SUPER 8
SUPER 8 Goes Xmas! EP
Self-released
Here's a little post-holiday cheer showing that Christmas goes on all year. These merry, original songs about Christmastime, some with Lisa Mychols, Sue Bachner, and Keith Klingensmith on guest vocals, are fun, happy, and will make you want December to be here again. All are Beatle-esque power pop, showing that power pop is good all year too. So grab this and have a lot of fun, anytime of year.
Andrea Weiss
Jim Basnight
Ones That Got Away/Gotta Get Straight (Single)
Self-released
The first single from Jim's upcoming, not yet titled, new album finds him in fine form. It's good adult rock/power pop – mature, older, wiser, but not in any way sad, relationship songs, that hint at how good the new album is going be. So if you want to hear what he’s been up to lately, or want an introduction as a new listener, this is where to start.
Andrea Weiss
I’d heard 20/20 in the 70s and never could find their albums, even as they were on Columbia, so I lost track of them. I'm glad to make their acquaintance again with this album. While it's different than their 70s albums, it’s just as good.
Bassist and vocalist Ron Flynt was kind enough to answer some questions for me.
ANDREA WEISS: You’ve been around since the 70s, but for those who don't know you, could you give a short history of the band?
RON FLYNT: The band was started by Steve Allen and Mike Gallo in Los Angeles in the late 70's. Steve and I met in Tulsa on our 5th grade baseball team. Steve and Mike got together in L. A. and I came out after finishing music school at OSU.
AW: How would you compare your old songs to your new ones?
RF: I think the new songs would have been at home on the first two records. I like the new lyrics better than some of the older songs.
AW: Who are your influences, both currently and back in the day?
RF: We have many of the same influences today as when we started. We were, and are, into The Beatles, Tom Petty, The Who, most of the early British invasion.
AW: These songs seem pretty rootsy, which I like. Is that a new direction for you?
RF: Steve lives in Nashville and I live in Austin. Both places have firm traditions in American music. There are great songwriters everywhere and it's hard to not be influenced.
AW: “Laurel Canyon” is a look back to the 60s scene there rather than the 70s. Which bands did you like the most from that scene, and can you say a few words about the scene overall?
RF: The California music scene of the 60's inspired lots of musicians from Oklahoma to make the trip to Hollywood. The vocal harmonies and the jangle of 12 strings was like a siren song. The Byrds, Beach Boys, Mamas and Papas, Leon Russell... too many to mention.
AW: Some of these songs are about sadness, like “Why Do I Hurt Myself.” Is there anything you want to say about that approach?
RF: Steve would have a better angle than me.
AW: If people hear you for the first time with this record, do you hope it’ll lead them back to your earlier work?
RF: Yes, I'm proud of our back catalog and it would be great if more people heard the early stuff.
AW: What would you say to someone just starting out in music?
RF: Take a little music theory, maybe a business class or two, no hard drugs, go easy on the whiskey, and find a partner to help. Being in a band is much better than being solo. The victories are sweeter and the defeats softer in a band!
20/20
Back To California
SpyderPop Records/Big Stir Records
This veteran Los Angeles power pop band returns with rootsy power pop that's more Americana than what they were playing in the 70s, but it’s a seamless transition and very good.
The lyrics can get pretty dark, as in “Why Do I Hurt Myself,” in the metaphorical not literal sense, or “Lucky Heart,” about love that could go right if the characters can get away. All have a nice late 80s/90s Tom Petty vibe to them, with a little Chris Isaak thrown in.
There are tributes to scenes gone but not forgotten, that made rock what it is today. “Laurel Canyon” is an example, covering the 60s part of it and it’s one of the best songs on the album.
So if you’re a fan of 20/20 from the 70s and want to catch up on them, or are new to them and want to explore, start here. You’ll hear some great music that might make you think, or in Laurel Canyon's case, check out the scene a little more.
Andrea Weiss
I’d not heard this band before, so it was a nice surprise when I got this album. I like the pop, and the power of it, and just that anytime is the right time to listen to it.
The band's bassist and vocalist Clyde Bramley was kind enough to answer a few questions for me.
Andrea Weiss: For those who don’t know you, could you give us a short history of the band?
Clyde Bramley: Brothers Glen Morris (guitar, lead vocals) and Brian Morris (drums, vocals) initially formed the band in 2015 to record Glenn’s songs after being encouraged to do so by Paul Collins after they had short stint in his band The Paul Collins Beat. Various members have passed through the band until the current line-up which includes Clyde Bramley (bass, vocals) and John Hoey (keyboards). The band has released 5 CDs on Citadel Records in Australia and signed with Jem Records USA in 2024. (For an in-depth history please visit the band website theonandons.com.au
AW: Who and what are your influences?
CB: Too many and varied to list all of the them, but let’s start with The Beatles and the British Invasion and continue through Badfinger, The Raspberries, Nick Lowe and a thousand others up to the present day!
AW: What’s the scene like in Sydney?
CB: Being the biggest city in Australia, Sydney has always had a thriving music scene. Being a long way from the rest of the world was actually an advantage as we got the best of the USA, the UK and European music. Playing and seeing live music was a way of life for a certain generation growing up in Australia. Today there is still a strong and healthy band and venue scene in inner Sydney although the focus has moved slightly from the inner-city to the inner-west.
AW: “Roller Coaster” speaks to life in the music industry, and perseverance. Is that the advice you’d give someone starting out in music?
CB: Life in the music industry has changed considerably over the years. It’s a lot harder to make a career in music than it used to be, so you better love it and want to do it no matter what!
AW: “Been There” is about being young and the thrill of discovery. Is that message you want to give everyone?
CB: Get out and enjoy life, have fun, and love it while you can.
AW: How did Jem come into the picture?
CB: I have a sneaking suspicion that Paul Collins (also now signed to Jem) may have put in a good word with Marty Scott of Jem after the band score a Coolest Song In the World on Little Steven’s Underground Garage in 2023 with “Let Ya Hair Down!”
AW: Do you plan to do any gigs in the US?
CB: We would love to come and play in the US but we may need a billionaire benefactor to make it a reality!
The On And Ons
Come On In
Jem Records
This Sydney band, who made five CDs for Citadel Records in Australia, have signed with Jem. This is their debut US album. It’s filled with power pop goodies like the singles “Been There” and “Roller Coaster,” and the album tracks “All Over Heavenly (You’re My Everything)” and “Games People Play.”
The band emphasizes power and pop in equal measure, loud and quiet, and it’s dynamics that make things so much fun to listen to. The lyrics really say something, like “Roller Coaster” being about the music biz, or just good relationship songs like “Heavenly.”
There are never any down lyrics here. It’s a good time, and if anything does get them down, it lets them make lemonade out of lemons. So if you need something to brighten your day, or just want to kick back with something good, try this. It will make you smile.
Andrea Weiss
