VA - "Happy Sunday" A Sunday Records Anniversary Single 10"

As promised, I bring you the Sunday Records compilation entitled Happy Sunday - A Sunday Records Anniversary Single. This 21st released 10" flexi by the record label is quite rare because of its very limited numbered release as seen on the upper right corner of the sleeve. Five fantastic indiepop artist for sure indiepop kids from around the world would love. They Go BOOM!! is my personal favorite. Here are the tracks of the single or mini-LP whichever you may want to call it.

1. PO! - Joybang!
2. They Go BOOM!! - River Island
3. The Pristines - She's Not My Friend
4. Bulldozer Crash - Fay
5. Mrs Kipling - Take Me Back To Heaven

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Birdie - Folk Singer 7"

From the ashes of Saint Etienne and Dolly Mixture comes Birdie, one of the relevant bands in the 90s twee world. Plain acoustic guitar with catchy hooks and melody, its their simplicity that will make you want to listen to their music over and over. So if you're in to laid back, easy listening kind of mood, but of course with a touch of quality indiepop music, listen to Birdie!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Po! - Fay 7"

One of Sunday Record's gems, this Po!'s single is just absolute beauty! The blend of the gentle yet melodic voice and the jangly guitar is sure to captivate the heart of every indiepop fan. An upload not to be missed, very highly recommended indeed! Tell me what you think and I will be posting another bunch of Sunday Record's tunes, this time from the label's compilation.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Sportique - Don't Believe A Word I Say 7" [Matinée 017]

A collaboration of some of C86's legendary pop stars Gregory Webster (Razorcuts, the Carousel, Saturn V), Rob Pursey (Marine Research, Heavenly), Mark Flunder (TV Personalities, McTells), and Amelia Fletcher (Marine Research, Heavenly, Talulah Gosh), with this line-up alone how could you doubt the music of Sportique? From the label who brought you The Lucksmiths,The Windmills, Northern Portraits, Brighter and The Siddeleys, this is another Matinee's cream of the crop.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

The Penelopes - It's Not You 7"

Released by indiepop favorite Elefant Records, 3 magnificent Sarah-inspired pop songs are ready to blow you away. This is not your usual English, Swedish or Australian indiepop band, these guys are from the land of the rising sun, Japan. I got my first mp3 samples from my good friend Cino and the first time I've heard of their songs I said to myself I got to have a tangible copy of this. So please do check out this one and savor what east has to offer!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Groove Farm/ Esmeralda's Kite 7" Split FLEXI

I just love the guitar works of Vampire Girl which made me pick Esmeralda's Kite as the favorite among the two.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Strawberry Story - Midsummer Daydream 7" FLEXI

One of the best flexis in my collection, the Midsummer Daydream is my recommended cut! Ironically, that song has strong resemblance to Strawberry Switchblade. Coincidence? I don't think so. The other split, Buttercups & Daisies has the punk energy of The Flatmates, not as good as the first but worth enough to be part of this flexi!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Fat Tulips - Four Songs For Simon 7"

Four fantastic songs, not just for Simon, but for all of you! Jangly pop tunes from song one to four, Fat Tulips had captured the twee essence of The Softies and the melodic artistry of The Sea Urchins. This 7" will fit perfectly on your tweepop collection!

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

18 Wheeler - Nature Girl EP

If you're in a mood for melodic pop tunes in the tradition of Teenage Fanclub, here's a song for you. Very simple yet melodic, its conventional acoustic guitar at its best! I have read in Wikipedia that Oasis once opened for them, that was actually the time when Allan McGee discovered the band and have them signed for Creation Records. That just showed how music careers can revolve like a wheel, one day you can be on the very bottom, the next day you can be on the very top.

[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]

Red Guitars

They sound like Fantastic Something.

On pictures:

1. America And Me
2. National Avenue

Gangway - My Girl And Me

If you like Twee music you'll love this single. Their music is kinda similar to Blueboy.

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Mighty Mighty

Pride of Birmingham! They've released an album containing all their singles and B-Sides under the now defunct label Vinyl Japan.

On pictures:

1. Throwaway
2. One Way
3. Is There Anyone Out There
4. Built Like A Car

[GET SAMPLE AUDIO HERE]

Saint Etienne

The "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" French pressing got the best of both worlds. The USA pressing has the Andy Weatherhall remix but has poor quality. The UK pressing has the AW remix but doesn't come in picture sleeve, the one that do is the regular version. The French pressing is the only pressing that has the AW remix, the picture sleeve and the superb quality, bar none!

On pictures:

1. Only Love Can Break Your Heart
2. Nothing Can Stop Us
3. Kiss And Makeup