Kurt Baker - "Warm in the Winter"

Kurt Baker has been on a major back-to-his-roots run with his recent singles, and I am loving it! I first came to be a fan of Baker's music back in the early 2010s, and what I found so appealing was the way he was reimagining the sounds of late '70s/early '80s power pop through the lens of '90s pop-punk. In particular, his collaborations with Wyatt Funderburk were as up-my-alley as music gets. There was something about those two guys combining their talent, influences, and creative vision that produced guitar pop magic. Well here we are in 2025, and they are still writing songs together — as they have been since 2009. Baker's new single "Warm in the Winter" is a vintage Baker/Funderburk creation: an infectious power pop rocker with more than a little Lookout! Records in its musical DNA. I'm always a sucker for a good love song, and this one concerns a love interest who runs hot and cold at the most inopportune times. Baker and his pals (Funderburk, Rich Kelly III, and Geoff Palmer, who kills it on guitar) do amazing work here imbuing this tale of doomed romance with a fun, energetic feel. Once that chorus gets its hooks into you, you'll be hearing it in your head all day. The lyrics are clever and relatable, and that melody is worth its weight in gold. The song was written during the same sessions that produced the superb Rock n Roll Club album. While "Warm in the Winter" didn't end getting recorded for the album, clearly Baker knew he still had a gem of a song in his back pocket. So here it is  — fortuitously arriving in the dead of winter. If the intersection of power pop and pop-punk is your sweet spot, you're going to enjoy this one!

-L.R.

https://kurtbaker.bandcamp.com/track/warm-in-the-winter
https://open.spotify.com/album/2qtiZJZ5WEBJWvvQtZjes2
https://www.instagram.com/kurtmiltonbaker/
https://www.facebook.com/KurtBakerMusic/
https://www.wickedcoolrecords.com/

Wyatt Funderburk - Fleeting and Finite

Wow. Fleeting and Finite, the long-awaited new EP from Wyatt Funderburk, has arrived from Jolly Ronnie Records, and it gives me shivers. While I've reviewed Funderburk's work numerous times as Kurt Baker's co-songwriter and band-mate, I have not had the pleasure of writing about one of his solo releases since November of 2013. Think about how much has changed in the world in those 11 years. Novel and Profane was a great album, but Funderburk has taken things to the proverbial next level. Fleeting and Finite, while comprised of only six tracks, has the feel of an epic guitar pop record. The label describes it as "A masterclass in the art of song writing and performance," and I could not have said it better myself. This, my friends, is beautiful, exquisitely-crafted pop music. Everything from the melodies to the lyrics to the vocals to the musicianship is near-perfect, and I love how this mini-album creates an intimate personal narrative. These songs weave together themes of love, time, and natural phenomena in such a deeply meaningful way. Records like this are why I love music — not only does Funderburk treat us to gorgeous melodies and stunning harmonies, but he also bares his soul for the world to witness. Todd Patton on drums is the only additional musician here. Everything else you hear on this record is Wyatt Funderburk. This guy has been one of the most underrated songwriters in the power pop world for a couple decades now, and Fleeting and Finite is his masterpiece. All these songs are great individually, but this EP really needs to be experienced as a whole. Ryan at Jolly Ronnie Records has done something amazing for the vinyl release. He's selling the 12-inch record (on gold vinyl!) for only $17 plus postage. That's a deal and a steal, so jump on this pre-order while supplies last!

-L.R.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML04TM6ziow&list=OLAK5uy_m85bk2PKl58I4xX7VX8EJXSzDvorxGkEY
https://open.spotify.com/album/4PD2WvdnzIXfRdVULgWg9Q
https://wyattfunderburk.bandcamp.com/music
https://www.instagram.com/funderburk/
https://jollyronnierecords.bigcartel.com/product/wyatt-funderburk-fleeting-and-finite-ep

Kurt Baker - "Inner Demons"

Back swiftly with a follow-up to his previous single, "Delusional," Kurt Baker again throws it back to his pop-punk roots on the new release "Inner Demons." Originally conceived as a possible song for the Australian power pop band The Stanleys, "Inner Demons" was first written during the dark times of the pandemic. The song, originally called "Keep Wishing," was eventually re-worked with bandmates Wyatt Funderburk and Geoff Palmer. If you're a fan of Palmer's, you will be happy to hear his influence all over "Inner Demons." Like "Delusional," "Inner Demons" is a very introspective song. But it's basically the other side of the coin. While "Delusional" is about confronting the possibility that you're fooling yourself when you think everything is going great, "Inner Demons" is about letting go of negative thoughts and embracing the positive — in essence, sending your inner demons "back to Hell." I'm really loving this direction Baker has been taking lately — where his lyrics have been thoughtful and self-reflective but the music draws from the pure energy and perfect simplicity of '90s/2000s punk rock. Looking at the matching artwork for "Delusional" and "Inner Demons," I can't help wondering if these two digital singles are destined to be combined into one vinyl single in the near future. Or maybe they're the first two installments in a trilogy! All I know is that Kurt Baker is on a roll, and I can't wait to hear what he does next!

