ROY A. LONEY - ARTISTIC AS HELL (1977)

Here's the very first 7" EP released just after Roy Loney left the Flamin' Groovies in mid 71, he edged back into the record business during 1977 with his "Artistic As Hell" EP backed by assorted Groovies past and present.

Songs
A Hundred Miles An Hour / Love Is A Spider / Least Magnificent Moment (Of My Life) / Don't Believe Those Lies

ROY LONEY & THE PHANTOM MOVERS
OUT AFTER DARK (1979) PHANTOM TRACKS (1980)

After leaving the Groovies in 1975, Loney assembled the Phantom Movers and maintained the rootsy spirit he had brought to the band, emphasizing raw, unpretentious American grit immune to the whims of popular taste. While the Groovies without Loney turned to Merseybeat, Byrds covers and other "Out After Dark" finds him rekindling the pure American rock'n'roll spirit that originally inspired the band. Abetted by two ex-Groovies (drummer Danny Mihm and guitarist James Ferrell), Loney excels at straightforward, unsophisticated party music made strictly for fun. Phantom Tracks consists of smokin' live numbers and new studio cuts that aren't terribly different from the material on Out After Dark. The only change worth noting is that about half of Phantom Tracks is out-and-out rockabilly. Pure brilliance. A single released in the USA (Hanky Panky/With A Girl Like You) was included on the french release of Phantom Tracks. (Trouser Press)

Out After Dark
Born to Be Your Fool / Used Hoodoo / Phantom Mover / Neat Petite / Return to Sender / People People / Rockin' in the Graveyard / I Love It / Scum City / Trophy / She Run Away / San Francisco Girls

Phantom Tracks
Emmy Emmy / Down The Road Apiece / You Ain't Gettin' Out / Hundred Miles An Hour / Hanky Panky / With A Girl Like You / Act Of Love / Don't Believe Those Lies / I Must Behave / Poor Tuxedo

PAUL COLLINS & THE BEAT - ONE NIGHT (1988)

In 1988, Paul Collins released his last album using the legendary "The Beat" monicker. All subsequent releases will be made under the Paul Collins name. This album is the only one which has not been reissued on CD until today. Brokenhearted was a re-worked version of the one first heard on "Long Time Gone" (1985). And "She Says" will be later re-recorded in 1999 for a french single as "She Says She Loves Me".

Songs
Just Give Me Love / Price To Pay / Brokenhearted (New Version) / One Night / Why / If I Had You Back / All The Money In The World / I've Had Enough / It takes A Big Man / She Says / I'll Be With You

TRIBUTE TO PAUL McCARTNEY - SOLO YEARS BENEFIT (2000)

 This concert was a special McCartney solo years benefit for breast cancer research recorded at the Morgan Wixsen Theatre Santa Monica,Ca April 12, 2000. Weirdly, the concert has never been officially released, but this unedited full-lenghty 166 mn performance was first available for free on registered websites. The cast was more than impressive - at least IMHO. The amazing artists featured were mostly los angeles local with Darian Sahanaja, Probyn Gregory, Jeffrey Foskett, Rusty Squeezebox & Baby Lemonade, Jigsaw Seen, John Easdale, David Nolte & Kristi Callen, Parthenon Huxley, Michael Quercio, Andrew Sandoval, Morris Tepper & Robbie Rist, The Andersons, Rob Laufer & Damon Fox, P.F. Sloan, Stew, Nick Heyward & India, Laurence Juber, Milo Bender, David Jenkins, Wendi Colter & Daryl Jensen, Russ Blake, Ken Daniels, Paul Flynn, Shayne Blue & Ty Vere, Brian Kehew, Willie Aron, Jim Laspes, Randell Kirsch, Morley Bartnoff, Linda & Laura Good and the participation of Rodney Bingenheimer performing the songs of Paul McCartney. The original artwork i made was based upon both McCartney Tributes released by Oglio Records in 2001. Please visit or donate to breast cancer research.

Lossless: ZS1 + ZS2 + ZS3 + ZS4 + ZS5 (Total size: 860 mb)

Lossy: ZS1 + ZS2 + ZS3 (Total size: 385 mb)

NB: ZS allows parallel downloads - links are independent

 

DANGTRIPPERS - TRANSPARENT BLUE ILLUSION (1991)

The australian label Zero Hour Records is back in action, so i have had to remove the post. You can purchase it from this link Zero Hour
Hailing from Iowa, The Dangtrippers released Days Between Stations on REM manager Jefferson Holt's Dog Gone label, which neatly explored the tension between Devin Hill's pure pop longings and Doug Roberson's quirky psychedelic leanings. As Days Between Stations was being released, Devin Hill left the band to be replaced by Pat White, trading winsomeness for some muscle without affecting the quality of the band much. Hill went on to make a couple of nice records for the short-lived Big Deal label, while the band released Transparent Blue Illusion, a hard to find item, on the australian label Zero Hour. They also contributed to the Plimsouls (Inch by Inch) and Alex Chilton (In The Street) tributes around 1991. The Dangtrippers dissolved in the early 90s, at which point Roberson formed Head Candy (click here) When that folded he went the retro route, first with some of his Dangtrippers pals in the Bent Scepters, and then with the Hammond grooving Diplomats of Solid Sound. (notes from Little Hits blog)

