Northern Picture Library - Last September's Farewell Kiss 7"

A strange approach to downtempo indiepop, NPL's title track combines accordion, pitch bending synth and occasional guitar distortion to brew an almost perfect melody. The first time I heard this song I thought they sounded very much like Field Mice only to find out in Wikipedia that some of the members were indeed from that legendary band. The flip-side is not to be missed. Its straight out clean acoustic guitar pop with equally brilliant melody.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Aberdeen - Sink Or Float 7"

East River Pipe and Aberdeen were two of the Sarah Records artist I could think of off the top of my head who were from USA. They've been under the label's shadow and eventually made a breakthrough with the release of this phenomenal single. The band have proven their worth once again with or without the legendary label tagged along their name.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Field Mice - Missing The Moon 12"

The last of my Sarah Records series, at least for now. Not the usual Field Mice yet one of their best songs ever, Missing The Moon has the perfect blend of male and female vocal with a touch of electronic music. This song reminds me of Club 8 and Saint Etienne. In my theory, the single would have had a remixed version only if they were released under the big budgeted major label. Nonetheless, the song is a top-notch!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

The Sweetest Ache - If I Could Shine 7"

No doubt The Sweetest Ache were one of the very best in Sarah Records' roster and they've proven it in my earlier posting, the Jaguar LP. These dreampop artists had what it takes to deliver the perfect dreampop tunes.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

The Sugargliders - Ahprahran 7"

3 great pop songs from The Sugargliders. Their songs remind me of The Kensingtons, another obscure indie pop band from England.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Tramway - Maritime City 7" [SARAH 43]

One of the essential releases in the Sarah Records' catalogue, Tramway has created their chef d'oeuvre on this seven incher. Listening to this 3 wonderful songs will make you appreciate the guitar pop like never before.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Gentle Despite - Torment To Me 7" [SARAH 45]

Again, not much info about the band in the internet just like many other indiepop bands that existed and faded away imperceptibly without being noticed. The title track, Torment To Me has been heavily influenced by the fast, distortedly-driven shoegaze guitar of early 90s while the rest are mellow yet captivating.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Even As We Speak - One Step Forward 7" [SARAH 49]

After a week-long hiatus, I'm back again in style! To make up for my posting absence, I'm declaring this week the Sarah Records Week!!! I will post nothing but Sarah Records releases, my one of the all time favorite record label! As a debut I present to you Even As We Speak, an indie pop band from down under, Australia. Fronted by male and female vocals, EAWS sounds much like The Wake. These three beautiful songs were released under SARAH 49.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Even As We Speak - Blue Suburban Skies 7"

My first 7" post! I got this record during our trip to Arizona this summer to visit our friends. I know for a fact that Even As We Speak was one of major Sarah Records artist which made me not hesistate when I purchased this, even if the release is under Big Home Production. I later found out online that this was earlier (1987) than the Sarah Records releases (1990-1993), which made this more rare I assume.

The A side not only meet but exceeded my expectation! They sounded like early Wake (another Sarah outfit). The B side is the rendition of the famous New Order song Bizarre Love Triangle, what a bonus! Its done in acoustic fashion, kinda similar to Frente's.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

The Sweetest Ache - Jaguar

This band remind me so much of the early My Bloody Valentine (the Ecstacy And Wine days). This album is released under Sarah Records, a label that needs no introduction for the fans of indiepop, twee and jangle pop music. If you like Secret Shine, early MBV and Field Mice, this album is for you!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]