-L.R.

https://kurtbaker.bandcamp.com/track/inner-demons
https://open.spotify.com/album/6eZ7txap9ldO2B468AysjB
https://www.instagram.com/kurtmiltonbaker/
https://www.facebook.com/KurtBakerMusic/

Wyatt Funderburk - "November"/"You'll Know"

When it comes to the modern-day power pop scene, there's no songwriter more underrated than Wyatt Funderburk. As a solo artist, songwriting collaborator with Kurt Baker, and front man for the amazing Second Saturday, he has been responsible for some of the most extraordinary pop songs of the past two decades. It has been a long time (a decade to be precise) since he last released solo material, but a new album titled Fleeting and Finite is slated for release next year. In advance of the new album, Funderburk has chosen to release two of its tracks as a digital single. Both songs tease a more accomplished, beautiful pop sound from this veteran tunesmith. 

"November" is exactly what it seems to be — an ode to the very month we're experiencing now and the powerful sensations it elicits. There's a certain feeling that's in the air on a later fall day, and "November" evokes it beautifully. The song is soft and soothing with very pretty melodies and vocals. The vibe is something akin to Big Star meets Brian Wilson, and I'll take that all day long. Speaking of Brian Wilson, Funderburk goes full-on Pet Sounds on the gorgeous ballad "You'll Know." This is a song about what it's like to fall in love. Now clearly that's a topic that has been tackled tens of thousands of times in the world of pop music. Nine times out of ten, a song like this might come off as oversentimental, cliched, or contrived. But Funderburk absolutely nails it, crafting a song that's as beautiful and breathtaking as the experience it celebrates. "You'll Know" reflects on that moment when you realize this person has been on the earth your whole life yet you're just now getting to meet them. As Funderburk says, "It seems unfair and also like winning the lottery." That's so dead-on. I've been known to get teary-eyed over a Wyatt Funderburk song (e.g. "What If" & "If I Wanted Easier"!), but "November" is at a whole other level. This is pure chills — like somehow Funderburk got into my head and extracted magical memories I could never do justice to with words. Of course Funderburk is a master of pop melody and a magician with harmonies. But perhaps his greatest talent is that he manages to write about love in way that is real and relatable and straight from his heart. 

Funderburk's talents as a vocalist, musician, songwriter, and producer all shine on these two tracks. Working with drummer Todd Patton, Funderburk is practically a one-man orchestra, playing everything from guitar to piano to synthesizer to Glockenspiel. He's in total control of his artistic vision, and it's no surprise that both of these songs are so beautifully realized. Having had this little taste of Fleeting and Finite, I expect the album to be nothing short of stunning. I just noticed that you can purchase Funderburk's full digital discography on Bandcamp for less than $13. That is a deal and a steal. If you love great pop, do yourself a favor and take advantage.

-L.R.

https://wyattfunderburk.bandcamp.com/album/november-youll-know
https://open.spotify.com/album/5Et0kVGWTAr34hwhOhbGFr

Kurt Baker - "Christmas In The Sand"

I always make an effort to not overdo the reviews of Christmas music. But man, I heard the new Kurt Baker Christmas track on Wicked Cool Records and simply could not resist! "Christmas In The Sand", co-written by Baker and longtime collaborator Wyatt Funderburk, is one of those Christmas songs that would be great even if it weren't about Christmas. And really, this song isn't about Christmas so much as it's about hating the weather at Christmas. Given the pervasiveness of holiday standards which glorify ice and snow, this track offers a refreshingly different point of view. I mean, come on: do people really dream of white Christmases? Baker's holiday on a tropical beach sounds way more fun! Musically, this track is right in line with the best of the Baker/Funderburk compositions. Geoff Palmer, Kris Rodgers, Craig Sala, and Zack Sprague are on hand as well to contribute their musical talents. If you're a fan of Christmas music, "Christmas In The Sand" qualifies as an instant classic to pair with your favorite version of "Mele Kalikimaka". If you're a non-fan of Christmas music, just think of this as a great power pop track which idealizes pretty girls and summer weather. Either way, it's a win!

-L.R.

https://kurtbakerwcr.bandcamp.com/track/christmas-in-the-sand
https://www.facebook.com/KurtBakerMusic

Kurt Baker - After Party

The trilogy is complete! Eight years ago, Kurt Baker and Wyatt Funderburk co-wrote Baker's first full-length album Brand New Beat. Produced by Funderburk, Brand New Beat quickly became a modern classic of power pop. It was a record so great that even its outtakes made for an album (Brand New B-Sides) that would be the envy of a lot of pop bands. Baker and Funderburk collaborated again on 2015's Play It Cool - which was arguably even better than Brand New Beat. Five years later, Baker, Funderburk, and all the Party Animals are back with the third (and best!) installment in this series. 

Out today on Wicked Cool Records, After Party manages to be the best of both worlds. It has the stylistic variety of Play It Cool, but in spirit it's closer to the early '80s power pop influenced Brand New Beat. Joining Baker and Funderburk are old pals Geoff Palmer (guitar), Kris Rodgers (keyboards), and Craig Sala (drums). With Baker now residing in Spain, these guys don't get the chance to see each other all the time. And that gives After Party a "the gang is back together" type feel. It was recorded this past January and February while Baker was back home in Portland, Maine. All of these individuals have seen their musical careers take off in the years since Brand New Beat was released. But they were all happy to get together and make the kind of record that only the Kurt Baker Band can make!

