Peter Case Live

They don't promote shows for folks my age. So when I decided to step out of the office for a cup of coffee and saw a bill in a shop window for Peter Case at Triad Stage, I was pumped. I won't be needing that caffeine after all. Reading the "fine print" (somebody needs lessons in poster design) I noticed the show was TONIGHT! Being less than a block away, I ran over to Triad Stage (a beautiful facility in what must be a 100 year old brick building) a bought my tickets.

I'm guessing that there were about 50-60 people there to see Peter Case perform, which is pretty good for Greensboro on a Thursday night...with no promotion. Peter sung many of the more recent songs from his last few CDs, told some hysterical stories, and even did an old Breakaways number. You may remember the Breakaways as Case and Collins' follow up to The Nerves.

Having met Peter before when he was performing a few years earlier in Winston Salem NC (before his heart attack), I would have loved to say "hello" after the show. He often makes himself available to speak with fans after shows. I doubt he would have remembered me, but it would have been interesting. Regardless, Case's songs and voice were an important part of my youth and I got a chance to relive it to a degree that Thursday night.

Thanks, Peter.

Have a beer with Del Fuegos

This week we're having a beer with Del Fuegos. Enjoy!

More Commercials

This time it's A Flock of Seagull's Bud commercial. Yeah, I know they're not really power pop, but they're a lot of fun. So Here it is.....

Cheap Trick's Commercial

Over the years, powerpop bands have made some great contributions to Madison Avenue, occasionally raising commercials above noise pollution to, dare I say it, art. I'd like to showcase a few. Here's Segment one for your listening pleasure. Enjoy Cheap Trick's contribution to superbowl history and the ecosystem, The Green Police.

Nick Lowe - The Old Magic Coming Soon!

In "Checkout Time", one of the cuts from his soon to be released CD, Nick Lowe sings "I'm sixty-one years old now, Lord I never thought I'd see 30". When YepRoc releases his LP, The Old Magic, in September of 2011, it will be Lowe's 13th full length effort (14th if you count 2004's live "Untouched Takeaway"). 'The Old Magic' was recorded in London with Lowe's backing band anchored by Geraint Watkins (keyboards), Steve Donnelly (guitar), and Robert Treherne (a.k.a. Bobby Irwin, drums). Additional musicians include Ron Sexsmith, Paul Carrack, and Jimmie Vaughan among others.

On the heels of YepRoc's release of FOW's Rithcie & Rubin, it promises to be quite a summer for music fans.

New Fountains of Wayne On The Way!

Various outlets have reported that a new FOW LP is on the way, due out
this summer. Richie & Rubin" will be the first ever release for the
band on YepRock out of North Carolina. In the last few years YepRock
has released CDs from Nick Lowe, Liam Finn, and The Baseball Project (think Scott McCaughey and Young Fresh Fellows) so this seems to be a good fit. The video of the first single, Richie & Rubin, is available
here.

Could Gene Simmons Be Running?

When I'm president my cabinet will consist of Gene Simmons, Richard Simmons, and Homer Simpson. Gene will be my Secretary of State. Here's why:


Nuff said.

The Bangles and Records Together!

If you were really lucky, you attended a recent performance of The Records in LA. Powerpop fans went ga-ga when Debbi Peterson of The Bangles joined John Wicks and the rest of The Records for a song entitled "Liverpool 6512", a great new song about growing up a Beatles fan. This was an incredible treat and thanks to a concert goer with an iphone, I've got a video of it for you right here. Enjoy!

Go Gos Remastered!

On or around May 17, Capitol/I.R.S. will release a 30th Anniversary Edition of The Go-Go's double platinum debut album, Beauty and the Beat, which has been digitally remastered and expanded.

The commemorative edition will be available in a 2CD package and in two digital collections featuring the remastered original album plus exclusive, previously unreleased concert audio recordings from 1981.

On the same date, the remastered original album will be reissued on pink vinyl with replicated original artwork.

I remember hearing "Our Lips Are Sealed" for the first time (the first single from Beauty and The Beat), then the only recorded track for the band, on the Rutgers University student run radio station and running out and seeing the band the following Saturday night at a converted Go-Go bar in New Jersey (no kidding). I have to be honest, I remember very little about the evening due to my overindulgence of alcoholic libations. That being said, I recall there being a small crowd of about 30-50 of us all cramped up near the edge of the "stage". I was about 10 feet away from Belinda Carlisle when a fight broke out right in front of me. Carlisle stopped the band and, shaking her finger in a dismissive gesture, said "Now, now boys". Bouncers threw the fighters out and the show resumed. I'm told I had great fun that night.

