Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio

By Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio

Spins and Reviews | 1.17.18

Andy Reed and Jason Reed | Make Your Move (2018)
Andy Reed, whose engineering, performing and songwriting resume measures many miles long (The Legal Matters, et al), and his brother Jason help to usher in the new melodic pop year with this sterling five-song EP.

These moving parts, dynamically recorded by Andy with special attention and polish paid to the bottom end, demand a listen clear through from start to end, sharing, as they do, similar sonic elements. From the opening salvo, “The Longest Pause,” which proceeds from a quiet, considered intro to a more aggressive, melodic end tempered by a tender, acoustic guitar close, to the title song, an energetic, toe-tapping ode to ’80s pop-rock, and a sure-fire radio hit if ever there was one, the brothers Reed are clearly in sync and on point.

Where to Get It: Bandcamp

Farrington | “Open the Doors to Enlightenment” (2018)
James Patrick’s nom de plume returns with an utterly delightful faux psych-meets-soft pop-meets-The New Vaudeville Band confection, three and a half minutes of blissful melodic twists and turns, topped with a dose of hazy mysticism and an aural entry into this harmony-drenched sonic world (door opens, and you’re in). Most definitely Farrington’s best and most inviting track, with Klaatu’s Terry Draper turning in a fun cameo and Fernando Perdomo producing, and a bargain at 99 cents on iTunes. (This song is also a track on the forthcoming EP, Same Play Different Actors.)

Where to Get It: iTunes

Tommy and the Rockets | Let’s Have Fun in the Summer Sun (Beluga Records, 2017)
These four quick-as-a-summer-breeze blasts of sand-and-surf-stoked air are just what the doctor ordered for those of us currently braving the winter cold. Three originals (“Come On Baby,” for example, is a Ramones-fueled four-on-the-floor bubblegum treasure with a rocking electric guitar spot) and a sped-up cover of the Beach Boys’ “Little Honda” will have you tapping your feet double time. Feel good music for a good–no, great–feel.

Where to Get It: Bandcamp

Pure Pop Radio’s signature shows, Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show, playing the latest and greatest melodic pop songs from today and across the decades, and Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation, the premiere Internet melodic pop talk show, air weekly on Pop that Goes Crunch Radio.

Listen to the Pop Tunes Deejay Show on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 pm ET (two different shows every week); In Conversation airs every Wednesday night at 9 pm ET. Don’t miss a minute!

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