While I'm also a big fan of Baker's more garage/rock and roll centered Spanish band The Kurt Baker Combo, I'm always going to have a soft spot for the power pop stuff he co-writes with kindred spirit Funderburk. After Party is informed by many of the same influences that had me connecting so instantly with Brand New Beat. It's got that new wave/power pop meets early '80s FM rock (Donnie Iris, Cheap Trick, .38 Special) vibe with just a hint of '90s Lookout! Records. I've previously featured "Over You" and "I Like Her A Lot" on this blog - both of which are classic Baker/Funderburk collaborations. In a similar vein are "Wandering Eyes" (a crunching pop-rock hit right out of the Rick Springfield playbook) and "She Don't Really Love You, Dude" (which is either power pop influenced pop-punk or pop-punk influenced power pop depending on your point of view). If you're into big hooks, punchy guitars, and catchy choruses, this album will not leave you wanting. But if you're looking for something a little different, Baker and the boys have got you covered. I dig how the gentle little McCartney-esque number "Waiting For You" turns up at just the right time. And if you wish that Joe Jackson's 1979-80 period had never ended, you'll be psyched to hear "Good". Elsewhere you've got power pop running straight into a Beach Boys song ("Used To Think"), spot-on new romantic/synth-pop worship ("Keep Dreaming"), and a genuinely lovely piano lounge ballad ("A Song and a Drink"). 

Brand New Beat was a huge album for a lot of people my age who grew up on '80s radio and then came to love pop-punk as young adults. As collaborating songwriters, Baker and Funderburk gleaned the best elements from 30 years of melody-driven rock music and created something that felt new and exciting in 2012. They easily could have resorted to formula and cranked out several more albums that were copies of Brand New Beat. But instead, they worked to build on their musical vision and embrace a wider range of influences. Once I came to accept that Play It Cool wasn't going to be Brand New Beat part 2, I quickly realized it was a better record. And that progression culminates with After Party. Baker and Funderburk are far better songwriters (and a far better songwriting team) than they were 8 or 9 years ago. After Party reflects that growth while still retaining the original spirit of the trilogy. Baker's name is on the cover of the record, but this is just as much Funderburk's creation (his production, as always, is immaculate). And this record certainly would not be what it is without the contributions of some of the finest musicians in today's rock and roll scene. Say what you will about 2020. But any year that gives us a new Kurt Baker record can't be entirely bad!

-L.R.

https://kurtbakerwcr.bandcamp.com/album/after-party

https://www.facebook.com/KurtBakerMusic

https://www.instagram.com/kurtmiltonbaker/

https://twitter.com/KurtMiltonBaker

https://www.facebook.com/WickedCoolRecords

Kurt Baker - "I Like Her A Lot"

Oh man! The second advance single to drop from Kurt Baker's new album After Party is absolute GOLD! "I Like Her A Lot" is immediately recognizable as the fruit of the Kurt Baker/Wyatt Funderburk songwriting partnership. As talented as these two are individually, something magical happens when they work together. After Party, out later this month on Wicked Cool Records, will complete their trilogy of collaborative albums. "I Like Her A Lot" brings the '80s rock influenced power pop sound I fell in love with when I first heard Brand New Beat eight years ago! You've got guitars blasting over a strong melody, a simple but totally undeniable hook, and lyrics that appeal to the eternal teenager in all of us. What's not to love? If all of that wasn't already cool enough, the music video for this song is essentially the greatest trailer ever made for the cult classic horror flick Rock 'n' Roll Nightmare! If you've never seen this essential piece of cinema, you'll want to now. After Party will be out two weeks from tomorrow. Spoiler alert: it's great! 

-L.R.

https://kurtbakerwcr.bandcamp.com/track/over-you
https://www.facebook.com/KurtBakerMusic
https://www.instagram.com/kurtmiltonbaker/
https://www.facebook.com/WickedCoolRecords

Kurt Baker - "Over You"

The band is back together! While I've always been a huge fan of all things Kurt Baker, there's a special place in my heart for Baker's collaborations with Wyatt Funderburk. When these two join creative forces, it's a one-way ticket to pop heaven! Baker and Funderburk co-wrote Baker's solo albums Brand New Beat (2012) and Play It Cool (2015) - two of my favorite records of the last decade. After Party, the third release in this trilogy, is coming out October 23rd on Wicked Cool Records! 

After Party was recorded earlier this year (pre-pandemic) with the classic Kurt Baker Band cast in tow: Funderburk on guitar & synthesizer, Geoff Palmer on guitar, Kris Rodgers on keyboards, and Craig Sala on drums. Having had several years to absorb Brand New Beat and Play It Cool, I have come to the conclusion that the latter was even better than the former. And I fully expect After Party to be the best of three. Funderburk considers it to be the best record he's ever made by a long shot, and I've never had a reason to doubt him! "Over You" has been released as an advance single, and it's got that big guitar early '80s new wave power pop sound that I was hoping for. It features timeless lyrics about struggling to shake a breakup. And my god, if there's anything that still unites us all in this shit year 2020, it's that all of our hearts are breakable. Having lived new wave pop-rock firsthand, I've got to say that this song sounds like it could have come pumping out of a poolside portable radio 40 summers ago. From the super slick backing vocals to the dueling keyboard/guitar solos featuring Rodgers and Palmer, the touches on this song are to die for! While Rodgers and Palmer have seen their own solo careers skyrocket in recent years, neither was too busy to lend their musical talents to After Party. 

