"This Is The Final Song" by Charlie Big Time

We have long loved the warm indie pop of Charlie Big Time - and we have long been without new music from them.  We were quite happy to learn that they finally have a new song, although we were alarmed that the title might indicate an impending retirement and relocation to the south of France to live off of their considerable wealth gained from selling tunes for money.  We can't determine whether that fear is to be realized or not, although we take some hope from a recent post that mentioned new songs, not just a final song.  In any case, enjoy the melodic "This Is The Final Song".



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"Everything Will Be Fine" by Milkpunch

In our view, "Everything Will Be Fine" is appropriately named because every time I listen to it -- and we have listened to it quite frequently since we discovered it last weekend -- everything seems so much better.  We tend to develop obsessions about certain songs, and we think we have a thing going on about this one.  The good news for you, for us, and for everyone, is that the song is available as a free download.  See, we told you -- everything will be fine!

The song is by Milkpunch, a band named for a cocktail.  It started life as a bedroom project for young Brazilian Raf Lima.  Raf has moved to Sydney, Australia and added Liam, Jo, and Sam to the band.  Last year they released debut EP Junk Pop (Bandcamp link below), which featured "Iced Tea", a crunchy rocker you can watch in video below.






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Bandcamp for "Everything Will Be Fine"
Bandcamp for Junk Pop EP

Cozy Slippers - Postcards EP

Here at WYMA we are adamant that we cannot be bribed or cajoled into saying nice things about the music we cover.  However, we can be intimidated.  So when we read that a record we are evaluating is made by a band "using music to work out some issues and settle old scores", we find it in our hearts to regard that record very highly (especially as we live in the same community).  With that introduction out of the way, we would like to tell you about the excellent five song Postcards EP, by the stellar musicians and wonderful people that comprise Cozy Slippers.  The guitars jangle and the keys and dual female vocals provide an '80s sheen to the music, while the rhythm section provides a sturdy backbone.  Some listeners may detect hints of the haunting arrangements of Heavenly and Veronica Falls, but we suspect everyone will groove to the music -- even while the vocalists sing about betrayal.  The band does Seattle proud on this record.

Cozy Slippers are Sarah Engel (bass/vocals), Steven Skelton (guitar), and Barbara Barrilleaux (drums/keys/vocals).  Postcards is out now in digital and CD formats via Jigsaw Records.  It is the band's second EP.  We are hoping the third EP doesn't say bad things about us.





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Bandcamp for Postcards EP
Jigsaw Records

KiDD - You and I

Artists that ignore conventional approaches and triumph are rare, which makes the occasional successful effort an event to celebrate.  However, if we were to handicap which guy could pull it off, our money would have been on Stu Kidd.  Stu has been involved in a number of projects, including BMX Bandits, The Wellgreen, Dr Cosmo's Tape Lab, The Store Keys, Snowgoose, Jonny, Linden, and St Deluxe, but lately has been recording as KiDD.  The latest KiDD release is You and I, which combines Stu's songs accompanying a book by Michael Stephen Clark.  Without giving too much away, the album/book is about a boy (Joe), his dog (Alfie), and a walk to the park.  The simple tale comes alive with the engaging songs, evincing the Beach Boys' way with a melody and The Kink's flair for storytelling.  Give in to your inner child, and enjoy the most classic of tales, well told and well sung.

You and I is out now as a digital download which includes the underlying book as an e-book with KiDD's songs embedded so you can read and listen.










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Website for story You and I

Tracyanne & Danny - Tracyanne & Danny

Offering a masterclass in the singer songwriter arts, Traceyanne & Danny delivers ten excellent pop tunes to decorate  your summer.  Lyrically, the songs are reflective, bittersweet, and sincerely emotional, while the arrangements tend toward the breezy style of '60s rock and girl group pop.  Some artists' collaborations never gel, while others become dominated by one of the collaborators.  But Traceyanne Campbell of Scottish band Camera Obscura and Danny Coughlan of English project Crybaby seem to find the perfect balance, meshing their talents to create songs worthy of a long-time songwriting partnership.  Edwyn Collins (Orange Juice and solo work) and Sean Read (Dexys Midnight Runners) were chosen as the production team, and they delivered in inspired fashion, with keys, horns, strings, and other instruments accenting the sublime vocals from Campbell and Coughlan.  And Collins chipped in with vocals an "Alabama", as well.  On first listen, this album is truly impressive.  On subsequent listens, it is even better -- pop perfection, dear readers, pop perfection.

Traceyanne & Danny is out now in digital, CD and vinyl formats via Merge Records.







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Loose Wing - "Heather Army" / "Blanket Skin"

Seattle's Loose Wing doesn't have much of an online presence.  Whether that is by design, reflects a recent  formation, or both, we can't say.  But we do know this -- when you make a song as good as "Heather Army" you deserve to have people help get the word out.  So dive into the aural bliss of this stellar two track single.  And by the way, it is a free download!

Loose Wing is Claire Tucker (guitar/vocals/keys), Jack Peters (bass), and Rusty Willoughby (drums).




