Hipshot Killer All The Hell In The World B/W Sky Flying By Too Much Rock 2016

Hipshot Killer All The Hell In The World B/W Sky Flying By Too Much Rock 2016 CAT #No 005

Hipshot Killer is a three piece punk band drawing heavily from the dirtier side of late-70's power-pop. The band has been performing since 2009, but LONG before that band members Mike Alexander and Chris Wagner were in the The Revolvers together, In addition, Wagner and a one-time Hipshot Killer drummer were in The Breakups.  These guys are old now and probably have kids and stuff. Those bands were 20 years ago. But, to their credit, the years look good on them, they've gotten a wiser, they've grown out of simplicity of old Descendants records and stretched out musically. They still wear Chuck Taylors, though. Seriously, drop that, you'll be confused for a Kelly Clarkson fan.

Even in their Chucks, they're a bit tougher and got some power-pop hooks to go along with their punk rock chords. They've released a full length and this new 7" represents the 5th in a series of singles put out by Too Much Rock. As stated previously, Sid at Too Much Rock puts out the singles provided the band does a song of his choosing. The band gets all benefits and the records, Sid just helps out local music. For this release, Hipshot Killer was given the early 90's proto-emo song, Sky Flying By" by Samiam. For Hipshot Killer, it's an easy task and they remain true to the original track which was likely a song that influenced the Breakups way back when.

The original tune by the band, "All The Hell in the World," wins the award for best song title of the year. It's got 90's teenage angst, but finds adulthood in the end. The track builds up with guitars until it blows up into a singalong, but the lyrics have a lot more in common with a Bruce Springsteen song than the typical 'damn the man' punk-rock anthem.

The single will be released 10/21 at local record stores. The band will be performing live 10/22 at Mills Records and again on 10/25 at Davey's Uptown. A Lawrence show is in the works. If you search you can find a stream of "All The Hell in the World", but the B-side is off limits unless you happen upon on it on the radio or buy the single.

https://hipshotkiller.bandcamp.com/
Check out the A-Side

Berwanger Demonios High/Dive Records 2015

Berwanger Demonios High/Dive Records 2015 CAT# HDR016

Josh Berwanger is apparently just going with his last name now...at least according to this 6 song EP put out by High/Dive Records.

Demonios is Berwanger growing fonder of the power pop treasure trove he discovered when making his self-titled debut. These six tracks find him trying to master his own brand of the genre. In addition to late-70's skinny tie sounds, he is attempting to mix the swagger of 80's hard rock and the groove of 70's jam bands. It's a decent mix, but he can't drop the influences of his work in the Anniversary, there's still a lot of Weezer and 90's alterno-rock hiding in the corners of his songs.

As catchy as his solo debut was, you could tell it owed a lot to others. Demonios finds the songwriter finding more of himself in his new power pop hooks. He's still the goofy character with a backward baseball cap and outlandish fashion, but his version of the american teenager culture starts to grow on you, motorcycles, heartache, and suburban punks start to make a lot of sense on these tracks.

Live Radio Performance

Blubird S/T Private 1982

Nice headband, bro

Blubird S/T Private 1982 CAT# BB101

Internet research indicates these guys are from the Hays, Kansas area. Apparently, the two main songwriters, Tony Pfiefer and Fulton Calvery, were in a 50's retro-rock band called Jimmy Dee and the Destinations (I actually have an album, just haven't gotten to it) in the late-70's and early 80's. By 1982, they left the Destinations to form this band, Blubird. In addition to putting out a private press LP, they apparently made there way throughout Kansas in places like Manhattan to play to the K-State crowd. Following this band, it appears a whole bunch of Pfiefer's started a band called the Heat that made an appearance on Star Search. There may be some of those Pfiefer's on outside of Tony on this record, but I just got photos and songwriter credits.

Mullet City was apparently Hays, KS, 1982

The cover of this is just awful...the bad 80's graphics, the terrible clothes, and seriously, all 4 guys are rocking a variation on a mullet. It certainly stinks of Western, Kansas. Outside of the look, there isn't many clues as to what the Blubird were all about. Maybe there was a lyric sheet at one point, but there's nothing indicating who or where these guys are from.

