Single Review: Sky Parade/Grand Atlantic

I don’t usually review singles (remember those?) but this one warrants attention. Sky Parade is a band fronted by Tommy Dietrick (ex-Brian Jonestown Massacre). The band’s song “I Should Be Coming Up (But I Keep Coming Down)” weds psych-pop with shoegaze and a discofied beat, resulting in a vibe not at all unlike Stone Roses. But the production aesthetic is more intimate, less stadium-oriented. Which is good.

The flip of this 7” is “Used to Be the Sensitive Type” from Grand Atlantic. I’m a sucker for any song with the moxie to use the immortal words “sha-la-la” as a chorus. (Tra-la-la – a la the Banana Splits — works equally well.) Hooks, handclaps, jangly Rickenbacker and a rubbery (almost synthy) bassline effectively renders this little disc a double a-side. Dig.

Available from Ripple Music.

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About the Author

Bill Kopp

With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.