THE LATE SHOW - PORTABLE POP (1980)

LATEST NEWS: The band will reissue very soon this classic album. Link removed.

This is for sure one of power pop's best-kept secrets and most appropriate record titles but also, unfortunately, a very hard to find gem released in 1980 on a small label called "Rave". "Portable Pop" includes 12 melodic nuggets that rank among the very best of the power pop genre. Songs like "Take A Chance", "Hey Sue", "Protect Your Love", "A Matter Of Time",... are just what you need if you are in pursuit of pop happiness with a slight tinge of melancholy. Not only will you carry around in your head wonderful midtempo ballads and faster-paced power pop numbers but they will be associated and imprinted on your mind with such girl's names as Sue, Judy, Mary Anne... which make them easier to remember as you hum tunes over and over and begin to feel ever so happy. Do not miss out on this treasure trove of awesome melodies if you chance to come across it your quest for power pop's all time greats. By the way, in 1996, it was listed by John Borack in Goldmine as #50 of the 50 essential US power pop albums. (Bubblegumthepunk)

In 2007, the album was listed #46 of the 200 essential power pop albums in "Shake Some Action: The Ultimate Power Pop Guide"

Special Note : The album rip is part of a "swapping deal" between a huge american powerpop fan and me. I only worked a little on the original wave files provided (RMS normalization done plus a few minor clicks removed). I also stitched the parts of the LP scans he had sent me. The album was ripped from an unplayed LP. You may have seen this album on other blogs or other places, but this one is a brand new rip.

Songs
Take A Chance / Stop / I Won't Play The Clown / Actions Speak Louder Than Words / What Can I Do / Hey Sue / Look Who's Laughing Now / Judy / Protect Your Love / So Happy / Won't Mind Waiting / Just A Matter Of Time

Click here to listen to some Late Show demos from 2007.

THE ACT - TOO LATE AT 20 (1981)

Prior to Dream Academy, Nick Laird-Clowes led the more down-to-earth Act. On the band's lone album, impeccable production gives his controlled passion and the band's tight, tasteful playing a clearly deserved chance to be heard. Elvis Costello and Tom Petty appear to be the Act's major influences (there are also nods to the Byrds and Springsteen) but the quartet rises above derivation, giving such songs as "Touch and Go" and "The Long Island Sound" indelible emotional authenticity. (Trouser Press)

Songs
Too Late At 20 / The Long Island Soul / Touch And Go / The Art Of Deception / Protection / Sure Fire / Skip The Beat / Zero Unidentified / OK Jerko / Get It While You're Toung

JOOLS HOLLAND - BOOGIE WOOGIE '78 (1978)

Jools Holland released his first solo recording in 1978. At the time, he was still playing with Squeeze and got some help from Glenn Tilbrook, Chris Difford or Gilson Lavis (as writers, producers or musicians). This five-song 7" EP has never been reissued.



Songs
Buick 48 / Deptford Broadway Boogie / Boogie Woogie Country Girl / Mess Around / Should Have Known Better

THE PRANKS - THE WARNER DEMOS COLLECTION (1979)

The Pranks were a Santa Barbara band led by Jeffrey Foskett and Randell Kirsch. Circa '74, Jeffrey Foskett first played in a band named Reverie Rhythm Rockers. Randell Kirsch joined him in 1975 and suggested to play originals instead of only covers. Foskett on bass guitar and Kirsch on lead. In fact, they were about to be signed by Warners but that deal never took place because the major label gave eventually Marshall Crenshaw preference over The Pranks. Soon Foskett was invited to tour with the Beach Boys, something he did for the next ten years or so. Too bad! because the band had great originals which tilted towards the classic-retro (perfectly assimilated) sound of the power pop spectrum, with a spontaneous emphasis on Merseybeat and a snappy `79 approach. "Tell Me", "Ab", "Dance Floor", "I Won't Make You Cry", "I Don't Want To Lose The Feeling", "Next Time" would have deserved to be considered as genuine pop standards. Twenty five years later, the Pranks stuff is still in the vaults, only a couple of songs can be heard on official compilations. (Notes by bubblegumthepunk).