The cover is also a good lead into their sound. Not a skinny-tie, new-wave, thing, but more in the vein of Loverboy power-pop. That could mean really awful things and in parts, like a cover of "Mony Mony", it is. But, for the most part, it's not that bad. It's pleasant middle-of-the-road power-pop teetering on some AOR influences.

On albums like this the hope is for one really killer track. Unfortunately, it's not here. Some of the more power-pop tracks get dangerously close, but the band is too reliant on the AOR pomp of influences like Journey and Foreigner. Again, it's not terrible, it's just nothing stand out and far too typical for rock music in the 80's.

THE HEAT ON STAR SEARCH

The Leatherwoods Happy Ain't Comin Home B/W Something Ain't Right Bus Stop Label 1992

The Leatherwoods Happy Ain't Comin Home B/W Something Ain't Right Bus Stop Label 1992 CAT# BUS015

This 7" was released 4 years after the initial Todd Newman and the Leatherwoods 7". The main track, "Happy Ain't Comin Home" is featured on the CD release, Topeka Oratorio, which was released at the same year.

It's a marked improvement over the Leatherwoods initial release. It's stripped down version of Todd Newman's vision and if Tim O'Reagan wasn't contributing to the duo, this would be called singer-songwriter. For the better, the power-pop moves are stripped away. It may be by choice, but also probably in large part to the fact the Leatherwoods were just a duo. It's a better sound for Newman and also showcases the reason O'Reagan is now a member of the Jayhawks.

The duo had officially left Topeka and Lawrence, KS behind at this point for Minneapolis, MN. The CD Topeka Oratorio, is found on Minnesota blogs as a genuine nugget of the town's sound (a lot of that because it features legendary Replacements frontman, Paul Westerberg, playing under the name, Pablo Louserama). The 7" is worth seeking out. Of note, the same label that released Jon Harrison's The What Gives.

As stated, O'Reagan keeps busy in the highly recommended and acclaimed band, The Jayhawks. Todd Newman remains constant with music. He's released a grip of CDs since this, some of which were recorded back home in Kansas with Ed Rose.

Full 7", The Leatherwoods

Todd Newman and the Leatherwoods To Win You Back Reverb 1988

Todd Newman and the Leatherwoods To Win You Back B/W Downside of an Eightball Reverb 1988 CAT# REV701

I've been hearing legends concerning Todd Newman since hosting a power-pop show on KJHK. His songs were a must have per Lawrence power-pop enthusiasts.

So, up until finding this one, the hype has been building in my mind. Legendary Lawrence, KS power-pop, so good you can't find his 7"s anywhere. Then I got it and I'm like, meh, this is pedestrian.

Not to say it isn't good, it's enjoyable. "To Win You Back" has a great harmony on the chorus, but the rest could have been a Romantics song buried away on a second side of one of their albums and people might point it out as a highlight. The amount of swearing on the B-side, "Downside of an Eightball" is impressive. All the curse words paired with a power-pop balled is kind of humorous, but I'm not sure Todd Newman was trying to be funny.

Interesting bit about the band, formed in Lawrence, presumably as Jayhawks attending school (the 7" even thanks KJHK). The drummer of the Leatherwoods was Tim O'Reagan, who would move off to Minnesota and join the influential alt-country band, The Jayhawks, Coincidentally, Newman lives in the land of 1000 Lakes as well.

FULL 7"

Wilmas Songs About Girls Leftover Records 1989

Wilmas Songs About Girls Leftover Records 1989 NO CAT

I try to listen to this impartially, but I can't. This was a band formed by Jon Harrison of Lawrence, KS, who I came to know shopping at Love Garden records. He's this insanely tall guy and insanely nice. He sold me some of my favorite records based on his tastes. Let's Active, 3 O' Clock, The Nerves, I could go on and on with all the power pop this guy threw at me, his taste is impeccable.

Listening to his early EP, it's so Jon Harrison. It's power-pop, REM jangle, and a bit of punk. It's like talking with records with the guy.

