"It's About Time" to Discover Marc Platt

Marc Platt is an extremely talented singer, songwriter and producer based in California. He’s been providing in the know fans with excellent music since the 1980s, when he fronted the outstanding power pop ensemble The Real Impossibles. Platt recently released Beat on the Street, an EP that offers a half dozen examples of his rock and roll bona fides. "Joe Strummer," the record's memorable opening salvo, is a strong track that manages to rock out and be socially conscious at the same time, while also name-checking the late great Clash guitarist-vocalist. The low-key 1960’s singer-songwriter vibe of the lovely “Did You See Her Smile” will make you feel like you're hearing a lost gem from Neil Diamond’s early period.

“On Lonely Avenue” and “As The City Sleeps” are noir-tinged songs that benefit from Platt's passionate vocals and atmospheric production. The very cool, echo-laden “Surf In The Rain” is a fusion of punk, surf music and garage rock, featuring his deft guitar work. Then there’s the glorious pop tune "The Beat," which Platt co-authored with the late John Ferriter of The Tearaways. The songs featured on Beat on the Street are superbly crafted tales of love, loss, heartache and joy. Here's hoping we’ll get a full-length release from Mr. Platt in the near future, as this marvelous EP will definitely whet your appetite for more music from this marvelous artist. Beat on the Street is an absolute must listen.

To tide you over until Platt's next release, Rum Bar Records has released a remastered edition of It’s About Time by The Real Impossibles. This fantastic power pop outfit was founded by Platt during the 1980s, and featured a lineup of stellar musicians during their existence, including bassist Probyn Gregory, guitarist Robby MacDonald, and drummer Brian Glasscock. Peter Case of The Plimsouls also recorded some tracks with the band. It’s About Time features 13 prime slices of power pop from throughout the band's history, including the guitar infused "Talkin' Bout You," a song that Bryan Adams wishes he'd written and recorded during his MTV heyday. The hard-driving "Turn My World" and the country-flavored "Here And Now" are also highlights of this terrific collection. Platt's Neil Diamond influence surfaces again on a fine power-punk cover of "Cherry Cherry."

If you're pining for the kind of songs bands like The Alarm, The Romantics, The Producers and The Knack gave us back in the day, look no further than the melodic pop-rock tunes “Something To Learn” and “Is It Love,” or the modern rock flavored "Firing Line." Then there's the crunchy “Won’t Let You Down” and “Guess You Feel It Too” both of which sound as if The Blasters decided to have a jam session with The Georgia Satellites and invited The Fabulous Thunderbirds along for the ride. You'll find so many jangly, guitar-infused tunes on the album, you'll be spinning it relentlessly, whether you're re-discovering the band, or hearing their incredible music for the first time. It's About Time from The Real Impossibles and Beat on the Street from Marc Platt are now available from Rum Bar Records. You can find Rum Bar Records at: https://rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com. To give you a taste of these fine releases, here are links to "Surf In The Rain" from Marc Platt's excellent Beat on the Street, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2MFS9083FE, and "All Over This World" from The Real Impossibles' wonderful It's About Time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiWJkiGMKEw.