17 Comments
Mar 7, 2023Liked by S.W. Lauden

Hey, Steve. Thanks for turning me on to Tim Cullen. Never heard of him, but I love his stuff. Is he still recording?

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For sure! Glad you dig Tim's music—he's always been a huge talent. Prior to this solo album he fronted the band Summercamp. And I'm currently involved with the re-issue of his first band Popsicko's only album "Off to a Bad Start" from 1995. You can hear his song "Same Old Me" on this digital single: https://bigstirrecords.bandcamp.com/track/same-old-me

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I think he mostly works behind the scenes as a songwriter these days.

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Mar 7, 2023Liked by S.W. Lauden

I'd add the album Parallel Universe by Ike, which was John Faye's solo project, he was the lead singer of the Caulfields, who put out two great LP's

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Great addition! Going to listen...

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I had no idea this even existed. I was a huge fan of Whirligig. Well, still am. Will have to check this out.

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Mar 8, 2023Liked by S.W. Lauden

And of course the follow up was great too. John’s first solo project was the John Faye Power Trip, that’s on Spotify, and that’s especially good. After that he formed Ike.

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Thanks for the info!

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Mar 7, 2023Liked by S.W. Lauden

Great list! I'd add Rooney's debut, Rooney.

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Thanks! Good call. That Rooney album is great.

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Mar 7, 2023Liked by S.W. Lauden

I was lucky enough to see The Exploding Hearts live a couple of days before the van crash that killed three band members. They were headed for stardom, no doubt about it, and I'd rank that record in the top five of anything that's come out in the last 20 years.

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It's a fantastic album, and a really tragic story.

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Welcome Interstate Managers and Electric Version were my introductions to those bands. I read a review of EV somewhere (CMJ?) that convinced me to buy it without hearing a note. Boy, did that pay off!

The Waking Hours and Tim Cullen are new to me - will definitely check them out!

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I think you're gonna dig them!

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May 25, 2023Liked by S.W. Lauden

Cage the Elephant, Melophobia.

Arcade Fire, Reflektor

I find 2003 to be a somewhat less than stellar year for my ears. All the power to ya if it's a cherished year for your ears.

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Jun 22, 2023Liked by S.W. Lauden

Here are TEN more AMAZING power pop efforts from '03. Every one of them compulsory listening. Dig in, enjoy and share your thoughts. Anything float your boat?

40ft Ringo - Funny Thing

AM Radio - Radioactive

The Androids - The Androids

The Honeydogs - 10,000 Years

Hotsocky - Hotsocky

Melodine - Out Of Your Hands

Miles - Don't Let The Cold In

Ok Go - Ok Go

Stereo 360 - Enjoy Your Life Poolside

True Love - I Was Accident

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Thanks! Love seeing AM Radio on there.

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