More info about Jeffrey Foskett and Randell Kirsch

Special notes : The songs have been transferred either from a master tape or a 1st generation tape (i'm not sure) to a CD-R, i got a copy of that CD-R , then i did the artwork inspired by a famous californian legend.

Songs
Tell Me / Something On The Order Of Love / Ab / Why / Dance Floor / Turnabout / Paper Planes / Apetopia / S.O.B. / I Believe It's Time / No Love / I Won't Make You Cry / What's The Point / I Don't Want To Lose This Feeling / Next Time / Get Set / I Wanna Know / The Last Ideal / Expectations / Let Me Explain / One Reason / True Love Again / The Message

THE ADVENT WALL OF SOUND - BEST OF (2007)

Now the boxes have been all opened, here's a "subjective" best of the 2007 advent wall of sound. 24 songs, 24 bands (a Jim Basnight song, previously not seen on the blog, has replaced the T.P video of day 5) posted between the 1st of december and christmas eve.
I'd like to thank all the readers for their nice comments about this special feature. And remember, TRY SOME, BUY SOME...Merry Christmas Powerpopsters.

Bands

sylvain sylvain & the criminal$ / game theory / thurman / flamin’ groovies / jim basnight (previously not posted) / roy loney / nick haeffner / the elvis brothers / the lemon trees / the shazam / vox pop / summercamp / beat angels / pyramidiacs / wanderlust / off broadway / liquor giants / the fraternal order of the all / idle wilds / superstar / erik voeks / darin / duffy / vandalias

THE ADVENT WALL OF SOUND

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 (surprizing) new single, album or video never posted before on the blog. Each post will be available for a very limited time (it could be for just one day). Don't click on a part before the day or somebody could be hurt. Now you can enjoy the spirit of powerpop.

