Episode #15
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1. The Please & Thank Yous
The Please & Thank Yous are a four-piece from Chicago, IL. The band has released so far, one EP, Mulligan (2008), and one record, Mind Yr P's & Q's (2010), since their formation in Mundelein, IL. Both releases are available for free on their bandcamp. Selected tracks on Mulligan also appear on Mind Yr P's & Q's and both releases are full of some fine punk-pop tunes. On TPATY full length (which is also available on cassette format), a bunch of well crafted songs appear, including a sweet instrumental (I'm Not Calling You) layered over a message on an answering machine. On the tracks, Summer's Over and Fucking Honestly, they both feature some of the best pop melodies on the record. A majority of the lyrics are a bit aggressive, but the delivery is pretty awesome, coming through some catchy vocals and great harmonies. Featured on this episode is the track, Speaking of the Devil, off of, Mind Yr P's & Q's.
2. The Power Pellets
The Power Pellets were a four-piece punk band from Hawaii. They only released a few records in the mid-90's, most of which are still available through Hawaiian Express. They have a full length (...Into the Bright Sunlight), a split with The Raymonds, a live record, and a 7” (What's the Odds?). But the first time I heard them was on the This Ain't No F*#@!n Luau comp. The track, Time With You, won me over. And it was because of the Power Pellets, I had a new appreciation for another local band, The Raymonds. The Power Pellet's cover of Heartbeat was simply amazing (and it was a better recording). To hear these tunes, you gotta pick up their records. It's worth it. The song featured on this episode is titled, Romantic Comedy, off of, ...Into the Bright Sunlight.
3. The Slats
The Slats are currently based in Minneapolis, MN. Their sound is made up of several things from fuzzy rock and garage to indie and punk music. Often at times, it tends to move towards the experimental side of rock, but really fun to listen to. The Slats have been releasing records since 1999, a few through the Tyros Label, and a couple through Latest Flame. The last record released by The Slats was 2006's, Boom Patrol, on Latest Flame. Some new material is in the works, and might be released by the band or its members. Until then, check out their music on bandcamp. The song on this episode is titled, Stegosaurus WrxxX, off of Boom Patrol.
4. Super Bowl Rocket Ship
Super Bowl Rocket Ship is a rock band from Nashville, TN. They currently have a self-titled EP out and a full length record that may be released sometime this year. Super Bowl Rocket Ship is a fairly new band, having formed in April 2009 and having recently acquired a new lead vocalist. As heard on the six-song EP, the band's sound is rock-driven, with some well-crafted instrumentals and groovy dynamics. Live tracks can be heard on their facebook and you can get a sense of what it's like to be at one of their shows. The song on this episode is titled, Remember that One Time, off of their self-titled EP.
5. Citycop
Citycop is a four-piece acoustic band from Ashtabula, OH. The band released a couple EP's and one record titled, The Hope in Forgiving & Giving Up Hope. The album is full of acoustic based jams, but because of the band's diverse set of players, the music often changes from sweet ballads to fast rock songs. The drumming on this album has a really aggressive approach and the vocals change from clean to harsh, with a passion. The guitars and bass can be sweet at times, and will have an occasional breakdown, which is pretty damn cool. They'll be on tour this month and even though I haven't seen them myslef, I highly recommend catching one of their shows. The song featured on this episode is titled, White Roses, off of The Hope in Forgiving & Giving Up Hope.