It's a Simple Love Affair

Guster knows how hard it is to wait. Guster knows I'm done waiting. Guster has their new album Easy Wonderful streaming at WSJ's Speakeasy prior to its October 5 release.

Stream: Guster - Easy Wonderful (via)

Guster is also cheering its good fortune in having the video pick of the week on iTunes!

Free Video: Guster - Do You Love Me

Guster has also released another video - this one for Hercules:


Hercules from Guster on Vimeo.

Guster is pleasing to my ears. Me gusta Guster.

Which Fire Is The Fire That Calls You Out Into The Light?

Yesterday was what we'd call in the Too Poppy universe Super Tuesday. My checking account certainly couldn't keep up with the must-own new releases so I started off with The Posies' Blood/Candy (iTunes, Amazon MP3) and Gin Blossoms' No Chocolate Cake (iTunes, Amazon MP3). Both bands have been with me for nearly two decades now so they've earned it. After one listen, Blood/Candy is as stellar as I was hoping after I first heard Licenses to Hide. Suffice it to say that I think this is their best album since Frosting on the Beater - and every album since has been pretty damn good by most standards. On the other hand, after one listen I think No Chocolate Cake could've been called No Killer Tune. It's a nice but very safe Gin Blossoms album. I mostly like when they put away their mid-tempo AC tunes and turn on the power pop juice. So far I think this one could use more rocking out.

Only one listen each for both though so my thoughts could change. Gin Blossoms could be a slow-grower - I hope so - and The Posies could wear thin quickly - I highly doubt that.

Other notable new releases...

Ben Folds & Nick Hornby - Lonely Avenue (iTunes, Amazon MP3)
Pete Yorn - Self-Titled (produced by Frank Black!) (iTunes, Amazon MP3)
Neil Young - Le Noise (produced by Daniel Lanois!) (iTunes, Amazon MP3)
Eric Clapton - Clapton (iTunes, Amazon MP3)
Phil Collins - Going Back - uh, no

Just Charming Alibis

Max Jury has released an excellent new EP called Rhythm of the Rain, which leaves you momentarily satisfied yet overall impatient at the promise of what a full-length release might reveal.

The subject matter might be what you expect from a college freshman like Max or hell, any given songwriter - songs of love and love lost. But it's obvious from the very beginning Max is no ordinary freshman or songwriter. His lyrical perspective expresses a universality beyond his years - and mine for that matter. His musical touch, though, is what drives it all home. Max has an unrelenting grasp on what makes music timeless. He refuses to box himself in by trends and displays a refreshing disregard for cheap gimmickry and hipster pandering. It's Max, his piano, spare accompaniment, catchy melodies, and his heart on the line.

His music is pure. The sentiment is personal. The result is unforgettable. To quote a recent tweet of his: "human? like music?" Rhythm of the Rain is a must own.

iTunes
Amazon.com MP3

HisSpace
Facebook
Twitter

Previously...

I Never Knew You Harry But I Loved Your Songs

Okay, so I've been sitting on this one for quite a while now, late June to be specific.  I've certainly been Distracted.

Seth Swirsky's Watercolor Day is a wonderful album.  It has everything you hope and expect from a true power pop outing.  If you read this blog, you'll love this album, and that's a Way2Poppy Guarantee™.  Lots of great guitars, harmonies, pianos, trumpets and even a clarinet or two.

Standout tracks include the ambitious Movie Set, title track Watercolor Day, and delicious I'm Just Saying, to name just a few.  I highly recommend the full album purchase.

I'm definitely will be checking out his other outings, Instant Pleasure and She's About To Cross My Mind (as part of the pop duo The Red Button).

iTunes
Amazon (New School)

Web
HisSpace
Facebook

Like He Knew What I Needed

Bleu's new rocker Singin' in Tongues is available as a free download. It's from his upcoming Kickstarter-funded album Four out October 25.

Go to NME.com for the download and 9 others, including a cover of Macca's Ram On by The Morning Benders!

MP3: Bleu - Singin' in Tongues
MP3: The Morning Benders - Ram On (Paul McCartney cover)
...via

It's No Secret Ambition Bites the Nails of Success

R.E.M.'s new album is done. It was recorded in the same studio as Achtung Baby and Heroes. Way to play down expectations.

Out next spring.

Bring On The Song

Today Only!  Amazon is offering Sarah's new album, Laws of Illusion, for only $3.99!!

I Wanna Wake You From Your Dreams

Another new song from Guster.  Sweet.



Also, download Bad Bad World for free!  If you're feeling creative, make a music video for it and send it to the boys to win a merch pack.

Maybe Your Love Will Come

We've seen this coming for a while, but it's official: James McCartney is releasing his first EP. Quite a genetic musical legacy those Beatles have left us. Available Light comes out September 21 and is a precursor to a full-length. It includes four originals and the requisite Neil Young cover.

In this following short preview, sounds like he's not straying far from his dad. Sounds like he might have picked up a thing or two from listening to Crowded House too!

You Came Down From Heaven To Keep Me Safe

Guster shared the first video from their upcoming album, Easy Wonderful, this evening. The nicely done video for Stay With Me Jesus is below. Their new album comes out in just 4 short weeks (pictured to the right). You can pre-order it today! The boys have put together all sorts of interesting packages.