Songs
Raga / Headhunter / Grey / Pictures In The Sky / Henry Slade / Damien / Antigone / Shane / Laughing Gas / Sundial / Piper Laurie / Medieval

DREAMS SO REAL - FATHER'S HOUSE (1986)

The trio consisted of chief songwriter Barry Marler on lead vocals and guitar, Trent Allen on backing vocals and bass, and Drew Worsham on drums. Forming in 1983 when its members met in an Athens record store, their debut single, "Everywhere Girl", came out in 1985 and was produced by Peter Buck of R.E.M.. Buck also produced their first full-length album, 1986's Father's House. The band gained a bit more exposure through the inclusion of their song "Golden" in Athens, GA. Inside/Out, a rock documentary on their hometown music scene. With the success of R.E.M., the Athens scene, and other college radio-friendly bands, Dreams So Real was signed to Arista Records and released Rough Night in Jericho in 1988. The title track earned some success, reaching #28 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart and receiving some MTV airplay. The album would also reach the Billboard Hot 200, peaking at #150. The 1990 follow-up album, Gloryline, met with less success both critically and commercially. Soon after, Arista dropped the band and Dreams So Real soon drifted apart. As a kind of parting gift, the band released a collection of outtakes, rarities and B-sides titled Nocturnal Omissions, made available through their fan-club mailing list. In 2003, Worsham was shot in the head by a man who was reported to be his girlfriend's ex boyfriend. (wikipedia)

Songs
History / Heaven / Drifting Away / The Tower / Father's House / Maybe I'll Go Today / Capitol Mall / Up To Fate / Birds of a Feather / Canadian Girl

VAMPIRES FROM OUTER SPACE Volume 1 (1979)

The artists on this album were all discoveries of Kim Fowley. Released on Bomp records, the album proposed a selection of new or not so new names. Tommy Rock and The Lonely Boys were already featured on the Waves compilations, Laurie McAllister was a former Runaways before joining The Orchids with Laurie Bell in 1980, Venus & The Razorblades teamed up along. Surprise has Bart Bishop (brother of Randy Bishop of Wackers' fame) as lead singer. Earle Mankey joins in with both Randy Winburn's songs.

Songs
Randy Winburn (Somebody Else' Girl) / Tommy Rock (Dream Rocker) / Laurie Bell (If You're Gonna Change Your Heart) / The Lonely Boys (Phantom Poster Man) / Kim Fowley (Letter From Hollywood) / Baby Roulette & The Rave Ons (Black Orchids) / Tommy Rock (High School) / Surprise (Maybe I'm Wrong, Maybe I'm Right) / The Lonely Boys (Ugly Girl) / Venus & the Razorblades (Outside World) / Randy Winburn (Sunshine U.S.A.) / The Dog Rangers (Nobody Seems To Know What Love Is)

SPLITSVILLE - LIVE IN VALENCIA (2004)

Benefiting from three equally talented singer songwriters (Ira Katz and twin brothers Matt and Brandt Huseman), Baltimore's Greenberry Woods push all the right power-pop buttons on Rapple Dapple, co-produced by Andy Paley. After the second album Big Money Item, They changed their name and became Splitsville. In 2003, their fifth full-length album, Splitsville Incorporated was released, licensed to Houston Party Records in Spain first. The dawn of 2004 meant another long-awaited trip to Spain. This time Splitsville had nine shows in twelve days which included some cities that weren't visited on previous tours (La Coruna, Malaga, Murcia, Huelva, Algeciras) as well as cities that have been successes in the past (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Castellon). This concert was given to me by some friends in Valencia, and i made the artwork based upon the Incorporated original sleeve.

Songs
White Dwarf / Brink / Heart Attack / Headache / Adieu / Forever / You Oughta Know / The Popular / Interlude / The Next One / sasha / California / Yearbook / For You / Trouble / I Wish I Never Met You / Bridge Over Troubled Water / Trampoline / You Can Feel It All Over / Oh Janine

THE SHAZAM
TONIGHT VALENCIA, TOMORROW THE WORLD (2004)

This Shazam concert was recorded in 2003 at Sala Matisse by Altatension, a non/profit association that brings bands to Valencia (Spain), but it was never officially released. The concert was given to me around 2004 by some friends from Valencia and i made the artwork then for a special edition. Attention, concert is split in two parts.

Songs
On The Airwaves / Nine Times / Rockin' And Rollin' With My Rock And Roll / Sunshine Tonight / Fallin' All Around Me / Stranded Stars / RU Receiving / Hooray For Me / Turnaround / Megaphone / Super Tuesday / Where Do We Go From Here / Blew It / Engine Red / Calling Sydney / Gettin' Higher / Goodbye American Man / Sweet Bitch / Jeremy Broke The Amp / A Better World / Some Other Time / Let's Away

FARRAH - LIVE AT THE SALA MATISSE (2004)

Blissful harmonies, hook-laden melodies and high octane energy have always fused together to create Farrahs trademark sound. Think The Beach Boys with Marshall stacks and less facial hair and youre halfway to understanding where the bands at. Add power-chord riffs, jangly indie-pop guitars and the sugary sparkle of boy-girl vocals and youve got the picture almost. On the upside, Farrah topped and tailed 2004 with kick-arse tours of Japan supporting the early release of the album check out the video on the website farrah for a taste of the tour. Once back on British soil, the band inked deals with Sanctuary offshoot Untouchable Songs and UK indie label Lojinx, before jetting off again to promote the release of Me Too in France and Spain. The concert was recorded in 2004 at The Sala Matisse (Valencia). It was given to me by some friends from Valencia while i was making the artwork for this special edition.

