Rest in Peace David Stroughter - Majesty Crush - Love 15 (1993) mp3

I did not know until 10 minutes ago, that David Stroughter died untimely in a police shooting in the night to the first of February. I don't know what happened just read the headline of metrotimes.com  randomly. For that reason and for condolence i want remember to his music here.

 R.I.P. David Stroughter  1966 - 2017

Majesty Crush - Love 15 (1993)
link

Power Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop: Secret Powers....

Secret Powers - What Every Rose-Grower Should Know 2011 (Flac)

I searched a review for the 2011 work of the Secret Powers but can't find anything. So i will do three, four sentences about the album. At first: It's a really great album full of top notch songs.-stop- Here are very gifted musicians at work.-stop-

I believe it was her fourth album then in 2011 and all what they did before this album was great.-stop- I'm a big power pop fan and i don't wanna do more small talk about the album.-stop- All what's important for power pop fans is:-stop- This is a top notch album!-stop-

Don't miss it, enjoy it
Cheers
           Frank   Flac

Psychedelic Rock & Pop of the sixties released in 2006! The Sidetrack - Baby (1969)2006 CD flac

The New York band Sidetrack recorded a demo album in the late '60s that never found release until finally getting issued in 2006 on CD. Many such relics from the time did not find release, at least in part, because of substandard production and sound quality. This is not the case with this would-be LP, which is quite professionally recorded and performed. One imagines that little or no extra work would have been required to ready it for commercial availability, and it's been reported that Elektra was indeed interested in adding the band to its roster, though nothing by Sidetrack appeared on the label. That doesn't necessarily mean, however, that Elektra should have released it, or that the album's failure to surface was such a great loss. The material's in a middling if largely non-indulgent psychedelic vein, chiefly distinguished from many other such average outfits by varied keyboards (piano, organ, and electric harpsichord) with a touch of classical influence. Perhaps there's a bit of Left Banke to some of the arrangements, though with heavier instrumentation, far less pop hooks, and rather wan or absent vocal harmonies (the greatest deficiency in terms of the production). Untypical of the record, which largely sticks to tracks between two and four minutes in length, is an 11-minute psychedelic instrumental that almost sounds like a baroque derivation of the kind of mood the Paul Butterfield Blues Band created on their classic "East West." Not quite as untypical, though one of the better tracks, is the short acoustic ballad "Blues for Matthew," which closes the record. (allmusic.com)

Limited reissue of scarce privately pressed album from 1969. Little is known of the band, and the album appeared as a test pressing with no jacket. Includes 'Wild eyes' which has appeared on a couple of compilations of rare American psychedelia/rock. Tracks are written in the wrong order on the CD. Correct order is written on this release page.(discogs)

Hello friends and folks, sisters and brothers. Wish all of you a wonderful start into the weekend. Today at first i post a little obscurity. The Sidetrack released her album in 2006, nearly 40 years after the recordings. As far as i know the band paid the whole production and nearly all the things needed for a complete product by themself then. They also make the 2006 release possible privately.
What makes me a little confused is that Mr Unterberger in his review say ''Blues for Matthew'' closes the disc. But ''Knowing What You Hold So Dear'' is the last song on the disc. Like discogs also noted on their page here. And that's also the running order on the vinyl release here. ''Blues for Matthew'' only closes side one of the vinyl record.  Maybe he owns a different disc... Okay however, the album is a mix of psychedelic pop, baroque pop and progressive rock. If you don't know give it a try. There are some really good songs on it. Enjoy!
With kind regards
                             Frank  Flac

Silver Sun - A Lick And A Promise (Expanded, 2014) mp3

Silver Sun - A Lick And A Promise (Japan 2014)

Some bands churn out new records like there's no tomorrow and launch each one with a dizzying amount of fanfare. On the contrary, Silver Sun have slipped out their first studio record since 1995 with barely even a word. I've been an avid fan of the band for ten years, but `A Lick and a Promise' only reached my consciousness thanks to the heads-up of an old friend who introduced me to them in the first place.

It's impossible not to bemoan the fact that an eighteen year career has elicited only five studio albums and an astonishing lack of recognition from the general public. Fortunately, the quality of the band's work makes it just about possible to forgive them, and this latest slice of pure British power-pop more than deserves its place amongst past glories.

Lead singer and mastermind James Broad's vocals are instantly recognisable and well-suited to the soaring, Beach Boys style harmonies of the backing vocals, and the summery riffs they employed so well in their earlier triumphs are used once more here, particularly in opening track `I Just Wanna Treat You Right'. I defy you not to smile the moment the beat kicks in, for it's a Silver Sun classic to nestle comfortably alongside such pearls as `Lava' and `Julia'.

