Dream Pop meets Garage Rock and Scores!

When you have a new album full of dreamy-crashing guitars, driving basslines, reverb, feedback and a true commitment to melodic pop, you're listening to the soon to be released Sell Your Memories by Fonda.

Sell Your Memories starts off with the cinematic sounding anthems, Seeing Stars and You've Got A Life Of Your Own - two songs that easily could find airplay on stations that also (over)played Silversun Pickups - Panic Swich or The Black Keys - Lonely Boy.  She Is Real, a downtempo gem practically begging for an appearance in a romantic comedy sees both David Klotz and Emily Cook taking turns on lead vocals, rounds out my Top 3 on this album.

Fonda's upcoming album Sell Your Memories puts you in a cauldron of dream pop melancholy and absorbs you to the point where you can't recover from the euphoria.
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My Album Top 3
1.  You've Got A Life Of Your Own
2.  Seeing Stars
3.  She is Real

Quick hits
- A Million Dreams from Here haunts me as its sound seems to touch on a riff reminiscent of a song by The Mighty Lemon Drops...former Fonda guitarist Dave Newton's band. It's from the album World Without End or Laughter.  I just cant pull it out of my brain yet....but I will, and I'll update this posting!
- Emily Cook's vocals on Moving Forward  reminds of Blondie's Debbie Harry
- You Make My Life So Extraordinary - reminds me of East River Pipe
- The chorus of She is Real sends me back to the 80s and The Alan Parsons Project song Time.
-  Put Fonda on the bill with The Ocean Blue and The Orchids (Glasgow band) with special guests The Pains of Being Pure At Heart and you'll have the making of Dream Pop Heaven.

Review:  HELL YEH!
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Information about Sell Your Memories by Fonda
Album Purchase Information: www.fondamusic.com
Record Label: US Minty Fresh
Fonda is:  David Klotz and Emily Cook

SUNSET OVER HOPE STREET - Ari Hest

Review: HELL YEH!

Songs that seem riddled with doubts about his relationship with his music that can double for metaphors for relationships with people or life, Ari Hest has written some powerful and visually evocative songs that openly question the musician’s life he’s chosen. Was it the right choice? Is Swan Song a foreshadowing tale of what is to be the future for Ari Hest?

Ari's March, 2011 release - Sunset Over Hope Street is packed with really great songs in tune with pop sensibilities that highlight his vocals...all while keeping the listener engaged by the great music, sounds, and string arrangements in each song.

Stand Out Tracks For Me:

If I knew You’d Say Yes – a song that starts with Ari’s great vocal and ends on it causes me to keep going back to hear this great song. The Drum-work on this song is SPOT-ON. I have no qualms turning my back on a song that puts out something that doesn't fit, but right at 2:07, the way the song was going and kicking in the percussion right there was perfect! Anywhere else and, I'd have probably turned my back on this great song.

Until Next Time – sounds like a song about Ari’s songwriting…unsure if he’ll continue…unsure of the words or stories if they’ll come out anymore…only having “a moment” of his life…and I love how this song starts with sleigh bells and piano and then Ari’s vocals…and some other interesting sounds (probably synth driven).
How Would I Know – Everything about this song is perfect and we even get a big open glimpse into Ari’s questions about songwriting. how does he know for sure that this is THE song? I LOVE the part of the song where the lyric picks up with Caught a show, down at the Rockwood last night…

One Track Mind – this song starts off with an organ and reminds me of U2’s Where the Streets Have No Name….and a drum beat that reminds me of a rather military beat.
A Good Look Around….is Ari’s music what compels him to stop and see what’s going on? This track includes a great backing vocal by ambeR Rubarth.
Now (available on iTunes album download and the Deluxe Double Disc edition) is a song co-written with Alex Wong (Solo, Paper Raincoat, Vienna Teng and many others) that is a standout track that I'm glad I went with the Deluxe CD to hear it.

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Ari Hest is currently on tour in support of Sunset Over Hope Street...touring with percussionist Doug Yowell (Suzanne Vega, Duncan Sheik, Sophie B Hawkins, to name a few folks he's played with :) These two guys work great together and, if you're able to take a moment of your eye-time off of Ari to watch what Doug is doing, it's pretty amazing the sounds the two of them generate (I've seen 2 shows of their's and walked away, amazed and more amazed).

East River Pipe - We Live In Rented Rooms

Review: HELL YEH!
Stream the album in its entirety at www.mergerecords.com


F.M Cornog - East River Pipe - doesn’t tour.
He doesn’t play live for an audience.
He works hard to make sure his albums are worth your time…because it’s not just recording the songs…it’s mixing in all the tracks…or removing tracks from what will make up the final track list for the cd.