Songs
He Gives An Inch / I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend / Say It Again / The One That Got Away / First And Last / Famous Dentist / Life's Too Short / Talk About Nothing / Living For The Weekend / Tongue Tied / Daytime TV / Can't Do Right

MYRACLE BRAH - LANDS ON THE SALA MATISSE (2004)

Mojo Magazine has called Myracle Brah’s first record, Life on Planet Eartsnop, one of the best guitar-pop records of the last 10 years. So far, they have released five great albums all available.
Myracle Brah is the brainchild of Andy Bopp – front-man and songwriter for Interscope Records’ Lovenut. With the mega merger of Seagram’s, Polygram, and Universal, Andy dove into the Myracle Brah project full-time. Myracle Brah is now the primary vehicle for Andy’s expressive brand of guitar pop. Hailing from Baltimore, MD, Myracle Brah churns out pristine pop with plenty of jangly psychedelic references. Critics have compared the band to a broad spectrum of 60’s artists: from the Byrds and the Beatles to Badfinger and the 70’s Raspberries. The blistering melodic jangle of subsequent releases has been compared to such acts as Teenage Fanclub, T-Rex, and David Bowie. This concert was recorded at the Sala Matisse in 2004, i made the artwork for a special edition of this back then. Music given to me courtesy of some friends in Valencia, Spain. (Rainbow Quartz)

Songs
Whisper Softly / Misfortune / Troublemaker / Message '78 / This Is Where We Belong / Go / She's So Young / Climbing On A Star / Singalong / Going Crazy / Machina / I'd Rather Be

RAY PAUL & RPM - GO TIME (1980)

Released on Muscle Recordworks in 1980, "Go Time" the first album of Ray Paul & RPM stands as an essential classic of the Powerpop 80's. Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Ray "Paul" Klimek relocated to Boston, MA in 1976 and decided to spend most of his time writing and recording new songs, and seeking out the right musicians for a new band. Teaming up with drummer Frank Rossano and with help from new-found friend Mr. Curt, they began laying down tracks at Euphoria Sound Studios in Revere, MA. From these sessions came his debut single "Lady Be Mine Tonight", released on February 22, 1978 on Euphoria Records. Read more here.
The CD "Charles Beat" (released 2000), is a Ray Paul collection of 19 tracks over the years, with 6 unreleased that include a brand new recording, Pagliaro's "Some Sing, Some Dance" featuring Emmitt Rhodes (who also pre-mastered the entire album). It also features both of his singles, selections from the album "Go Time", unreleased demos and outtakes, and a live recording of "Telegram Sam". It can be purchased from Permanent Press

Songs
Tears_Little Darlin' / Standing On The Edge Of Goodbye / Won't You take A Ride / The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore / You Send Your Lovin' With My Money / It's Not Love / So We Go (On And On) / Time Race / Hold It

THE BOYFRIENDS (1978)

Here are The Boyfriends, not the same Boyfriends, but the U.K. Boyfriends who were lucky to release three 7" singles - one more than the U.S. Boyfriends. Pat Collier, the former Vibrators bass player, so went on to form the Boyfriends and released those 3 singles on United Artists, produced by Martin Rushent, of Buzzcocks fame. The U.K. Boyfriends were not very successful but the three singles were enjoyable. They disbanded soon after. Pat Collier has since had a long career as a producer working with all sorts of post-punk and indie bands (Robyn Hitchcock & The Soft Boys, House Of Love, Wonderstuff...). "I'm In Love Today", the first single with its singalong chorus and haunting keyboards was featured on Volume 1 of the "Shake Some Action" compilations.

I'm In Love Today (United Artists UP 36424)
I'm In Love Today / Saturday Night
Don't Ask Me To Explain (United Artists UP 36442)
Don't Ask Me To Explain / Jenny
Last Bus Home (United Artists UP 36478)
Last Bus Home / Romance

THE ELEVATORS - FRONTLINE (1980)

Though two members of the Elevators lived in Boston, the band was based mostly in the Pioneer Valley's Northampton area. The band was most often likened to the Cars, and this comparison was apt in several ways. Both units had a prominent keyboard sound, both featured a rock-solid lead guitar, and the lyrics of each group could be characterized as quirky. Perhaps most importantly, both the Cars and the Elevators released exceptional first albums. The album opens and closes with great Tommy Myers songs, "Frontline" and "On the Wire," respectively. "Girlfriend's Girlfriend" was released as a single. Some ELO (due to vocal harmonies) and 20/20 reminiscences (maybe Earle Mankey production) can be heard on some tracks. The LP was produced by Earle Mankey (ex-Sparks) who was the producer of many powerpop bands of the time (such as The Pop and 20/20).

Songs

Frontline / Girlfriend's Girlfriend / Stop The World / Stickball Kids/ Lie Detector / Don't Let Me Die /Tropical Fish / Lies / Johnny Train Your Mind / Friends/ On The Wire

THE ZIPPERS - A SIX SONG MINI ALBUM (1981)

Ray Manzarek produced this six-song mini album for LA's Zippers, a longstanding punk outfit with strong pop tendencies. Although once strictly a tough club band, the tracks here expose a mature, musical quartet with songs and skills aplenty; the mood runs hot and cold.

