Songs You May Have Missed #131

bubblegun

The Merrymakers: “April’s Fool” (1997)

 

Swedish pop is like honey badger: it doesn’t care.

If a song has an uplifting sound it has a chance in relatively feel-good Sweden. And if it’s an appealing blend of pop or power pop influences wrapped up in one tasty three-minute confection, it’s likely a Swedish export.

The Merrymakers’ Bubblegun album is filled with delightful pop melodies crafted by a band who seem to have taken the La’s, Jellyfish and maybe ELO as their template–in fact this song is co-written by Andy Sturmer of Jellyfish, who also helped out as producer. Fitting, as the Merrymakers’ sound carries the DNA of Sturmer’s former band.

Oh, and dig the Harrisonesque slide guitar solo.

 

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2021/11/11/songs-you-may-have-missed-714/

Songs You May Have Missed #130

atlantik

Atlantik: “All Aboard” (2001)

If you take a cruise in the Caribbean, you’re likely to hear this one at one time or another. One of my favorite soca tunes–it’s got hooks aplenty.

Songs You May Have Missed #129

hanson

Hanson: “Running Man” (2007)

As someone points out in the comments under this song’s YouTube video, this really sounds like Maroon 5. It hadn’t occurred to me, but I agree. And it’s no insult to either band to be compared to the other.

Hanson has grown into a very credible pop rock band who unfortunately will probably never live down the incredible success of “MMMBop”, which typecast them as kiddie bubblegum forever. Too bad: lots of people will miss out on a pretty good band.

Songs You May Have Missed #128

ruben

Ruben Romero: “Cathedral Bells” (1997)

 

What a soothing sound. So many great albums go out of print in CD form, probably never to return. If you like Romero’s sound, better scarf up a used copy while you can.

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2026/03/15/songs-you-may-have-missed-828/

Songs You May Have Missed #127

sugar

Sugar: “If I Can’t Change Your Mind” (1992)

From an album countless fans tell of their nostalgia for, the debut album by the band Bob Mould formed after the dissolution of  Hüsker Dü. A great album: guitars buzz and catchy melodies abound.

Songs You May Have Missed #126

stars

Simply Red: “For Your Babies” (1992)

If you have young ones in your life, I think this song will touch your heart.

Previous Older Entries Next Newer Entries