Of course, when the standards they set are so high, it's inevitable there will be a few tracks that don't quite match up to the rest. `Bottom Of The Class', `Pariah' and `Pixelvision' haven't quite hooked me yet, but frankly, Silver Sun's weaker songs still outstrip most bands' best work without even breaking a sweat.
Silver Sun are, quite possibly, the best band you've never heard of, and `A Lick and a Promise' marks a very welcome return.(Quills@amazon)

Do you know Silver Sun? Don't miss it!!!
                    Frank mp3@320

Badfinger - Magic Christian Music (1970) 1991 Capitol (Flac)

About this album s so much written in the past. I will not also write a review about it. I think all is said about it . True stories and not so true stories. This is the Capitol edition from 1991 with two bonus tracks. It was mastered 1991 at Abbey Road by Mike Jarratt and it sounds real nice in my ears.

Have fun
               Frank  Flac

The Bee Gees - Cucumber Castle (1970) 2013 Japan Reprise Rec. (Flac)

An overlooked work in the Brothers Gibb catalog, Cucumber Castle is an excellent album that plays to the Bee Gees' strengths of melody, arrangement, and craftsmanship. Though at times one may miss the distinctive trembling vocals of Robin Gibb (the brothers had split up at this point), Barry and Maurice carry on with 12 cuts that continue in the tradition of their distinctive pop sound.

Orchestral arrangements and Mellotrons abound, and the sound tends toward full productions, especially in "Then You Left Me" and "I Lay Down and Die." One can also hear country influences ("Sweetheart"), gospel ("Bury Me Down by the River"), and light jazz ("My Thing"). What sets this album above others is that there is not a bad cut on the album, and Barry's vocals are particularly strong and heartfelt. Although most of the cuts deal with the usual subject of love and particularly love lost, superb eye for detail in the arrangements of the songs give them added life. Adding a few songs with classic singalong melodies ("Sweetheart" and "Don't Forget to Remember") certainly doesn't hurt the cause. All in all, this is a fine album that cements the Brothers Gibb
's reputation as superior pop songwriters and craftsmen.

Hello Folks, i was never a big Bee Gees fan but this album from 1970 is one of the best of this guys i ever heard. Maybe in his entirety the strongest i know. I read the review just some minutes ago and was really surprised. I can agree in nearly all points. And maybe (only maybe) it was a good decision at that time for the brothers as band to split (at least temporarily). The songwriting is just great and they belongs for sure to the greatest pop songwriters of all time. This is (and was then) a great pop album. If you are open minded give it a try and enjoy.
Cheers
           Frank  Flac

Badfinger solo: Mike Gibbins - A Place In Time 1997 Flac

As the drummer for Badfinger (and its predecessor band, the Iveys), Mike Gibbins demonstrated that he was a slightly above average drummer who seemed to owe more to the Keith Moon school of drumming than Ringo Starr, to whom he was more often compared. Also, with Badfinger, Gibbons was able to demonstrate a mellower side, writing some of their most beautiful tracks (check out "My Heart Goes Out" from 1974's Badfinger, and "Cowboy" from Ass). On this, his debut solo offering, Gibbons attempts to put the ballads on the back burner and rock out.

The main problem with this CD is that it's a standard mid-'70s rock album, unfortunately not all that well written or played. The album is full of elementary rhymes ("Sue Me" is a main culprit) and standard love songs ("Time In," "Overdue," "Please Please") that aren't so much bad, just boring and indistinguishable from each other. The highlight is the beautiful ballad "Picture of You," which brings to mind Badfinger's glory days, and also shows what Gibbons is capable of writing. This is very much a solo project, with Gibbons handling the majority of instruments (assisted by Rick Warsing, who is able to make some of the songs interesting with his guitar solos), writing, and production. Perhaps outside input may have been helpful. Overall, a disappointing affair, but fans may enjoy hearing this outing. Perhaps Gibbons is better served as a member of a band, where he can contribute the odd song of two. On this release, it is clear he is not able to maintain an entire album on his own. (allmusic.com)

This is the first solo album by Mike Gibbins as far as i know. I think this album is for Badfinger fans in first line. To me it is a disappointing effort all in all. I think it was no good idea do all the things alone (except guitars and harp). I post it here for fans (like me) who want it in her digital collection. This link is limited until 20 Feb 2017
Cheers
          Frank   (link expired)

Forever Amber - The Love Cycle (1969) mp3@320

Forever Amber must have worn out the grooves on their copy of the Zombies' Odessey and Oracle. Their rare 1969 LP, The Love Cycle, emulated the late-period Zombies rather well with its classically influenced melodies and careful harmonies. Although the material isn't quite as good, and the production and execution not as accomplished, it is a good record. It was reissued on CD in the '90s, although the re-releases are themselves hard to find in the U.S.(allmusic.com)