“Barbara [FM Cornog’s wife] and I whittle it down to our favorite 15 or 20 songs, then we drive around for months listening to various configurations of those songs, until something clicks. Then, when I'm utterly sick of those songs, I know the album is done.” - East River Pipe Facebook Page


Music is personal.
It’s personal for the songwriter and it’s personal for the listener.
The songwriter is putting thoughts together based on what life has tossed at him/her or a pre-determined story line with characters…who most likely are from their real life.


The listener inserts himself/herself into the song or tries to play the $2 Psychiatrist…deciphering what the songwriter has written and chosen as the music backdrop for the song.


Or, the songwriter has hit really close to him…closer than ever thought possible by the listener.


The Flames are Coming Back is a great song and right now, my favorite on East River Pipe’s – We Live In Rented Rooms.
i built a little home here for my girls
beneath the ancient trees
i got a little job tried to change my life
i got down on my knees
but listen
the devil always cons you to play
the devil always likes it that way
the flames are coming back
baby cant you see
the flames are coming back


These lines resonate within me because, as a father, who tries to live life simply, there’s heartache here….trying to bring a good, simple, and normal life for his family…and yet, the past is always there…ready to suck you back in. - At least, that’s my take on it – and my inner narcissist - because, hey, music is personal for each person.


When asked about detailing/providing background on his songs, Cornog says - "Rather than sit on the shrink's couch and explain what these things mean to me, I'd rather let you and other people come to your own conclusions. I truly believe that whatever a person feels is valid, and doesn't need my input. Sometimes I'll think one of my songs is about a certain thing or things, and then Barbara will give her slant on it, and I'll say, "Ya know...You're right." Sometimes the meaning of a thing is a mystery even to it's creator. And sometimes...there is no meaning. Sometimes a thing just "is"...and there's no more to it than that." East River Pipe Facebook Page


Other stand out tracks here are:
Backroom Deals – I’ve come up with a pretty decent music video idea for this one…which proves how great a song is…giving images and video ideas
Cold Ground – great music and sound and then the lyrics bring you back to the stark reality of some lives.
I Don’t Care About Your Blue Wings - for some reason brought me back to the early 80s and my walks down the street to the local pizzeria to play arcade games or when our family would drive into Queens to visit family.
When You Were Doing Cocaine - this song and I’m instantly reminded of Adam Levy’s “I shot her down” or Johnny Cash’s “I shot a man in Reno…just to watch him die.” Not because of the sound or music but because of the bluntness of the entry into the song.
Three Ships - closes this 10 song run with hope in the music…hope in the lyrics…until the final verse….feeling as if I’m left with nothing.
Conman – there’s a great article written about this song here: http://www.nypress.com/blog-8240-getting-personal-with-east-river-pipe.html
In My Personal Song Purgatory (I still don’t have an opinion on it yet): Payback Time


Some Songs I’m not keen on right now (and, I reserve the right to let these songs grow organically within me over time):
Summer Boy – seems to move too slow for me at this time in my life
Tommy Made a Movie – Too synth driven for my tastes


Other Articles on East River Pipe you may enjoy reading: http://www.leisuresuit.net/Webzine/articles/eastriver_pipe.shtml http://www.furious.com/perfect/eastriverpipe.html http://www.nypress.com/blog-8240-getting-personal-with-east-river-pipe.html

OH LIBIA - Interview with Victor and JT of OH LIBIA!

Below is an interview with JT and Victor of OH LIBIA.

IU: Ken Stringfellow wound up producing and mixing your album OH LIBIA!. How did that come about?

• JT: We were contacted by someone at ‘le pop-in’ in Paris and asked to come up for a gig. At the time, we only had a few demos done and…we’re a little crazy you know, so, of course we agreed! And, two months later, we got in a car and went to Paris.
• Victor: We met Ken on February 12, 2009 at ‘le pop-in’ in Paris. He introduced himself and the next day when we met up, he asked us about producing our first record.

* IU NOTE: This drive they talk about here is over 1600 Kilometers and at least 10 hours driving time.

IU: How do you go about writing your music?

• JT: The inspiration for songs comes and goes. I may try to write something for months and nothing comes…and then I suddenly have a great period of writing a lot of great songs (having one of these times right now).
• Victor: I write the music and some lyrics and JT sorts it out and we put it together. I find that these songs I write…don’t have a meaning I know of at the beginning. It’s only when they are flushed out in my collaboration with JT and the song is done that I see the personal meaning to me and my life.

IU: What was it like recording your 1st Album – especially with a pro’s-pro like Ken?

• Victor: Once we and Ken decided to record, it was clear from the very beginning Ken knew exactly what he wanted to do and how to focus us to create how the album should sound.
  So, in June, 2009, Ken came to Alicante to record our songs and stayed with us for five days. Each day was amazing. We spent mornings on the beach and then the other time recording. Ken really helped us to focus on the songs and helped us find our true sound - and that’s what you hear on the album.

