The Goods - Goodbye Summertime

There may be a long list of reasons why it sucks to be a human in the year 2026, but a lack of good music is certainly not one of them. The quality of the releases coming out this year continues to blow me away, and it has been an especially notable year for guitar pop. Goodbye Summertime, the second album from Oakland-based The Goods, is up there with the best of 2026's many long-playing power pop-ish treasures. Largely a solo endeavor from Rob Good, Goodbye Summertime is a stunning work suitable for anyone who loves melody and great songwriting. It pulls from a wide array of influences (Beatles, Brian Wilson, '60s psych and baroque pop, '70s AM radio, '80s/'90s indie pop) that all fall under the umbrella of timeless pop music. It adds all sorts of layers to the band's core sound while still keeping the hooks at the forefront. The album's release in the midst of the transition from summer to fall was surely no coincidence. This is the ultimate fall record: a gentle, melancholy set of songs that seems tailor-made for cozy rainy day lounging and solitary walks with just a touch of chill in the air.  

Much of the magic of Goodbye Summertime lies in its inspiration. Rob Good didn't just write this record; he lived it. "My whole life turned upside down one summer, " he says. "The long-term relationship I was in collapsed, and in the wake of that, I found new love. I was sorting through the grief and failure of my previous relationship and the bliss and anxiety of my new one all at once—all while basically living at my recording studio—and I found myself in an intensely creative state." I love it when songwriters tell their stories, and this story in particular is one I'm feeling deeply. 

Great albums have been written about painful breakups. Great albums have been written about of the thrills and joy of finding new love. But what happens when both things happen concurrently? It's hard to imagine the range of emotions you'd go through and how complicated it would be to process all of that and still be able to function. With this record, though, you don't have to imagine. You experience it vicariously through these remarkable songs. It was as if all that upheaval in Good's life gave him creative superpowers. These songs are absolutely gorgeous, and the bittersweet vibe feels like real life. There's sadness and regret, but there's also optimism and the embracement of what's new. Good doesn't overdramatize anything. He just plays and sings from the heart. And his talent is truly formidable. It's not just the songwriting but also the production and musicianship that shine. Good's guitar work, in particular, is extraordinary. And his longtime collaborators Cherron Arens, Yea-Ming Chen, and Ian McBrayer lend their talents to several songs. Across 14 tracks, there are no subpar moments or unrealized ideas. Every tune is a gem. And it never hurts to have a legend like Bart Thurber mixing and mastering a record! 

Goodbye Summertime is such a relatable album because we can all remember a time when one door closed for us, and then another one opened. Rob Good has taken his own story and practically written a novel in songs. Beyond the personal narrative, the album really does capture that end-of-the-summer feeling where you're wistfully looking back at what has gone and turning a corner to what's coming next. At this very moment, I'm contemplating how yet another summer has passed me by while I was too busy to notice. Change is an unavoidable part of life, and even when it's good change, it takes some getting used to. That's why this record hits so hard. It builds off the broader style of power pop and pushes the boundaries of what it can be without losing sight of why we all love this kind of music. Someday, we're going to look back at 2026 and marvel that Music City's Welcome To Music City, Mod Lang's Borrowed Time, and The Lemon Twigs' Look For Your Mind! all came out in the same year. Goodbye Summertime needs to be on that list as well. This is a marvelous, masterful guitar pop record. It's available now on vinyl and CD from Dandy Boy Records.

-L.R.

https://dandyboyrecords.bandcamp.com/album/goodbye-summertime
https://open.spotify.com/album/6QBKrjNheweOPOvMbXTKSD
https://www.instagram.com/the_goods_music/
https://www.instagram.com/dandyboyrecords/
https://www.facebook.com/DandyBoyRecords/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpoBK9seWqis1TndDBjI4vQ

Midnite Snaxxx - "Contact Contamination"

"If, like us, you feel the curious angst of living in this precarious period of decline, I encourage you to take a listen to two of our personal fave songs we have ever recorded."