The word on the street is that the full Kurt Baker Band will tour in support of After Party once life returns to something resembling normalcy. With that in mind, we have much to look forward to - both this fall and beyond. Circle your calendars for October 23rd! 

-L.R.

https://kurtbakerwcr.bandcamp.com/track/over-you

https://www.facebook.com/KurtBakerMusic/

https://wickedcoolrecords.bandcamp.com/artists

Can't Shake That Tune: A Tribute to Fountains of Wayne

I used to say I wasn't a big fan of tribute albums. But I was wrong. I'm actually a huge fan of tribute albums when they're well-done, and otherwise I just find them unsatisfying. This past weekend, I came across one that absolutely blew me away. Can't Shake That Tune was compiled by Radiant Radish Records in the wake of the shocking news that Adam Schlesinger had passed away from complications of COVID-19 on April 1st. It's hard to overstate what an incredible pop band Fountains of Wayne was, and the songs of Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood were a particularly huge influence on the bands and artists represented on this collection. Obviously, all of these tracks were home recorded. Some are pure solo efforts. Others involve full bands. Some feature the contributions of family members. But each track turned out amazing, and I'm awed to hear so many talented individuals create such beauty out of heartbreak. A bad tribute album would just make you wish you were listening to the original versions. This one allows you to hear a lot of these songs in a new light, and it ultimately reminds you of how great they are. You'll actually want to play the album the whole way through - and then spend the next several hours immersed in the Fountains of Wayne catalog.

One thing I love about this compilation is that the song selection was handled perfectly. You could easily do a double or triple album tribute to Fountains of Wayne and not run out of gems, so clearly it would have been a shame if only the "obvious" choices had been selected. But it also would have been kind of disappointing if those bigger songs had been omitted. With these 14 tracks, you get most of the hits and a few deep cuts as well. As infuriating as it can be to hear Fountains of Wayne described as a "one hit wonder", there was no way you could have done this comp without someone covering "Stacy's Mom". Johnathan Pushkar, who had the guts to take on "Hackensack" on his marvelous debut album, gives "Stacy's Mom" a remarkable transformation that highlights what a perfect pure pop song it is. Speaking of "Hackensack",  Jonathan Pretus from The Breton Sound turns in an absolutely stunning version that has me falling in love with this song all over again. Some of my favorite people in pop music appear on this compilation, and they did not disappoint. Sunset Odds is Wyatt Funderburk collaborating with Todd from Vista Blue, and they go semi-obscure with the pre-FOW demo "Raise the River" and The Ivy tune "Get Out of the City". Vista Blue turns in a typically Vista Blue sounding cover of "The Senator's Daughter" off of Utopia Parkway. American Wood, which is Todd and Mike from Vista Blue, produces a straight-forward yet utterly fantastic version of "Denise". Mike also turns up with his wife Donna as Soft Spots, who do a delightful indie pop rendition of "Sink To The Bottom" from Fountains of Wayne's self-titled debut album. Christian Migliorese from The Feels and Tattle Tales strips "Troubled Times" down to just voice and acoustic guitar - accentuating the sheer beauty of the original.

One of the best things about a well-done tribute album is that you inevitably discover artists you hadn't heard before. One of my favorite tracks on this whole collection is a version of Traffic and Weather's "I-95" by Sweet Diss and the Comebacks. A quick click of a link sent me straight to a really great Sweet Diss album from 2012 that is as pop as pop can be. And after diving into the discography of The Wellingtons (who do a terrific acoustic version of the Welcome Interstate Managers favorite "Hey Julie"), I'm kind of embarrassed that I'm mentioning this band's name for the first time ever.

Can't Shake That Tune is a triumph on multiple levels. Of course it's a treat for Fountains of Wayne fans, many of whom will stumble upon some new bands to love just as I have. I can also see it working the other way and leading fans of the bands on this comp into a fuller discovery of Fountains of Wayne. I imagine that Can't Shake That Tune will not be the last Fountains of Wayne tribute album we hear over the next couple of years, and I will welcome the arrival of more. But this one has definitely set a high bar.



-L.R.

https://radiantradish.bandcamp.com/album/cant-shake-that-tune-a-tribute-to-fountains-of-wayne

Vista Blue - Hit The Floor

Milestone time: this is my 20th Vista Blue review! I feel like the band ought to come out of this with commemorative varsity jackets or at least its own set of F & L glassware. How is it that I've come to review a band 20 times in less than four years? Perhaps it has something to do with me and Mike Patton having many shared interests in sports and Abita beer. But in all seriousness, I think it's because Vista Blue is one of the finest pure pop bands out there. And there's nothing I love more than pure pop.

To me, the measure of a great pop-punk band is that they would be just as good if they slowed things down and were simply a pop band. If you get rid of the buzzsaw guitars and racing tempos, what do you have with Vista Blue? A terrific pop group that values melody and perfectly executed vocal harmonies above all else. That's been apparent on the 19 DIY recordings I've reviewed previously. But Hit The Floor! is where Vista Blue fully demonstrates its chops as a pop band. This was the release the band funded via Kickstarter - its first record made in a "real" studio. And that real studio happens to be Ardent Studios in Memphis. Yeah, I'm talking about THE Ardent Studios - where Isaac Hayes made Hot Buttered Soul, Big Star made #1 Record, and ZZ Top made Eliminator! How wild is that!

