Spins and Reviews | June 27, 2016 | by Alan Haber

We kick off this last week of June with a trio of tempting platters…

Lucy Wainwright Roche and Suzzy Roche | Mud & Apples Fans of the Roches, New Jersey’s first family of musical wit and harmonic sophistication, will be over the moon for this sparkling duo release from Suzzy Roche and her daughter, Lucy Wainwright Roche. Warm harmonies, clever songwriting and the inclusion of  beautifully-sung covers such as Paul Simon’s “Bleecker Street” and the Cascades’ “Rhythm of the Rain” push this 11 track masterpiece into hall-of-fame territory. Surely one of this year’s top expressions of musical joy.
Now playing in rotation on Pure Pop Radio: The entire album. “Cold October Day,” “Melancholy Ways,” “Mary,” “Rhythm of the Rain,” “Mud and Apples,” “Bleecker Street,” “There’s a Guy,” “Both Sides Now,” “Desperado,” “Dinner Out,” and “Landslide.”

James Starflower | Pet Your Stereo Pop smarts shower these 10 imagination-fueled songs, produced by Fernando Perdomo with his usual magic touch. The Lennonesque “Baby This is Your Life,” which takes a 360-degree turn towards the end with a Paul McCartney-accented “Hello Goodbye” fade, and the rocker “Echolocation,” with its shimmering guitars and impassioned vocals, lead the pack. Pet’s bonus track, the amazing, 1930s-meets-Beatles-meets-today retro gem “So Let’s Bring on the Gershwin Girls,” is another winner. Another great album, full of invention and whip-smart performances, that will surely hang its hat on a variety of best-of lists this year.
Now Playing in Rotation on Pure Pop Radio: “Baby this is Your Life,” “Black Light Star Flower,” “Fade,” “The Geisha’s Guru,” “Mister Goodheart,” “Pet Your Stereo,” “Rabbithole Blues,” and “Welcome 2 Heaven.”

Bryan Estepa and the Tempe Two | Every Little Thing Sydney, Australia’s Bryan Estepa, veteran of late ’90s band Swivel and a long-standing solo artist, takes center stage with this top-notch collection of melodic etchings. Single-worthy popper “Don’t Hurry Baby” is a wonderful highlight, as is the gorgeous ballad “Sooner or Later.” Missing this one shouldn’t be an option. Put Every Little Thing on your to-own list.
Now Playing in Rotation on Pure Pop Radio: “Headlights,” “Object of My Disaffection,” “Sooner or Later,” “Don’t Hurry Baby,” “Empty Handed,” and “Count Your Blessings.”

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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