The above quote from Midnite Snaxxx pretty much says it all! On its 7th single (and second release on Slovenly Recordings), the band captures the tenor of the times with an extraordinary pair of punk rock tracks. Recorded last spring just as the shit was hitting the fan, "Contact Contamination" taps into our collective anxiety, dread, and frustration with a fierce urgency. In many ways, these songs are the logical next step following the band's brilliant 2019 long player Music Inside. I believe the technical term for what's going on here is "punk as fuck", yet the musicianship and songwriting are wonderfully unique and highly sophisticated. Now going strong for a decade plus, the Snaxxx have undergone a remarkable musical evolution - in particular over the last few years as the current lineup of Dulcinea, Chris, Camylle, and Sammy has solidified into an absolute powerhouse. Never content to make the same record twice, this is a band that's always challenging itself to move forward. "Contact Contamination" and "Fight Back" are blistering punk anthems for our contemporary world. You can marvel at the intricate guitar interplay or shake your bottom to the inspired work of the band's dynamite rhythm section. But more than anything else, you'll feel the raw emotion that the band poured into these songs. No more bottling up your frustrations - turn this single up loud and let it all out. The extraordinary cover art is by Sarah Sequoia!

-L.R.

https://midnitesnaxxx.bandcamp.com/album/midnite-snaxxx-contact-contamination-ep

https://www.facebook.com/Midnite-Snaxxx-105627569476640/

https://slovenly.bandcamp.com/

https://www.slovenly.com/

https://www.facebook.com/slovenlyrec

Midnite Snaxxx - Music Inside

Is there anything better than when a band you love completely surprises you in the most wonderful way? Sure, Midnite Snaxxx could have made another record just like its last one. And I would have been more than happy. But knowing that the Snaxxx had a record like Music Inside in them, I am delighted that they dared to break their own mold. I won't quite say that this sounds like a totally different band. You can put on Music Inside and still tell it's Midnite Snaxxx. But it's Midnite Snaxxx taking the risk of trying something different - and the results are stunning. You don't even have to take my word for it. The entire album is streaming below!

You could argue that Music Inside (releasing December 6th on Slovenly Recordings) is a natural progression for Midnite Snaxxx. But it's a huge leap forward - one that may leave a lot of people screaming, "Wow!". And that's the good kind of wow, folks! In my mind, 2017's Chew On This remains this decade's finest work of pop-leaning old school punk. For Music Inside, the band has gone in a very different direction. With a sound based on sophisticated rhythms, nifty guitar/bass interplay, and a seamless melding of musical influences, this album allows all four members of the band to shine as musicians. This is a record heavily inspired by the post-punk/new wave of the late '70s and early '80s. Yet it's also got the energy and spirit of early L.A. punk and '90s DIY. Collectively, those influences come together in a way that sounds fully contemporary and original. The Snaxxx recorded this album in L.A. with Eric Big Arm, who beautifully captured the intricacies of the band's sound. The band makes great use of Camylle's formidable talents on this release. Almost all of these songs prominently feature her bass, which does a very intricate dance with those modern, minimalist guitars. Chris on guitar and Sammy on drums really stand out here as inventive, exceptionally skilled players. Dulcinea on guitar and vocals has found new and interesting ways to write punk rock songs with a pop sensibility.

Music Inside is in many ways the perfect punk rock record for 2019. It's reflective of personal and political frustrations that are certainly specific to Dulcinea yet also common to the current human experience. And I love the idea that one's inner rage can be channeled into something as exciting, powerful, and totally bad-ass as this record. "Music Inside", a tone setter for the entire album, is a triumph of infectious rhythms and playful melody. "Baby" and "She Don't Want That" are fierce and furious yet sure to make you want to dance. "Lights Out" brings that old L.A. punk influence into the light (and darkness) of present day. "Disconnected" and "Cyborg" rage at a hyper, near-hardcore pace yet conform to almost none of the conventions of punk rock. "Gold Chains" and "Out of Control" are so sneaky catchy that you'll never even notice those hooks latching into your skull.

Midnite Snaxxx have pulled off an impressive feat in growing creatively while remaining a punk rock band through and through. I can hear bits and pieces of past greats that this band would probably cite as essential influences (Slits, Bags, Kleenex, Wire). But mostly what I hear is Midnite Snaxxx - four extremely talented musicians creating their own extraordinary sound. It's no secret that this is one of my favorite bands. And Music Inside only makes me a bigger fan. Some may say that there can never really be anything new in punk music. Thankfully Midnite Snaxxx have other ideas.



-L.R.


https://slovenly.bandcamp.com/album/midnite-snaxxx-music-inside-lp 
https://midnitesnaxxx.bandcamp.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/Midnite-Snaxxx-105627569476640/ 
https://www.slovenly.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/slovenlyrec/

New Midnite Snaxxx album!