Tips
Day 1 : He was born in Africa but was raised in New-York City (deleted)
Day 2 : Raised from the ashes of Alternate Learning, this one was released in 1986. (deleted)
Day 3 : You have to google the name of this outfit with "band" or the first pages to pop up will be all about Uma T.....A glam album released 1995 (deleted)
Day 4 : In 1991, the album was a new "step" for this famous San Francisco band (deleted)
Day 5 : This comes from a legendary french TV show, 11 songs performed by Tom P. (400gb split in 4 parts, unpack when you have all parts), it was originally aired in 1980 but i had the opportunity to capture it in the PC a few months ago as a rerun on cable TV, so i made a high quality DivX5 video. Now available on Girl On LSD
Day 6 : He left his first band (see Day 4), and then recorded a lot of albums as a solo artist. This 1983 album has never been reisuued in CD format (deleted)
Day 7 : Try to remember The Remayns (see previous post) and you'll know who he is (deleted)
Day 8 : Now dig this, some brothers not related to the "King". They say a big hello with their handcuffs (deleted)
Day 9 : Here we go round the Lemon Trees (deleted)
Day 10 : Batman was "powerpop", Spiderman is "powerpop" but Supeman will always be "lame". Shazam (the first one) is definitely "powerpop" (deleted)
Day 11 : Once it was Vox Populi, Vox Dei. In 1991 it was Vox Powerpop, Vox Pop (deleted)
Day 12 : From this first album (1997), they charted with the single “Drawer" in the U.S., while "Should I Walk Away" reached the Top 10 in Japan. "On Her Mind" appeared in the film Baseketball (deleted)
Day 13 : From Arizona, this band had the attitude. They had great songs, great hooks and a great producer (Gilby Clarke from "Candy" fame). They released two fantastic albums and reached cult status. Nothing new since this 1997 album. Track #11 was misnamed by the CDDB database but i guess everybody will know the song covered there. BUY THEM NOW!!! (deleted)
Day 14 : Hailing from Fairfield, a suburb in western Sydney, Australia. The band has released 4 albums and a compilation. This first full length (1994) was produced by Michael Carpenter (The Finkers) and is arguably the hardest to find. Any of their albums are strongly recommended. (deleted)
Day 15 : The leader of this band also fronted Bachelor N°1 and went solo. The first album (1995) is a masterpiece and can be purchased from Amazon for just $0.01. More of their releases at Not Lame. (deleted)
Day 16 : A Tribute to a 70's US classic powerpop band. Preservation guaranteed (deleted)
Day 17 : A former Pontiac Brother released something for the kids in 1998 (deleted)
Day 18 : A "Gold" record that never went "gold" because maybe it was released undercover (deleted)
Day 19 : Released in 1995 on Ardent Records, produced by John Hampton. Jody Stephens was A&R for this gifted and beautiful album (deleted)
Day 20 : McAlinden and his fluid assembly of backing musicians recorded one of the '90s' most ethereal — and most sadly overlooked — albums (japanese edition 1994). (Trouser Press) (deleted)
Day 21 : Produced by the great Adam Schmitt (who also donates some vocals, guitars, bass and keyboards), this 1993 album is for people who love Tommy Keene, Adam Schmitt, Matthew Sweet or Mitch Easter. A pure pop gem (deleted)
Day 22 : In 1999, he released under his first name monicker, this first self-produced, self-performed solo album to crtitical acclaim (...another pure pop gem). More tip: he has a sister called Trish (deleted)
Day 23 : A 1995 album produced by Mitch Easter. Paul Chastain, Ric Menck and Mitch Easter are backing this english artist who "happily" left Duran Duran before the band conquered the charts (deleted)
Christmas Eve : They recorded their first single as the Sparrows, they released it under a new monicker. This pure fun/bubblegum 1998 gem was their second full-length album. It's a must (deleted)

ANOTHER CHRISTMAS BLOG GIFT FOR YOU - BORN TO GREET

So this is Christmas (...soon). Last year, there was "A Christmas Blog Gift For You" available on the PPL Blog, Now it is time for me to bring to you another annual exclusive Christmas compilation. But, why one more Christmas compilation , well just because I wanted to share a Powerpop Christmas with all the readers, and it was the right time of the year to release it. So, I've tried to give you "la creme de la creme" of christmas powerpop. Have a Merry Christmas, enjoy. Listen the snow is falling, thanx for Christmas.

Bands

AlternativA / The Jigsaw Seen / The Montgomery Cliffs / Redd Kross / Sugarcult / Fountains Of Wayne / The Raveonettes / Nourallah Brothers / OK Go / Imperial Drag / The Richies / Joey Ramone / Lisa Mychols / The Malibus / Bill Retoff / Corey Leland / Doug Powell / Matt Bruno / Cheepskates / Cowboy And Spingirl / Spooner / The Del-Lords / XTC / Primitives / T.. P....

it was a year ago

"a christmas blog gift for you" (2006)

new link

LEW LEWIS REFORMER - CHORUS TV SHOW (1980)

Lew Lewis Reformer recorded live for the legendary Chorus TV Show. An excerpt of two songs "The Mood I'm In" and "Louie Louie" transferred from the original VHS. There's a short "voice over" by Antoine de Caunes (host of the show). I guess this is part of a longer Chorus aired later, but i really don't know much more about that.
Note: This is the first time i transferred it, so i don't think it is available on YouTube yet.

CHRIS BAILEY (1983)

Chris Bailey performs two songs ("Amsterdam" and "Let's Pretend") on the french TV set of Channel 2 with Antoine de Caunes hosting. Chris Bailey sang both songs just before the broadcast of the Elvis Costello's Rockpalast in 1983. (It was quite late at night).

Note: This "XviD4 PAL" video has been transferred from the original VHS taped in 1983. Lesser quality rips can be watched on YouTube.