IU: There’s a video of you guys playing a gig and I saw only 7 of you but there’s 8 in the band right now. How do you make that work?

• Victor: It’s difficult but we came to an agreement on how we rehearse. We have people from 3 different cities - Castellón, Valencia, Alicante- and we’ve chosen Alicante as the place where we rehearse because 5 members live there. JohnJoe– who plays keys – he lives in Castellón which is 2 hours away! He’s our road warrior!

IU: What are your hopes for OH LIBIA the band and your album OH LIBIA!?

• JT: I don’t have those ambitions or dreams of being the big rock star. I want to be able to make and record songs….something to be remembered by. I like that OH LIBIA is an Indie “underground band.”
• Victor: It’s great playing and continuing to evolve our live sound. And, as my good friend JT has said, there aren’t the ambitions of being the big rock star…it’s for love of the music and working together. I also want to say, it’s really great to hear from strangers we don’t know how much they love our songs.

IU: Introduce the members of your band for us JT….

Oscar (synth) is our noisemaker, so into John Cage and Brian Eno
JohnJoe (piano) is a great musician. A pro! He’s great constructing melodies and arrangements
Elena is from Russia and she plays xylophone, tambourine, theremin…all those uncommon instruments... she is also a graphic artist, in fact she's the one who designed the cover of the album
Tristram plays lead guitar, cool guitar-guy, so into stoner rock
John (bass) is a great bass player, so into stoner and classic rock as well
Paul (drums) is the heartbeat of the band, he's aces` and actually he is the one that calms everybody when victor and I try to kill each other :P – ahahahahaha.

About OH LIBIA:

OH LIBIA is a band from Spain whose first album titled OH LIBIA! was produced by Ken Stringfellow (The Disciplines, The Posies, Big Star, REM, The Minus 5, and many more) and released near the end of 2010.

To stream their album click HERE.

OH LIBIA on Facebook

OH LIBIA Album Cover by Elena

OH LIBIA Debut Review on Independents Uncovered

Of Note:
English is not JT’s and Victor’s first language and while their English is excellent - and the interview was done in English, in fairness to them and agreed upon with doing this interview, I changed some of the words to fit typcial American English-speak while still maintaining the same meaning/inferences with what they said...and reviewed with them before publication of this interview. Also, I'm not guaranteeing my English writing skills are perfect either!

OH LIBIA!

Review: HELL YEH!

OH LIBIA is a band from Spain whose recent album release OH LIBIA! (this link takes you to their bandcamp.com page to stream the whole album) has really found a home in my mind and ears.


The first song on the album is Open Graves (link takes you directly to the song) and within 1 second of this song….I WAS HOOKED!…the album…this band. I love it when an album kicks off with a song that reminds me of how Lethal Weapon 2 began – with Mel Gibson running. That was a great movie and this is a great album.

Words I would use to describe OH LIBIA’s debut:
- Dreamy
- Psychedelic
- Mysterious
- Garage
- Rock

Other stand-out songs for me, right now, are All Lost Out, Half Words, Last Friday Girl and Seventeen.

J.T. Prewitt and Victor Ramirez formed OH LIBIA in 2008 and, after recording about 40 demos, they hit the road and found themselves in a club in Paris where Ken Stringfellow (The Posies, The Disciplines, Big Star, The Minus 5, REM) was hanging out. Ken has been producing for a long time, so, while I’m only guessing (pontificating if you must know), he stayed out of the way of the music and enhanced it with all of his experience recording and by joining in on the songs on various instruments and backing vocals.


All I can ask for from an album is to keep me interested for the whole thing. And this album does that...bouncing between tempos mid-song and from song to song. Song vary in length and never seem too long - and occasionally, too short. But, when a song is "too short" it's because I want more, so, it's easy to click on 'replay' and that solves that dilemma - HA!

I’ve circulated OH LIBIA among a few folks I know and have heard phrases like: “sonically dense” or "really enjoyed it" to describe their sound to “I didn’t really like the vocals.”

Lia Pam – has a few harmonies that remind me of a Queen song – killer queen
Daniel Biscuits – A little Bob Dylan sound to it
Anxiety Sickness – newly presented OOhhs and AAAhhs reminding me of The Moody Blues
Half Words starts off with a "trippy" Merry Go Round sound and then jumps head first into a great rock song.

"Can't Get Enough (like me) of OH LIBIA" you say? Check Out The below Links:
About the band OH LIBIA
Bandcamp Site to Stream the Album - OH LIBIA!

Facebook Group Page

Videos posted on YOUTUBE:
Of Note - Victor and J.T. make these videos and it's interesting how they work with the songs. It's a gift of love for their music and understanding that music really is visual and open to interpretation...even from the band. They hope you enjoy them.