Surely it would be slightly premature to declare that Midnite Snaxxx has already locked up 2017 album of the year at the beginning of February. But I will say that the Oakland foursome has set the bar very high!

I've been highly touting Midnite Snaxxx since the early days of this blog. I've loved every release from this band, so it's saying something that new album Chew On This is my favorite by far. This is the first Snaxxx release to feature its current lineup (Dulcinea on guitar and vocals, Camylle on bass, Chris on guitar, and Sammy on drums), and the band has never sounded better! Camylle, playing bass in a band for the first time, sounds like she's been doing it all her life. And adding Chris (ex Loli and the Chones) on guitar has really filled out the group's sound.

Compared to the self-titled album from 2012, Chew On This sounds tighter and punchier while still retaining that same garage-punk spirit. And much to my delight, there is little if any stylistic variation between the albums. This is still the Snaxxx doing what they do best: leather-tough old style punk that worships at the altar of the Ramones and '70s power pop. That is 100% my musical sweet spot, and I can't think of a band that hits it more bang-on. With this album, you get a great mix of more ferocious tracks like "Space Invaders"/"Hey, I'm A Human" and "Quit Being A Dick" and poppier tunes such as "Found A Way To Your Heart" and "Sad To See You Go". And then there are songs like "Attitude" that are a little bit of both! The band successfully goes full-on power pop on "Why Do I?", while "Just What I Need" is the most satisfying Buzzcocks homage I've heard in years.

It's not always easy in the punk world for a band to follow a great debut LP with an even better second album. But that's exactly what Midnite Snaxxx have done. They've managed to toughen up their sound while still remembering that what matters most is delivering great songs. You can order Chew On This on vinyl straight from Pelican Pow Wow Records or buy the digital album from the Midnite Snaxxx Bandcamp page. Crank it loud, and don't be surprised when it leaves you begging for more!



-L.R.

https://midnitesnaxxx.bandcamp.com/album/chew-on-this-4 
http://pelicanpowwowrecords.bigcartel.com/product/midnite-snaxxx-chew-on-this
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Midnite-Snaxxx/105627569476640

So What's debut album!

So What, the originators and international ambassadors of the hard 'gum sound, have released their long-awaited debut album. What's it called? Hard Gum, of course!

Hard 'gum, obviously, is short for hard bubblegum. Think late '60s/early '70s bubblegum pop meets classic era U.K. junkshop glam forged under the heavy influence of perhaps the most underrated rock n' roll band of all-time - The Equals. So What's first two singles were nothing short of fantastic, and for sure I had high hopes that the Oakland foursome would deliver an equally strong LP. Hard Gum, a split release between singer/guitarist Jason Duncan's venerable Just Add Water imprint and Italy's Surfin' Ki Records, is absolutely the hand-clapping, foot-stomping extravaganza I was hoping for! The existing A-sides "What You Do To Me" (re-recorded for the album) and "Why Can't I See You Tonight" bookend a stellar collection of rockin' and massively hook-laden tunes. This is probably the most fun you can have with your pants on (although I don't think that's necessarily a requirement). And while So What is just one of many modern-day bands to draw from glam rock and bubblegum influences, I don't think anyone does it with greater authenticity or a more thorough appreciation for the history of these genres. For one thing, the sound is totally spot-on. If you're looking for big drums and fuzzy guitars with just the right touch of Moog synth, So What has got it! It would be easy to convince just about anyone that this album was actually recorded in 1973! Just as importantly, Duncan is a fine songwriter with a terrific grasp of what a three minute pop song ought to be. The new take on "What You Do To Me" burns even hotter than the single version- kicking off the album with such a bang that you just know the whole thing is gonna be great! Tracks such as "Don't Wanna Come Back To You" and "Where We Goin'" sizzle in a similar vein, while that Equals influence really comes through in riff-tastic booty-shakers like "What You Said" and "Don't Come Back".  The '50s flavored "Untouched By Life" brings to mind label mates Juvie, and the teen hooligan anthem "My Life Is Tight" puts the "hard" in 'hard gum!

I can't think of a better way to kick off another year of F & L than with this post on Hard Gum! This is one of those albums that was just made to be enjoyed. I don't see how you can listen to this record and not wanna dance around like crazy while you tear it up on air guitar. If you dig super-catchy pop with balls, no one's doing it better than So What!



