THE HALF-CUBES – literally one half of Power Pop Hall Of Famers and 2024 Syracuse Area Music Award winners The Flashcubes – are back to double down on their ongoing singles series paying tribute to their fellow heroes of power pop, paving the way for a collection of classic covers later this year. On their new double-sided single they tackle Phil
THE HALF-CUBES – literally one half of Power Pop Hall Of Famers and 2024 Syracuse Area Music Award winners The Flashcubes – are back to double down on their ongoing singles series paying tribute to their fellow heroes of power pop, paving the way for a collection of classic covers later this year. On their new double-sided single they tackle Phil Seymour's “Precious To Me” and 20/20's “Jet Lag”, and the two-track combo sees release on all streaming services worldwide on July 26. It's up for pre-save and pre-order now:
THE HALF-CUBES are drummer/producer TOMMY ALLEN and vocalist/bassist GARY FRENAY, operating apart from their duties in The Flashcubes and continuing that band's peer-to-peer cover series (collected on the hit 2023 album POP MASTERS). On the latest single – following this spring's Searchers / Hollies pairing and paving the way for their debut album later this year – they revisit the classic '80s era of power pop with new versions of songs by two of its titans. “Precious To Me”, by the much-missed Phil Seymour, hit the Top 40 in its original 1981 version and remains a classic of the genre. “What can you say about 'Precious To Me', and the late, great Phil Seymour?” asks Frenay. “It occupies a slot on everyone’s short list of the greatest power pop songs of all-time. What a thrill to bring it around again for new ears to savor!”
Gary goes on to explain his connection to the single's second track, “Jet Lag” by power pop legends 20/20 and originally included on the band's classic debut album. “Seeing 20/20 live in 1979, at a Syracuse University nightclub, has been indelibly stamped in my memory for decades. Great band, with great songs! Getting to put our own spin on the Mike Gallo-penned classic, 'Jet Lag', is a real thrill.”
Tommy Allen sums up the pairing: "Those who inhabit this world of power pop will argue over the supremacy of its progenitors, but most would agree that both 20/20 and Phil Seymour have earned their place in the pantheon of the genre. These songs have occupied a place on our permanent playlist and were automatic enthusiastic choices for us, and a total joy to cover!" Tommy and Gary, both members in good standing of the Power Pop Hall Of Fame, should know, and they're joined here as has become customary by guitarist Randy Klawon (The Choir, Cyrus Erie) to bring these new versions to life. And there's more to come, as THE HALF-CUBES prepare their debut album collecting their singles and more as-yet-unheard reimaginings of the tunes of the guitar-pop canon. Stand by for news from Big Stir Records!
Expected release: July 26, 2024