Having went all-in on pop-punk on its recent album Tricks and Treats, Vista Blue wanted Hit The Floor! to be its definitive power pop release. Perry Leenhouts from Travoltas (speaking of punk bands that are great pop bands!) was enlisted to handle the mixing and mastering. You've never heard Vista Blue sound this big and clean on record - and that really accentuates what the band does best. "Summer Wonderland" is full of pristine harmonies and gorgeous melodies playing up VB's long-held affections for the Beach Boys and '60s pop. It comes darn close to hitting the four-minute mark, and every last second sounds perfect to my ears. "Big Stars", featuring Leenhouts' unmistakable harmonies, is upbeat power pop celebrating Mike's humble beginnings in music. It's also a love song, and I must say it really tugs at my heartstrings! I think this is my favorite Vista Blue song ever! "Three Chord City" is a cover of an absolutely CLASSIC song by New Orleans power pop legends The Cold, written by Vance DeGeneres. Vista Blue does a great version of this song, and I hope fans will be inspired to seek out the original and learn more about The Cold.

While Hit The Floor! is very much in the spirit of all of Vista Blue's music, there's no denying it paid off for the band to go all-out and aim for a great-sounding pop record. This was a different experience for Mike - who usually has to tend to every detail of the band's home recordings. This time he got to sit back and let the professionals work their magic. That includes studio engineer Mike Wilson, along with talented band mates Richard Bates (who kills it on guitar!), Reese Chism (drums), and Mark Crowley (bass). And once Leenhouts added his special touches, you had to know this thing was going to be gold. Digital EP is available now - featuring extensive liner notes by Wyatt Funderburk. Vinyl should be out just in time for Christmas!



-L.R.

https://wearevistablue.bandcamp.com/album/hit-the-floor 
https://www.facebook.com/wearevistablue/ 

The Loblaws/Vista Blue split CD out now!

Update! Last month I featured some fantastic new recordings from the Nashville power pop band Vista Blue and mentioned that they were slated to appear a split CD with The Loblaws (Mike and Todd Patton's band pre Vista Blue). I am very happy to announce that the digital album is now out on Radiant Radish Records - with a CD release expected in May. All in all, you get seven Loblaws songs, four Vista Blue songs, and three Loblaws songs recorded by Vista Blue. The Loblaws were one of the best pop-punk bands around circa the late 2000s (the unreleased "Banana Stand", included here, is a lost classic of the genre). F & L favorite Wyatt Funderburk was in the band, and he has songwriting credits on three of these tracks. While this release is technically a split between two different bands, it flows like a single album. You get to hear the subtle evolution of Mike Patton as a songwriter. The Loblaws, heavily influenced by both the modern alt-pop of Weezer and the harmonies of early rock n' roll, were by no means a generic pop-punk band. And I'd describe Vista Blue as a power pop band that very much embraces its pop-punk roots. Simply put, you should buy this album if you like pop! It celebrates the legacy of one band while declaring a bright future for another. And a $6 download for a collection this good is a downright steal! Stay tuned to Vista Blue's Facebook page for further news on the CD release!



-L.R. 

http://radiantradish.bandcamp.com/album/the-loblaws-vista-blue-split
https://wearevistablue.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/wearevistablue/

Meet Vista Blue!

Oh, boy! I've got a good one for you pop lovers today! You may remember The Loblaws as one of the better pop-punk bands of the late 2000s. They had a really excellent 7" out on Mutant Pop Records when the label had a brief revival in 2008. You also may recall that the great Wyatt Funderburk was a member of the band. While The Loblaws eventually split, brothers Mike and Todd Patton regrouped last year under the name Vista Blue with a series of baseball-themed releases.

Based in Nashville and Cincinnati with roots in New Orleans, Vista Blue is essentially a more "pop" continuation of The Loblaws. Think classic pop-punk (Ramones, MTX) meets modern power pop (Weezer, Fountains Of Wayne) with a heavy Beatles/Beach Boys influence. In anticipation of an upcoming Vista Blue/Loblaws CD on RTTB Records, the band has released Betsy Took My Baby Away - an EP comprised of songs that were originally intended for release on Mutant Pop before the label called it quits in 2009. It sounds like classic Mutant Pop fare - bringing to mind unheralded greats of the label like The Proms and Ruth's Hat (with hints of early Lillingtons in the vocals). These tracks began as Loblaws songs and were completed by Vista Blue - creating a perfect bridge between the two bands. The title track, inspired by Hurricane Katrina, imagines the experiences of two people on the eve of Hurricane Betsy in 1965. It's pretty much an instant classic of harmony-laden pop-punk. "When She Cries" and the Funderburk co-write "Maybe Tomorrow" are great as well. The CD will feature these three songs along with the seven completed Loblaws recordings and the entirety of Vista Blue's brand-new Jamie Lee EP. The new EP is a little more in the power pop vein - yet similar enough for it to make sense for all of these songs to be on the same album.

