popsensibility.com

Popsensibility.com in partnership with The Atlantic Theater presents Mike Viola and Kelly Jones in Jupiter, FL on March 28th at 9:00PM.

The podcast can be heard here.

This one is a jaw dropper folks. Pop maestros Bleu and Mike Viola, along with partner in pop magic Ducky Carlisle, have, as The Major Labels, created a true pop masterpiece! This time around (if you don’t own the Jeff Lynn homage, L.E.O. ‘Alpacas Orgling’, do yourself a favor and buy it right after you pick up this precious gem) their muse is  60’s/70’s AM radio. Very McCartney/Nilsson i.e., a hooky, melodic, power poppin delight. I just love this album!  They are making it  available through Noisetrade.com - name your price or share 3 friends e-mails and download for free. This is a no brainer - enjoy!

On a beautiful March 9th afternoon, the uber talented Willie Wisely graced us with his presence, and proceeded to blow everyone away! He is truly the consummate performer, and we were ecstatic to have him grace our stage. Check out this inspired, amazing concert in its entirety below.  A big thank you to John Callahan for the phenomenal sound. Enjoy!

Songs in performance order:
1. Through Any Window
2. California
3. Flowers For the Lady
4. My Complicated Friend
5. Vanilla
6. Ella
7. Erase Me
8. Drink Up
9. Cracked World View
10. National Council of Jewish Women’s Thrift Store
11. Duration
12. Please Don’t Talk About Me
13. On My Way
14. Only Losing Me
15. Who Blew Out The Sun?
16. Loander My Guitar
17. Go!
18. Parador - after concert special, a must see.

Last October (2006) it arrived. I had waited 5 long years for the next soft pop delight from Linus of Hollywood. It was worth the wait. “Triangle” has remained in constant rotation in my cd player to date! Linus a.k.a. Kevin Dotson, is a Los Angeles based songwriter, producer, and super talented multi-instrumentalist. After two exceptional 60’s / Beach Boys tinged releases: 1999’s “Your Favorite Record”, and 2001’s “Let Yourself Be Happy”, Linus has created a super smooth, brutally honest and emotional pop masterpiece.

This time, with a little help from friends, including Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (keep a look out for my future post/review of his genius solo) on keys, and Probyn Gregory (of the fabulous Wondermints) on horns, Linus has really outdone himself. Irresistible melodies, shimmering strings, gorgeous harmonies and truly intelligent, honest songwriting really set these 11 tunes apart from the rest. “Triangle” will stick to you like glue, even after months of repeated listening. This album is a breath of fresh pop air, and you need to own it!

Multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire Ed James  is a  true musical gem.  There are very few musicians who can do it all, and even fewer who can do it all as well as Ed does. The other day I listened to “Meet Ed James”, his 1999 classic debut.  It floored me all over again! I needed more right away, soooo I went straight into “Poprocket” , his fantastic 2002 follow up. Blown away - again!

More needed - to keep the serotonin surging - nothing a dose of “Big Time” , Ed’s 2004 knock out couldn’t handle. Which brings me to the latest and greatest from Mr. James - 2006’s   “…In the 21st Century”.  This outstanding disc has been in constant rotation for the last 12 months - yes, it’s that good! Simply put, Ed James consistently writes, arranges, performs (all vocals & instruments), and produces some of the most satisfying pop/rock I have heard in a very, very long time!

If you’re like me, and live for an addictive melody, a catchy chorus, glorious harmonies and classic hooks, look no further. Here’s hoping that 2008 is the year we all get to enjoy another phenomenal offering from the tremendously talented Ed James!