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"Close" by Lachlan Denton

Lachlan Denton appears to be a lavishly generous man.  In Lach's case, his generosity manifests itself in brilliant songwriting spread over multiple projects.  Regular readers are aware of our admiration for The Ocean Party, of which Lach is one of six members, all of whom are songwriters (our feature for Beauty Point LP here).  More recently, Lach joined forces with the talented Emma Russack to create a lovely EP (our feature here).  But Lach has more to say -- more to tell us -- so at the end of this week he will release Two Months in Ben Woolley's Room via Osborne Again Music.  In advance of the album's release, Denton has made album track "Close" available as a free download (Soundcloud or Bandcamp).  As expected, the song is effortlessly melodic and well voiced.  But beyond that, it demonstrates the artists particular talent for heartfelt, relateable stories, unashamedly intimate yet universal.

This is going to be a special album.




Bandcamp for "Close"
Bandcamp to order Two Months in Ben Woolley's Room

The Love-Birds - In The Lover's Corner

Dealing with love isn't easy, but most musicians will admit that love is a reliable springboard for songwriting.  Sometimes the result are as messy as the relationships, but when the song and the performance click, the result is classic pop excellence.  And such is the case with In The Lover's Corner, the debut album by San Francisco's The Love-Birds.   The quartet evince a solid appreciation and understanding of their influences, and combine jangle pop, power pop and garage into a fluid and entertaining set of songs.  Sweet hooks and Byrdsian jangle alternate with crunch and fuzz as the lads tell us what went right, what went wrong, and why they are often at fault.  But while past lovers may assign blame in their direction, the listener will find no fault with this album.  This is your power pop charmer of the week.

The Love-Birds are Charlie Ertola (bass), Eli Groshelle (drums/percussion), Thomas Rubenstein (vocals/guitar), and Eli Wald (guitars).  In The Lover's Corner is out now via Trouble In Mind Records.






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"Essential Three" and "Essential Four" by Soulwax

It is Saturday night here and we are getting our party started with two essential tracks by Belgian dance/electronica wizards Soulwax.  We know they are essential, because they are titled "Essential Three" and "Essential Four", taken from the duo's upcoming June 22 release titled Essential.  The album springs from an invitation to appear on BBC's Essential Mix program, which inspired Soulwax to create an hour of original music based on the word "essential".

Essential will be released in CD, vinyl and digital formats by DEEWEE / PIAS.






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"Someone New" by Smokescreens

"Someone New" is the something new from Los Angeles quartet Smokescreens.  Founded on a love of '80s New Zealand guitar pop, the band now reflects a wider array of influences, all of which resonate with our ears, brains and hearts.  Used to Yesterday, their second album, is scheduled for a mid-July release via Slumberland Records.  But because it would be very cruel to announce the album and not let you hear a bit, they have provided "Someone New" -- a truly great bit of indie rock to start your weekend!

Smokescreens was founded by Chris Rosi and Corey Cunningham, and now includes Brice Bradley and Jenny Moffett.



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Links for pre-order of Used to Yesterday

"Snakes" and "The Islands" by Pale Green Things

Manchester's Jack Traynor records as Pale Green Things, crafting reflective, folky pop songs of quiet grace and beauty.  His debut album is titled The Beast in the Hearts of Men, and is due in late June.  But you can meet his music now via album tracks "Snakes" and "The Islands", which have been released as singles.  Both songs are worth your attention, but we are particularly fond of "Snakes".




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Bandcamp for "The Islands"

TV Girl - Death of a Party Girl

TV Girls is a Los Angeles collective headed by songwriter/musician Brad Petering.  We have been fans for years, enjoying their crisp synth pop and warm, hook filled arrangements.  The lyrics can be bittersweet, or even dark, at times, but the music never fails to hit the spot.  Their latest offering, wisely timed to coincide with their active summer touring schedule, is Death of a Party Girl.  You can score a vinyl version via pre-order at the Bandcamp link, but you can get a free digital download right now.  We recommend it highly, and have already added the ten songs to our permanently available TV Girl playlist.  This album provides a chill soundtrack for your summer, and if you are a vinyl collector, the digital will keep you happy until your disc is ready later this year.







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High Sunn - Missed Connections

Every year as summer approaches we search for music to provide our summer soundtrack.  You know, music for driving to the beach, music for backyard parties, music for late nights on the deck under the stars.  And a prime contender this year comes courtesy of 18-year old San Francisco musician Justin Cheromiah.  Recording and performing as High Sunn, Justin has followed his well-received 2017 EP Hopeless Romantic with Missed Connections, containing some of the most infectious, guitar pop we've heard in a long time.  We note that Justin is not a rookie when it comes to recording his songs, as he has been recording his own material since he was 14.  But now he is working with a full band and, while still lo-fi, his material is polished, hook filled, melodic, and highly accessible.  Unsurprisingly, the themes run to coming-of-age and teenage angst, but we old guys are fine with that if the music is this good.

Missed Connection commences with the sunshine surf pop of "Summer Solstice", followed by the '90s alt rock "I Thought You Were There" and the upbeat power pop "Those Last Words", with oohs and swoops in the choruses.  And for our money, those aren't even the best songs.  What are the best songs?  Well, the run of songs from track four through the closer, track 10, presents a wealth of choices so consistent that we can't decide for you.  We've presented three candidates below, but we encourage you to stream the album on Bandcamp and decide for yourself.