-L.R.

https://www.facebook.com/sowhatbandofficial/
https://sowhatbandofficial.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/surfinkirecords/
http://justaddwaterrecords.bigcartel.com/product/so-what-hard-gum-lp-black-vinyl
http://surfinkirecords.bigcartel.com/product/so-what-hard-gum-lp-presale-contest
https://www.facebook.com/justaddwaterrecords/

A deal and a steal from Midnite Snaxxx!

In my book, Dulcinea Gonzalez is a punk rock all-time great. She fronted The Loudmouths - one of the most kick-ass and criminally underappreciated punk bands of the late '90s. Her current band Midnite Snaxxx has been going strong since 2010 - originally a trio with Renee Leal and Tina Lucchesi and now featuring the talents of Chris (guitar), Camylle (bass), and Sammy (drums). If I were listing the top ten bands of this present decade, Midnite Snaxxx would definitely make the cut. Everything this group has released has been gold - and that runs the gamut from those garage/power pop/girl group influenced earlier releases to the straight-ahead '70s punk fury of its most recent single "Don't Wake Me Up". A fine documentation of the band's existing recorded output is now available on cassette. It's called Snaxxx Traxxx 2010-2015, and it can be purchased from Bandcamp for just six bucks. It includes all of the band's self-titled LP from 2012 along with four singles on Total Punk, Goner, and Raw Deluxe Records for a total of 20 songs. If you like playing music on cassette, this is an incredible deal! And even if you aren't a cassette person, you can still download all of these tracks from Bandcamp for less than $20. For a number of years, all of this material was only available on vinyl. I kept holding out hope for a digital release of the Snaxxx catalog, and I am elated that that has become a reality!

Looking at the music that Midnite Snaxxx has produced thus far, it's pretty much everything that great punk ought to be: raw, tough, and perfectly constructed for sing-along fun. The self-titled LP is in the running for punk album of the decade. And with a new long player called Chew On This slated for release in the fall, this is a great time to get caught up on all the older stuff. Snaxxx Traxxx cassettes are limited to 150 copies, so hop to it if you want one!



-L.R.

https://midnitesnaxxx.bandcamp.com/album/midnite-snaxxx
https://www.facebook.com/Midnite-Snaxxx-105627569476640

Debut single from Razz!

All you really need to know about Razz is that it's the new band from Dan Wood (The Pets, Tropical Sleep). Okay, that's not all you need to know about Razz. But if you're familiar with Wood's previous bands, I imagine that you've already got your wallet out and are about to complete your purchase. This guy is truly one of the great songwriters of the modern-day punk/powerpop world, and with Razz he's picking up where The Pets and Tropical Sleep left off.

Razz teams Wood up with a truly amazing lineup of Oakland/San Fran players. Ray from Talkies and Glitz is on guitar, Andy Human is on bass, and Phil from Cocktails is on drums. The band has self-released a debut EP called Pleasantries, and I highly recommend it to any fan of power pop. Rest assured that you're not going to put on this record and hear a carbon copy of what a hundred other bands are already doing. As advertised, this is pop disguised as big rock - along with a new wave quirkiness that brings to mind all-time greats like The Quick and The Vapors. Of course the hooks will knock you out, but there's way more going on than that. I love how this band makes good use of all of its talent. There are interesting things happening with the guitars, bass, and drums on every track - and the mix ensures that you'll hear all of it. Listening to those bass lines, I'm tempted to conclude that Andy Human is actually superhuman. Wood has a real knack for penning tunes that bear his signature, and this EP only deepens my appreciation for his talents. "No Time" has a chorus that's the stuff of magic. "We Complain" is the kind of song that hooks you within seconds and sustains that momentum until the very end. The title track is perfect pop melded into an epic duel of jagged guitars.

When it comes to good power pop, Razz has all the bases covered. Quality songwriting? Yes! A good singer? Yes! Genuine power? Yes indeed! Listen to a couple of these tracks over at Razz's Bandcamp, and then order Pleasantries directly from the band. You won't be disappointed!



-L.R.

https://razzoakland.bandcamp.com/album/razzrazzrazzrazz
http://razz.bigcartel.com/
https://www.facebook.com/danmandamnman/

New single from So What!