Songs
I'm In Love / It Hurts / Some Pay The Price (Some Never Will) / Falling Of The Edge / Someday / Lock On My Heart

THE LAST ONES (1982)

From Boston, the Last Ones were a side project from 3 DMZ/Lyres musicians: Rick Coraccio, Rick Carmel and Paul Murphy, they released this 12" EP in 1982 on Star Rhythm Records. They would surface again in 2000 with the Purgatory Cove CD, and Don't Follow Me (2001)

Songs
Number One Again / Bit Of You / Waiting For You / Much Too Much

THE WINDBREAKERS - MEET THE... (1982)
The group's introductory salvo, a 1982 debut 7-inch on their own label,

Songs
Young Republicans / The Girl For Me / That Girl / Black & White


CHOPPER - TRIBUTE TO THE NERVES (1994)

Chopper were Steven Deal and Robert Dietrich, they have released 3 full length albums, plus one EP. They have also recorded this 4 track vinyl EP only available in Spain (Munster Records). After the split, Steven Deal went to form the Absolute Zeros.


Songs
Hanging On The Telephone / When You Find Out / Give Me Some Time / Working Too Hard

THE CARS - SUPERGROUPS IN CONCERT (1979)

Supergroups in Concert was a ABC Radio show. The Cars concert was presented in a 2 LP's box set. As stated on the back of the sleeve, the box set had to be returned to ABC Radio Network within 24 hours of its broadcast. This show was recorded Live in Memphis, Tennessee 1979. Also included are 3 interviews with Ric Ocasek (2) and Elliott Easton.

Songs
Got a Lot on My Head / Good Times Roll / Let's Go / Night Spots / Since I Held You Double Life / Moving in Stereo / Candy/O / Don't Cha Stop / Bye Bye Love / All Mixed Up / Take What You Want / You're All I Got Tonight / Just What I Needed / Dangerous Type

PAUL COLLINS & THE YUM YUMS LIVE (1997)

According to the CD sleeve, this set of Paul Collins backed by The Yum Yums was recorded in 1997 at Harry's Bar and Gril, Gothenburg in Sweden. I would rather say around 1999, but that's not really important. Anyway, it was released unofficially though "The Kids Are The Same" can be heard on the Popgun 2000 CD (Screaming Apple Germany 2000). So you can guess the quality of the concert is excellent. 13 classic Paul Collins, plus one Yum Yums song (Baby I'm So Lonely - misnamed on the CD sleeve).

Songs
Walking Out On Love / Work-A-Day World / Let Me Into Your Life / That's What Life Is All About / Dreaming / You Won't Be Happy / Met Her Yesterday / In Another World / U.S.A / On The Radio / Don't Wait Up For Me / Baby I'm So Lonely / Rock 'n' Roll Girl / The Kids Are The Same

CRASH STREET KIDS - LITTLE GIRLS (1982)

First, i'd like to say this album has always been very special to me. From the day i bought it in 1982, it has always been in my Top 10 of all-time Powerpop Gems, this is so true i even bought all the copies at my local record store and gave all of them to my best pals, they had to listen to this. So, maybe you've heard a song called "Into You" on the Methadones album called "21st Century Power Pop Riot". A lot of people wondered who recorded the original version of "Into You". Little or nothing is known about this Minneapolis band, their music based on ringing guitars and gorgeous chorus offered 10 gems of pure powerpop. The album featured 10 songs and the most outstanding tracks were "Little Girls", "Mystery Girl", "Into You", "Tickin' Away", "Shake It Up" and "Corporate Girl". Sadly, the album has never been reissued but i guess you can find some copies on various auction websites. Around 1995, Melvin James formed a new band called Planet Melvin with his son Melvin III, they released the very nice and first eponymous CD (Junior's Motel Records) on which the Crash Street Kids reunited for one song "Me & My Alien". Gary Snow disappeared in 2002. Planet Melvin released their second CD "Chromosomes in Space" in 2002.

Songs
Little Girls / Tears / Mystery Girl / Into You / Tickin' Away / Shake It Up / She Can Love / Corporate Girl / Life's So Cold / Monday Morning

THE DODGERS - LOVE ON THE REBOUND (1978)

Bob Jackson was hired by the group Badfinger in August 1974, the first time he had joined an established rock act. Although originally secured as a replacement for one of its members, Pete Ham, Jackson was retained as an additional member when Ham withdrew his resignation. Badfinger recorded the album Head First for Warner Brothers in December. Due to legal entanglements and mismanagement, Head First was unreleased at the time. Jackson was finally able to release the recordings on CD in 2000. Badfinger disbanded following Ham's suicide in 1975. Jackson remained in contact with Badfinger's bassist Tom Evans, and the two joined The Dodgers in 1975. The Dodgers released two singles for Island. In August Paul Hooper could finally join the Dodgers. The group started to record their debut album and a first single of this line-up was released in early 1977. In April the group's management decided that Tom Evans did not fit to the group's image and therefore he was asked to leave. Roger Lomas was hired to be the new member of the Dodgers. With the new group member on board all bass parts and vocals that had been recorded by Tom Evans were erased and newly recorded. In 1978 two more singles and the debut album of the group were released., The same year Jackson was released by the band due to management disagreements. Jackson was hired by The Searchers in 1979, contributing to the group's tours and two subsequent album releases, The Searchers (1979) and Play For Today (1980). Jackson and Tom Evans reteamed in 1982 and formed a new version of Badfinger, but after Tom Evans committed suicide in 1983, it was the end of Jackson's Badfinger. He later teamed with Molland and Mike Gibbins for a Badfinger outing in 1984.

