Hi Everyone,   Here are my lists of favorite albums of 2021. As is my usual custom, I’ve broken this down into several categories, as I’m just not comfortable ranking unlike entities on one list.   Those marked with an * are vinyl-only releases. Those marked with an ** are cassette/reel-to-reel only releases.   Contemporary Categories   Disclaimer alert: I heard A LOT of fine albums this year, despite COVID. From...

Hi, Everyone. Sorry it’s taken so long for me to write this column, but…IPO. Anyway, I’m back with some cool goodies for you! Dig in!   Badfinger-The Lost Broadcasts (Cantare; CD)   Ever wonder what Badfinger would sound like doing “Respect” or “Up On Cripple Creek”? I didn’t think so, but the answer is…really hot! The Lost Broadcasts contains mostly BBC tracks recorded in-studio by The Iveys and Badfinger, and...

Hello, Everyone!   We’ve got some new releases that I’ve been digging…and I think you will, too! Here’s my usual mini-review evidence for ya! 🙂   Rinaldi Sings-The Party’s Over (Tangerine; CD)   For many years, Steve Rinaldi has been the epitome of Swinging London, with his Paul Newman-looks, crooner voice, and just the right amount of confidence and swagger on stage. His albums have always reflected this, but on...

Hello, Everyone!   Here’s my June installment of Bash On Pop, featuring eight reviews of albums you need to own, so dig in… at your wallet’s peril! 😉   The James Clark Institute-The Colour Of Happy (Room 5; CD and LP)   This affable Torontonian has finally reached soundvana on his latest album, The Colour Of Happy, as it lives up to its title with 10 ultra hummable, singable power pop tunes which sound about as...

Hi, Everyone!   I hope you’re doing well. We’re starting to see the other side of this pandemic, which is wonderful! As we gear ourselves up for going out to see shows (what a concept!), you can whet your appetites with these fine platters!   Ken Sharp-Miniatures (Jetfighter; CD)   Ya gotta hand it to Ken Sharp for taking a big stylistic chance in recording this album. The title pretty much says it all, as you get 32...

Hi, Everyone!   I hope you’re all doing well, and staying safe! It’s been awhile since my last Bash On Pop, so I’ll be reviewing more than my share of albums here, but in order not to hit you with compensatory overload, I’ll make each review briefer than normal. Lotsa lockdown lovelies for you, so here you go!   Farrington-Saturday In Nowhereland (Self-Released; CD)   Mastermind James Patrick eschews the graceful soft...