Micro-News/Pop Hooks

There's nothing quite like a great pop song. Three of our favorite artists that occupy the powerpop/guitar pop genre have either released or are preparing to release new albums in the coming months. This edition of Micro-News contains news from Robert Pollard, Matthew Sweet, and Sloan.

Robert Pollard's latest release Off To Business had the official street date of June 3rd, however the mail tends to be a little slow to get out of Dayton. Seriously It usually takes a good week or so after the initial release before it shows up in the record shops here on the east coast. This time is no different, Off To Business is nowhere to be found. I've done some checking around and multiple sources have confirmed that Off To Business will be on the release list for next week. All this could be avoided if I remembered to pre-order from Rockathon, but things have been a little busy around here. Another way to get to your new Pollard fix is by going to Fina Music and buy a digital copy right now.

Popsmith Matthew Sweet will release his 10th studio album, Sunshine Lies on August 26th via Shout-Factory. Sweet described Sunshine Lies as"power-pop-folk-rock-psychedelic-melodic-singer-songwriter-type stuff" in a recent press release. Sunshine Lies was recorded at Lolina Green Studios in Los Angeles, CA, and produced and mixed by Matthew Sweet. Susanna Hoffs appears on the album, providing backup vocals on the title track. While familiars Ric Menck (drums), Ivan Julian (guitar), Greg Leisz (guitar/pedal steel guitar) and Richard Lloyd (guitar) are all in tow. A full tour in support of Sunshine Lies is expected to be announced by the time the album is released this summer.

Nova Scotia Pop veterans, Sloan will release Parallel Play on June 10th via Yep Roc. Parellel Play is the follow up to the superb Never Hear The End Of It, the bands high water mark in my opinion. The album has been described as more concise but sonically varied album, as the 4 songwriters continue to contribute equally throughout Parellel Play . Thanks to the nice folks at Yep Roc for streamingParallel Playfor our listening enjoyment.

Sloan play TT The Bears on June 18th.