The inventors of the 'hard gum genre are back with a fantastic second single! It's been nearly a year and a half since I reviewed the debut 7" from Oakland's So What. And by all indications, hard 'gum (aka hard bubblegum) is sweeping this nation and several others as well! Mining the gold that is the bubblegum, junkshop glam, and proto-punk sounds of the late '60s and early '70s, So What takes us back to those glorious times before discothèques were ruined by disco music.

Having already delivered a five-star debut single, So What was going to have to work really hard to top it. But I'd say the band has succeeded. A-side "Why Can't I See You Tonight" is a bona fide glam rock anthem! It's got everything you could want: big drums, dirty guitars, handclaps, a little Moog action, and perhaps the catchiest wordless chorus in the history of time. Clap your hands and stomp your feet! When I'm assembling the definitive hard 'gum compilation 30 years from now, "Why Can't I See You Tonight" will be the lead track.

On the flip of this new 7", So What pays homage to its #1 influence and covers The Equals' 1970 single "I Can See But You Don't Know". The Equals have got to be the most overlooked and underappreciated of all the classic U.K. rock bands, and it is my hope that a lot of people will start looking into their catalog because of So What. If you haven't heard the original version of "I Can See But You Don't Know", check it out now! It's an absolute ripper and a prime example of how punk rock existed well before there was a name for it. So What absolutely nails its rendition of this unheralded classic - showing great respect for the original but also adding its own essence. 

"Why Can't I See You Tonight" is out on the venerable Just Add Water Records - the recently revived label run by So What singer/guitarist Jason Duncan. This release is limited to 500 copies (400 on black vinyl, 100 on yellow). Get yours from So What's Bandcamp or Just Add Water's on-line store!  

 
-L.R. 

https://sowhatbandofficial.bandcamp.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/sowhatbandofficial/ 
https://www.facebook.com/justaddwaterrecords 
http://justaddwaterrecords.bigcartel.com/ 
https://soundcloud.com/just-add-water-records 

Meet Genuine Parts!

With so many bands today vying for the role of the modern-day Nikki and the Corvettes, I've found myself wondering who might step up to fill the shoes of The Runaways. I believe I may have found that band in Genuine Parts - a foursome out of Oakland's thriving denim and leather rock n' roll scene. The lineup is Danielle Agnew (guitar and vocals), Layla Cooper (drums and vocals), Rachel Chavez (guitar and vocals), and Analisa Six (bass and vocals). The band just played its first show in May, and a recording session with Terry Six at Tuff Break followed in June. I like to imagine these gals all rode motorcycles to the studio. Up now on Bandcamp are two official demos - and they're killer! "Never Slow Down" is great straight-forward rock n' roll with cool lyrics about a totally bad-ass chick ("Watch out boy, she'll steal your heart/Watch out boy, she'll tear you apart"). I dig the Joan Jett via Chuck Berry feel of this number, and the chorus offers words to live by. This is sounding like the next great rock n' roll anthem. That guitar solo is hot! "Wild Tonight" slows the pace and flirts with power pop tendencies. It's got a solid hook, and again the solo is gold. The theme of this song is living free and refusing to be tamed. It's a message that resonates more than ever in today's world. Why is nobody writing these kinds of songs anymore?!

While it's only two songs, this demo has me very excited about Genuine Parts. If you're a big fan of The Runaways, Girlschool, Bobbyteens, etc. or just find yourself craving some real rock n' roll, you ought to be excited too!



-L.R.

https://genuineparts.bandcamp.com/album/demo
https://www.facebook.com/GenuinePartsBand

So What!

If you're not yet familiar with the hot new sound known as "hard 'gum", that's because the term was only recently coined by the Oakland foursome So What. As you may have gathered, hard 'gum is short for "hard bubblegum". So you know what to expect: sticky-sweet tunes, but with a sharp enough edge to do some serious damage to your teeth! Hailing from an area that's become quite the hotbed for bubblegum and glam rock in recent years, So What are worthy ambassadors for a hard 'gum craze that's poised to go global and perhaps even intergalactic within the next calendar year. In terms of sound and packaging, the band's debut 45 could easily pass for a long-lost junkshop glam single from the early '70s. That's completely by design, as So What indulge their love for the likes of The Jook, Slade, pre-disco Giorgio Moroder, and (especially!) The Equals. "What You Do To Me", penned by Jason Duncan (The Easys, Just Add Water Records), is a high energy rocker with a total "clap your hands, stomp your feet" vibe to it. Punch this baby up on any jukebox, and the dance floor will light up! It was written as an homage to The Equals, and I have a feeling it's going to have a lot of people seeking out more information on one of the most criminally overlooked bands of all-time. B-side "Creeper Joe", written by Robbie Van West, brings more of a classic bubblegum glam sound. It's got those hard, crunchy guitars and a chorus that will compel you to sing along the instant you hear it. And since everyone knows someone like this song's titular character, any violence suggested in these lyrics will be unanimously applauded. Good god, what a catchy tune!

