Spins and Reviews | June 29, 2016 | by Alan Haber

There’s so much new music spinning on Pure Pop Radio’s airwaves. Here are some more choice melodic wonders, now playing in rotation…

Bob Lind | Magellan Was Wrong Fifty years on from his iconic top five smash, “Elusive Butterfly,” and four years after releasing his last long player, Finding You Again, Bob Lind returns with a typically heartfelt collection of new songs that deliver his always magical one-two punch: emotional lyrics and beautiful melodies. Add in stellar arrangements and production, much of it supplied in grand fashion by the Spongetones’ Jamie Hoover, and you’ve got a recipe for success.

The title cut, a wonderful 1970s bopper, is only one highlight; the romantic, catchy From the Road, awash with poppy background harmonies from Hoover and perceptive, picturesque lyrics from Lind (“In moments others call mundane/My soul is warming by your flame/Turning just like a sailor to the harbor/And I will carry back my songs and tales/Of calms and gales/And sing and tell them all/To you”), and Lind’s emotional cover of Tom Paxton’s “Bottle of Wine,” are two more. Joyous.
 Now playing in rotation on Pure Pop Radio: “I Don’t Know How to Love You,” “Blind Love,” “Bottle of Wine,” “From the Road,” “I Turn to You,” “Magellan Was Wrong,” “The Outsider’s Dream,” and “You are Home.”

Deadbeat Poets | “It’s Summertime” and “I’ll Be Standing By” As great a warm weather pairing of must-hear songs as you’ll encounter during this summer season. Pete Drivere’s toe-tapping “It’s Summertime” lays down a lively Lovin’ Spoonful vibe, inviting handclaps all the way, and Frank Secich’s “I’ll Be Standing By” is a delightful slice of pure pop with a particularly catchy bridge and delectable Byrdsian guitar lines. Another great release from Pop Detective Records.
 Now playing in rotation on Pure Pop Radio

Hurry | Guided Meditation Philadelphia trio channels Teenage Fanclub for a sterling set of magnetic songs that are quite simply unforgettable and always singalongable. Matthew Scottoline and his cousins Rob and Joe Decarolis roll along with hook after hook in 10 can’t-miss numbers, including the impossible-to-resist slow burner, “When I’m With You.” Hooky and grand.
 Now playing in rotation on Pure Pop Radio: “When I’m With You,” “Fascination,” “Shake It Off,” and “Wanna Be You.”

Swedish Polarbears | The Great Northern More Teenage Fanclub love from this Swedish band, formed in 2006 and just now releasing their harmony-drenched debut album, a winner in every way possible. The gorgeous “Sleeping/Dancing” could and should be their musical calling card, with its adoring harmony vocals and hooky melody. Don’t miss the equally terrific “Sun of a Gun.” An outstanding release.
 Now playing in rotation on Pure Pop Radio: “Winter,” “Sleeping/Dancing,” “Sun of a Gun,” “Computer Crash,” “Rewinder,” “Stay Young,” “Snow on the Roof,” and “Commotion.”

Smile Factory | “King of Nothing At All” As ever, anything Keith Klingensmith is involved in warms my heart (witness the soon-to-arrive, second Legal Matters album, coming soon but not quite soon enough). Keith and pals Brandi Ediss, Lee Wiggins, Zeus Henderson, Bill Shaouy and Torbjorn Petersson deliver a sweet, soft-pop classic. 3D background harmonies, a lovely melody and a passionate lead vocal bring Petersson’s song to life.    A Pure Pop Radio Exclusive!
 Now playing in rotation on Pure Pop Radio

The PondHawks | Blue Light Third album and the first in four years from this Chicago trio is a melodic treat, melding retro and contemporary influences for a decidedly catchy listening experience. Clever touches delight across the whole program, from the mandolin-powered “Armadilla,” with its playful vocal harmonies, to the pop pleasures of four-on-the-floor pop-rocker “Bitter Game.” Mario Novelli, Jorie Gracen and Michael Gillespie deliver a highly desirable album and win on all cylinders.
 Now playing in rotation on Pure Pop Radio: “Bitter Game,” “Far Away,” “Orange Sunset Time,” “Incredible Dream,” “Rhythm and Purples” (love the a cappella tag), and “Armadilla.”

Alan Haber’s Pure Pop Radio is the original 24-hour Internet radio station playing the greatest melodic pop music from the ’60s to today. From the Beatles to the Monkees, the Posies, McPherson Grant, the Connection and the New Trocaderos, we play the hits and a whole lot more. Tune in by clicking on one of the listen links below.

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