Forgotten Power Pop from Australia (Never Reissued)

SPARE CHANGE - LONELY SUITS (1979)

 

Spare Change formed among Adelaide ex-pats in Amsterdam. Back in Adelaide, the band coalesced in 1973 as a pre-punk powerpop unit. The initial line-up included John Dowler (Young Modern, The Zimmermen) (vocals), Chris Langman (guitar), Bob Kretschmer (guitar), Tony Murray (keyboards), and John Wilkenson (drums). Wilkenson was soon replaced by Graeme Perry, and this would remain the definitive Spare Change line-up. After a solid couple of years playing Adelaide pubs, Spare Change relocated to Melbourne in early 1975. There, the band recorded "The Big Beat" which was issued as a single at the end of 1976 (b/w Classified Ad). Aided and abetted by Henry Vyhnal, the band continued recording until March 1977 with the intention of an LP release, but broke up before that eventuated. The posthumous Lonely Suits LP  was released in late 1979, and included both sides of the earlier single.

WU SPARE (334 mb)

Best Tribute Album of 2005 (CD Only)

P. HUX - HOMEMADE SPACESHIP (2005)

The Music Of ELO Performed by P. Hux

 

After VeG was released, Parthenon Huxley's wife, Janet, died in 1997, and it was several years before he resumed his solo career. He released two albums, then joined Electric Light Orchestra Part II. And due to legal actions, the band was renamed The Orchestra for the "No Rewind" album (with the fabulous Huxley song Jewel and Johnny). In 2003 he began work on Homemade Spaceship, an album of ELO covers commissioned by Lakeshore Records of Hollywood, California. The album was awarded 2005 Tribute Album of the Year.

WU SPACESHIP (362 mb)

P. Hux Side Project (CD Only)

VeG - VeG (1997)

 

Featuring the late Parthenon Huxley, this record was recorded in the early 90s and shelved when the band's drummer was called away by Bob Dylan for five years (Winston Watson)! VeG is not "Deluxe" (1995) revisited (but 1/3 of the songs do have pure pop centers). lt's rocking, rootsy bar pop night out. The pop configuration is deftly present on the album. Fans of P. Hux should really like this little known side project.

IMG VeG (319 mb)

1st Solo Album (after Buzz Of Delight & Oh-OK) (CD Only)

MATTHEW SWEET - INSIDE (1986)

 

Before his breakthrough album "Girlfriend" in 1991, the power pop classic ranked #14 in the Ultimate Power Pop Guide (2008) and #22 in the SSA 2.0 Edition (2019), Matthew Sweet released two lesser known albums "Earth" (1989) and this one "Inside" released on Columbia Records, produced by Dave Allen, Don Dixon, Stephen Hague, David Kahne and Scott Litt, it was recorded between Los Angeles, New York and London. The albums featured famous guests of Los Angeles, Athens, Hoboken and other cities. This is the only Matthew Sweet album not available on digital sites. And finally i'd say that "Quiet Her" is a great opener.

IMG INSIDE (318 mb)

More Bands from North Carolina (Never Reissued)

VARIOUS - MORE MONDO (1985)

 

A sequel to "Mondo Montage" with 13 bands North Carolina, maybe even better than the first one featuring more famous bands as Rick Rock, The Spongetones, The Connells, The Graphic, Don Dixon, Southern Culture On The Skids and more.

IMG MORE (318 mb)

10 Bands from North Carolina (Never Reissued)

VARIOUS - MONDO MONTAGE (1983)

 

Three years before W.C. (Welcome to Comboland), this compilation of ten bands (14 songs) hailing from North Carolina was released on Dolphin Records and is now long deleted, "Mondo Montage" along the second volume "More Mondo" brought some NC legendary bands : "Let's Active", "Arrogance" and the late "Rick Rock", better known as Parthenon Huxley.

IMG MONDO (323 mb)

Power Pop At The Top (Spanish CD Only)

HECTOR PENALOSA  - MUSIC FOR CATS (1996)

 

Hector Penalosa was the bassist of The Zeros, but he also was a member of the critically-acclaimed Flying Color (their 1987 album is ranked #56 in the Shake Some Action 2.0 book). After the commercial failure of the album, Hector Penalosa recorded his first solo album "Hector" with Chris von Sneidern who used to be in Flying Color after Richard Chase left, an album that could be considered as the second Flying Color album.

