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Sarandon
Brilliant post-punk pop that pays homage to the best of 80s UK DIY. Short, angular tunes that combine the brusque drive of Big Flame and Bogshed with the spiky melodicism of June Brides and Josef K.
[more info + MP3s]The Lodger
Fourteen future pop classics from this great Leeds band. Think Go-Betweens, The Boo Radleys, The Wedding Present, Blur, The June Brides and you're in the right territory. Features "Let Her Go" and "Kicking Sand."
[more info + MP3s]The Saturday People
Perfect 60s flavored power pop from this all-star DC band, featuring members of The Ropers, Castaway Stones, Tree Fort Angst, Velocity Girl and Whorl. By turns punchy and contemplative, the People pen classic tunes and play them with infectious enthusiasm. Fans of groups like The Go-Betweens, The Byrds and The Orchids should feel right at home.
[more info + MP3s]14 Iced Bears
One track each from the first two 14 Iced Bears singles. Essential, timeless C86 pop full of noisy guitars and infectious enthusiasm.
[more info + MP3s]Bright Coloured Lights
Post-Black Tambourine noisy pop from Pam and Mike finally given a proper release. Includes a nifty little Jesse Garon & The Desperadoes cover.
[more info + MP3s]The Aislers Set
Where The Aislers' debut Terrible Things Happen's synthesis of 60s mod-pop, 70s punk and 80s/90s indie flavors provided an end-of-the-century summation of where pop had been and where it was heading, 2000's The Last Match upped the ante even farther. More ambitious in conception, The Last Match expanded the band's sound into more orchestral areas. While the songs are still driving and catchy as a fish hook, the arrangements are far more sophisticated. It's a must-listen album, one that fueled fond memories, sparked love affairs, set off spontaneous dance parties, and reminded us all of the power of song-craft and melodies and POP. 2014 reissues available now!
[more info + MP3s]The Aislers Set
The Aislers Set began as a vehicle for the songs of Linton, who had most recently co-led San Francisco's legendary Henry's Dress and drummed in Go Sailor with her pal Rose Melberg; this is their debut album from 1998. Not content to merely (!) write some of the most sublime pop tunes this side of Ray Davies, Linton got busy in her garage studio and recorded and produced almost the whole record by herself. It's a remarkable feat, and a love for such producers as Phil Spector and Brian Wilson shines from each and every groove. It's a beautiful, multi-layered record and a genuinely great achievement of home recording. 2014 reissues available now!
[more info + MP3s]Nord Express
Dark, personal pop constructions that pay homage to such critical influences as third lp-era VU, Galaxie 500 and The Go-Betweens. The Nord sound is unique, though, and fans of groups like Bedhead and Empress should definitely check this out.
[more info + MP3s]Nord Express
Stripped-down melancholic pop with an understated grandeur. Still, quiet catharsis.
[more info + MP3s]various artists
18 song compilation drawn from the rare, early Summershine singles, including great songs by The Sugargliders, The Rainyard, The Earthmen and others. Brilliant 90's pop from this under-appreciated Australian label.
[more info + MP3s]The Softies
The first ep from Rose and Jen. Sad, plaintive strummy pop for those rainy days. 8 songs unavailable anywhere else!
[more info + MP3s]Nord Express
Nord's superb and entrancing first release, featuring vocals from Pam Berry and production from Archie Moore. Understated, dark folk-pop with a stark presence.
[more info + MP3s]Beatnik Filmstars
Huge compilation of rare cuts, single tracks and outtakes from this Bristol group that specializes in spiky, Wedding Present-meets-Fall style pop.
[more info + MP3s]Boyracer
The last release by the classic Stew/Matty/Nic/Ged line-up. A perfect summation of the Boyracer sounds up to that point.
[more info + MP3s]Lorelei
Lorelei was a Virginia trio that took the sound of mid-80's alienation (think Cure, Crispy Ambulance) and added a shoegazer's love of wall of sound guitars and the rhythmic tangle of Moonshake or PiL. Deep, twisted stuff that stretches pop to its limit.
[more info + MP3s]Hood
Unique and accomplished first album by this Leeds group who combined FSA fuzz/folk with post-rock and Antipodean pop. An essential document.
[more info + MP3s]Beatnik Filmstars
Scrappy, edgy guitar chaos with a fair dose of twisted/repetitive songwriting by way of The Fall and Pavement.
[more info + MP3s]Belreve
Simple yet charmingly effective pop from this Ohio group featuring New Bomb Turks punk hero Matt Reber.
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