoax" compiled with the best and most recent audio sources available.

Songs
Barbecutie / Lost And Found / Alabamy Right / Marry Me / Profile / Confusion / I Like Girls / Looks Aren't Everything / Gone With The Wind / Tearing The Place Apart / I Want To Hold Your Hand / England / The Wedding Of Jacqueline Kennedy To Russell Mael

2009-10-21T05:35:00.001-07:00

VARIOUS - SHAKE SOME ACTION (2007)

No need to introduce The Ultimate Power Pop Guide Book (info here). As it is currently out of stock at Not Lame, here's the exclusive, limited-edition "Shake Some Action" companion CD, featuring tons of previously unreleased material from some of power pop`s coolest artists.

Special note: As this bonus CD had no artwork, i made a custom artwork using elements of the book. So, booklet, inlay and tray are included with the 320 mp3 rip.

Click on pix for details of the bands invloved

2008-08-17T04:52:00.001-07:00

STARBELLY - LEMON FRESH (1998)

Link removed - check Not Lame website

"Now, THIS is truly exciting news. Out Of Print for almost 10 years, Starbelly`s "Lemon Fresh" was one of the Not Lame label`s earliest releases. Pressed in a limited run, it sold out quickly and disappeared. Now, in 2009 it is reissued - WITH 12 BONUS TRACKS added to the original 11 AND for Not Lamers, an exclusive CD-r of a live show added onto the whole package! (the 12 bonus trax are listed below). This is a 19 song extravaganza that features more unreleased songs that are not part of the 23 songs on this CD!"

Possibly one of the most appropriately named debut albums in the power pop world, Starbelly's "Lemon Fresh" is an excellently sweet-and-sour confection of Big Star-influenced guitar pop. Led by guitarist/vocalist Cliff Hillis (also of John Faye Power Trip fame) and bassist/vocalist Dennis Schocket, this collection of 11 tracks written by three songwriters sounds not entirely unlike the legendary Grays release Ro Sham Bo. It's packed with memorable hooks, melodies, and melt-away background vocals. Nearly impeccable production (courtesy of Myracle Brah's Andy Bopp) and a flawless set of songs help make this set truly stand out from other power pop releases, and it is another high-water mark for Not Lame. Highlights include the smooth pop of the opening "This Time," the summer single "She's So Real" (a song that should only be listened to on sunny 90 degree days), and the up-tempo, start-stop "When Will You See." Cliff Hillis left the band after the first album to pursue a solo career while Dennis Schoket and Greg Shroeder released in 2002 the excellent follow-up "Everyday and Then Some". AMG

Special note: "Lemon Fresh" was a very limited edition (500) released on the Not Lame Limited subsidiary and is now out of print. Some used copies can be found on amazon or any online auction site. Very highly recommended.

Songs
This Time / She's Real / Sunflower / Rocketship / When Will You See / What You Will / Widow Sunday / Better Than Myself / To Be Loved / Made Of Glass / Letters To Mary

2009-10-20T04:41:00.000-07:00

NILON BOMBERS - BIRD (1996)

Hailing from Gloucestershire (UK), Drew Norton (vocal, guitar), Gareth Ballard (guitar, vocal), Martin Williams (drums) and Kim Dorman (bass) formed the Nilon Bombers and released a few singles and one album produced by the legendary Kim Fowley... Due to lack of success, the band split and that's how almost nobody heard about them.

Bruce Brodeen wrote this review for the Not Lame's Summer '97 catalog (page 13), right below the Badfinger News:
"The UK press confuses me so much. They exalt artistic mediocrity on non-objective, non discernable criterion giving rise to an endless array of non-descript bands they try, futilely, to export to the US for a bigger payoff. Take Nilon Bombers...no one writes about this absolutely wonderful band. Now, as great as they are, i don't think they'd go over gangbusters here, but there is not question this band is outstanding...every song is a nice re-invention of Brit-pop styled power pop, richly blended, loud-ish, sweetly breezy and creative pop porridge with whimsical and simply catchy melodies. Each song is a winner on its own terms and leave us to wonder why less creative bands take the headlines. This may be hard to keep in stock, so you are aware. Wonderful and AAA rating."

Songs
I'm Not Built This / Headache / Superstar / Lauging Gas / Since You Found God / Looking Forward, Going Back / Let's Go / Hard Working Boy / Cracked / Swim / Another Day / Clouds / The Independent / Baby I Love You (Hidden Track)

2009-10-19T23:24:00.000-07:00

ELVIS COSTELLO & THE ATTRACTIONS - JESUS, THIS IS ELVIS (1995)

Elvis Costello & The Attractions recorded in London, (May 17th) performing mostly covers. Elvis Costello's voice is in the same shape as on the MTV Unplugged session. A lot of the tracks have incorrect titles on the artwork. This unofficial CD is similar to the "Hidden Charms" bootleg. The bonus version of "Bama Lama Bama Loo" is from the "Later With Jools Holland" show, May 16th.

Songs
Remove This Doubt / Hidden Charms / Everybody's Crying Mercy / I've Been Wrong Before /Running Out Of Fools / Leave My Kitten Alone / The Very Thought Of You / Pouring Water On A Drowning Man / Must You Throw Dirt In My Face / Bama Lama Bama Loo / Why Don't You Love Me Like You Used To Do / Alison (with Tracks Of My Tears/Tears Of A Clown/Clowntime Is Over) / Pump It Up / Bama Lama Bama Loo (bonus)

2009-10-18T06:28:00.000-07:00

THE JOHNSONS - BREAK TOMORROW'S DAY (1986)

The Johnsons were a trio based at the University of Pennsylvania. They were Adam Miller (lead singer & bass), Mike Morrison (guitar & backing vocals), and Dana Penny (drums). With more hooks than a tackle box, The Johnsons dealt in American roots-rock in the vein of Dylan, REM and The Long Ryders. "Break Tomorrows's Day" is a collection of songs ranging from broken-hearted love ballads to energetic rebel war cries. "Hard To Find" and "Burning Desire" ripped up the college radio charts and are sure to stir some dust from your iPod. With harmonies reminiscent at times of Squeeze and Rockpile, and produced by John Wicks (of The Records' fame), The Johnsons demonstrated their pop competence on every track. Another lost gem never reissued on CD.

Songs
Open Door / Burning Desire / Call Your Name / Sylvia Plath / Breakfast Or The Air / Hard To Find / Different Sun / Love You So / Break Tomorrow's Day / The Affirmation / Phototrails