For this album, Justin's band includes Joe Jensen (drums), Freddy Rivera (lead guitar), and Arianna Vazuez (bass).  Missed Connections is out now in digital, vinyl and CD formats via Stockholm's PNKSLM Recordings.








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Color Dolor - Love

Love is the third album by Finland's Color Dolor.  Offering elements of dream pop, electronica, R&B, industrial, and club music, it is a delectable showcase for the craft of Stina Koistinen (vocals) and Nicolas "Leissi" Rehn (instruments and programming).  Adventurous and dynamic, yet intimate, the album looks at love at several levels and from several perspectives, but never fails to delight and entertain.  It is a new musical approach for Color Dolor, but we think that it should provide them with a chance of gaining a major audience.

Love is out now in digital, vinyl, and cassette formats via Helsinki's Soliti Music.









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The Cleaners From Venus - Star Cafe

Another record by Martin Newell, AKA The Cleaners From Venus, isn't really a surprise, although it is thoroughly welcome.  The new Star Cafe even has a bit of a twist as it is a concept album, or perhaps a play waiting for a troupe of willing performers.  It is packed with great storytelling, loosely based on Cinderella and set in a cafe (with the thought that the audience can be the customers).  It offers family drama, hopes and dreams, and the awakening of second chances.  Musically, it boasts the sort of timeless folk pop arrangements that the British do so well.   The recording is lo-fi, but the execution execution and sincerity are top of the range.

Enjoy the album, and if you are tempted to stage a play, Martin has said he may even be willing to offer a bit of scriptwriting.










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Those Unfortunates - Two Songs About Football

Once again for your listening pleasure, London's Those Unfortunates.  The London band, which released an excellent album last year (link), has followed their recent bus-themed single with a single about football (or soccer, for those otherwise inclined to confuse things).  Consisting of two songs celebrating the beautiful game while showing two sides of jangle pop -- the energetic "Hornsey Automatic FC" and the folky "King of the Lane".  This record is a great way to get into the mood for this summer's world cup.

Those Unfortunates are Ben Brill, Magnus Alanko, Henry Bird, and Seb Brennan.  Two Songs About Football is out now in digital and cassette formats via Gare Du Nord Records.







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"Make Your Own Mind Up" by The Firestations

In early April we featured The Year Dot by UK band The Firestations.  To say that the album impressed us is an understatement, and I believe we referred to it as "a musical fireworks show" (link to WYMA feature).  The band is now releasing the shimmering, layered, standout album track "Make Your Own Mind Up" as a single with three added remixes by Bit Cloudy, Grasscourt, and The Nameless Book.  Check out the video or stream below and make your day better.

"Make Your Own Mind Up" is available as a digital release via Lost Map Records, which we expect is the only record label on the Isle of Eigg, an island off the coast of Scotland.






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"Sunday Roast" by Courtney Barnett

The answer is "yes, of course!"  The question was "do you want more Courtney Barnett.  We get a lot more Courtney tomorrow when new LP Tell Me How You Really Feel is released.  But we have a video for a song Courtney wrote when she was 13.  The seemingly effortless lyricism of her songwriting and sincerity of her performance slays us.  Being competitive guys we figured that we would write the great stuff we accomplished when we were 13, however, when viewed in print it was obvious that some things don't need to be shared.  And I am reminded, and comforted, that there is a statute of limitations applicable to most of it.

Tell Me How You Really Feel is out tomorrow, May 18 via Mom + Pop Music (US and Canada), Milk! Records (Aus and NZ), and Marathon Artists (UK and Europe).



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"An Air Conditioned Man" by Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever

We still are about a month away from the release of the debut LP from Melbourne's Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, but the good lads don't want us to suffer too much while waiting.  Accordingly, we have another album track to enjoy while we wait for Hope Downs to drop.  Indie rock heaven, folks.

The album will be out June 15 via Sub Pop.






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Sub Pop

Death and the Maiden - Wisteria

We have a wisteria growing alongside our front steps.  It winds up the pillars of the overhang and overhead trellis, and then spreads up, out and across, creating a virtually impenetrable tangle of branches and leaves that is eight feet high, 10 feet front to back and 14 feet side to side.  At this time of year it blossoms, and the visual effect is stunning.

And with our own foliage in mind, we think that Wisteria is an apt name for the new album from Dunedin, New Zealand's Death and the Maiden.  Its nine tracks present dark, tangled pop, full of mystery and unease, but always propelled forward by an insistent, inspired polyrhythmic beat.  The synths and reverbed guitars create an enveloping sound, like a dense aural fog.  The overall effect is hypnotic, evocative, and addictive -- at the same time claustrophobic and liberating.  And frankly, after listening to it we find it hard to turn directly to other other music.

Death and the Maiden are Danny Brady, Lucinda King, and Hope Robertson.  Wisteria is out now via Fishrider Records and Occultation Recordings.










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Bandcamp for Wisteria
Firshrider Records
Occultation Recordings