Paul Collins Tour Dates for 2011

Don Kirshner Dies At 77 Years Of Age

Don Kirshner, legendary American music publisher, died Monday in Boca Raton, Florida of heart failure. He was 77.

Time magazine once dubbed him “The man with the golden ear.”

Kirshner is best known for managing the songwriting talent behind the successful pop music television series The Monkees and later The Archies, and also for his signature television program Don Kirshner's Rock Concert.

He achieved his first major success in the late 1950s and early 1960s thanks to the "Brill Building'" artists he had under contract including Carole King, Neil Sedaka, Howard Greenfield, Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann. He was inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in 2007.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sheila and his children Ricky and Daryn.

Top Ten of 2010

I recently had the honor of having my top ten posted to Powerpop Overdose, a fantastic site featuring everything that's good about the powerpop genre, old and new. Curt, the webmaster and all around good guy, not only posted my top ten list, but also included cooresponding mp3s for download. Check out Curt's site and download his sampler here. In the meantime, here's my list of top ten releases for 2010:


10) Paul Collins - King of Power Pop
Energetic and emotive as all get go.
Proof that PC still matters.
Highlights: C'Mon Let's Go, Many Roads To Follow


9)The Well Wishers - Post Modern Romantic
Jeff Shelton (formerly Spinning Jennies)
delivers another standout effort. Highlights:
Gramareater, Sorry About Your Politics


8)Scott's Garage - Soul Magnet
Jangle and a sense of humor. Great stuff!
Highlights: The Girl With The Yippy Dog,
You Were Such A Tool (I Remember High School)


7)Knit Delicate- Fulton Hill
With Tim Buckley (Blow Pops),
evidence that the Madison/Milwaukee area
has a better powerpop scene than many would think.
Standout cuts: Lovely, When I See You


6) Peter Case - Wig!
More electric blues than power pop, this LP is
no doubt a product of his recent health and money
issues. Highlights:
Ain't Got No Dough, House Rent Party


5) Lannie Flowers - Circles
Handclaps and hooks, turn this one up on
your radio (if only they played this kind of thing
on the radio today). Highlights: Turn Up Your
Radio, Around The World


4) Greg Pope - Blue Ocean Sky
Same formula that worked so well on Popmonster
and his EP, Pete, but the songs are
alittle more focused...his best yet.
Highlights: I Tried To Like You, Driving Tricks



3) Smash Palace - 7
When I saw the "Revolver" style cover I wondered
how this disc can possibly live up to the build up.
It does and then some. Their best yet.
Highlights: How Can You Say, Somebody Up There
likes Me


2) Farrah - Farrah
ELO fans will love "Swings & Roundabouts".
My teenager overheard me playing it and
asked "Is that the Beatles?". My kid's question was
a testament to how mature these guys sound.
Highlights: All of it, but since
I have to pick two, Swings & Roundabouts, Heavy Metal


1) Seth Swirsky - Watercolor Day
More diverse record than "She's about to cross
my mind". McCartney, Bacarach, Wilson...
He's chanelled them all. This disc was more fun to
listen to than any disc this year. Highlights:
Watercolor Day, Distracted

Gerry Rafferty, Mick Karn Pass Away

Winter always seem to bring bad news. This time it's the passing of two very talented musicians. We all know Gerry Rafferty from his classic "Baker Street" although I always loved his "Stuck In The Middle With You" a whole lot more. Such a huge talent. He'll be missed. We also lost Mick Karn, bass player for Japan, one of my favorite art-rock bands of the early 80's. Not as well known but just as talented, we heard him in the classic "Gentlemen Take Polaroids" among other great tunes. Guys, thanks for the memories.

A New Adam Ant Record?

According to Music-News.com, Adam Ant has a new self produced LP out this spring. From their website...."The shows lead up to the launch of his new Album, 'Adam Ant is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunners Daughter.' Which is due for release this Spring on his own label 'Blueblack Hussar Records'. The self penned, self produced album, written and produced by Adam Ant along with his long time friends Boz Borer and Chris Macarmack, will be his first record release since his 'Wonderful' album in 1995, which achieved great critical acclaim."
I don't rmember "Wonderful" getting much critical acclaim, but I love his late 70's and early 80's stuff. Let's hope for a good one this go-round.

Power Pop Top 10 for 2011

I did a guest post on Curt's Powerpop Overdose site. If you haven't seen his site, check it out. It's extraordinarily well written and he's got great taste! You can check out my top ten as posted on Powerpop Overdose by clicking here. If you miss it, fear not. I'll post it here in a couple of days.