It was obviously issued by the band as something to peddle as they were playing shows in and around Lawrence, KS. They pressed up a double 7" release, which is odd. Could have done two 7" releases, or combined it all into a 10" or 12" EP, but the uniqueness of a double 7" EP is kind of fun, there's 5 songs in all.

The songs are all strong and it's a shame no one is seeking this out. Maybe it's a bit too pleasant, had the band created a tougher sound collectors might take more notice. But, there's a ton of heartbreak, jangly guitars and good harmonies, it's everything you'd want from 80's indie, maybe a bit late in the game by 1989, but that's relative, and a solid collection of tunes. Further, the title, Songs About Girls, is probably the most accurate title ever as it applies to approximately 50% of all music ever released.

Dogs? Self-Titled Dogs? Records 1985

Dogs? Self-Titled Dogs? Records  1985 CAT# SRK 15117

This is pretty lame. 5 dudes with fancy hair and glamour shots doing some pomp-rock. Giving it a nod towards new-wave or power-pop would be generous. It's produced well and the sound quality is fantastic for a private LP, the songs are just boring and swamped in 80's trends. The fact that it's only 5 songs is the best part as you don't have to suffer through much.

As a band, they all seem pretty capable. Most of the members did other things around town. Stan Hartman the drummer is notable for being in Parlor Frogs who appeared on a Fresh Sounds Live in Lawrence comp. The link below indicates the singer, Jerry Sumner, was in the marginally cool band Clocks. But, what this appears to be is a bunch of fairly talented locals putting together a cash-in attempt. Super slick production, the handsome photos on the backside, the roller rink panty-dropper tunes... I imagine they put this together with hopes of signing onto a major, doesn't look like it worked, but good on the Dogs? for trying.

Substitute

Just Another Pop Album The Titan Sampler Titan 1980

Just Another Pop Album The Titan Sampler Titan 1980 CAT# 8001

Years ago, when I was heavily into power pop, I had this LP and cherished it.  I had never came across any of the 45s put out by Titan and was turned onto the label by a good friend from the Love Garden.  At that time, this was pretty easy to come by as rumor had it the Titan guys had boxes of them still untouched.

Then, in a moment of complete un-clarity, I dumped a bunch of my power pop collection. This was included in that sell off. A Canadian bought it for $10, hope they enjoyed the crap out of it. At the time, I figured I could get another if needed or locate the 45s. Of course, when I wanted it back I couldn't find it as the Titan label became somewhat of a 'thing'. I still haven't ever seen one of the 45s...

A month or so ago, a friend sent me a photo of this with a .99 cent price tag. He hooked it up and I'm glad to have it back. Apparently, the Titan guys still have some, but I haven't seen them around (stores and shows ain't my bag anymore) and once I got the box set from the Numero Group, this is almost unnecessary.

All the songs are featured on the amazing package put together by Numero Group.  But, when you have this it feels like you're archiving a piece of history. This failed Kansas City label and it's roster put a lot of hard work into this comp. Great cover, great songs, just something that is fun to have.

J.P. McClain & the Intruders Just Another Pop Song

The Leopards Magic Still Exists Voxx Records 1987

The Leopards Magic Still Exists Voxx Records 1987 CAT# VOXX 200.048

Would have bought this regardless of local connections, I mean look at it?  It looks amazing, like the best the 80's garage and psych revival scene had to offer.

The Leopards were formed in Kansas City, Kansas in the late-70's.  They released an obscure album and a handfull of 45s for their own label, Moon records.  In the 1980's, the band tried their luck and moved to Los Angeles, based on the strength of the debut, Kansas City Slickers, along with a demo tape, Voxx, an imprint of the legendary Bomp Records, agreed to fund an album.

Overall pretty hip, getting out to LA, getting an album on a garage focused indie label.  The music, though, nothing to do with psych or garage as the cover would have you believe.  Straight power pop and heavily focused on the Kinks.  The album has been called the best Kink's album of the 80's, which is fairly accurate.