Songs
Love On The Rebound / Little Darlin' / Anytime / Come Out Fighting / It Was You / Mr. Music / Don't Know What You're Doing / For Your Love / I Call Your Name / Take Another Piece / Don't Let Me Be Wrong / All I Do / Das Ende

LONDON COWBOYS
ANIMAL PLEASURE (1982) TALL IN THE SADDLE (1984)

The start of the London Cowboys really goes back to when Barry Jones and Steve Dior met in 1975 through a girl they both dated. Their first band "The Quickspurts" consisted of Barry and Keith on guitars, Steve singing and on bass, and a Swedish chap called Geir on drums. Meanwhile Steve and Barry recruited another friend, Chrissie Hynde to play guitar. Then, Steve switched to guitar; so Chrissie was out..! After meeting Jerry Nolan who had left the Heartbreakers, the three of them then arranged and recorded their first demos for Track Records. By March 1978 the band were living and playing in New York as The Idols. Later to be joined by Arthur "Killer" Kane. Moving back to Europe , Jerry Nolan got his entry in England refused and that was the end of The Idols. Barry returned to the USA and meanwhile Steve began working with a new partner, Russell King, on a few studio dance type songs, under the name London Cowboys. It was a year later that Barry came back from the States and hooked up with Steve once again; and, with the European release and success of the London Cowboys first single "Shunting on the Nightshift", they decided it was time to get a working band again. As Russell didn't play live, Steve moved back to vocals and the two started looking for a rhythm section, Tony James and Terry Chimes for their first full album "Animal Pleasure". Later, they persuaded old friend Glen Matlock to play bass. Matlock wrote their single "Street Full Of Soul" and can be heard on the second mini LP "Tall In The Saddle". Both albums have never been reissued on CD individually but they were coupled for the "Underdog Recordings" in 1992. Another compilation "Wow! Wow! Oui!! Oui!!" exists which combines 9 tracks from their 2 studio albums plus the complete "On Stage" LP (1986). (source myspace).
As far as i've browsed , the "Underdog Recordings" CD is out of print and really hard to find. If i'm wrong , just post a comment.

Animal Pleasure
Hook Line & Sinker / Going Thru The Motions / That Luxury Man / Doris Day / Reggae Cop / Animal Pleasure / Catcher In The Rye / Rockin' On A Bad Beat / Wow Wow Oui Oui / Long Goodbye / Design For Living / Saigon

Tall In The Saddle
Blue Murder / Centerfold / Courtesan (She's A Real Hot Man) / It Takes Time / Underworld U.S.A / False Emotion / Let's Get Crazy

Singles
(1981 Underdog 48.793)
It Never Ends / Hook Line & Sinker
(1983 Flicknife FLS 217)
Street Full Of Soul / Let's Get Crazy

THE SCOOTERS
YOUNG GIRLS (1980) - BLUE EYES (1981)

The Scooters were one of the many "skinny-tie" Power Pop bands of the golden era. They were pretty popular on the local scene during those early days of the Power Pop movement, playing Madame Wong's on a regular basis as well as The Starwood and The Whiskey, opening for bands such as The Police and Joe Jackson.
They released two catchy hook-filled albums, Young Girls (1980) and Blue Eyes (1981) with powerfully dynamic songs. Their approach to songwriting was solidly pop with la la la's and handclaps. "Young Girls" was recorded in England and produced by Phil Wainman (of Sweet, XTC, Boomtown Rats fame).
After the Scooters broke up, Larry Lee became a record Producer, in fact he produced "Plastic Facts" by the Nu Kats for Rhino Records and after the Nu Kats broke up Bobby Wickland formed a band named "BOY" but then he got the call to join Badfinger. So, the bassist Larry Lee and drummer Bobby Dean Wickland toured as Badfinger with Joey Molland. Both played on the Joey Molland album "Basil" (a collection of Demos Old and New) released in 1998. Just give a listen to "Let Me In" that could have been included on any vintage Badfinger albums. Both albums have never been reissued and seem now lost forever. The Blue Eyes album was given to me by an old PPL member while i was making the artwork with his scans - a team work.

