Okay – let’s see what’s been going on the last week or so.  As usual, quite a bit of interest for Pop Pioneers, me thinks.

SOOOO, what exactly are you doing with all the CDs you own? Here’s a bit of interesting data coming in – HERE. (speaking of, I’m going through a lot of my personal CDs and putting them up for sale on the Pop Geek Heaven store later this week – stay tuned as they’ll be ‘first come, first served’.)

CLIFF HILLIS – GREAT news for fans of Cliff and the world of Starbelly….first off, there is a new Starbelly album that the band have been working on and should see the light of day in 2012 and SECOND, most immediately important, is Cliff has a new album coming out in May and he’s doing a Kickstarter program to make it happen.  If you are a fan and want to support him, right now…is the time. Check out the details at THIS LINK.    Folks, in a day when everyone downloads and opts to not buy music, even from truly indie artists, this is how we all keep the music alive and in the world.   When there’s an a chance to help out the artists you have enjoyed and are enjoying – do it.   It matters.

BILL LLOYD – THIS just in!  BRAND NEW album of NEW MATERIAL is coming on the 29th!  Pre-order it direct from Bill…like, NOW.  Check it out – HERE   and order at Kool Kat – HERE

THE CRY have been one of the best new bands to arrive on the power pop scene in the last six months. They are featured in The Surprise Box area and you’ll find them on upcoming February digi comp at PGH.  Their CD is downright awesome – you can pick it up at Kool Kat HERE —-  Here’s a video from them, too:

Amazing guitarist making the latest viral rounds in the music fan front -Jon Gomm.  I usually don’t pass along viral vids but, in this case, Gomm’s got ‘it’ and the link here includes a video that should watch until the end(takes a bit to take off).  Wonder if he’s related to Ian Gomm.  Check it out at THIS LINK. 

POWER POPAHOLIC has some interesting interviews with LANE STEINBERG and JEFF LITMAN – go to THIS LINK to listen to chats with both artists.

TSAR – remember this band?!  If you’ve been around power pop for awhile, you’ll fondly remember their late 90s self-titled debut, which is well, WELL worth tracking down..like right after you finish reading this post.  Came across this post a few days ago, much to my surprise.
CAPTAIN WILBERFORCE – This UK based, one man show, has been impressing me a whole lot over the last 5/6 years and tehre is a new 7 song release that is available as a free download at THIS LINK.   Of course, if you dig what you get, send him a tip which you can do at this link.

FIELD MUSIC – without question, one of of my favorite bands of the last five years is FIELD MUSIC.  They took a break for a few years, did solo projects(all good), did another album 18 months ago – and now, have a brand new one.  Read about HERE.   “Tones On Town”, their second album, is one the absolute best album of the entire 00’s decade.  Really. Check out now.  THIS is a 4 star review on All Music Guide but, for me, it’s a rare 5-starer.

THE BOYFRIENDS – they put out a classic 7″ single on Bomp in 1878 – I just came across THIS POST with links to the songs that are well worth checking out. If Johnny Thunders got together with LA-based power poppers in 1978, this is what would have come from it – and did, in the spirit of that sound.

THE MC5 is down to the MC2 – MC5 bassist Michael Davis just died. So glad I saw the band on their amazing reunion tour 5/6 years back.  Read out HERE.

THE SEX PISTOLS – have a new record deal!  ’tis true, ’tis true.  Read about it at THIS LINK.

NEW MUSIC EXPRESS – Cool article that talks about the history of NME covers – HERE

GREG KIHN – Interview at Ultimate Classic Rock site – make sure you take some time to check out the rest of the site, it’s a really good one if you like things on the ‘classic rock’ side of things – Kihn HERE

BEN KWELLER – this dude has, very quietly, done some consistently excellent power pop for years. Listen here for his new single and smile away.  LISTEN NOW HERE

THE COWSILLS – there’s documentary on the family band out called “Family Band: The Cowsills Story” – HERE is a review on it.

BLUE CHEER – I’m a late 60s/early/mid 70s hard rock geek supreme so the idea of seeing Blue Cheer play again, totally works for me.  Evidently, it may come to pass.  Interested, head on over this link.

THE SUNDOWNERS – can’t recall where I came across this, think it was from the Facebook site for Audities but this is nice piece on an obscure mid 60s sunshine pop band HERE.

QUEEN is doing a whole bunch of shows with WHO singing?  Well, Adam Lambert from American Idol singing and you know…that is pretty darn righteous because if you’ve seen what Lambert can do, you know, he CAN pull of Freddie and he’s got the making of rock ‘n roll stardom if he can actually make an album that focuses purely on ROCK.  Anyway, HERE is some of the news.

Says Brian May: “Judging by my incoming mail, this decision will make a lot of people very happy. It’s a worthy challenge for us, and I’m sure Adam would meet with Freddie’s approval! And what better place to revisit, and walk those emotional paths than Knebworth? It will be a rush.”

Lambert adds: “I’m completely in awe of the Queen phenomenon. The thought of sharing the stage for a full set is so beautifully surreal. I’m honoured to be able to pay my respects to Freddie’s memory. He’s a personal hero of mine and I am deeply grateful for the chance to sing such powerful music for fans of this legendary band. I know the evening will be a huge milestone for me, and with the support of Brian, Roger and the rest of the band I know magic will be on display.”

MUSIC MAGAZINE SALES IN DECLINE – then again, what connected to the music business is not in decline.  Read about the detail at THIS LINK – I’m doing my part, though. I subscribe to no less than 9 different music printed mags. It’s a habit that is not only hard to break but I’m totally unwilling to break.

12″ BLACK VINYL RECORDS is saving the music industry – Headline!  Read All About It!  HERE

BOB LEFSETZ – most of you probably have no idea who Lefetz is.  He’s a cranky music biz commenetor/curmudgeon who often has incredibly insightful observation and criticism on many areas of the music industry and is totally unafraid to to share them. I’ve been reading his work since the late 80s when he had a printed newsletter and I was working in the biz in Lost Angeles.  His blog, which has been around for over 10 years, is one I’d recommend subscribing to.  HERE is an article on Bob in Wired and HERE is blog where you can sign up for updates.

More fun from the music biz side of things.  A blog post on the “Top Lies Of The Music Industry”, sure to elicit some knowing nods and smirks.  HERE