Essentially Vista Blue blurs the already thin line between power pop and pop-punk - adding add in early rock n' roll harmonies for good measure. I love the songs, I love the vocals, and I love this band! I can't wait for the full CD! If Buddy Holly was the granddaddy of this sort of music, we've definitely met the grandchildren! 



-L.R. 

https://wearevistablue.bandcamp.com/album/betsy-took-my-baby-away
https://wearevistablue.bandcamp.com/album/jamie-lee
https://www.facebook.com/wearevistablue/

Kurt Baker plays it cool!

Having had three years to ponder the matter, I can say without hesitation that Kurt Baker's Brand New Beat holds a spot in my top ten list of all-time favorite power pop albums. I would definitely call it a contemporary classic, and following it up had to be a tall order for Baker and his songwriting collaborator Wyatt Funderburk. If Baker and Funderburk had simply turned out a new album that was a carbon copy of Brand New Beat, that would have satisfied the fan base just fine. But there was no way that was going to happen. These guys are two of the best songwriters out there, and clearly they were determined to take their time and come up with something truly special. The result is Play It Cool, an album that infuses Baker's signature power pop/pop-rock style with a live rock n' roll energy. As I mentioned in the press release for this album, these songs capture the feel of seeing Kurt Baker in concert. And what that translates to is fun for everyone! Play It Cool revisits all the things you loved about Brand New Beat but adds so much more - rocking harder and drawing from a wider array of influences. I could be wrong, but I predict that most fans will think Play It Cool is even better than its predecessor!

Play It Cool kicks off with "Sends Me To Mars" - a rock n' roll ripper penned by Portland, Maine garage/punk legend Kip Brown. It was originally recorded in 1986 by Brown's band The Wild Hearts. Not only is this song a wonderful tribute to a prolific and under-appreciated artist, but it's also a perfect tone-setter for an album that's an absolute blast all the way through. Baker and friends launch this rocket right out of the gates, and quickly you get the sense that this is going to be a different kind of record. Close your eyes, and you can easily picture bodies flying all over the stage while Kris Rodgers pounds those keys like his hair's on fire. You'll be tapping your toes within 10 seconds and jumping out of your seat within a minute. And from there, the album only gets better! If you're craving some "classic" Kurt Baker, you won't be disappointed. "Enough's Enough" ought to be a massive radio hit. "I Got You" will put a smile on your face no matter how bad your day is going. "Monday Night" reminds us that it's never the wrong day of the week to have a good time. "Just A Little Bit" sounds like Elvis Costello fronting Thin Lizzy. But ultimately it's the variety of the song selection that makes this the most enjoyable of all of Baker's albums. Running the gamut from '80s pop-rock throwbacks ("Play It Cool") to raucous garage rockers ("Doin' It Right") to pretty Beatle-esque janglers ("Talk Is Talk") to Raspberries-inspired sing-alongs ("I Can't Wait") to wonderfully sappy ballads (the magnificent "Back For Good"), these 12 songs demonstrate how crucial melody and quality hooks can be to almost any style of music. And backed by an all-star supporting cast (Rodgers and Geoff Palmer from The Connection, Adam Cargin from Screeching Weasel/Riverdales), Baker fully delivers on the promise of a high energy, fun-to-the-end musical performance. If you've never witnessed The Kurt Baker Band live, Play It Cool will make you wish you had!

Play It Cool is a rock n' roll album first and a power pop album second. And that, I'd say, is the natural order of things. If you've soured on today's power pop because the power part of the equation is so rarely emphasized, this could be the record that turns you to the dark side. And for those of you who are huge Kurt Baker fans and have been looking forward to this album for a long time, you're going to love what you hear! Seriously: Baker and Funderburk have totally knocked it out of the park with these songs! I'm talking an A++ effort! I suppose only time will tell whether or not Play It Cool surpasses Brand New Beat in my heart. But my gut reaction is that this is the best Kurt Baker album yet! Get the download from Baker's Bandcamp and the CD from Rum Bar Records. Vinyl will be out later this fall on Eccentric Pop Records, Ghost Highway Recordings, and Jolly Ronnie Records!



-L.R.

https://kurtbaker.bandcamp.com/album/play-it-cool 
https://rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com/album/play-it-cool 
https://www.facebook.com/KurtBakerMusic 
https://kurtbaker.bandpage.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/RumBarRecords 

Brand New B-Sides!

You may recall that my Album of the Year for 2012 was Kurt Baker's Brand New Beat. I would still probably list Brand New Beat as my favorite album of the 2010s so far. I haven't stopped listening to it in a year and a half! What you might not know is that when Baker got together with producer/pal Wyatt Funderburk to write and record Brand New Beat, they actually came up with enough material to fill two albums! The idea was to only use the best songs for the album and save the rest for singles and overseas bonus tracks. Baker and Funderburk - two of my favorite songwriters in the world - clearly knew what they were doing. But just because the track selection for Brand New Beat was flawless doesn't mean that the outtakes weren't terrific in their own right. And so now we get to hear all of them on Brand New B-Sides - available now on Bandcamp and due out on CD next month on Rum Bar Records! If you didn't know these songs were leftovers (no pun intended), you'd probably think, "Wow, Kurt Baker just put out another awesome record!"

