Craving some hooks lately, so it’s all guitar pop this week…

Cloud Nothings – The Shadow I Remember (Carpark Records)

A few columns back I reviewed the excellent The Black Hole Understands, which was a slight side-trip into lighter almost Let’s Active territory. Here Cloud Nothings is back on his heavier approach, but this is nowhere near as bleak as say 2018’s Last Burning Building, which had Drive Like Jehu type extended pieces. The drummer on these records is a tasteful rager, a joy to listen to, and Baldi’s craggy vocal melodies always kill me. 2014’s Here and Nowhere Else is the place to start with this consistently great band, but this new one is slowly creeping up towards it. RIYL Squirrel Bait, Wipers, early Buffalo Tom.

Tangled Shoelaces – Turn My Dial – The M Squared Recordings and more, 1981-84 (Chapter Music)

Here’s an upcoming reissue that is making waves. These Brisbane teens made some wild and fun avant pop music back in the early 80s. How teens made stuff this genius is beyond my understanding. I was a complete idiot when I was that age. Definitely some Television Personalities and Look Blue Go Purple lurking in here, but this was made way too early to point to those things as influences. Officially the best band name of all time…

The Boys With The Perpetual Nervousness – Songs from Another Life (Bobo Integral)

I was waiting for my vinyl to show up to officially review this, but the mail is fucked lately as you know. It is safely on its way, so no thoughts and prayers necessary. This is A grade power pop. It shimmers and (yes) jangles, with excellent Big Star melodies and Hollies harmonies. Teenage Fanclub is a constant reference for this style, but there’s plenty of room in there for some dB’s and Velvet Crush. A band name borrowed from the Feelies is pandering to my tastes heavily, but what’s important is the songwriting and hook building. They do not skimp on that. It’s a fantastic uplifting jam with colorful cover art that makes me smile.