JONATHAN RICHMAN - HOUBA HOUBA TV SHOW (1982)

Jonathan Richman on french TV show "Houba Houba" hosted by Antoine de Caunes. He sings the never recorded "Tahitian Hop" plus "Abdul & Cleopatra". Both songs are subtitled in french. As a bonus there's an interview with Antoine de Caunes.
Note: This "XviD4 PAL" video has been transferred from the original VHS taped in 1982. Lesser quality rips can be watched on YouTube.

STILETTOS - PEGGY SUE (1984) (link fixed)

Midnight Rambler @ "Son of The Dolls" has posted the full discography of this french band. It reminded of an old VHS video of the band performing "Peggy Sue" on a 80's french TV show ("La Derniere Seance" hosted by Eddy Mitchell). The TV show was trying to re-vamp how it was to go the movies in the 50's (first movie, ads, cartoons, singer and second movie). This is how The Stilettos appeared as special guests on the show. If i remember well, the show was taped for TV in Bordeaux.
Special thanx to Jose Ruiz (Stilettos' guitarist) who made me discover the Spongetones' Beat Music in 1984.

THE WILKO JOHNSON & LEW LEWIS BAND (1983)

Five years had passed since Wilko Johnson departed Dr Feelgood for new musical pastures. Wilko joined ranks with wizzard mouth harp man Lew Lewis (ex-Eddie & The Hot Rods). On this extended play waxflat, Wilko and Lewis are joined by their live gig oppos, Alan Platt and Russell Strutter (ex-Solid Senders) who complete the line-up.

Bottle Up And Go! (Thunderbolt THBE-001)
Caravan Man / Bottle up And Go! / I Wanna Be Your Lover / Looked Out My Window

LIVE AND LET DIE (2007)

In 1964, the fab four played there. 43 years later, Paul was back at the Olympia in Paris. He performed 23 songs for an exclusive concert on the 22nd of October. The concert was taped by a french TV channel and aired on the 16th of November. Here's an excerpt from the show.

THE RECORDS - TELEVISION GENERATION (1998)

The official John Wicks website includes this Popmeister unofficial release in the Records discography. It contains tracks "Recorded Live At The Rodeo In Dallas, Texas 1979" & "Recorded Live At Pierce-Arrow, 1980". 1-13 apparently taken from soundboard tapes. 14-20 also taken from soundboard tapes. 21-23 are acetate transfers. The track sequence have been fixed on the back of the sleeve (they forgot to print "Abacadabra" on the sleeve). I removed the two songs from "Music On Both Sides" because they are now irrelevant ("Music On Both Sides" has just been reissued on CD with 9 bonus songs), i only kept "Wives & Mothers Of Tomorrow" (a B-Side of "Rock 'n' Roll Love Letter".)

Live At The Rodeo In Dallas, Texas (1-13)
All Messed Up And Ready To Go / Insomnia / Hearts In Her Eyes / Vamp / Girl / Girls That Don't Exist / The Same Mistakes / Affection Rejected / Abracadabra (Have You Seen Her) / 1984 / Rock And Roll Love Letter / Teenarama / Starry Eyes.

Live At Pierce-Arrow Studios, 1980 (14-20)
Injury Time / Rumour Sets The Woods Alight / Spent A Week With You Last Night / Hearts Will Be Broken / Girl In The Golden Disc / The Worriers / Man With The Girl Proof Heart

THE PLEASERS (1977-1978) The sleeves

With their smart suits and ability to actually play their instruments The Pleasers (Nick Powell, Steve McNerney, Bo Benham & Dave Rotchelle) were at the forefront of the new wave of guitar-based groups that swept through the Britain’s music industry in the late 70’s.They wrote and performed great songs with superb harmonies, jangling guitars and pure sixties drum fills, and their live shows brought back the fashion for being surrounded by cool guy’s wearing thin ties and screaming mini skirted girls. As proud Londoners, the group described their sound as Thamesbeat but you might know it better by the name their music was given by press of the time: Powerpop. The Pleasers
Bonus feature : five FLV videos included.
Listen to some of their recently remastered tracks from 1977-78 now available on itunes or purchase the very highly recommended Thamesbeat CD (1999).