Enjoy
         SB1  mp3@320

Fingerprintz - Distinguishing Marks (1980) Vinyl mp3@320

Now sadly relegated to footnote status, England's Fingerprintz were one of the few bands that lent credibility to the marketing-inspired expression "new wave." Formed by Scottish-born singer/guitarist Jimmie O'Neill in 1978, the 'Printz slowed down punk's careening guitar rock, adding clever, rhythmic twists and turns, and offering up deftly written stories about lust, angst, and urban desolation. The problem was finding an audience; the music was certainly spot-on, but one can only guess as to what kept hordes of people away. Certainly it wasn't the quality of their recorded work, which, despite occasional concessions to slick production, is mostly smart and insightful. Perhaps it was simply a matter of being out of step with the zeitgeist or simply not getting a break. O'Neill decided to call it a day after the third and final 'Printz record, Beat Noir, in 1981. However, the story has a sort of happy ending: O'Neill and fellow 'Printz guitarist Cha Burns formed the Silencers in 1987, a band that reaped much greater commercial success than did the 'Printz. Ironically, the Silencers' records weren't nearly as good as that of Fingerprintz. All three Fingerprintz records are long out of print, which is a thinly veiled recommendation for someone to compile a CD anthology.(allmusic.com)

 With producer Nick Garvey (ex-Ducks Deluxe and Motors) leading the way, Distinguishing Marks has all the rough edges smoothed away, but not so much as to have a negative impact on the music. O'Neill's songs are still loaded with dark emotional undercurrents and melodramatic narratives, but they aren't self-pitying, narcissistic exercises. In fact, this LP marked a maturational process that continued with their third and last record. Still, no record better sums up the excellence of Fingerprintz better than this one.(allmusic.com)

I just stumbled over this in my chaos and thought it's nice to post it. Haven't heard it for a long time. I think this have more new wave and post punk style. Enjoy it.
Gruezi
          Frank  mp3@320

Fotomaker - Fotomaker (1978) 2005 mp3

Fotomaker had a pretty impressive pedigree. Guitarist/vocalist Wally Bryson came from power pop gods the Raspberries, and bassist Gene Cornish and drummer Dino Danelli were founding members of the Rascals. The other two bandmembers, guitarist/vocalist Lex Marchesi and keyboardist/vocalist Frankie Vinci, were no slouches either, as the two of them were responsible for most of the songwriting and singing on the band's fine 1978 debut. The record is very much in the power pop vein with walls of guitars, Beatlesque vocal harmonies, and big hooks. Unsurprisingly, they sound very much like the Raspberries, lacking that band's grandeur but replacing it with an easygoing charm.
Their classic song, "Where Have You Been All My Life," is easily a match for the Raspberries' best. It is the kind of song that guitars were invented for, and will be going around your head for hours after you hear it. The rest of the album can't match it but there are some fine songs, like "Can I Please Have Some More," the very Todd Rundgren-sounding "Two Can Make It Work," the power ballad "All These Years," and "Pain." There is a subtle soft rock undercurrent to many of the tunes that may put off rockers who prefer a harder edge, but it actually gives the record some texture. Fotomaker may not be the lost classic that one might hope for, but it is a fine pop record with a fair amount of power and some very fine songs.

Very nice pop record by Fotomaker. The names of the members guaranteed for big pop. Fotomaker had to further albums but this is her finest effort. Have fun!
Cheers
           Frank  mp3@vbr~280

Radio Stars - Somewhere There's A Place for Us (2005) mp3

With two albums and a boatload of deleted 45s to their name, Radio Stars always merited far more consideration from the archivists than the earlier Two Minutes Mr. Smith collection allowed them -- and Somewhere There's a Place for Us delivers in fine style. The 29 tracks include each of the band's 45s, a clutch of their better B-sides, and no less than seven unreleased cuts, including one ("Dear Prudence") that dates from the last days of their earlier incarnation as Jet, and two ("My Mother Said" and "The Ghost of Desperate Dan") that hail from an early-'80s reunion of founding members Andy Ellison and Martin Gordon. The remainder of the album, however, is nothing if not unpredictable. The vast majority of the Songs for Swinging Lovers debut album is here, together with enough of the sophomore Holiday Album to make one regret never having held onto the original vinyl, while the highlights that scream out of nowhere include so many all-time punky-playtime masterpieces that even the most familiar titles ("No Russians in Russia," "Dirty Pictures," "Beast of Barnsley," "Nervous Wreck") pale in the face of "From a Rabbit" -- essential listening for every body-building hulk who's ever kicked sand in your face -- and "Johnny Mekon," the story of the greatest rock star you've ever felt desperately sorry for. Add entertainingly voluminous liner notes from the bandmembers themselves, and the distinct possibility that at least half of this album will be stuck in your head for weeks to come, and Radio Stars emerge from the mists of time as memorably as the Greek restaurant whose poorly translated menu inspired "Macaroni and Mice." Bowels stuffed with spleen notwithstanding, of course. (allmusic.com)

Radio Stars was a punk/power pop band from the mid to the late '70. Andy Ellison played in the sixties together with Marc Bolan in the folk-psych-pop band John's Children. This is a fine collection of the Radio Stars work from 1977 - 1979. Viel Spass!
Cheers
           Frank  mp3@320

The mp3 Beatles! Love mp3@320

Hello Folks and all friends of the mp3 format, like i yesterday said here is the mp3@320 post of the ''Love'' album. Have fun and enjoy!
Kind regards
                    Frank  mp3@320