The Go-Go's will hit the road this summer on their Ladies Gone Wild tour in support of the new release. Here are the dates:

August
12 Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom
13 Portland, OR Oregon Zoo Amphitheatre
14 Seattle, WA Woodland Park Zoo
16 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
17 Los Angeles, CA The Greek Theater
20 Temecula, CA Pechanga Resort & Casino
23 Aspen, CO Belly Up
24 Denver, CO Ogden Theater
26 Dallas, TX House of Blues
27 Houston, TX House of Blues
28 Austin, TX Paramount Theater

The Trashmen - Surfin' Bird

SURFIN' BIRD
(Frazier - White - Harris - Wilson)
THE TRASHMEN (GARRETT 4002, 1963)

A-well-a everybody's heard about the bird
B-b-b-bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A-well-a bird, bird, bird, the bird is the word
A-well-a bird, bird, bird, well the bird is the word
A-well-a bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A-well-a bird, bird, bird, well the bird is the word
A-well-a bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A-well-a bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A-well-a bird, bird, bird, well the bird is the word
A-well-a bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A-well-a don't you know about the bird?
Well, everybody knows that the bird is the word!
A-well-a bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A-well-a...

A-well-a everybody's heard about the bird
Bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A-well-a bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A-well-a bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A-well-a bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A-well-a bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A-well-a bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A-well-a bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A-well-a bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A-well-a don't you know about the bird?
Well, everybody's talking about the bird!
A-well-a bird, bird, b-bird's the word
A-well-a bird...

Surfin' bird
Bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb... [retching noises]... aaah!

Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-
Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-ooma-mow-mow
Papa-ooma-mow-mow

Papa-ooma-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow
Papa-ooma-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow
Ooma-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow
Papa-ooma-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow
Papa-ooma-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow
Oom-oom-oom-oom-ooma-mow-mow
Papa-ooma-mow-mow, papa-oom-oom-oom
Oom-ooma-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow
Ooma-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow
Papa-a-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow
Papa-ooma-mow-mow, ooma-mow-mow
Papa-ooma-mow-mow, ooma-mow-mow
Papa-oom-oom-oom-oom-ooma-mow-mow
Oom-oom-oom-oom-ooma-mow-mow
Ooma-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow
Papa-ooma-mow-mow, ooma-mow-mow
Well don't you know about the bird?
Well, everybody knows that the bird is the word!
A-well-a bird, bird, b-bird's the word

Papa-ooma-mow-mow, papa-ooma-mow-mow
[repeat to fade]

I always loved this song so I decided to post the lyrics. After glancing one more time
at them and then the song credits it struck me. It took four guys to write this? Ouch. Still love the song.

Smithereens 2011

Sometimes you can come home. I spent my formative years as a New Jerey native, listening to the best the state had
to offer. Brought up on Sinatra and surrounded by Springsteen fans, I was a restless teen in need of something new.
A chance stop at the Court Tavern in New Brunswick introduced me to a new, local band called The Smithereens. That
night some 30 years ago changed my life forever.

So I was thrilled to hear that there would be a new Smithereens "record" after 12 years (there I go again, showing my age). The classic Smithereens records, Especially for You, Green Thoughts, and "11", changed the way I thought about music, how much of it I consumed, and how much it consumed me. To say that I was looking forward to hearing the first new material from Pat DiNizio and company in a long time is an understatement.

Produced by Don Dixon right here in my NC backyard, my expectations were raised even higher. Dixon had produced the best of their past releases as well as outstanding recordings by REM, another of my faves. And his production work here is outstanding as usual.

The "single" (if there is such a thing anymore), "Sorry" is drawn from a familiar Smithereens template. Like most of the songs in the disc, it's the hook-filled, chord driven powerpop fare we've come to expect from these guys. "One Look At You" really sticks in your head. You'll find yourself humming this tune after just a listen or two. Jim Babjak's guitar work is still powerpop's best, imo, Diken great as well. Still, after repeated listenings I couldn't help feeling like something was missing though. Bassist Severo “The Thrilla” Jornacion is fine, but there were no killer "Girl Like You" or "Behind The Wall Of Sleep" like cuts on the record. Perhaps Mike Mesaros' contributions were bigger than originally thought. I dunno.

The middle of the record has some filler, but songs like "Keep On Running", "Nobody Lives Forever", and "All The Same" make this a satisfying record nonetheless.

It's that classic Smithereens sound, and its good to hear again...even if there isn't a Smithereens classic here. Despite the absence of a classic, I find myself going back to it fairly often. Feels good...kinda like coming home.

The Records go acoustic with a new DVD!

John Wicks, the lead singer and songwriter from the legendary power pop group, The Records, has released a live, acoustic DVD. The first release since his comeback record entitled "Rotate", Wicks (with the help of new Record Dennis Taylor) performs some old favorites as well as some great new material. Fans of The Records will enjoy the Wicks/Birch penned "Her Stars Are My Stars" as well as the quintessential classic, "Starry Eyes", performed with the assistance of one Matthew Sweet. Sweet's contribution is minimal, but its great to see him with the band nonetheless.

The performance is also chock full of new material, with all the hooks we've grown accustomed to from a Wicks/Records release. They also do a nice cover of The Beatles' Things We Said Today" and Graham Gouldman's "Bus Stop". All in all, a very good time.

You can check out the lyrics or view a clip by going to WicksWirks or order it here through Kool Kat Musik.

PopFilter - Pop This!

