Song of the Day: January 23, 2005
Polydor Records 45, 1978
One of my favorite UK punk tracks, this was actually one of two singles (both comped on the excellent Teenage Treats series of rare UK punk and power pop) by a band of older professional musicians. Among them was songwriter Jim Avery, whom freakbeat fanatics might know from the Attack; he was also in the far more successful Thunderclap Newman. That they were possibly trying to prolong floundering careers seems beside the point; the top-notch musicianship exhibited here merely enhances the intensity of this call to arms. Note to Who fans: Produced by Kit Lambert, and co-written with Chris Stamp.
Song of the Day: January 22, 2005
From "Where Your Heart," Certain Records EP, 1988
A note relaying the compliments of Game Theory's Scott Miller was included in this band's press kit; appropriately so, as GT might be the most prominent influence on this New York trio. This solid five track EP was issued a few years after a lesser pop/wave 45. If memory serves they changed their name to Marcel Monroe and released a couple of full length CDs that went gentle into the 99-cent bin. Lead singer/songwriter/guitarist Bob Windbiel remains active in a number of interesting musical pursuits. 
Song of the Day: January 21, 2005
45, 1996
Purveying One Last Kiss-styled indiepop at this late date was probably not the best way to get noticed, but surely the Pontoons don't deserve this much obscurity. Perhaps my copy is missing an insert, but on the sleeve there's no label name, no address, and no band personnel listed save for the phrase "Songs By Tom Hunt." "Landslide" is a real heart-tugger; it soars like the best of early Small Factory but with more polish and confidence. Anybody know the story on this unit?
Song of the Day: January 20, 2005
Ambition Records 45, 1989
Some of the later stuff by this Southampton indie-pop outfit seemed a bit impenetrable to me, but I've always liked this debut 45 for its headlong, rushed rhythm and sweet, nervous vocal. This is another of a number of records on Little Hits that were introduced to me by Brian Kirk, CEO of the Bus Stop Label who sent me loads of great singles back in the late 80s and early 90s. For some reason, this was very well distributed in Lawrence, Kansas; every store seemed to have a couple, and I bought three or four when they were inevitably marked down to 99 cents. I seem to just have the one now, though, so I hope I've paid Brian's generosity forward.
Song of the Day: January 19, 2005
Mirimar Records 45, 1966
Also "We're Not Just Anybody" EP on
Misty Lane Records.
We love jangly, Byrds-influenced folk-garage tracks, so we were delighted when Misty Lane corralled all of this California combo's incredibly expensive 45s on a nice, affordable 10". One of the most legendary mysteries of 60s garage-dom, the Dovers made four singles in nine months and then vanished. All eight sides are incredible; while definitely more teenage than the Byrds, each one is a dark, moody gem. You can hear what is arguably their most famous (or least obscure) track, "What Am I Gonna Do" on Rhino Records' Nuggets box set. (It's also #50 on G45 Legends, one of our favorite websites.) The EP mentions a CD forthcoming on Ace/Big Beat, but that was a few years ago, and there's still no sign of it.
Song of the Day: January 18, 2005
From City Walls: A Southampton Compilation LP, White Elephant Records, 1980.
Amongst some artsy postpunk bands on the City Walls comp, one is surprised to find the utterly obscure Point Fives with a fine, if typical slab of UK power pop. Their other contribution is the considerably punkier "Stabbed." Steve Mitchell at Low Down Kids says that was probably the extent of the Point Fives' career.
Song of the Day: January 17, 2005
From "Shame For the Angels,"
Pawn Hearts Records EP, 1984
Scarf-clad, Johnny Thunders-worshipping, ex-Swell Map Nikki Sudden has a discography far too massive to cover in any depth here, but this is a good example of the swoony, acoustic guitar-driven, four-chord riff formula he used to such great effect during the David Kusworth/Jacobites period of the mid-to-late 80s. My favorite LP from this period is Texas, a stunning, if often harrowing masterpiece, but I'd vouch for anything originally issued on the Glass or Creation labels. For further information, consult the Secretly Canadian Website; they've re-issued most of this material. While you're there, check out Jens Lekman's When I Said I Wanted To Be Your Dog LP, one of my favorites of 2004.
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