There are some true gems on the album, the highly Kinks-ified "Pyschedelic Boy," which not only pokes fun at LA's Paisley Underground scene, but was featured as an opener Rodney Bingenheimer's rave up on KROQ.  The opener, "Block Party," definitely has a KC nod with mentions of spicy BBQ and Midwest living.  There are numerous others, especially considering the album contains 14 songs.  Which is kind of the downfall to the album.  Short, 2 1/2 minute pop tracks are great, but, after awhile, things get lost.  Definitely some filler to found here.

Due to the popularity of the Bomp! label, this album has seen reprints.  You can still find a colored copy on the interweb.  If you're into power pop and don't already have this, definitely worth a few spins and a few bucks.

Psychedelic Boy (SO Kinks-y)
A well-masked Kinks lift, Dusty Treasures
Block Party

The What Gives Up All Night With Bus Stop Label 1995

The What Gives Up All Night With Bus Stop Label 1995 CAT #1012

The What Gives almost exclusively belong to Jon Harrison.  It's really his thing with the help of others.

If you don't know Jon Harrison, all you have to do is listen to this.  He's into records; worked for years as the primary in-store buyer and pricer at Love Garden Sounds in Lawrence, KS.  He's into power pop and 60's Anglophilia; one time webmaster for the short lived Little Hits.com and if you get onto big time Power Pop webboards, he's among the most respected voices.  He's pure Lawrence; he moved there in college never left.  He's also incredibly tall, you'd think his tie to Lawrence would have been basketball he's so tall, but it was the music scene and school.

The What Gives songs are pure Jon.  Sweet, sappy, power-pop gems with a ton of 60's influenced harmonies, chiming guitars, and almost exclusively about heartbreak.  The tunes also got a nice bedroom pop appeal about them, very homespun and natural production.  It's a smattering and scattering of just a million different obscure pop influences.  You could say you hear a lot of the Byrds in his music and you'd be right.  You'd also be right about saying you hear the Beach Boys or the Beatles...Or the Bongos, or Let's Active or the Nerves, it's all there.  The songs were produced by local producing extradonaire, Ed Rose.  The songs feature a plethora of great Lawrence talent, mainly because Jon's a pretty awesome guy.  I don't think there was ever a hope of this 10" becoming a massive success, Jon just had some tunes and everybody agreed to put down some tracks.  Can't imagine a whole lot of money exchanged hands on this project.

Harrison still plays locally, usually under the moniker, The Harrisonics.  He sometimes spins his amazing record collection at fantastic Lawrence establishments.  He no longer works full time at the Love Garden, but friends told me he sometimes works a day or two out of the week to price and grade some records.  He's actually a teacher now at Lawrence High, which makes you think, it's time for a Robert Pollard transformation, could use another guy like that and Harrison has the tunes stored up.

I Can Stay Up All Night

Titan! It's All Pop! Boxset Numero Group 2011

Titan! It's All Pop! Boxset Numero Group 2011 CAT #024

The Numero Group is pretty awesome.  They put out an amazing Kansas City soul comp documenting the Forte label, but it was not all encompassing.  This Titan! boxset, though, it's everything and features additional tracks recorded for the label that were never released.

The Titan! story is fascinating.  At the height of the power pop scene, this small Kansas City label put out a number of quality singles and a compilation that no one noticed despite some rave reviews in the right zines.  And, when I say no one, that includes Kansas City.  Groups like the Embarrassment were extremely obscure, but well regarded locals,  but despite a radio-friendly sound, the Titan! artists couldn't even garner local attention, let alone national.  Most these singles set collecting dust for years until a collectors market got turned on.  It would take years for Titan! to trickle it's way into the pantheon of underground Power Pop circles.  Even today, it's rumored that the label founders have stock left including a good amount of the It's All Pop compilation album.

Eventually, the label did find it's niche (or maybe the niche found Titan!).  The Internet and constant trading of mix tapes put some of the label's singles on the map.  Now-a-days, some enthusiasts are willing to table Titan! singles next to the likes of LA's Bomp! label.  The 45s are scarce and command a fair amount world wide.  But, even with the later day appreciation, it's still a small market.  Very cool that the Numero Group decided to put this out (it's also reasonably priced, less than $50 for 4 LPS, box, and booklet).