Young Girls
Young Girls / Big Brother / Stuck on You / Someone Tonight / Over and Over /Falling / Drive Away / Take Me Home / Let Me In / On My Way / Set and Ready

Blue Eyes
I'll Do Anything / In Love Again / Alien Nights / Where Did We Go Wrong / Blue Eyes / Love Stealer / Time / Standing up Straight / Every Good Reason / Living in Character

MARBLES - RED LIGHTS / FIRE & SMOKE (1976)

Terry Ork signed the Marbles. He wanted Fire and Smoke as the A side but the band convinced him that Red Lights was really the single. The Marbles recorded a bunch of demos for Hilly Kristal that were supposed to be released on CBGB Vol 2. but the LP was never released. They released a second single on Jimboco Records. I included the "youtube" video of the band performing Red Lights that was never aired. (Single Ork 81977)

PHIL SEYMOUR - 2 (1982)

Two years after Phil Seymour's solo debut on Boardwalk (reissued in 2005 with bonus), the singer/songwriter returns, penning only a couple of tunes here. He's still in stripes, yellow and black. Maybe not as successful as the first album, Phil Seymour 2 has many great tunes. 2 was his final solo album, even though a third album exists but was never released (a cover of the Plimsouls' Now song can be heard). Phil Seymour would later record with Buzz Clic (of Rubber City Rebels fame) and release a tape only album.

Songs
Love Receiver / Don't Let Daddy Find Out / Dancing a Dream / Surrender / Looking for the Magic / Talk to Me / You Give Good Love / Suffering / Better to Me Than You / Tear up the Night

20/20 - SEX TRAP (1982 Mainway)

Well, it seems the CD reissue which combines the Blue (Mainway) edition and the Red (Enigma) one + a bonus song, is easy to find, so i've removed this first edition of the 20/20 album. Thank you to blog reader Paul for pointing out the fact. Sorry.

20/20 - STRANGE SIDE OF LOVE (1981)

The second album, "Look Out!" was recorded with Richie Podolor as producer (he also produced both Phil Seymour albums) starting in the fall of '80 through the spring of '81. Recording of the second album was as wild as it was long. The record was initially going to be called "Nuclear Boy" but eventually evolved into "Look Out!". The album again received critical acclaim and regional airplay with "Nuclear Boy" and "Strange Side Of Love" (a special single mix of the song coupled with 2 songs not available on the album and which remain unreleased until now "People In Your Life" and "Child's Play". Look Out! was reissued by Oglio Records (1995), coupled with the first 20/20 album. But none of those three songs were included on the CD reissue.

Songs
Strange Side Of Love / People In Your Life / Child's Play

THE TARTAN HORDE (1977)

The Tartan Horde was formed by Terry Modern early in 1975. Terry chosed the name Tartan Horde to express his devotion to Scotland, the home of the Bay City Rollers. As a confirmed Roller fan, Terry wanted to express his dedication and wrote the song "Bay City Rollers We Love You" which he then recorded with some ex-school friends and his brother Mouse. Their principal intention was to do this one song. However fate decided otherwise. By chance Andrew Lauder, Head of A&R at United Artists Records heard the tape and immediately asked Terry Modern to go into the studio and make a proper recording of "Bay City Rollers We Love You". When completed, the single was rushed to Japan, just before the Bay City Rollers were due to visit and hit the charts almost immediately. The band completed a new single "Rollers Show" and was supposed to start recording an album, but it never happened and Terry Modern disappeared forever... so it goes, but at least this is Pure Pop For Now People.

The Tartan Horde (United Artists 5C016-60123)
Let's Go To The Disco / Everybody dance / Bay City Rollers We Love You / Rollers Show

Single (United Artists CM66)
Rollers Show / Allorolla Part 1

JUST WATER - THE RIFF (1977)

Here are some excerpts from the review written by Max Bell (NME's specialist of Powerpop) back in 1977.
They got some guy called Mitchell Dancik taking most of the credits on writing, singing and blistering rhythm guitar. His particular bent is a depressant, minor key economy executed with a slow crawling confidence that makes me like him like I dig Dwight Twilley and Greg Kihn. On a subsidiary level they have a lead guitarist called Danny Rubin who passes ail the guitar hero tests. Just Water refuse to pay lip service to any bandwagon, their mystique has to succeed on its own merits because it's impossible to tell where they're coming from. Interesting lessons in obscurity. Just Water are original, compulsive and oddball. They blunder through naivete occasionally and even that's a gas. They have the ability and an obvious bank of goodies in Dancik. Once again, American new powerpop doesn't bother to hide its skills. This, the new Cheap Trick and Twilley on the way: Investigation equals satisfaction when you can get this now. (Max Bell review NME 1977).
One year later they had their cover of the classic Singing In The Rain licensed by Stiff in England. End of the story.

Songs
Mean And Rotten / The Devil Woman / They Live By Night / The Riff / Wayward Boys / Drastic Change / Play It Loud / King King / Down In The Riverboat
Single (Stiff BUY 31, 1978)
Singing In The Rain / Witness To The Crime

EARTH QUAKE - TWO YEARS IN A PADDED CELL (1979)

"Two Years In A Padded Cell" was the fourth and final Earth Quake album released on Beserkley. The first two A&M albums were released earlier at the beginning of the 70's. So, a "Best of" (Purple:The A&M Recordings) the A&M years exists on CD, just as a "Best Of" (Sittin in the Middle of Madness) of the Beserkley years. But surprisngly there's no song picked from the "Two Years In A Padded Cell". I know this album might be not the best of the Earth Quake albums but there are a few good songs on it, and this final album had a great artwork (read powerpop, and just take a look at the back the sleeve, it looks like a Rubinoos sleeve)

FLAC: 1 - 2 (250 mb)

Songs
Goodbye California / Tremor's Touch / Don't Stop me Now / Mr Stranger / Trouble / Coming Home / Say You Will / Rear View / Teenage Idol / I Don't Wanna say Goodbye

