Big Stir Records, the indie label with a focus on power pop and indie rock, has put together a 20-track collection aimed at getting people up and dancing at Halloween parties. Several of the acts on the Big Stir roster are featured, and Stir The Cauldron includes rare and exclusive tracks. Graham Parker, who recently released the Last Chance To Learn The Twist album on Big Stir, is the most recognizable name involved, although most of these artists will be familiar to power pop fans, as well as followers of the International Pop Overthrow festivals.
Parker’s “The Music Of The Devil” (recorded with The Goldtops) is a bluesy bump and grind effort led by his gruff vocals. The Corner Laughers, whom I’ve often found to be worthy contributors to various artists collections, deliver the festive “Sugar Skull,” which is reminiscent of Brit folk acts like Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention. The Armoires capture that same vibe on “Unhaunted” and also succeed with a the melodic 1960s style rock of “Paris 1919 (You’re A Ghost).”
Shplang's “Little Mushroom Men From Mars” would be worth a nod for its title alone, and the song is also catchy and fun. Dolph Chaney’s “This Halloween,” The Incurables “Halloween Bride,” and Plasticsoul's “The Ghost In Between Us” use melodic pop arrangements to deliver clever takes on spooky situations. “Under Halloween Leaves” by Blake Jones is an old-time instrumental, and Michael Simmons does a fine job on the Classics IV 1967 soul/rock single “Spooky.” Stir The Cauldron will be available from Big Stir Records this Friday.
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