The Resonars - No Exit (2019)

Just another great record of melodic goodness from Matt Rendon. Matt, who is based out of Tuscon, Arizona, has been putting out records since 1997 as The Resonars. Matt also owns a  studio in Tuscon (Midtown Island Studio) that he uses to record bands both local and from outside of Arizona.

 Matt writes crisp, melodic song with a 60s vibe. He has a knack for a catchy hook. However, this music is not bubblegum or light in any way. Matt's songs and records have a power to them, Some of the songs actually pack a wallop but always with a well defined melody. Is it psychedelic or power pop? It is a combination of both. Here is an example. Listen to Louise Tonight

Robert Johnson - Close Personal Friend (1978)

Late 70s power pop! Just a great record and a must to own. I had heard good things about this record but actually listening to it makes me feel that I waited too long to own this for myself. As good a record of this genre as I have heard in a while. Just get it if you like melodic rock from the late 70s. Here is a nice little gem to sample Leslie

Hollywood Sinners - Disastro Garanito

Hailing from Spain this little trip packs a wallop! Think of three kids who listened to a lot of 60s/70s high energy punk rock and you will get an idea of this band. I am exhausted just listening to these guys plays because it is a full face frontal attack! Short bursts of melodic rock that is fun and will make you want to get up and dance or bop or pogo. This is from 2011.

I recently saw these guys live and they were outstanding. I am now a big fan! Check out Huracan Pacquito

Salt Lick - s/t

Salt Lick hails from Los Angeles. Specifically, I understand they are from Echo Park. Salt Lick is in that hard, acid rock space that is receiving increasing attention these days. The promotional sticker on the LP mentions the MC5, Blue Cheer, and brown acid. All these references make sense when you listen to this album. Great riffs and a very loud and distorted sound. I recently saw these guys live and they play and sound like the real thing. This album is not for the weak of heart. Play loud! Here is a sample of them playing live.

Brown Sugar- I'm In Love With A Dreadlocks (Brown Sugar And The Birth Of Lovers Rock 1977-80)

Very cool release and very good reggae music on this Soul Jazz compilation of the female trio, Brown Sugar. Pauline Catlin, Caron Wheeler, and Carol Simms made up the British trio and this 2LP collects records released between 1977-80.

Soul Jazz releases are top-notch. This release is no exception. The notes  included in this gatefold sleeve tell the story and historical importance of the band but also provides background on Lovers Rock (a sub category of reggae music) that emerged in the UK. While many associate Lovers Rock with a more polished reggae sound it seems that Lovers Rock could also include black conscious music. Check out this gem out for a taste. Our Reggae Music

Jon Auer - Songs from the Year of Our Demise

Jon Auer is a guitarist/songwriter/singer in The Posies. He shares those duties with Ken Stringfellow. The Posies as a group are one of my favorite guitar-driven bands. They have been around since at least the late 80s. Known for their gorgeous melodies, both Jon and Ken share the vocals and the songwriting duties in The Posies. While Ken has produced a few stellar solo LPs, Jon has been a bit less prolific. This album came out in 2006 and I just found it recently in a used bin in Southern California.

When playing this CD, the first thing that came to mind is that many of these songs (if not all) could have easily been found on a Posies record. That is a good thing and makes it worth getting. Jon's ability to write memorable melodies is on full display.

The sticker on the CD states the following, "The stunningly heartfelt and deeply personal debut solo full-length from the singer/songwriter/guitarist of The Posies..." I think this is right on. This is a CD that one should listen to on headphones with the lyrics in front of you. If you can't find this CD, find some Posies records. You will enjoy them and Jon's songs. For a taste, enjoy You Use To Drive Me Around or Angelita

Katie Toupin - Magnetic Waves

I have been on a huge Katie Toupin fan-boy kick. Within the last month I have "discovered" who she was via a Facebook or Instagram advertisement that crept on my feed, learned about her previous band, watched some videos and plugs for her upcoming album, saw her perform live at Soda Bar in San Diego, bought the CD and had her sign it, and finally listened with pleasure to her music at home.

The first thing you notice about Katie is that she has a great voice. It sounds familiar to me and yet it is unique. How to describe it? There is a little bit of Gwen Stefani / Amy Winehouse in her voice. Please don't think she is in anyway imitating those artists, however. She is not. However, to some people there will be some resemblance. When it comes to the music, Katie writes great melodic pop like the opening song, Magnetic Waves, to tender ballads like As Good As It Gets.  Another favorite of mine is I Need You which contains a great vocal hook.

Here is a link to and acoustic performance of I Need You. Enjoy.