POWERPOP TO THE PEOPLE VOL 3 (1977-1982)


















ZS

This new volume of Powerpop To the People focuses on the British Empire, except for Jerry Nolan who recorded this gem of a single in Sweden with local musicians helped out by Sylvain Sylvain. The London Cowboys dedicated their LP to the New-York Dolls. Brian Briggs is an Australian born musician produced by Ian Kimmet of Jook fame. I have no info about Michael O'Brien and The Balls. Wreckless Eric' s cover of Crying Waiting Hoping was released as a single but was not on his Best Of. If you're familiar with this blog, you might already know the Zones, Tonight, Sussex or Stride & Plain.
The Fabulous Poodles released 2 excellent LP's and got a CD Best Of reissue. The Kursaal Flyers' song was covered by The Searchers on their Love Melodies album while their own Little Bit Of Heaven was not included on the CD reissue of their Sire Sessions. Maybe you know The Lookalikes cause they had one song on The Shake Some Action Vol3. Howard Werth is the former Audience leader and is backed by the Rockpile/Rumour gang. Mark Andrews was produced by Simon Boswell of Advertising. Pat Collier released 3 singles with The Boyfriends and became a famous producer. The Stukas released two singles, (this one was on Chiswick) and Raggy Lewis formed later The Autographs. Shake's Jo Callis had then left The Rezillos. TV21 single was released on Demon Records and produced by Troy Tate (Teardrop Explodes). Finally the Rubbish single talks about NW3 4JR, an upper side of London. Special thanks to the blog reader Skroff for giving the Yachts single.

ZONES - UNDER INFLUENCE (1979)

Slik formed in the mid-70s from the ashes of a Glasgow group called Salvation. By 1978, Slik had become a truly superb band playing short, dynamite rock'n'roll songs. At the height of the punk wave, Slik and Midge Ure recorded Put You In The Picture (later re/recorded with The Rich Kids) for the scottish label Zoom Records. Then Midge Ure left Slik and joined The Rich Kids. So, Willy Gardner stepped in Ure's shoes to form the Zones and released one single on Zoom Records before Arista bought the scottish label. Gardner, Russell Webb, Billy McIsaac and Kenny Hyslop recorded a few singles for their new label Arista and this album produced by Tim Friese/Greene. They didn't find success and then split. Webb & Hyslop joined the Skids within a year and Hyslop completed his tour of Scottish bands by joining Simple Minds. One of the unsung classics of the post/punk power pop boom, the Zones' debut album arrived more or less out of nowhere. AMG

Songs
Do It All Again / Vision On / Deadly Dolls / The End / Mainman / You're Not Foolin' Me / Anything Goes / Strength To Strength / Looking To The Future / Mourning Star

MARK ANDREWS & THE GENTS - BIG BOY (1980)

Keyboardist Andrews was Joe Jackson's bandmate in Arms & Legs during the latter's formative years in Portsmouth, England. Funnily enough, shortly after Jackson's initial success, Andrews wound up on the same label, playing a not terribly dissimilar style of music; unfortunately for him, he's not Jackson's equal as a singer or songwriter. Some may find that Big Boy (produced by Advertising's Simon Boswell) shares many attributes with Jackson's Look Sharp. Track #6 "Laid On A Plate" can be found on the compilation Shake Some Action Vol5. According to Joe Jackson's excellent book A Cure for Gravity, Mark Andrews is now a chef.

Songs
West One / Say It's All Right / Talking With Your Body / Don't Let Go / Big Boy / Laid On A Plate / Born To Be Wild / Does It Get To You / Show Me / Let Yourself Go / In A Jam

NERVUS REX (1980)

Link removed. The album has been reissued on CD in 2009 and is now available through Amazon. Click here.

Nervus Rex released a self produced single "Don't Look" in 1978. This single was to become a classic of the era, It even won "Best Independent Single of the Year" honors from Britain's New Musical Express. Formed in 1977, Nervus Rex made their reputation on the New York club circuit. They signed a deal with Mike Chapman's new label "Dreamland" after being put in contact with him by Clem Burke and Jimmy Destri of Blondie fame. Nervus Rex epitomizes the bubblegum side of new wave pioneered by Blondie. The pace is brisk and the touch light on predictable yet pleasing throwaways like "Go Go Girl" and "The Incredible Crawling Eye".
With Dreamland's finances in shambles, Nervus Rex dissolved in 1981. Brighton later formed synth-pop group, The Puppets, and guitarist/singer Lauren Agnelli (who had once been a rock critic under the name Trixie A. Balm) formed the Washington Squares, a neo-Beat folknik trio with Tom Goodkind (whose varied career on the local scene included such '70s bands as U.S. Ape) and Bruce Jay Paskow (the Invaders). Outfitted with uniform berets, conservative suits, black sunglasses and acoustic guitars, the Washington Squares escaped their post-punk backgrounds to shoulder the untendered responsibility of being the nouveau in-crowd's answer to Peter, Paul & Mary. Trouser Press

Songs
There She Goes / Go Go Girl / Spies / Real Life / Start From The Start / The God Sheila / Don't Look / The Incredible Crawling Eye / Nobody Told Me / Venus
Bonus (The Cleverly Named Record Company single)
Don't Look / Love Affair

DAVID WERNER (1979)