Below is my half ass attempt at a breakdown of all that is here:

The Boys - This band is provided two full sides on the box set.  Likely because they are one of the most sought after Titan bands.  Further, probably the only band on the rooster able to fill a full two sides.  They're from Nebraska, so not local.  But, sugary power pop nonetheless, didn't ever get too rowdy.  They have their moments.

Gary Charlson- Got a pretty big soft spot for Charlson.  When I was in college I went through a huge power pop kick and was always on the hunt for Titan! 45s.  Something I had come across was a bootleg compilation CD that featured Charlson's tunes.  I had found the CD from Wascal's Wecords and Stuff when it was located inside the Olathe Gee Coffee on Sante Fe.  Wascals no longer exists, but Greg (aka Wascal) explained to me that prior to me buying the CD, Charlson had just popped in.  He was an Olathe guy, ran a heating and air conditioning business, just made some solid pop gems as a musician back in the day.  Personally, of all the Titan! artists, I think Charlson deserves the most praise.  He's not too AM and he's not over the top in a way that just screams, "We are overcompensating because we're from the Midwest."  His stuff would fit in fine in the LA scene or New York, just sounds natural and soaked in skinny tie coolness.  He's also still active today, occasionally even drops in on guitar with other locals like the Rainmakers.

The Gems - More KC power pop.  The Gems were first JP McClain and the Intruders, but that band ceased to exist despite some of the early tracks found here on the boxset.  They're on the British side of the fence with their power-pop, very much in line with Stiff Records and Elvis Costello.

The Secrets* - Seems to me that this band had the most commercial appeal locally.  They landed a track on a local radio station compilation album and their sound is a bit more commercial ready.  Bar band style, but not hung up on a specific coolness factor, just bashing out some pop tunes without a lot of muscle.

Arilis - Arlis is another Nebraska, dude the Titan! guys tracked down.  He's decent, power pop for sure, got some teeth to it.

Millionaire at Midnight - This was a Lawrence, Kansas based band who had been taking their working class pop all over the Midwest prior to an attempted release with Titan (never came out).  You hear a good bar band, tons of guitar solos, very workingman's Foreigner, had they been given the tools, they would have took it to the studio rock level in all likelihood.

JP McClain & the Intruders - This band barely existed, while it did it featured Gary Charlson on guitar.  Highlight is the song featured here, "Just Another Pop Song," which would later be used and paraphrased, 'It's All Pop,' for the label sampler and mantra.

Scott McCarl - Decent, sugary, bubble gum pop.  Nebraska dude, so he's regional.

Bobby Sky - Okay, this is the coolest discovery I made after purchasing the box set.  Bobby Sky was a moniker for artist, Dean Klevatt, who was a local kid.  He discovered Bowie in the 70's and ran off to England.  Even cut an obscure 7" for Decca.  The single failed, but in England, he met up with Kim Fowley and came back to the States.  Fowley used him as a studio musician, in fact, his keyboard is heard on the first Runaways.  Fowley also convinced him to take up the name Bobby Sky.  When the Titan guys heard about him they got a hold of the three tracks featured on this set.  The song, "The Water," was co-written by Kim Fowley.  Sky's pop is filled with anglophile nods to the British Invasion with a healthy dose of AM pop.  Especially enjoyed the track, "What's the Name of that Song."  Having no single on the Titan! label, Sky left town again, finally finding a gig as the keyboardist for Lene Lovich of all people.

Charlson's cover of Dwight Twilley's Shark and a few others

Josh Berwanger Oh Bis! B/W Back of My Hand Too Much Rock 2014

Josh Berwanger Oh Bis! B/W Back of My Hand Too Much Rock 2014 CAT# 003

The transformation is complete.  Josh Berwanger has gone form Blue Valley teenage hipster, to emo heartthrob, to retro rocker, to a power pop craftsmen.  This is the third in Sid Sowder's Too Much Rock series and will be released on June 3rd, 2014.  There will be a party June 5th, 2014 at Mills Records in Westport.  You should go.  I'm probably not gonna go...don't want to be the weird, old, fat belly, looking awkward and shit.