With So What already working on a full album and perhaps another single as well, "What You Do To Me" is a great opportunity to get in on the hard 'gum ground floor before all your friends and neighbors beat you to it! You get two killer tunes with classic mono sound - and the artwork/packaging is stunning! That's a deal and a steal for six bucks! Or if you're thoroughly modern and just want the download, that's the best $3 you'll spend all year. Whether you're a longtime glam rock fanatic or just someone who loves great rock n' roll with hooks, So What is a band you need to hear!



-L.R.

https://sowhatbandofficial.bandcamp.com/album/what-you-do-to-me-single 
https://www.facebook.com/sowhatbandofficial 

How about some more Midnite Snaxxx!

So it's been a while since I last wrote about Midnite Snaxxx. And by a while, I mean over three years! Since then, they've released two more singles and a highly acclaimed self-titled LP. And just in the last year, Dulcinea and Rene have added a new drummer named Sammy. While the Snaxxx haven't been heard from on record since 2012, they do have a new single due out very soon on the always dependable Total Punk Records. You can stream the A-side here. It's a little bit of a departure from the garage/powerpop/party rock stylings of the band's earlier releases - but still freaking great! If the album sounded like it could have come out on Bomp! Records back in the day, this track might have you thinking Dangerhouse instead. "Don't Wake Me Up" is a quick and snotty blast of late '70s/early '80s style punk that ought to have you plotting how you're going to get your hands on the vinyl. I imagine ordering info will soon be available on the band's Facebook page. So enjoy "Don't Wake Me Up" - and stay tuned!




-L.R.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Midnite-Snaxxx/105627569476640
http://floridasdying.com/collections/7-s/products/midnite-snaxx-dont-wake-me-up-7
http://midnitesnaxxx.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/midnite-snaxxx

Introducing Terry & Louie!

Wow! A longtime musical daydream of mine has finally become a reality! I had always hoped that someday, Terry Six and King Louie would again work together. These are two of my favorite people in music. They're just incredibly talented dudes, and each has a remarkable ear for perfect pop songs. The former's guitar playing and the latter's songwriting were huge parts of what made the Exploding Hearts' Guitar Romantic the greatest album of the 2000s (and, in my opinion, one of the best punk LPs ever made). Terry, more or less retired from music since the Nice Boys disbanded, has made a magnificent return to recording with the help of his old pal Louie. Out on Terry's own label Tuff Break, the debut single from Terry & Louie is a huge treat for any power pop fan. Joining the duo on drums is Garett Goddard (Cuts, King Tuff, Personal & the Pizzas, Girls), and the great Pat Kearns mastered both tracks. The label's description of these two songs is really dead-on. A-side "(I'm) Lookin' For a Heart" hits that Nick Lowe/Eddie and the Hot Rods pub rock sweet spot with hot guitar licks and some gigantic hooks. On the flip, "She Loves Him" is a power pop ballad with the wistful jangle of Phil Seymour meets Road To Ruin era Ramones. I'm usually a pop guy, but in this case the high-energy rock n' roll of the A-side is what really has me hooked. This project is by no means intended to be the second coming of the Exploding Hearts. But listening to "(I'm) Lookin' For a Heart", it's impossible to not be reminded just a little bit of Guitar Romantic.

While Louie was out in Oakland recording with Terry, the pair actually laid down enough tracks for two singles. So this will not be the last we hear of Terry & Louie. And considering that the vinyl for this release was sold out the day it came out, it seems that a lot of people besides me are very excited about this pairing! As a longtime admirer of Terry Six's talents, I'm beyond thrilled that he's writing songs and releasing music again. I was super stoked to hear that he was teaming up with Louie. And now that the record is out, I am in no way disappointed! If you need the vinyl, I believe Bachelor Records still has some copies!



-L.R.

http://tuffbreak.bandcamp.com/album/im-lookin-for-a-heart-b-w-she-loves-him-7
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tuff-Break/631422973643943

Ladies and gentlemen, The Shanghais!