Chris Anderson and friends have created a polished power pop sound that, albeit a familiar formula, is crisp and fun. As well as having several standout songs, this disc is worth the price of admission just for the fact that it may be the final work left behind by the late, great Will Owsley who co-produced and played bass and piano on parts. Also worth noting is the participation of Ducky Carlisle. Those who remember the Syracuse NY scene in it's heyday remember The Flashcubes, Screen Test, and The Ohms, all of which Ducky played an integral part in. Here he co-produces with Bleu and Owsley, lending his pop sensibilities to help create a pretty decent pop record. This one is worth picking up. Highlights are the second cut, "Take The Shortcut", which could pass for a long, lost Hall and Oats song and "Holly Would" is as sweet a powerpop confection as you'll find anywhere. Available thru Kool Kat Musik

Paul Collins Tour Dates for 2011

Don Kirshner Dies At 77 Years Of Age

Don Kirshner, legendary American music publisher, died Monday in Boca Raton, Florida of heart failure. He was 77.

Time magazine once dubbed him “The man with the golden ear.”

Kirshner is best known for managing the songwriting talent behind the successful pop music television series The Monkees and later The Archies, and also for his signature television program Don Kirshner's Rock Concert.

He achieved his first major success in the late 1950s and early 1960s thanks to the "Brill Building'" artists he had under contract including Carole King, Neil Sedaka, Howard Greenfield, Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann. He was inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in 2007.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sheila and his children Ricky and Daryn.

Top Ten of 2010

I recently had the honor of having my top ten posted to Powerpop Overdose, a fantastic site featuring everything that's good about the powerpop genre, old and new. Curt, the webmaster and all around good guy, not only posted my top ten list, but also included cooresponding mp3s for download. Check out Curt's site and download his sampler here. In the meantime, here's my list of top ten releases for 2010:


10) Paul Collins - King of Power Pop
Energetic and emotive as all get go.
Proof that PC still matters.
Highlights: C'Mon Let's Go, Many Roads To Follow


9)The Well Wishers - Post Modern Romantic
Jeff Shelton (formerly Spinning Jennies)
delivers another standout effort. Highlights:
Gramareater, Sorry About Your Politics


8)Scott's Garage - Soul Magnet
Jangle and a sense of humor. Great stuff!
Highlights: The Girl With The Yippy Dog,
You Were Such A Tool (I Remember High School)


7)Knit Delicate- Fulton Hill
With Tim Buckley (Blow Pops),
evidence that the Madison/Milwaukee area
has a better powerpop scene than many would think.
Standout cuts: Lovely, When I See You


6) Peter Case - Wig!
More electric blues than power pop, this LP is
no doubt a product of his recent health and money
issues. Highlights:
Ain't Got No Dough, House Rent Party


5) Lannie Flowers - Circles
Handclaps and hooks, turn this one up on
your radio (if only they played this kind of thing
on the radio today). Highlights: Turn Up Your
Radio, Around The World


4) Greg Pope - Blue Ocean Sky
Same formula that worked so well on Popmonster
and his EP, Pete, but the songs are
alittle more focused...his best yet.
Highlights: I Tried To Like You, Driving Tricks



3) Smash Palace - 7
When I saw the "Revolver" style cover I wondered
how this disc can possibly live up to the build up.
It does and then some. Their best yet.
Highlights: How Can You Say, Somebody Up There
likes Me


2) Farrah - Farrah
ELO fans will love "Swings & Roundabouts".
My teenager overheard me playing it and
asked "Is that the Beatles?". My kid's question was
a testament to how mature these guys sound.
Highlights: All of it, but since
I have to pick two, Swings & Roundabouts, Heavy Metal


1) Seth Swirsky - Watercolor Day
More diverse record than "She's about to cross
my mind". McCartney, Bacarach, Wilson...
He's chanelled them all. This disc was more fun to
listen to than any disc this year. Highlights:
Watercolor Day, Distracted

Gerry Rafferty, Mick Karn Pass Away

Winter always seem to bring bad news. This time it's the passing of two very talented musicians. We all know Gerry Rafferty from his classic "Baker Street" although I always loved his "Stuck In The Middle With You" a whole lot more. Such a huge talent. He'll be missed. We also lost Mick Karn, bass player for Japan, one of my favorite art-rock bands of the early 80's. Not as well known but just as talented, we heard him in the classic "Gentlemen Take Polaroids" among other great tunes. Guys, thanks for the memories.

A New Adam Ant Record?

According to Music-News.com, Adam Ant has a new self produced LP out this spring. From their website...."The shows lead up to the launch of his new Album, 'Adam Ant is the Blueblack Hussar in Marrying the Gunners Daughter.' Which is due for release this Spring on his own label 'Blueblack Hussar Records'. The self penned, self produced album, written and produced by Adam Ant along with his long time friends Boz Borer and Chris Macarmack, will be his first record release since his 'Wonderful' album in 1995, which achieved great critical acclaim."
I don't rmember "Wonderful" getting much critical acclaim, but I love his late 70's and early 80's stuff. Let's hope for a good one this go-round.

Power Pop Top 10 for 2011

I did a guest post on Curt's Powerpop Overdose site. If you haven't seen his site, check it out. It's extraordinarily well written and he's got great taste! You can check out my top ten as posted on Powerpop Overdose by clicking here. If you miss it, fear not. I'll post it here in a couple of days.