Lies E.P. (Arista ARIST 152)
1 (You Keep On Tellin' Me) Lies
2 I'm In Love
3 Who Are You








The Kids Are Alright
(Arista ARIST 180)
1 The Kids Are Alright
2 Stay With Me








You Don't Know (Arista ARIST 209)
1 You Don't Know
2 Billy

NICK HEYWARD - ROLLERBLADE (1996)

Nick Heyward left his band Haircut 100 just when they were cruising through the pop charts in the U.K. Instead of destroying his career, the move actually provided him with more artistic credibility. In 1995, he released the wonderful Beatle-ish "Tangled" album. "Rollerblade" was one of the singles pulled out from the album. It had two different issues, one of which was a limited edition entitled "A Hard Day's Nick" with three Beatles covers and an artwork based upon the fab four opus. Two independent parts. More Nick Heyward on Cueburn.

A Hard Day's Nick (Epic 662791-5)
Rollerblade / If I Needed Someone / Nowhere Man / All My Loving

Rollerblade (Epic 662791-2)
Rollerblade / The Queen Of Summertime / Better Place / Famous Man

THE BAM BALAMS (1986)

The first two singles of the Bam Balams were produced by Rob Younger and released on the Citadel label. The first lineup was Kibble (vocals, guitar), Brad Fitzpatrick (guitar), Steve Cole (bass) and Matt Manchester (drums).

FLAC: RS
mp3 (320 lame 3.98) : RS or MF

Deliver My Love (Citadel CIT 019)
Deliver My Love / Mean Thang

No One Else (Citadel CIT 025)
No One Else / Gettin' Over You

THE BANNED (1977-1978)

The Banned (Sordid, Thomas, Manswoth and Fresh) had a hit in 1977 with "Little Girl" and the original home pressing on Can't Eat Records (Eat Up 1) was taken up by EMI Harvest. The line up changed in the first few months with Tommy Steel (Jim Hughes) replacing JT on bass and Ben Dover (Ben Grove) relacing RM on guitar. This line-up recorded the second single "Him or Me" with "You Dirty Rat" on the B side. An unreleased third Banned single "Give It To Me Now" was recorded but due to management problems the band folded six months later. Aitken and Grove continued working together in a band called The Retros. In 2004, Cherry Red released a compilation of their complete recordings. Visit the Banned website.

Little Girl (1977, Harvest HAR 5145)
Little Girl / CPGJ's

Him Or Me (1978, Harvest HAR 5149)
Him Or Me / You Dirty rat

ANOTHER BUNCH OF SINGLES (1977-1981)

Some of the songs below were only released on 7", a few of them were later included on various Powerpop compilations, but some have never been available on CD. All the links are independent.

PLUMMET AIRLINES (1976, Stiff, BUY 8)

1 Silver Shirt
2 This Is the World

THE STUKAS (1977, Chiswick NS21)
1 Klean Livin' Kids
2 Oh Little Girl




SUBS (1978, Stiff OFF 1)
1 Gimme Your Heart
2 Party Clothes




THE VALVES (1977, Zoom ZUM 1)
1 Robot Love
2 For Adolf's Only




CHEESE (1979,B-B-BABY S-72349)
1 She Said
2 Kids Don't Mind




THE FURYS (1979, Beat 002)
1 Moving Target
2 We Talk, We Dance




WILLIE LOCO ALEXANDER (1980, Varulven 112)
1 Gin
2 Close Enough




FAMOUS STRANGERS (1981, Six Believers BAC5000)
1 Hard Time To Leave You
2 These Lonely Nights