Power pop fans are absolutely passionate about the artists they love. If you ask a dyed in the wool power pop loyalist to rattle off some of their favorites, you'll probably get answers that include the likes of the Raspberries, Big Star, Jellyfish, Shoes, The Rubinoos, and a host of others. One of the shining lights of the Southern power pop movement was Bobby Sutliff, who co-founded (with Tim Lee) cult favorites The Windbreakers, a Mississippi based band that released several well-regarded albums during the 1980s and 1990s, with the help of such luminaries as producer Mitch Easter and guest star Richard Barone, of Bongos fame. Bobby also released several solo projects, including the remarkable Perfect Dream (2003).
Sadly, Bobby passed away last year. To commemorate his musical legacy, JEM Records is releasing a special edition of one of Sutliff's finest albums, 1987's Only Ghosts Remain. This special edition, entitled Only Ghosts Remain Plus, will include all 11 tracks from the original disc, as well as 11 bonus tracks from throughout his career, selected by Bobby's family and friends. Produced by power pop luminary Mitch Easter, Only Ghosts Remain is full of melodic, introspective songs that will not only get stuck in your head, but will make you smile, touch your heart and have your reflecting on your own brushes with the ups and downs of life and the often thorny pathways of love.
Bobby's phenomenal guitar work, excellent vocals and sharp lyrical gifts
shine through on emotionally resonant tracks such as "Second Choice,"
"Couldn't Help Myself" and "Same Way Tomorrow." Only Ghosts Remain Plus will delight, astound and thrill power pop fans. In it's original form, Only Ghosts Remain is simply one of the best power pop releases of the 1980s. But the Plus on this fantastic re-issue is the sensational bonus tracks, which include songs from several of Bobby's other solo albums, including Perfect Dream, On A Ladder and Bitter Fruit. These extraordinary tunes include "Change The Way," "The Color of Your Eyes" and "One Way Ticket."
If you're a fan of Bobby's work, these remarkable songs will remind you why he's beloved by power pop fans and fellow musicians alike. If you're new to Bobby's music, listening to the shimmering melodies of Only Ghosts Remain Plus will hopefully inspire you to check out his oeuvre with The Windbreakers, and the rest of his solo catalog. Only Ghosts Remain Plus will be released on September 22nd on JEM Records. Here are links to "Same Way Tomorrow" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kwm0fovT-g, and "Couldn't Help Myself" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtSG8EZvauU. Kudos to JEM Records for keeping Bobby's work alive in the hearts and minds of the power pop faithful, and hopefully introducing his work to a new generation of fans.
Didja know that Bobby was a member of my band Donovan's Brain between 2007 up until his death, appearing on our 2023 album Faith In Failure. Two songs on his last album, just release iwere originally intended for Donovan's Brain. The reissue of Ghosts and his new album Bob Sings And Plays are a fine tribute to his music. In 2017 he told me he had to do one more solo record. I hope fans take a look.
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