Wes Hollywood is a beautiful conundrum. He is at once a modern craftsman and a retro stylist, a purveyor of vintage rock songcraft whose stylish leather boots are planted firmly in the 21st century. His new record is Fantasy Arcade, and it's the best thing he's ever done. 

Mr. Hollywood has been a staple in independent music for more than a decade, first with The Wes Hollywood Show and then with a couple of well-received platters as tenniscourts. The name has changed, but the sound has remained a constant - two parts delirious Kinks melodicism mixed with one part Cheap Trick whipcrack, a splash of harmony and a bracing dash of fashion. This potent brew has never sounded better than it does on Fantasy Arcade. This album is everything that's great about Wes Hollywood distilled to its essence - 11 perfect pop confections that will have you bobbing your head and singing along by the second chorus. There are rock songs for the teddy boys and ballads for the weepers, each one like a favorite 45 on the jukebox you've spent your life looking for. 

The maestro has taken his vintage fetishism one step farther - Fantasy Arcade is available in both stereo and mono versions. While downloaders can have their choice, those lucky saps who get their hands on the limited-edition vinyl will be treated to a DOUBLE GATEFOLD LP, one with each mix, so they can let their ears decide which is better. Lucky dogs. 

So don't wait! Do your HiFi a favor and pick up a copy of Fantasy Arcade today! 
It won't make you any cooler. You'll just feel cooler.

"A mix of The Raspberries Power Pop Sound mixed with the Revival Mod/New Wave bands from England in the late 70's." - Ice Cream Man Power Pop and More

The Speedlights outta Denton, Texas,  play powerful power pop rock n roll tunes. They've got their 1st self release EP scheduled for Dec 9, 2015 (no label/distibution yet).     Dwayne, Josh, and Tony used to play music together back in what? 1992? Well, they've finally all gotten back together and added in the famous Jess the UPS driver for maximum on time delivery of some extra jangle. Stay tuned for more power pop n roll. 

Dwayne and Josh had been writing songs together in the early 2000s with Jackson 8 and after that ended, around 2006, took a hiatus for life stuff  from songwriting until 2015. They had discussed one day their mutual love of power pop and how more recent groups (1990s+ even) seemed to not have that 70s edge of the early groups and decided to get back to writing tunes again along with their old friend  Tony and see if they could bring that edge.

http://www.wrightgearmusic.com/reviews/2015/12/7/the-speedlights-im-still-waiting

New record coming out on Aug 22nd, 2025 called “Cinnamon Lake”.  Pre-order vinyl now by clicking link below:

https://johnkrautner.bandcamp.com/album/cinnamon-lake

The less you know the more you have to say. Deny everything. Question authority. Make counter accusations. Heavy riffs and two paper spliffs

Lolipop Records is an independent record label based in Los Angeles, California, known for its vibrant roster of garage rock, lo-fi pop, psychedelic, electronic and DIY punk artists. Since its founding in 2013 by musician and producer Wyatt Blair, Lolipop has cultivated a unique analog aesthetic and grassroots ethos, helping launch the careers of underground favorites like The Buttertones, Drab Majesty, Part Time, Beach Bums, Tele Novella, Mystic Braves, Corners, Froth, Winter & more.

With its roots starting in an iconic Echo Park storefront studio and tape duplication hub, Lolipop became a creative nucleus for the West Coasts emerging indie scene, pressing cassette tapes and vinyl for a new generation of analog-obsessed listeners. The label is celebrated not just for its prolific output, but for fostering a close-knit community of artists who share a passion for raw sound, vivid visuals, and DIY spirit.

From local shows to a global cult following, Lolipop Records remains a beacon of underground culture.

The Nats Return with a Modern World Power Pop Anthem & EP!
Having originated on the Carolina college music scene in 2004 and relocated to NYC well over a decade ago, The Nats (formerly The Naturals) have made their stamp on the NYC/NJ club circuit with rambunctious, retro, garage rock and power pop hooks. Celebrating the 10-year anniversary release of The Nats EP (2009), Jason Szkutek (from American Darlings), Marc Cusa and Matt Santoro (of Giftshop and MightyHigh fame) are releasing their aptly titled second EP, "Something New By The Nats" in October 2019.  RIYL: The Jam, The Undertones, Buzzcocks, Ty Segall, Bad Sports, The Number Ones.

the Speedlights is following