Open Graves

Last Friday Girl

Daniel Biscuit
Lia Pam
GR New Cross

I'll have some interview question and answer with Victor and J.T. in the coming week! WOOT!

The Grip Weeds - Strange Change Machine

We've officially reached the point (if we hadnt already) where we need to stop comparing The Grip Weeds with who they may or may not sound like and how their take on their brand of rock and roll....is THEIR take.

If any of their previous records didnt do it, Strange Change Machine does it.

I'm actually tired of looking for the right words to describe the sound that The Grip Weeds have. When I listen to them, I'm transported back to the 1970s when I was a kid and when I was a college student heavily into music from the 60s and 70s like: The WHO, The BYRDS, The Beatles, The Doors, etc... And those are just a few of the influences of The Grip Weeds and more.

Those are all bands I dig and there's obviously more bands, I just hit on a few of them.

So let's STOP trying to compare The Grip Weeds with these great bands from the past and focus on the present and what The Grip Weeds provide us, the listener.

GREAT
ROCK
AND
ROLL

All you have to do to get 8 free tracks from their latest record - Strange Change Machine - is to sign up for and be on their email list. I know!!!! But, jeeeez, joining a mailing list for a great rock and roll band and you get 8 free songs? COME ON! Suck it up! Go to their website at: http://www.gripweeds.com/

Strange Change Machine Review: HELL YEH!

Check out this video of their song 'Speed of Life"

The Swell Season - Baltimore

Last night I went to see the swell season. WOW.

Now Adam Levy has said, "GO OUT AND LISTEN TO MUSIC" as a way to become a better musician. And, for me, he doesnt need to say THAT twice. :)

Glen Hansard was en fuego. The whole band was actually.

At one point, Hansard mentioned how Ramshead Live looks like a jail and then, within a couple of seconds he was grabbing the chords in his head for Jailhouse Rock and then he's goin nuts on stage singin jailhouse rock for 2 minutes along with band. And, one thing I did notice was that when he launched into this raucously fun time, Pianist, Marketa Irglova sat back, "letting the boys have their fun" and then they picked up where they left off with their set.

Being about Hansard's age, I caught the jailhouse rock and he also added a couple of other gems (references) during the music interludes of their songs with - CALL ME (Blondie) and LOVE REIGN O'ER ME (The WHO) which had everyone laughing. (Is it me or does this foto kinda make you feel like you need the movie 28 days later to come out with a 3rd installment :)

The kinda things that bring down an experience of a live show are "the talkers" - they ramble on during the opening act and he just ran thru his set list. I mean literally. It was sad - he didnt stop between songs unless he needed to change guitars and each song just melted into the other without distinction...just chuggin through like an express train...sure the stops are there...and the people look at the train going thru....and they wonder why isnt it stopping. Is this how opening acts are in large venues (~500-600 folks)

So, the opener plays for about an hour and then we waited for the swell season to come onstage for about 35 minutes....giving the venue time to get people to buy more fluids....and then, when they arrive, they rush onto the stage and go right into a song to get things started.

Being around great live music is important to my soul and the $35 ticket + $10 for fees and other crap (like the ability to print my own ticket on my own printer- SHEEEESH!) was worth the price of admission...especially when you figure that other shows for this band, the tickets are twice as much or more.

The critic in me says that Mar may be a little stiff on stage and quiet personality wise on stage, but the poignant, emotionally driven songs between she and Hansard would seriously lack what drives them without her. And, kudos for having her front and center for a few songs as well as during the encore.

And here's a token full band shot...sorry for the 2 backs, but that was my vantage point for the show.

Enjoy

Jamie Hoover and Steve Stoeckel - 1st IN THE GRAIN PERFORMANCE

In April, 2010, Jamie and Steve met up with Mike and John from Independents Uncovered and recorded this very special and VERY FIRST Podcast of our program "IN THE GRAIN."

Some quick hitting comments about this podcast
- Amazing harmonies
- Incredible how they play together
- Great Songs "Emily's Ghost sets the tone"
- You have to hear the banter between Jamie and Steve

My experience with Jamie and Steve...I can only say that these guys are smart, as enthusiastic about their music as ever, and 2 super-nice people. So awesome were they that Mike and I went to the Chad and Jeremy show and met up with them. Just class acts who put a premium on great music and making sure that the music they put out is great.

If you're serious about music as a listener or a performer, you absolutely need to listen to this.

AND, thanks to Jamie and Steve for making this podcast available for free download. All copyrights to the songs belong to Jamie and Steve.

Link up with Jamie and Steve at their facebook page and thank them for making the podcast available to all of us:

To download the podcast, click here and you'll be redirected to the DIVSHARE Website to download the podcast.

To just play the interview, click here.