So Hector kept in touch and eventually “Music For Cats” came out. He brought his 4-Track recordings to Chris who had a recording studio in the basement of his house. So Hector Penalosa and Chris von Sneidern worked there a lot and Hector overdubbed some vocals and maybe some cymbals here and there and stuff.
 

This unique pop album was released on Bam Balam, a label located on Spanish Balearic Islands, also known for his six excellent "Bam Balam Explosion: Power Pop" compilations. Definitely, "Music For Cats" is a collection of great beauty and great dividends across the board.

IMG CATS (352 mb)

Acoustic Case (Soundboard from France)

PETER CASE - LIVE IN AUCH (1998)

 

A rare soundboard performance recorded in 1998 by a friend of mine. It had been put aside for 20 years, I only found the files in May 2020. This is an acoustic concert for the promotion of "Full Service, No Waiting" (1997). It's also interesting to hear Peter Case covering the Flamin' Groovies tune "Yeah My Baby".

IMG CASE (223 mb)

Too Much Too Soon...and now Cult Status

THE JOOK - SINGLES (1972-1978)

After the breakup of John's Children, John Hewlett went to work for Apple in the publishing division. Then, when Apple started falling apart, he went into management with Gallagher & Lyle and later McGuiness Flint. He soon lost interest working with all these singer songwriters and it wasn't really the sort of music he liked.

So Jook was a conscious attempt to get back to he really wanted. And that's what Jook was about: a 70's John's Children, complete with futuristic Mod clothes. They made five 45's in a year, powerful records with Slade-like production, teen rebellion lyrics and Townshend-styled guitar.

Some of the songs were great, from the debut "Alright With Me" to the tremendous flip side of their last single "Crazy Kids" (later remade by Trevor White, both versions are among the all-time classic teenage anthems). As it was, the records were relative flops and are fetching now hefty prices.

As John Hewlett was manager of Sparks, Ian Hampton & Trevor White played on the Sparks' albums "Propaganda" & "Indiscreet". Chris Townson who had played with Andy Ellison in John's Children, joined Jet with Martin Gordon and Andy Ellison and played later with Martin Gordon for his solo albums. Ian Kimmet, the band's singer and main songwriter served as Studio Manager at Bearsville Studio from 1975 to 1996, and as Compilation Producer at BMG Entertainment.

Alright With Me / Do What You Can (1972) RCA 2279

WU (59mb)

Shame / City And Suburban Blues (1973) RCA 2344
WU (40mb)

 Oo Oo Rudi / Jook's On You (1973) RCA 2368
(Promo copy)

WU (42mb)

 

King Capp / Rumble (1973) RCA 2431

WU (47mb) 

 

Bish Bash Bosh / Crazy Kids (1974) RCA LPBO 5024
(Promo copy)
WU (53mb)

Jook Rule OK EP (1978) Chiswick SW30
Watch Your Step / La La Girl
Aggravation Place / Everything I Do
WU (97mb)

 

Justin Trouble vs Justin Love (NY Power Pop)

JUSTIN LOVE & JUSTIN TROUBLE

PONYTAIL (1980) / TOUCH THE SKY (1982)

 

Justin Love (a.k.a. Justin Trouble) is one of the most unknown artist of the 80's, but also one of the most treasured. For the ones who don't know him, if you like Sylvain Sylvain, Johnny Thunders and his pals, you'll love Justin Trouble (Love). His first single "Ponytail" was produced by Johnny Thunders who also co-wrote the B-side. Johnny Thunders often had the band open shows for his Heartbreakers. Justin Trouble released his first eponymous LP in 1982 while Justin Love released his album "Rockola" in 1984. Both albums have been reissued, and are available on all the streaming sites. They are two terrific must-have. Justin Love is still very active nowadays and has released several new albums.

WU PONYTAIL (38 mb)

WU TOUCH THE SKY (75 mb)

NME'S Best Single of 1979 (7" NY Power Pop)

NERVUS REX - DON'T LOOK (1979)

 

Nervus Rex released a self produced single "Don't Look" in 1978. This single was to become a classic of the era, It even won "Best Independent Single of the Year" honors from Britain's New Musical Express. Formed in 1977, Nervus Rex made their reputation on the New York club circuit. Then they signed a deal with Mike Chapman's new label "Dreamland" after being put in contact with him by Clem Burke and Jimmy Destri of Blondie. They released their eponymous album in 1980 and split in 1981.