As expected, Brand New B-Sides brings the same vibe as Brand New Beat. It's a fun pop/rock n' roll record brimming with positive energy and radio worthy hooks. Truthfully, any of these songs could have been on Brand New Beat. There's no garbage in this collection. Baker and Funderburk surely had to make some tough decisions in leaving gems like "Emma Stone" and "Quit Dancing With My Girl" off the album. But no worries - having such amazing songs in reserve allows Baker and Funderburk to tide us fans over while they work on a follow-up to Brand New Beat! The songs here hit all the usual reference points for a Kurt Baker record - with echoes of Elvis Costello (the loungey "Since You've Been On My Mind"), Thin Lizzy ("On The Run"), and even Butch Walker ("Lost In Translation"). There are also a couple of pleasant surprises in the Motown flavored shaker "Think It Over" and the near epic "City Lights" - which allows Baker to imbue late '80s synth and drum machine sounds with his special flair for pop melody. Throw in covers of Nick Lowe's "So It Goes" (given an arena rock makeover!) and Sylvain Sylvain's classic solo track "What's That Got To Do With Rock N' Roll?", and you've got yourself a damn fine album!

Alright, Kurt Baker fans! It's been a while since we've heard new material from Mr. Baker - and surely his next album will be a year or two in the making. But while you wait, dig into the special treat that is Brand New B-Sides. When even your "rejected" material is this good, that is true talent. Most bands/artists in the power pop world wish their best album was of this caliber! If I wanted to get the melody to "Emma Stone" out of my head, I'd probably have to consult a brain surgeon. Straight up, Kurt Baker is the king of power pop. Brand New B-Sides, like everything else in his catalog, is an essential purchase. 

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-L.R.

http://kurtbaker.bandcamp.com/album/brand-new-b-sides
http://www.facebook.com/kurtbakermusic

Wyatt Funderburk makes an album!

After a long career playing in wonderful bands like Second Saturday and producing the likes of Kurt Baker, Wyatt Funderburk has finally gotten around to making a solo album. And all I can say is wow! Not that it's a huge surprise considering the man's track record, but Novel and Profane is pure pop perfection from start to finish. Funderburk is an amazing songwriter with a warm, likable singing voice. And on this album, he combines so many different things I like into a singular vision of pop that is so distinctively him. Touchstones include '90s alternapop (Superdrag, Jellyfish, Fountains of Wayne), '70s AM gold, Beatles/Beach Boys classicism, and of course the productions of Jeff Lynne. But ultimately this album bears Funderburk's signature. He seamlessly mixes the old and the new and proves to be an adept storyteller. His melodies aren't just catchy - they're positively beautiful. And he's crafted an album so pleasant and engaging that I'd like to play it on repeat all day long. Even when the songs aren't exactly upbeat, Novel and Profane is like musical comfort food. I'm always sad when it comes to an end. 

As always, Funderburk's recording style hearkens back to the glory days of pop/rock. There's no trickery or excess involved - just simple, high quality production that allows the words and melodies to speak for themselves. The vocal harmonies are beautifully recorded but never overdone, and it's the songs themselves that play the starring role. It's really hard to pick a standout track since the tunes are so consistently great. And the variety of the material is highly impressive. Novel and Profane delivers everything from crunching modern rock ("Mandolin") to gorgeous minor key pop ("You Know What To Do", "North On 65") to epic ballads ("Nights Like This") to breezy country rock ("Feeling Good Tonight") to spot-on Tom Petty worship ("Love Will Lead The Way") - and none of it falters. And I love how Funderburk succeeds with songs that would perhaps come off as cheesy in the hands of a lesser artist. "Try To Be" would not have sounded out of place at a high school homecoming dance in 1988. And superb closing track "If I Ever Wanted Easier" is the kind of high soaring love song that used to thrive in more innocent times. It sounds like it should be playing over the closing credits of a cinematic love story that ends happily after countless trials and tribulations. Even the most unsentimental individuals will find themselves pumping their fists when that chorus comes in, believing wholeheartedly that love can prevail over any obstacle. If you enjoyed Kurt Baker's Brand New Beat (an album Funderburk produced and co-wrote), this song will strike a familiar chord.

Combining numerous references to the musical past with a decidedly contemporary sheen, Novel and Profane is an album for music lovers of all ages and stylistic preferences. At a time when most new music seems so meticulously targeted at niche demographics, it's refreshing to hear an artist who simply wants to write great songs that people can relate to. If I wanted to get the melody to "Summer" out of my head, I'd probably have to contact a doctor and have it surgically removed. But, you know, I'd rather not.

CD available from Jolly Ronnie Records!



-L.R. 

http://wyattfunderburk.bandcamp.com/album/novel-and-profane
http://wyattfunderburk.com/

Wyatt Funderburk goes solo!

F & L readers may be familiar with Wyatt Funderburk because he produced Kurt Baker's fantastic LP Brand New Beat. But while he is a great music producer, he's so much more than that. His talents as a songwriter and singer make him a true triple threat, and he has finally graced us with some solo recordings. Out now are a brand new LP and single. I'll tackle the album later, but today I'll weigh in on the single.