Julie Peel - Review of Jammin Java on 11.19.2009

Admitting you're nervous to yourself is one thing.

But admitting it to a sold out crowd of about 200 people you don’t know is just one hint of what endears Julie Peel to us in the audience.

She's honest and sincere.

Supporting her Debut CD - Near The Sun, last night, Julie opened her heart for us all to see and join her…..and with this one statement, she endeared herself to us all….reminding me of the verse from The Byrds song 5th Dimension "I opened my heart to the whole universe and I found, it was loving."

Julie ran through her roughly 40 minute opening set list mixing in her harmonica and tossing in the kazoo in one song. I love the kazoo. You cant help but smile when you see the kazoo and her playing it with one of her songs. I have a 6 year old daughter and she loves the kazoo. And hearing it reminds me of being young and having fun.....and the innocence that goes with that.

The final song in her set - Once More With Feeling - she forgot the words at the very beginning of the song. She smiled, was a little embarassed, yet, beautiful. And, Ben (big shout out to you Ben!!!!) went into the monitor speakers and voiced a few lyrics for her and she was fine again. But let's be fair - I've heard John Mellencamp inform a Radio Studio Audience he didnt remember the words to Pink Houses. So, in my book, the musician ALWAYS gets kudos for remembering all that they do.

You see, Julie had already opened her heart to us and we were there….the fact that she forgot the lyrics didn’t matter….we were there to protect her heart and protect her because she had already brought us in.

She could do no wrong in our eyes.

And, after a quick reminder of the first line….Julie was on her way to closing out her set and forever keep us with her......and she, with us.

If you'd like to order her record, Near The Sun, stop by her website at: http://www.juliepeel.com/.

Julie also is appearing on a special compilation of songs via her label American Laundromat Records http://www.alr-music.com/ that is for "The Valerie Fund" - a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization that provides support for the comprehensive health care of children with cancer and blood disorders. Julie has a personal experience with this with one of her family members.

Julie previously appeared on Independents Uncovered on May 18, 2009.

Go On A Trip Without Taking LSD

Four or five years ago, I went to The State Theatre in Falls Church, Virginia - USA- to see THE SMITHEREENS.

One of the great things about The Smithereens is….you know them all by name. Even "THE THRILLA"! He's a Smithereen having taken the place of Mike Mesaros on a regular basis. And, although located in the back, Dennis Diken is NOT a background member of The Smithereens. His drumming and backing vocals keep him in the foreground….you always know he's there.

At this particular show, Smithereens Front-Man Pat Dinizio broke a string on his Fender Strat and, seemingly unable to replace the string and get it in tune, he walks over to Jimmy Babjak for some help.

At that point, THRILLA and Diken kinda started slowly and then launched into a cover by The Doors - Break On Through - with Diken leading the way with powerful drumming and equally powerful vocals.

Just a bass guitar….Diken's Drumming and Diken's vocals.

"THIS CAT CAN SING!" I thought to myself. And yes - I did use those exact words. I even thought - Why doesn’t this guy do his own record….what's stopping him?

Flash forward to 2007-2009 and The Smithereens are releasing some discs with Diken and Babjak singing lead on some songs - celebrating The Beatles, Christmas and The Who - just so we can sniff a little more of the great voice that Diken has.

Now, here comes September of 2009 and Dennis Diken has released his first effort as the front man in the incarnation: Dennis Diken With Bell Sound with the disc titled "Late Music." This disc is a love's labor for all those involved - started in the early 1990s and finally hatched for us all here in 2009.

The highlights for me on Late Music are:
The Vocals - Hands down, for me, this carries the record. This recording has beautiful vocals - both lead and backing - and haunting harmonies It's obvious the vocals were given great care and offer listeners a sound of innocence like on Fall Into Your Arms and some psychedelia like on Temptation Cake.

The Guitars - I love a great record with great guitar work that doesn’t run all over the vocals…and doesn’t 'shred' just for the sake of 'shredding.' Talk about capturing a sound of the 60s and 70s…..these guys did it and it sounds great. There's no "tinny" or "tin-like" sound about the guitars….they're full, sometimes loud, other times soft.

Percussion - Dennis is Dennis. He knows how to feel a song and express himself through the drums. Do you know other drummers who can feel out a song like Dennis? The good news here is that we also get to experience his vocal perfornance, Front and Center.

Use of Non Traditional Instruments - The Glockenspiel….. I know what you're thinking. THE GLOCKENSPIEL?????? This instrument is only on 2 songs. But, on Track 5, I've Been Away, it takes a really really good song and makes it an INCREDIBLE SONG! Not everyone will understand this line, but a music lover will.

Variety - A song can start up at the chorus and go into verse….A song can have a biting guitar riff or swing over to a horn section or have a Wurlitzer or Hammond Organ or the vocals just jump in to haunt you. Or, you can get a jazz-like number.

