Welcome to the July edition of the Pop Rocks Radio newsletter! As always, I am your host, Bijan.
As the band said, “It must be summer ‘cause the days are long.” I’ve found no better way to spend those long summer days than by listening to sunshine pop. Just sit outside in the sun, put on The Lemon Twigs’ “A Dream Is All We Know,” and smile at all the little things in life worth celebrating. For those in places too hot to manage, please make sure you and your loved ones stay safe first! Then, try Wesley Fuller’s “All Fuller No Filler.” And if you need something that transitions you from peace to rocking bliss over 18 songs, you’ll welcome Redd Kross’s latest self-titled album (also known as “The Red Album”) like your best friend finally coming home from summer camp.
With summer comes summer tours, and as you’ll see below, there is an embarrassment of riches out on the road right now. Despite all that divides us, music—especially this music—can bring us together in a sea of bopping heads at a rock show; the shared experience of singing along with strangers who become friends for the night. No matter the genre, “a great song…”, as Paul Collins said with the simple wisdom of the Buddha, “…is a great song.” And in these moments, we realize that music is not just entertainment; it’s a collective celebration.
Bijan Marashi, July 2024
New and Most Notable!
In an age of streaming, where skipping tracks is the norm, finding an album that hooks you from start to finish is a rare gem. Mark Ward's latest release, "Let 'Er Rip," is making waves in Power Pop circles, and it's easy to see why. The album is a vibrant mix of catchy riffs, singalong choruses, and irresistible melodies that will have you humming for days.
The album's first single, "I've Been Around," kicks things off with a bang, setting the stage for the rest of the album by perfectly showcasing Ward's knack for blending nostalgic vibes with a fresh twist (and admittedly, the line “I don’t know you from a can of paint” just makes me smile). From there, the album takes you on a delightful journey through genres like Merseybeat and Jangle Pop, each track offering its unique and infectious groove.
If you're searching for an album that’ll keep you from start to finish, “Let ‘Er Rip” is a must-listen. These songs are tailor-made for cruising in a convertible on a warm summer night—capturing the very essence of what Power Pop is all about.
Latest from Pop Rocks Radio on YouTube
Coming Soon!
Chris Vandalay and Dave Franco of bands like Oh Boy!, The Quick, The Vandalays, and Too Much Saturn stop by to discuss their long musical partnership, the incredible Chicago music scene, and the awesome new single by The ChrisVandalay Project, “Better Than Before”!
The Bings! - Before their scheduled performance at the International Pop Overthrow Festival in Los Angeles (see below!), I sat down with four of the band's original members to talk about their history and how their album remained in a drawer for nearly 40 years!
Tales From Bomp! - Dave Chrenko from The Bings spent the late 70s/early 80s working for Greg and Suzy Shaw at legendary Bomp! Records in Los Angeles. With daily visits from icons such as Blondie, Devo, Cheap Trick, and Stiv Bators, his stories are something you won’t want to miss (with contributions from the incredible Suzy Shaw, herself!)
On Tour
Paul Collins
Bob Mould
International Pop Overthrow - Los Angeles
Redd Kross
The Lemon Twigs
Nada Surf
What’s Spinning at Pop Rocks Radio
Long-Lost Power Pop
The best part of immersing myself in this community is that I'm constantly discovering bands that I missed the first time around for one reason or another (like apparently living under a rock for a good part of my late teens and twenties). One of my recent favorites is Flying Color from San Francisco.
Their track "Dear Friend" from their self-titled debut in 1987 enjoyed modest airplay on college stations and made its way into MTV rotation in a time when bands were taking the jangle of R.E.M. and making it into something all their own. Another gem from this long-lost album is “Believe Believe”. While physical copies are hard to come by, thankfully the kind souls on the interwebs have put several audio rips out there for your listening pleasure!
One standout member is Chris Von Sneidern, who went on to an impressive solo career. Be sure to follow him on Facebook—he does a weekly livestream acoustic set that is simply amazing.
Stay cool, be safe, and we’ll see you next month!