In the spirit of the late '80s collaborations between Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty, "Love Will Lead The Way" is a perfect slice of melody-driven pop/rock. And while the vibe of this track may take you back 25 years or so, it does demonstrate the timelessness of such things as quality songwriting and sparkling production. Wyatt's got a really nice voice, which is perfectly suited to this kind of song. "Love Will Lead the Way" may be a simple pop tune, but it's beautifully constructed and speaks to a subject of eternal importance to our existence. Listen once, and that melody will be in your head all day.

B-side cut "The Reason" was penned by Geoff Palmer of The Connection, and it's exclusive to this release. No pun intended, it's the reason to buy the single. It's a straight ahead pop song that sort of brings to mind that Fastball/Wallflowers slice of '90s alt-rock. It's just so pleasant and blissfully tuneful, with lyrics that really make you think. And those harmonies are to die for! You just don't hear music like this on the radio anymore, and that's a damn shame. Call it what you want: mainstream, M.O.R., "dad rock". Any way you shake it, it's freaking great. Trends come and go, but melody and craftsmanship are eternal.

There's a line in Wyatt's bio that says, "Whether he is singing, playing, or producing, Funderburk's knack for crafting catchy hooks and classic pop sounds shines through on everything he touches." I think that pretty much says it all. He's incredibly talented, but just as importantly he understands the craft of the perfect pop song. He exists on a plane where the three minute radio hit still thrives. I'm not opposed to innovation or uncompromising artistry in music. But at the end of the day, what I ultimately crave are lyrics that I can relate to and a melody I can whistle while I'm standing in line at the post office. This single has been brightening a lot of days for me lately - and isn't that the ultimate compliment one can extend to a piece of music? If you don't like Wyatt Funderburk, you don't like pop.


-L.R.

http://collectorsclubrecords.bandcamp.com/album/love-will-lead-the-way-single
https://www.facebook.com/collectorsclubrecords
http://wyattfunderburk.com/

Brand New Beat!

It goes without saying that Kurt Baker's new LP is my album of the year. Heck, it might even be my album of the decade so far. And if you read my review of Kurt's most recent EP, you knew my expectations were sky-high. You can surmise I was not disappointed.

I'll grant you that Brand New Beat may not an album for everyone. It's an upbeat kind of record for upbeat kinds of people. It will elicit smiles and positive feelings. It has lots of songs about girls. If you're not into happy-go-lucky power pop the way I am, you might even be disgusted by this LP. Fair enough. It's a free country. But this is my slice of the blogosphere, and in these parts Kurt Baker is loved. In collaboration with dynamite producer/co-songwriter Wyatt Funderburk, he's turned out a classic pop/rock record that hearkens back to the late '70s and early '80s. Its songs appeal to that part of all of us that's eternally 19 and in the severe throes of young love. Some of the tunes are totally sappy. A couple will make you laugh. Others will break your heart. And every last one sounds like a hit. If Rick Springfield, Elvis Costello, and Butch Walker were one guy, he'd be Mr. Kurt Baker.

While "power pop" might be a good general term for the music Kurt Baker makes, I think Brand New Beat will surprise a lot of people. It's not strictly a power-pop-by-numbers record. "Hit The Ground" kicks off the proceedings with a slick, over-the-top blast of rock. And "Qualified" closes the show in the same vein. These are extremely well-crafted odes to the glory days of arena rock. You say "cheesy", and I say "fun". I just close my eyes and imagine the Kurt Baker Band as the unheralded opening act blowing Journey or Loverboy off the stage 30 years ago. Meanwhile the ballads reach back further to the mid-to-late '70s heyday of singer/songwriters, and they're tremendous. "She's Not Sorry" is like early Billy Joel meets the Beach Boys, while "I Don't Wanna Cry" is a gut-wrenching breakup song delivered with feeling. Both tracks are among the album's best, and the harmonies positively soar. Meanwhile "How Many Times" is a "happy" ballad that totally indulges Kurt's Elvis Costello worship.

Of course the best part of any Kurt Baker record is going to be the pure pop songs, and Brand New Beat is loaded with some of the catchiest cuts of power pop you could ever hope to hear. "Don't Go Falling In Love" would be all over Top 40 radio in a better world. Listen to it and see what I mean. And it's far from the only "hit". I'm totally nuts for the big glossy crunch and joyful spirit of "Everybody Knows" and "Weekend Girls". And the sweet, jangly "She Can Do It All" brings to mind Kurt's handsome and talented pals The Connection. What can I say? I'm just a total sucker for silky backing vocals and infectious pop hooks. Give me a little caffeine and a couple spins of this record, and I'm guaranteed a good day!

What I love about Brand New Beat is that it's so well-done on every level. The songs are great, the production is amazing, and Kurt's band is top-notch. Huge kudos go out to Funderburk (backing vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards), Kris "Fingers" Rodgers (keyboards), Geoff Useless (backing vocals, rhythm guitar), and Adam Cargin (drums) for making this "solo" album what it is. Recorded over a year-and-a-half period at three different studios, this LP was painstakingly crafted. And it shows! It has the feel of a top-selling record from three decades ago, yet it doesn't sound stale or dated in any way. Pop music, when it's this good, is timeless. Your dad will probably like Brand New Beat, but so will your niece. Go buy copies for everyone on your Christmas list!



-L.R. 

http://collectorsclubrecords.bandcamp.com/album/kurt-baker-brand-new-beat
http://www.kurtbakermusic.com
http://www.facebook.com/KurtBakerMusic