The Tracks
My favorite track on the disc - "I've Been Away." This song does something for me because:
- The backing vocals are so damn hauntingly beautiful
- Dennis starts right into the Chorus and I get the visual of him in the US Version of the TV Series "Life On Mars," (Canceled Spring, 2009) walking out of the Police Squad room wearing a light brown leather coat with the long collar cut to a stage where he sees himself playing drums…..both Dennis's give a nod to eachother and Dennis stands in front of the microphone and belts out the rest of his song - of course we'd add in some beautifully haunting backup singers to cut to from time to time while playing with the band
- This song, upon my first 20 times hearing it, I could not do anything else. Time stopped for me and I had to listen to this song. I had to hear every possible nuance I could hear in the song
- The Glockenspiel. YES THE GLOCKESPIEL. It just adds to the haunting mystery that is I've Been Away
- The Guitar solo - not too long….no shredding….backing vocals fading in and out during the solo….Excellent!
- The ending…..continues the mystery and spell cast upon me when the song got started
- This song is a reinvention of a tune written by Pete DiBella - Pete's original song was "Wanna Touch Someone Tonight" and it was reconfigured with a new melody, new bridge and new lyrics to make this masterpiece

Track by Track
The Sun's gonna Shine In The Morning - Reminds me of The Who with the first strike of the guitar…..and then goes into a sound found in I'm not your steppin stone by The Monkees

Standing In That Line - Pete DiBella takes the lead vocals on this tune that stands out on this record. I cant believe this was recorded on a 4-Track CASSETTE! Recorder. It's also cool to note that this song was one of the songs put on a compilation that Brian Wilson (yes the same one you're thinking of right now) would listen to prior to performing live

Long Lonely Ride - Paul Revere and the Raiders would be very proud of their young padawahns Dennis, Pete and Dave

No One's Listening - The beginning reminds me a little of Lovely Rita, Metermaid

I've Been Away - You already read what I had to say about this tune :)

So Hard To Say Goodbye - Instantly caught me with the start of the song and Dennis's change in voice inflection on …Waiting for time to….What a way to make sure that we, the listeners, are still there - like when a teacher calls out "Mister Diken" and there's an instant of I'm paying COMPLETE ATTENTION now

Fall Into Your Arms - If ever there were a song that blatantly goes after a beach boys sound….THIS IS IT. And, IT'S GREAT!

Lost Bird - A quick jazz-like number…..Someone needs to contact the producers of the James Bond Films (Or Austin Powers) and get this song into a scene where the suave Bond is in a Tux and putting the moves on yet another leading lady

Let Your Loved One Sleep - Think Dave Clark 5, The Turtles, and The Lovin Spoonful

The Bad Merry-Go-Round - The title speaks for itself and brings back another song to my mind that included a carousel sound - broken arrow Neil Young/Buffalo Springfield

Don't Let Me Sleep Too Long - Open up the Garage Door and leave nothing behind approach to this song.

Temptation Cake - WHOA - psychedelia and odd and wicked cool, all at the same time and another great song sung by Pete DiBella

Tell All The Fools - A great tune that works great to close out this record….Thanks go to The Honeys for joining in to sing on this song

Influences
Folks - we all have our filters that say, this kinda reminds me of……OR…..this sounds like…..So, here's my list that's easily added to or subtracted from by you….so.....don’t let my list restrict you - go make your own list and post it on your blog.
Brian Wilson
Beach Boys
THE WHO
The Association
Paul Revere and the Raiders
The Stone Roses/The Tubes/The Wedding Present on I've Been Away
Dave Clark 5
The Lovin Spoonful
The Shocking Blue
The Monkees
Oh yeh - I almost forgot….The Beatles

Acknowledgements
What Independent Record is made without acknowledgements. Dennis is quick to mention that although this release is listed as Dennis Diken with Bell Sound, it wouldn’t have been a possibility without the collaborations of Pete DiBella and Dave Amels - not-to-mention everyone else who played and sang on, supported in one way or another the release of this record.

Support Your Independent Musician
Please take a moment and buy Dennis's collaborative release - LATE MUSIC by Dennis Diken with Bell Sound - and support the work of Independent Musicians. Dennis and his music mates don’t get paid for sick days or days they don't work. They get paid to play or if they sell their music to folks like us. Kindly consider supporting this endeavor and we can hope that Dennis, Pete and Dave will work together with their collaborators to get more songs together for a 2nd album. If so, they have a LOT to live up to. And, I'm excited to hear what they come up with. Until then, I'm going to sit back, relax and keep enjoying their efforts on Late Music.

Independents Uncovered

Dennis provided an incredible interview on our show on Monday September 21, 2009. To hear it in its "cut" version, find your way to: www.myspace.com/IndependentsUncovered

It will be posted there on Friday, Oct 2, 2009 until the podcast version is posted on the WGMU website and iTUNES.