So yeah, Berwanger's power pop stick is growing on me.  Moments on his solo LP are brilliant, but the LP wasn't completely drenched in big hooks and jangly guitars.  His original tune on this 7", "Oh Bis!", is nothing but power pop, clocking under 3 minutes of actual song before Berwanger goes into a short roller-hockey story about the song's title.  There's woo-hooing, oohhs and aahhs on the chorus, and it's about getting the girl.  It's so power pop it comes off a bit formulaic, but, all is forgiven since Cheap Trick stopped writing good songs in the 80's and the most great power pop groups disbanded prior to the end of the 1970's.

As with all releases in the series, Too Much Rock selects a song to cover on the flip side.  Berwanger gets the Jags "Back of My Hand", which is an obscure track to most Stateside, but was a hit in the band's home of England.  Berwanger's version is solid.  The Jags were a little too clean and sharp versus American bands of the same era like the Nerves or the Real Kids.  I had an issue with the singer's affliction and the band's slick production.  Berwanger's breathy vocals and hurried production do the song a favor.  Also, love the use of female backing vocals rather than dual tracking dude's vocals to perfection (kind of the auto-tune of it's time wasn't it?).  Further, big fan of the acoustic guitar break, it's a nice touch.

Oh, and I'm not going to talk about the cover...I don't get it, but whatever, I guess it's supposed to be funny?

UPDATE: Apparently there is a limited run of color variants that will be available for this release, my guess would be at Mills Records show.  109 colored 7"s in blue, green, purple and what appears to be a Coke Bottle clear.  Also, the cover I don't get...  It's done by Jay Shaw, an artist who does alternate movie posters...I get it now.

Check out the Tune, Too Much Rock.com

Berwanger T.K. Webb Split 7" Creme Tangerine 2013

Berwanger T.K. Webb Split 7" Creme Tangerine 2013 CAT# CTR-003

Nifty release on hot pink vinyl.  This was put out by a small label, Creme Tangerine, in 2013.  As far as 7"s go, solid packaging, the pink vinyl is cool, the label contrasts nicely, the artwork and printing are attractive, but simple.  Also, Josh Berwanger was behind most of the artwork and design, so pretty DIY accept the actual label part.

From my understanding, it was Josh Berwanger's first output as a solo artist.  You can tell since it's drenched in a sound reminiscent of his work with the Anniversary.  Bit of a dance rock groove with synth effects all over the place.  It's got a good hook and the Anniversary-ness to is welcome in relation to the Only Ones. He's not doing this sound anymore, if you've heard Berwanger's newest stuff, dude is obsessed with power pop sounds.  He's doing an upcoming release for Sid Sowder and Too Much Rock which is due out in early June.  That release promises to be full on 1978 style.

The flip side features a home recording from T.K. Webb entitled, "Fuck the Police."  I think the song uses the phrase once and I'm not a huge fan of using a title that borrows from N.W.A., but whatever.  It's a a decent rural, folk-blues jam.  Homemade style, so it's still rough around the edges.

Nifty Label, Super-Indie, Creme Tangerine

Rev Gusto S/T Single Too Much Rock 2014

Rev Gusto S/T Single Too Much Rock 2014 CAT#002

*****

Sid Sowder's absolutely selfless Too Much Rock singles series continues!  This edition features Kansas City's Rev Gusto.  I just got a copy of this and wanted to share the news...It will be available tomorrow (4/19/2014) for purchase at Vinyl Renaissance, Mills Records and Love Garden as part of the Record Store Day celebration.  After that, you'll probably be able to find it for a little while depending on what the band does with their singles.  Just saying, if you're out at any of those stores, pick up a copy, support local, it's rad.  Actual blog post to follow.

*****

Again, I'd like to express how truly selfless and awesome this singles series is.  Too Much Rock selects an artist to release a single, the first side is the band's and the flip side is a cover selected by Too Much Rock for the band to do.  Too Much Rock then puts the single together and without making back a dime gives the release to the band.  The local scene wins because a local band gets a release and some cash, fans of vinyl win because they get a rare disc and something by a great band.  The only one that losses is Sid Sowder of Too Much Rock...Selfless.  This release will be sold at three area record stores on Record Store Day, I imagine to get the word out on the series locally (this is only #2, #1 was this), but I'm going to bet all proceeds from Record Store Day are going right back to Rev Gusto.  I mean I even tried to pay Sid for this release and got no response.  Then, when he said he'd send a copy for review to a few local music sites, I even asked to pay shipping (I mean, who in their right mind is willing to take such a big hit, I'm all about helping, y'know?) and again was met with no response, just a package in the mail containing the single.