WU LOOK (58 mb)

A Power Pop Must-have (CD Only)

IDLE WILDS - DUMB, GIFTED & BEAUTIFUL (1995)

 

Hailing from Pennsylvania Idle Wilds plays gorgeous pop music that draws a time line directly from the Beatles to Big Star. The band’s debut album, Dumb, Gifted and Beautiful, mixes some fresh originals and new versions of some of the first EP’s best songs. It was recorded at Ardent Studios and produced by John Hampton. Idle Wilds were featured on "Big Star, Small World" (a tribute to Big Star 2006) and "Melody Fair" (a tribute To The Bee Gees 1994). They also were part of the third volume of "Poptopia!: "Power Pop Classics of the 90s". Finally, it was ranked #99 in the The Ultimate Power Pop Guide (2008).

WU GIFTED (307 mb)

An Overlooked Classic (Parking Meters Edition) (Never Reissued)

ZONES - UNDER INFLUENCE (1979)

 

Then after releasing the PVC. 2 single, Midge Ure left Slik and joined The Rich Kids. So, with the other members of P.V.C. 2, Willy Gardner stepped in Ure's shoes to form the Zones and released one single on Zoom Records before Arista bought the scottish label. Gardner, Russell Webb, Billy McIsaac and Kenny Hyslop recorded a few singles for their new label Arista and this album produced by Tim Friese/Greene. They didn't find success and then split. Webb & Hyslop joined the Skids within a year and Hyslop completed his tour of Scottish bands by joining Simple Minds. One of the unsung classics of the post/punk power pop boom, the Zones' debut album (released with 4 different artwork) arrived more or less out of nowhere. AMG

WU PARKING (235 mb)

From Slik to PVC in a few months (7" Single)

P.V.C. 2 - PUT YOU IN THE PICTURE (1977)

 

Slik was formed in the mid-70s from the ashes of a Glasgow group called Salvation. By 1978, Slik had become a truly superb band playing short, dynamite rock'n'roll songs. At the height of the punk wave, Slik and Midge Ure recorded "Put You In The Picture" as a triple A-Side single for the scottish label Zoom Records. "Put You In The Picture" was  later re/recorded with The Rich Kids.

WU PVC2 (46 mb)

UK Edition (Reissue with 2 Bonus)

A TRIBUTE TO THE JAM (1996) (Expanded 2001)

 

A little known collection which was first released in Japan as "The Jam Tribute - The Modern World", (1996), it featured 20 mod bands from all around the world. A few years later, it deserved a UK reissue titled "A Tribute To The Jam" with two bonus songs.

IMG WORLD (424 mb)

Bomp Records Goes Rock 'n' Roll (Never Reissued)

 THE ZANTEES - OUT FOR KICKS (1980)

 

Released by BOMP! in 1980, the Zantees (named after an episode of Outer Limits) first LP "Out for Kicks" stands as a rock'n'roll classic. The Zantees line-up included Billy Miller and Miriam Linna, on vocals and drums respectively, then of Kicks Magazine with guitarist brothers Paul & Bill Statile and bassist Rob Norris. 

Peter Holsapple guests on piano and bassist Rob Norris graduated to The Bongos. Billy Miller founded Norton Records with Miriam Linna and both they formed the A-Bones.

IMG KICKS (235 mb)

Limited Edition EP (2.500 copies)

XTC - GRIBOUILLAGE EP (1992)

 

Limited edition EP given free with the first 2,500 copies of the french "Nonsuch" CD. Digipak with double-sided poster stapled inside. It is composed of demos for the first five tracks on Nonsuch.

WU CDEP (132 mb)

Side Project from Choo Choo Train (Never Reissued)

BAG O SHELLS - POCKETBOOK (1990)

 

During the Choo Choo Train years, Ric Menck and Paul Chastain formed the side groups Bag O’Shells (two singles never reissued) and the Springfields (five singles compiled in 2019) for good measure.

WU BAG (70 mb)