Additional Links
For an ordering link to AMAZON and more details, go to (NOTE: Please support Cryptovision and Dennis Diken With Bell Sound by coming to this link first and then clicking on the Amazon link to purchase the record):
http://www.cryptovisionrecords.com/


Check out the reviews for LATE MUSIC:
http://www.cryptovisionrecords.com/reviews.html


For a terrific in-depth interview with Dennis by Gary Pig Gold: http://www.cryptovisionrecords.com/GPGinterview.html


For the original LATE MUSIC press release: http://www.cryptovisionrecords.com/press/DennisDikenLateMusicPR.html


For Dennis Diken With Bell Sound on MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/dennisdikenwithbellsound

For photos from the making of LATE MUSIC:
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=487764167&albumId=770563

Julie Peel and her new album Near The Sun

*Near The Sun officially releases on Sept 22, 2009*

In November/December of 2008 - YES 2008! - I interviewed Julie Peel. And again in May, 2009, when she came on our show.

What I can tell you from a personal standpoint is that she is fun....funny....down-to-earth....and, while I don't know if it's because she's European (born and raised in France), she's direct and will tell you exactly how she's feeling about something. And, she may have a relationship....some might even say "an obsession" with Buffy the Vampire Slayer that borders on....well, I'll let Julie discuss that with you directly if you ask her. :)

So, because I've just put this off too long already, I'll share some pieces of that interview with you over the course of a few blog postings:

IU: So Julie - How did you get started with music?

JP: When I was 13-14, some punk guy was selling his drum kit. I had 2 friends who wanted to start a band. Kurt Cobain had just died and suddenly, everyone wanted to start having a band.

We were rehearsing in my house’s basement. I wasn’t a good drummer. I didn’t want to take drumming lessons - that’s a thing with me, I don’t like to be taught, I wanna learn by myself, that’s probably why I didn’t go to university after graduation.

One day, the guitarist had left his guitar in the basement, and I gave it a go.

It became suddenly clear to me, I thought “with this, I can make music, I can create” - with drums it’s a little bit harder, unless you’re a good drummer, which wasn’t the case.

We split up, and I borrowed a guitar from my best friend. The first songs I learned were “let it be” by the beatles, “the happening” by the pixies and “Needle and the damage done” by Neil Young.

My friend had shown me the chords, but I wasn’t good enough. So I started watching MTV Unplugged all day, trying to figure out the chords. That’s how I learned to play the guitar.

I could basically say that Kurt Cobain and Neil Young were my guitar teachers.

I didn’t know the name of the chords ‘till like, 4 years later. I had to know the names of the chords I was playing 'cause I had been asked to play the guitar in an Irish band signed on mercury records. They sent me tapes and chords sheets. (though I preferred to learn the songs by ear, I knew it would come in handy to know the chord’s names, if someone in the band would say “it’s D,E..” whatever..)

IU: Tell me about your evolution with music and some bands you've been with

JP: After graduation I moved to Ireland, that’s where I bought my second electric guitar, a fender tele.....if you’ve seen the movie “Once” there’s this incredible scene in a music shop where they jam and do a song together, that scene gives me the gooseflesh! Anyway, that shop “Waltons” is where I bought it....Then I joined a band.

IU: How did you meet and join the band?

JP: They’ve got a music paper called "hot press" there, it's the equivalent of the NME for Ireland. I looked at the ads…..I didn't wanted to be in a rock band anymore. I wanted something Interesting, Challenging. And the ad said ‘looking for a guitarist, for electro-rock project.' I don't remember the influences they quoted, but it was definitely electro and the mix of music was really nice…The band was called ‘Petrol.’ The guy who formed the band was kinda famous there, so it was nice. We never actually played a gig - only did studio work and rehearsed.”…though the band never made it. And then I headed back to France.

IU: And then what happened?

JP: I was contacted by a manager for Mercury Records to join another band - The Fixed Stars.....they paid for the flights, the hotels and everything. It was great. I just had to learn songs and play the guitar. It was awesome. We toured throughout Ireland. But, the label wanted me to stop playing guitar - so the singer could play it - and play the piano - which i was not made for. So, that part of my life was short, but one of the best ever. Being paid to play the guitar. That’s the good life!

IU: What happened then?

JP: I moved back to France....Paris....and kept writing songs. You know, in France, Paris is where everything happens. i had made a demo cd, where i played all the instruments, drums, bass guitar, guitar etc.

Moving ahead to Near The Sun

IU: Each musician has their own style of how they write and record their songs. So, what comes first? The music, the lyrics?

