I’m Not OK, Neither Are You, and That’s OK
In the early 90's the "alternative" format flourished, bursting forth with a creative force that led to a steady stream of massive hits from Nirvana's "Smells Like a Teen Spirit" to Radiohead's "Creep" and "Loser," Beck's first hit. Listening to "Not OK!" by...
The Name’s the Same…
In 1986 “Your Love” by British quartet The Outfield went “Top Ten” on both Pop and Rock charts with their mass appeal hit "Your Love." As the lyrics make clear, this “love” is a crass love: I just want to use your love tonight And As you're leaving please would you...
Beware Women with Green Eyes, Plus, “Little” Stevie Wonder is 70 y/o Today
She liked petty crimes, she had green eyes, like mountain dew Let’s agree that that line, by British singer and musician Bakar, is a knock-out. “CRACKD,” the European music mag, described Bakar as an “indie revivalist" because he’s attempting to "bridge the gap"...
This “Fire” is on Fire!
Austin based duo Black Pumas--guitarist/producer Adrian Quesada and singer Eric Burton-- have aptly named their newest song "Fire,” and it’s a killer: cool, hip, and soulful. Only a confident band could or would title their song "Fire"--such a high-profile word...
Rx for a Pandemic? Let’s Dance!
After his mother lamented that she sure could use an upbeat song to distract her from “all this,” twenty one pilots’ Tyler Joseph (singer/songwriter) and band-mate Josh Dun (drummer/percussionist) wrote, recorded and released “Level of Concern,” which immediately...
The Killers. Their Name Says It All.
It says a lot about The Killers, that Lindsey Buckingham is lending and unleashing his guitar playing prowess to “Caution,” their “out of the box” hit that’s #3 on the Alt chart and #4 on Adult Alt. There’s an 80s/90s melodic link between “Caution” and songs by...
That Distinctive Kinks Sound
"Beautiful Faces" by British singer/songwriter Declan McKenna is generating mucho exposure on Adult Alt and Alt radio stations. It's witty, fast, humorous, timely, somewhat socially observant and reminds us of The Kinks 1982 hit, "Come Dancing." McKenna's production...
The Strokes Channel Billy Idol
If you grooved to Billy Idol’s world-wide dance sensation “Dancing with Myself,” (1972 ) than you’ll recognize that “Bad Decision,” by The Strokes, borrows Idol’s melody line. The Strokes, a five-member New York Indie rock/garage rock/post-punk revival band tear into...
Rock & Roll’s Wild and Unruly Roots
Don't pay attention to the words, just focus on the energy--we're talking early-to-mid 50's rock n' roll electrifying energy, like the kind Johnny Burnette belted out in "Train Kept a Rollin": Caught a train I met a dame She was a hepster And a real gone dame She...