You know how I called this the summer of power pop? I wasn't kidding! And not all of it is coming from Canada! The Shanghais hail from Oakland, California and make perfect summertime power pop rock n' roll! With a new 7" out on No Rules Records plus another one out today on the great Italian label Surfin' Ki, The Shanghais ought to be ruling the turntable at your backyard barbeques and pool parties all summer long. And if your friends don't appreciate such fine music, get some new friends!

The Shanghais' sound is classic bubblegum punk informed by '60s girl groups and the Ramones by way of the Beach Boys. Yeah, I know that sounds awesome! On lead vocals, the talented Natalie Sweet brings the ideal blend of exuberance and spunk. And musically, the Shanghais are high energy and pure fun all the way! What's not to love? Combining minimalist production with high spirited harmonies and a veritable sugar rush of melodies, the still-new "Pretty Mean" EP will delight fans of Nikki and the Corvettes, Super*Teem era Donnas, and early Bobbyteens. Your summer 2014 playlist better include "Missed Connection" - otherwise it sucks! And as the video for "Sick Of You" (see below) indicates, the Shanghais have even better things in store for us with their second single! Check out their Bandcamp page for free streams of both EPs along with super smash bonus track "Too Cool To Cry". And check in with Surfin' Ki Records for ordering info on the very limited "Sick Of You" vinyl. Woo hoo! I just might have a new favorite band!



-L.R.

http://theshanghais.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TheShanghais
https://www.facebook.com/surfinkirecords

How about some Warm Soda?

I've had my eye on Warm Soda ever since last summer's pop smash "Reaction", and the band's debut album Someone For You is by no means a letdown. Formed last year by Matthew Melton after the Bare Wires literally imploded on stage, Warm Soda comes on like an even poppier version of Bare Wires. Melton and his new crew (bassist Chase Oren, guitarist Rob Good, and drummer Ian McBrayer) have made a mellow power pop album that's perfect for the warm months ahead. Melton's breathy vocals are a bit of a curveball, and at first they turned me off a little. But I came around rather swiftly. Some songs, like the title track and the excellent "Waiting For Your Call", sound like The Strokes made a baby with Shoes. But really, you know, that's kinda cool. The compressed, lo-fi production conjures childhood memories of listening to '70s AM radio on a cheap transistor. And Melton does not attempt to mask his affection for the glammy pop hits of that era. But all in all, Someone For You exhibits a cool modernity that keeps it off the "retro" track.

If there's an obvious strong suit of Warm Soda's game, it would be Melton's mastery of the pop hook. You've got to be pretty confident in your talents when you're leaving a killer single like "Reaction" off the LP. Why rehash old material when you can just go out and write even better stuff? "Jeanie Loves Pop" ought to be on everyone's summer playlist this year. And album closer "Lola" is sheer pop majesty. I like that Melton draws from a wide enough range of inspirations to keep you guessing as to who he's "borrowing" from. "Diamond Ring" hearkens back to early '80s new wave, while "Strange As It Seems" kinda sounds like Buddy Holly experimenting with Brit pop. And "Star Gazer" wouldn't have sounded out of place on a Bomp! Records compilation thirty-some years ago.

After hearing the hook part of "Sour Grapes", you might seriously wonder why Matthew Melton isn't rich and famous, living in a mansion and penning mega-hits for manufactured pop stars. The dude knows how to write a song! Always a tremendous talent, he has rebounded from Bare Wares' demise in a big way. It's probably premature to call Someone For You the best record he's ever played on. But it's a damn fine album, and Melton has definitely found the right bandmates to help him take his songwriting to the next level. I've got a feeling I'm going to be writing a lot about Warm Soda over the next couple of years!



-L.R.

https://www.facebook.com/warmsoda777
http://warmsoda.bandcamp.com/album/someone-for-you

City Deluxe! Rock n' roll!