As for the music, this is Rev Gusto's first physical release.  They will likely hold onto many of their copies for sale at shows, so after RSD, may have to pay cover to find a copy.  My understanding is that 500 copies of the 7" are put out, so it's pretty rare.  The band formed in high school and most them are fresh out, not yet old enough to partake in alcohol served at the bars they perform at.  They're being labeled somewhere between power-pop and garage rock, truthfully, they're a bit too proficient to be garage rockers, but their sound is pretty raw.  They've been performing a lot locally, did a show for Middle of the Map Fest and even did a big-timer show at South by Southwest.  Overall, the kids seem to like the band's lazy power-pop.

The band's song on this release, "Still There," is drenched in feedback and choppy guitars.  The vocals strain and come off a bit forced at time, just trying to sound a little cooler than they need to.  You definitely hear where the power pop tag is coming from, but again, the tune is so drenched in guitar and distortion, it's hard for me to make that kind of leap.  

For the B-side the song "Local Girls" by Graham Parker was selected for the band.  What they did

with it is fucking brilliant.  I used to host a power-pop show on KJHK and spun both US acts and the British pub rock.  Fans of the pub rock scene swear by Parker's "Squeezing out Sparks" album, but outside the song "Local Girls," I found the album pretty boring (the rest of his catalog even more so) and even before I'd spin this track, I'd opt for Costello, Nick Lowe, Squeeze or even Joe Jackson.  It's not as if the band does anything radical to Parker's tune, in fact, it's true to form and they're able to keep the jitters and nervous energy.  The thing I like about Rev Gusto's version is that the attributes of the song fit a bunch of 19 year old kids better than they did Parker.  I always felt Parker was kind of a hack, just an old talented dude copping on the new sound.  Rev Gusto put their fuzz on top of the track and the lazy power pop sound they've developed as a band and it works; solid cover.

Rev Gusto Website

Big Timers on the News

Josh Berwanger Strange Stains Good Land Records 2013

Josh Berwanger Strange Stains Good Land Records 2013 CAT# GLR013-1

Quick introduction to the album, Josh Berwanger, was one of the main songwriters for the now defunct Anniversary.  He plays around town and elsewhere as the Josh Berwanger Band, but the LP is credited to him as a solo artist.  For the most part, Berwanger is the only consistent player on tracks and the group is pieced together.  One stand out, the first track, "Bullets of Change," features Kansas City native T.K. Webb on guitar.

After the split of the Anniversary in 2004, Berwanger and members of Anniversary formed the Only Children which took the stoner-rock vibe of the Your Majesty to the country-rock side of the fence.  So instead of big groove retro-rock, they went rural, Southern boogie.  That all ended in 2007.  Since then, hadn't heard much from any Anniversary alums other than Justin Roelfs' White Flight recordings and videos.

Apparently, Berwanger was busy penning power-pop gems.  Granted, still retro-rock, but there are some legitimate hits on this LP.  Kansas City recently got a new adult alternative station, it's a former NPR station out of Central Missouri State (maybe?) going by the Bridge FM.  They're trying incredibly hard to align themselves with the local scene and are spinning the crap out of Berwanger's tunes.  And for good reason, there are some great songs.  The station currently seems to favor, "Time Traveler", which is kind of funny because the word "shit" is stated clearly and I don't think they've caught on.

