sound of pop art The Sound of Pop Art (CD, £9.75)

Introducing THE SOUND OF POP ART, releasing a landmark collection for 2010. A Summer soundtrack album with a set of songs immersed in the classic styles of melodic pop. “Upbeat, they’re a sonic blast of exploding colour, energy and enthusiasm. Downbeat, they’re mellow and melodic, drifting on a distant shade of shimmering blue.” TONY JENKINS is an extraordinary vocalist with natural harmony in his head. CHRIS FREE has written and played sonic guitar for one of the UK’s first and finest punk groups, THE USERS, and joined Paul Weller’s Respond label in songwriting duo A CRAZE, penning the 1983 UK Summer soul hit, ‘Give It Some Emotion’, for Tracie Young. ANDREW O’HANRAHAN was drummer for THE USERS. It’s the first time Chris and Andrew have played together since then! Playing the unofficial Syd Barrett memorial in Grantchester Meadows inspired Chris Free’s first collection of songs for 15 years… and presented here are the first selection. “These are the things that mod/pop dreams are made of!” Highlights include: CUSTOM BUILT: classic, upbeat pop with handclaps, organ and a great big rollicking rhythm; THAT SUMMER FEEELIN’: the soundtrack for Summer 2010; VISIONS OF YOU: a beautiful, comedown acoustic tune; LET’S MAKE LOVE IN LONDON TONIGHT: a London soundtrack waiting to happen; DAMAGE LIMITATION & THE JUNKYARD BLUES: a boho romp for these times; and SHOOTIN’ STAR: a classic pop ballad. Tracks : 1 Custom Built 2 That Summer Feeelin' 3 Visions Of You 4 Shopping Centre Saturday Afternoon 5 Lets Make Love In London 6 High Street Girl 7 Damage Limitation & The Junk Yard Blues 8 Run Away Baby 9 A Love Out Of Bonds 10 Until Forever 11 Shootin' Star 12 Honey Cat