It's been too long since I've reviewed a band like City Deluxe. Points off for me! Sometimes some straight-up kick-ass rock n' roll is exactly what the doctor ordered! Good god, these five cats from Oakland really rip it up! They take the best elements of 1970s "Camaro rock" and mix in hints of the Stones, Dictators, and good old power pop. Jason, the singer, is a little over the top in an entirely good way. Toby, the lead guitarist, is a total monster. I mean, the dude's unreal. And the songs? Top drawer! Not only has the band made them available for free streaming on their bandcamp page, but they've also set a "name your price" fee for downloads. Pay $0 if you want, or pay $5. Or $1,000 maybe! Either way, you're getting some boss tunes! The "hit" is "Go To the City", with its simple chorus, killer guitar leads, and unrelenting swagger. "Too Much Rockin'" is a jam as well - just a little bit poppier. It reminds me a little of The Real Kids. Or better yet, imagine a male-fronted Top Ten (How's that for an Oakland reference?!). "Conjugal Visit" is surely their bring-down-the-house live number. It's about, well, you know! Part golden oldies ballad and part '70s punk rock n' roll fireball, it would be the band's signature song if they didn't already have one! Ideally, some or all of these songs will end up on a vinyl record if enough people pay real money for the downloads. I'm hoping they'll come out on cassette as well so you can crank them in your vintage muscle car tape deck while you're drivin' and/or lovin'. Sometimes rock n' roll is mostly cliche, and sometimes it's the real deal. Real deal here, folks!

-L.R.

http://citydeluxe.bandcamp.com/track/go-to-the-city-2
http://www.facebook.com/pages/City-Deluxe/126438777451612

Here are Midnite Snaxxx!

Tina Lucchesi is my favorite rock n' roller for a variety of reasons - not the least of which being that she might actually agree with my statement that the Real Kids' "All Kinsda Girls" and the Dictators' "Stay With Me" are the two greatest songs ever recorded. Even though she's Italian and I'm of British stock via Virginian hillbillies, I'm pretty sure she could be my long-lost older sister. I don't think she's ever played on anything that I haven't full-on head-over-heels loved. Now she's back with another group (by my count her 57^th), Midnite Snaxxx. Don't you just love it that the band name references food?! There truly is something to be said for a band that loves vegetarian nachos and Cheap Trick records with an equal fervor. And if you're predicting typical Tina-band awesomeness from this Oakland trio, you would be very much correct. Dig!

Midnite Snaxxx are Tina on drums, the great Dulcinea Gonzalez (formerly of the legendary Loudmouths) on guitar, and Renee Leal of LaTeenos on bass. These gals bring back fond memories of the "budget rock" strain of garage punk that ruled the Bay Area in the '90s. If you like early, "Firecracker" era Bobbyteens, you're gonna cream your jeans for Midnite Snaxxx! Talk about a supergroup! The Loudmouths were freaking awesome - hands down one of the best punk rock n' roll bands of the '90s. If they'd been on a "hipper" record label, they would have been worshipped. They probably should have been anyway. And although Tina is one of the most dynamic performers I've ever seen on lead vocals, it's really cool to hear her drumming again. Tina and Dulcinea together are everything you'd expect and then some. Raw Deluxe issued the band's debut single, "Like Lightning"/"Giving Me the Business", late last year. Copies are surely hard to come by at this point. I fully advocate resorting to all necessary means in order to secure one for yourself. Even if it involves murder or public nudity, you could not be blamed. The record is everything a 45 should be: two killer, short-and-sweet songs that leave you wanting (much) more. "Like Lightning" is classic powerpop with tons of raw energy and filthy low fidelity. B-side "Giving Me the Business" comes on fast and furious but keeps it catchy. Maybe it's a little more Loudmouths than Bobbyteens, but for sure it's 100 percent Midnite Snaxxx. Classic stuff all the way! A new 7", "Guy Like That" b/w "Jackie", is now out on Total Punk Records and sure to sell out in short order. And if you're without a turntable, do not despair. There are some top shelf M.S. songs currently playable on-line. "Spend the Night", with its trashy garage punk meets '60s girl group vibe, is vintage Tina tuneage. And if you're more inclined towards rockin' powerpop/punk, "Heart Full of Doubt" will hit 'ya right where you like it! Boom Boom! I loved Top Ten and Deadly Weapons, but I gotta say this is the coolest Tina band since the Total Babes. And did I just read that there's a full album coming out later this summer?! For reals? A Midnite Snaxxx LP? NICE!! Barring the unforeseen announcement that a Steak N' Shake franchise is coming to town, this will be the best news I get all year! I'm counting the days, girls. Could I possibly be disappointed? Not a chance in hell!

- L.R.

http://www.myspace.com/midnitesnaxxx
http://soundcloud.com/midnite-snaxxx
http://www.reverbnation.com/midnitesnaxxx
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Midnite-Snaxxx/105627569476640