Glam rock has been a surprising, durable subgenre considering its brief early-'70s chart presence. The crunchy guitars, outrageous hooks, and pop-metal sounds of archetypal glam albums, like David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust & the Spiders From Mars and T. Rex's Electric Warrior, have reappeared often since glam's glory days. In 1979, David Werner's third album offered some of the greatest glam sounds of the decade. On the brilliant single "What's Right" and the icy "Every New Romance," (Produced by Ian Hunter), Werner does resemble Bowie vocally, with a more muscular rhythm section and even chunkier guitars, and both tracks stand up to the best of Bowie's early-'70s releases. Throughout the album, though, Werner's versatility as a vocalist, songwriter, and arranger demonstrate that he is much more than an American derivative of that other David. "Can't Imagine" delivers bristling power pop with supercharged, breakneck guitar hooks. He shows his emotional range with the mournful "She Sent Me Away." The melancholy "Melanie Cries" is a glistening pop confection with elegant harpsichord and cascading, Association-like vocals. Crisp production and a rock-solid rhythm section give David Werner more depth and punch than many of the often brittle sounding classic glam records. The guitars, played by Werner and multi-instrumentalist Mark Doyle, in particular, shine. David Werner failed to make its namesake the star he should have been, and he has not issued a record since. As this album shows, Werner is far too talented to be so obscure. AMG (by James A.Gardner)

Lossless: ZS1 + ZS2 (297 mb)

Songs
Can't Imagine / What's Right / Do You Need to Love? / Melanie Cries / Eye to Eye / Hold on Tight / Every New Romance / Too Late to Try / High Class Blues / She Sent Me Away

FORTUNATE SONS
RISING (1986) KAREZZA (1987)

Sometimes you see reissues of crap bands nobody really wants to buy and sometimes you're trying hard to find a lost gem, the kind of music that makes you feel better. The Fortunate Sons were that kind of band , and unfortunately both albums have never been reissued on CD. An unofficial version of both albums on one CD was released in 2004, and some of these unofficial versions are credited to Chris Wilson!!!, while Robin Wills was the soul and the leader of the band.
The Fortunate Sons were the missing link between the Barracudas (first and second era) and the new Barracudas restarted by Robin Wills and Jeremy Gluck around 1991 and still active today (the wonderful album released in 2005 is classic Barracudas at their best)

In 1985, Robin Wills formed his own band - the Fortunate Sons - Steve Robinson on bass and Lee Robinson on drums - and planned to record as soon as possible. For a while John Plain (ex-Boys) and then Marcus Holler were in the band on second guitar 'cause Robin Wills wanted a harder sound, but, in 1986, the first Fortunate Sons album "Rising" was recorded as a 3-piece band and released on Bam Caruso. "20th Century Myth", "Just Another Day", Wastin' Time" are highlights of a strong that, while mainly featuring original uptemp rock'n'roll numbers, also includes a contrasting ballad "Burning", sensitively sung by Lee, and a cover of McGuinn/Levy's "Rock'n'Roll Time" (while the most popular covers plated on stage at the time were P.F Sloan's
"Sins of the Family" or John Phillips'"Me & My Uncle" (both released later on single and a compilation, while the later was the only track to feature Marcus Holler).

A year later, the trio became a four-piece with the inclusion of the former "Flamin' Groovies and Barracudas" Chris Wilson on second guitar and most of the vocals who had certainly boosted the band's scope. The expanded Fortunate Sons recorded "Karezza". The Fortunate Sons had more than 12 strings to their well-horned bow. Highlights of the second and final Fortunate Sons album were "Deep Red", "In Vain" and "Daggers of Justice", the same "Daggers of Justice" was available as a demo version on the "What A Nice Way to Turn Seventeen" compilation.
The promo copy of Karezza included the song "Your Time Has Come". It was also on the spanish edition of the album. Later, the Fortunate Sons would split and Robin Wills and Jeremy Gluck restarted around 1990 the Barracudas for the "Wait For Everything" album.

Rising
Sometimes You win / Under The Light / Down Down / Wastin' Time / Just Another Day / Where We Stand / Burning / Rock'n'Roll Time / All The Time In The World / 20th Century Myth

Karezza
He Who Waits / Deep red / In Vain / Talking / Cold Cold Night / Cut & Run / Dawning / Downbound Train / Neighbourhood / Daggers Of Justice / Let Me Rock /Your Time Has Come

THE DRUG ADDIX MAKE A RECORD (1978)

Prior to the start of her own solo recording career, Kirsty MacColl appeared - masquerading as Mandy Doubt - on the EP. The Drug Addix Make A Record. If you can find it, it was on Chiswick Records SW39, originally released in June 1978 when Kirsty was only 18.
Kirsty seems most prominent on the Special Clinic track, though as she later said, "All I did on the record was backing vocals. You can barely hear me.. We weren't actually a punk band, but at the time punk was king and we called ourselves that just to get some gigs. Everyone expected an outrageous, Sex Pistols type of band but we weren't. We were all slide guitar and R&B. I was just the token boiler on backup vocals... Of course that annoyed me but you've got to start somewhere. If you can't really sing and you can't play anything, you can't argue about it." kirstymaccoll.com

songs
Gay Boys In Bondage (also available on the compilation The Chiswick Story) / Addington Shuffle / Special Clinic / Glutton For Punishment