While the album has some lulls, which isn't any different than any of the Anniversary albums, the first side and moments on the flip side are incredible.  My main problem with Berwanger has always been this forced persona.  Like he's always trying hard (like his former band mate, Justin Roelfs) to be this strangely, engaging, oddball.  What's wrong with being a normal dude who plays guitar, you know?  You're from the burbs, embrace it.  Despite all that, he's never sounded more genuine than he does here.  Power pop suits this dude, his backwards hats and vintage attire are well placed.  His breathy vocals and T-Rex-ish cosmic lyrics make sense.  Unfortunately, he's hitting on some pretty well worn territory.  I mean, even when chiming guitars and big Beatles chorus' were a thing in the late-70s, people quickly looked elsewhere (how many hits did the Knack have, again?).  Regardless, I'm hoping this album finds a devoted following.  The songs deserve it.

Baby Loses Her Mind
Time Traveler

Thumbs No Price On Earth Ramona Music Inc 1982

Thumbs No Price On Earth Ramona Music Inc 1982 CAT# RM2

Of the two Thumbs' LP, this is the better one.  Overall, the band still sounds lean, off balanced, and awkward.  However, the songs are bit more polished and Steve Wilson calmed down his manic vocal style.  The artiness and Velvet worship really shine through on this one too; in a good way.  It sounds more 1978 than it does 1982, probably because they were soaking up the college scene.  Locals like the Embarrassment, likely Athens based groups like REM, had shown the Thumbs how to embrace their off kilter influence into shambolic power pop tunes.

Whereas the homespun recording of their first LP almost destroys anything good about the band, No Price on Earth, is actually bettered by the Lo-Fi recording.  The song "Jennie Says" sounds like it should be your standard MOR skinny tie affair, but with the production gives it a twee sound and feel, like a teen band from the 60's.  Most of the album falls into this wanna-be raver, teen stompers, with just enough teeth to get to the power part of power pop and enough references about girls to keep them out of any sort of punk realm.

The band tries to get ultra-arty on the tune, "I'm The Jesus," using a bunch of Jesus tag-lines to sound witty and smart, it's a low point of the LP.  But, the high points like "The Coast is Clear," Out of His Mind," "It Won't Satisfy" and the surprisingly pretty, "The Payload," make the LP worth searching out for a couple of bucks.

Thumbs do the Velvets

Thumbs S/T Ramona Records 1979

Thumbs S/T Ramona Records 1979 CAT#RR1

The Thumbs were a late 70's, early 80's band from Lawrence, KS.  This debut LP stinks of 1979 and lies somewhere between skinny tie new wave and working class Midwestern power pop.  It falls closer to the power pop spectrum, as there isn't synth on LP (keyboards got switched to the organ setting), and the only reason to compare it to New Wave is because singer, Steve Wilson, approaches the vocals like a cartoon character.

That's my main problem with the album.  Steve Wilson, who is an awesome guy and still a heavy supporter of local music in Lawrence, just draws out his words like Lou Reed, but he can't sing or sound like Lou Reed.  On this LP, he's pitchy and all over the place, he's in the higher register and to me, it seriously sounds like a cartoon character.  It's distracting and takes away from what's going on with the songs.

As for the songs, production is pretty muted, the drums sound muddy and it can be hard to pick up a bass line.  The levels all over sound unven as the guitar is really high and sometimes the organ is too loud.  The production is distracting and probably hides a lot of great moments in the LP.  I've heard people claim it to be a lost power-pop gem, to which I don't really agree with.  It's pretty par for the course.  The organ is cool, but overall, it's middle of the road for 1979.  To the band's credit, it doesn't appear they were trying for a straight ahead power pop as they are better compared to college rock bands like the dBs or later, REM.

There are some gems, "Is It Too Much?," done correctly could have been classic.  "Still Bound to You" has the right idea and even some harmonies (which most the LP lacks).  Second to last song, "Rags to Rags" starts promising and I kind of dig the twee-pop break down (likely not meant to sound twee, but again, production isn't the LP's strong point).  The final song, "Art History," must be singer Steve Wilson's favorite as it's the sole video on YouTube and posted by him.  The organ is pretty killer and there is some Byrds jangle to it.

The band released a follow up in 1982, which I haven't listened to in years but it's on the stack of
to be discussed soon".  Steve Wilson (I should really talk about the other guys, but he's kind of the leader of the band) would go onto to front another Lawrence favorite, the Mahoots, and by that point had calmed down his vocal approach considerably.

Art History