Thursday, May 18, 2017

New Single and Album News From the Popguns

With a nearly 20-year wait between albums 'Love Junky' and 'Pop Fiction,' fans of the Popguns were nothing if not patient. These days, however, the band has become downright prolific, churning out indie-pop gems like their halcyon days on Midnight Records. If you have been following along, you have no doubt fallen for the Popguns' charms every step of the way, and the impending single, "So Long," will be no exception. Matinée Recordings will release the digital only single on Friday, and the Popguns' Bandcamp page will also have the song available as a free download for one week only. Excited yet? Maybe this will grab your attention. Although "So Long" is a digital only release, the Popguns have about 20 promo CD singles in their portfolio. Rather than being left to collect dust in an attic somewhere, the singles will be sold on the Bandcamp page beginning Friday. If you're a die-hard fan, log on early. These are sure to move quickly.

Earlier this week, I had a chance to ask guitarist Simon Pickles about the new single. He explains, "'So Long' is basically an indulgence in breeze-pop guitars, multi-layered harmonies and a Lloyd Cole-esque lyric of romantic melancholia about a low-fidelity summer fling. We actually recorded it in summer 2015 but only finished off the album last year before the usual delays before release."

"So Long" is just the beginning. It's the walk-up single to 'Sugar Kisses,' the new album due out June 16, but as Jimmy often does, 'Sugar Kisses' will get an early release date of June 1 exclusively through Matinée Recordings.

Pickles also gives his thoughts on 'Sugar Kisses' and contrasts it with the band's triumphant 2014 comeback release. "I think the album is more raw than 'Pop Fiction,' and "So Long" is probably the lightest tune on it. It features 10 new songs with a pretty big variety and certainly some good old-fashioned, straight down the middle Popguns power pop. We think it's a hell of a lot of fun and we really, really can't wait to play the tunes live." Now I know you're excited.



Related:
Q&A With Simon and Wendy Pickles of the Perfect English Weather
Favorite Albums of 2014
Favorite Songs of 2014
Pull Trigger on New Single From the Popguns
The Popguns Aim High and Hit the Bull's-Eye
Still Waiting For New Popuns? Not for Long
Top 100 Songs From the 1990s (No. 22)

16 comments:

TheRobster said...

Ooh, great news. So, new Popguns album, and EPs from the Primitives and the Darling Buds. It's 1989 all over again...

Brian said...

An embarrassment of riches, Robster. Now if we only looked and felt like we did in 1989. Picked up the new Primitives 10" while in Glasgow. These three bands on one bill would be a hell of a show!

MisterPrime said...

Just bought my copy, Brian. I knew that being off on convalescence would have some benefit! I meant to comment previously about that fine-sounding Wedding Present lunch you had some time ago - I hope the gig itself lived up to expectations. I'm now having a 'Weddoes Week' myself at the beginning of June since I got a ticket for the 'warm-up' gig they're doing at a pub in Leicester (The Firebug - I saw This Many Boyfriends there a couple of years ago) a few days before they grace us with their presence here in Nottingham...!

Brian said...

Thought I might hear from my Nottingham correspondent. Hope you're nearly mended. These two new songs certainly whet your appetite for more, don't they? Sounds like June is shaping up to be a fine month for you... new album from Popguns and two Gedge sightings. My goodness. Enjoy.

Echorich said...

The Robster said it all! After I read this I HAD to find Landslide in my Library and play it on repeat for about half an hour!

Brian said...

Nice choice, Echorich. Love Landslide too. That was such a memorable year for the Popguns. I have been cleaning gutters and listening to the two new songs all weekend. Made the chores tolerable. I imagine you are enjoying the new Primitives 10" by now too. Having a tough time finding the Darling Buds 10", but I have my local shop on the hunt. I'll give them until the end of the week before I break down and get it online. Like to support the shops when I can.

Echorich said...

The Primitives EP is just amazing. I'll Trust The WInd is an instant classic! Paul's guitar just throws me back 30 years!
The Darling Buds sound wonderfully fresh on Evergreen. The rhythm section just gets you off your ass and bouncing around.

JC said...

"Earlier this week, I had a chance to ask guitarist Simon Pickles about the new single."

As you do......

I am now demanding that you provide me with a Popguns ICA. Thw Blogfather has spoken....

Brian said...

Never cross the Blogfather.

Dirk said...

Brian, were you able to order a copy of the promo CD last Friday? If not, I'd be happy to send you my copy (or, if you prefer, give it to you when we meet next time), got the last one out of the 20 that were released!

TheRobster said...

Those darned Germans, always first to everything!
(Mind, although I didn't get a promo, I did bag the last copy of the Lovejunky red vinyl 7". Looks lovely...)

Brian said...

Dirk, So glad you got one. Makes my day. Yes, I have a CD coming. Appreciate your kind gesture, though. You are a good friend.

Brian said...

Robster, That 7" is a real keeper. One of the nicest covers you'll ever see too. Love the art of everything surrounding the Pop Fiction era. Lovejunky is where the comeback began. Exciting times.

Dirk said...

See, Robster: that's only one of the advantages when your time is the same as everywhere else in the world by and large, except - of course - England! Or, if you'd rather: the early bird catches the worm ... :-)

MisterPrime said...

It's a very pretty thing - all-black disc with little groove markings and a paper centre, just like a mini 7" (well, it made me happy!) and the song is great - much as I liked the Perfect English Weather album it wasn't quite a Popguns record. Unfortunately I can't make the gig they're doing in Congleton in a couple of weeks - fingers-crossed for more dates. I might send you a copy of the amusingly bad interview I was once involved in with the band if I can get my scanner to work (1991, Edwards No. 8 in Birmingham...)

Brian said...

That would be fun to read, Misterprime. My promo CD came today. That was fast. Very exciting.