JP: “It's always the music first, and then the lyrics. Unfold was really spontaneous. It's a bit like Innocence. They both came naturally, I almost sang the final lyrics on the demos when I was composing them……they both happened in 15 minutes. I can compose really, really fast, like 4 songs in an hour. But then, if the lyrics aren't good enough, the song dies. You wouldn't imagine how many songs I have on my computer!!”

Random Questions:

IU: Need to ask a question about Buffy and how everything goes back to Buffy the Vampire Slayer. And, how Buffy is mentioned at least once per day.

JP: Ahhhh… the way they use the English language is amazing, really inspiring, and besides that, it talks about how it feels to become an adult, the monsters they fight are just a metaphor to tell how it’s like to grow up and struggle through life, with all the responsibilities and the decisions you have to take to make things right.. I re watch episodes constantly..some great bands have performed at the Bronze (the club buffy and her friends hang out at) Aimee Mann, The Breeders..

Joss Whedon continued the show through comic books and it’s amazing!

IU: ASIDE from Right Said Fred - because I know he's number 1 - what other great bands are in France?

JP: Ahhaha! Well, I have to say I never really listened to french bands except old artists like Edith Piaf. But i like Phoenix a lot. And Air and Daft punk are nice too. And French singing bands…..Noir Desir definitely is the only one i like. They write great lyrics and their music is really good as well.

More of the Julie Peel Interview to come.........

Julie appeared on Independents Uncovered on May 18, 2009.

Info on Julie Peel at:
www.myspace.com/juliepeel

American Laundromat Records (Julie's Label):
You Can Still PRE-ORDER Julie's CD through American Laundromat Records at the below URL:
http://www.alr-music.com/

E. Joseph And The Phantom Heart

If you want to get back to your 80s Alternative Roots, 90s (non-grunge) Rock with a current sound, your search is over with E. Joseph And The Phantom Heart.

Their latest release is "All The Medicine In The World..." on The Beechfields label and was released in September, 2008.

I went to see these guys last night in Baltimore and it was a great show and the songs on the record and live are quite similar so, if you're a fundamentalist (ie: psycho) about the live needing to sound exactly like the record, then you're in luck. They sound great.

Rounding out The Phantom Heart are Mia Regalado on Bass and Backing Vox, Nick Porcaro-Drums and Snuttock on keys.

Listening to the songs and the vocals I'm reminded of The Triffids, The Mighty Lemon Drops, Echo and the Bunnymen, Psychedlic Furs, The Church, The Smiths, The Cure - and, these bands all had their 'hey-day' in the 80s/early 90s. HOWEVER, E. Joseph's songs have a timeless Rock/Pop sound that is enjoyable.

I'm sitting here at home going thru the disc and the whole disc you really can let run all the way through without saying - OH NOOOO, not THAT song!

Right now - after giving it 1 listen, standout tracks for me are:

Changing Trains
Drifting
Pulling Me Under
The Red Line

Before "the haters" find their way to me for selecting just these 4 or not selecting others, it's ok - you should go out and buy this record.

EJ's voice and the backing vocals by Mia are a great match and, this girl can play a Wicked Bass Guitar. She's not just playing with this band for show and tell.

So - the promo:

1. Go to www.myspace.com/ejosephmusic and check them out. And see if you want to let their music become a part of your 'inner-circle' of music.

2. Indie bands - LOVE - feedback....good or bad.....it's like when we hurt or bleed....we're reminded that we're alive. Let E Joseph and The Phantom Heart know you've listened.

3. If you like their music, buy a cd or go to iTUNES and get the record.

Band To Watch

BAND TO WATCH

The Strike Nineteens

Able to Rock-Out with songs like You Don't Love Me and Drop Down Dead, slow it down and able to get you to hold your breath with each lyrical line of Minor Things, The Strike Nineteens music will race inside your ears and kick your musical tail before you know what hit you while you start rocking with their brand of powerful rock-pop.

Check out their songs at www.myspace.com/thestrikenineteens.

Dreams So Real - REUNITING

On March 30, 2009, Barry Marler announced the reunion of the band Dreams So Real and their return to the stage will be at ATHFEST on Sunday, June 28, 2009.

While I'm not yet sure of the impetus of what's getting the band together, I WILL FIND OUT! haahahahah.

For now - take a moment or two and do the following:

1. www.myspace.com/realdreamssoreal is the band's official myspace page for the reunion

Become their friend

2. If you're free and want to head to Athens, GA - June 28 is a Sunday and they're going on about 6 PM EST.

3. Look for their music on iTUNES - put up there this past Fall/Winter of 2008 or check out the usual online or used record stores for the physical CDs if CDs are a MUST HAVE for you

Just Like Heaven - A Tribute to The Cure

With a music dream in one hand, and a Tax Refund check for less than $2000 in the other, Joe Spadaro started American Laundromat Records in 2004.

Now, about 4 and a half years later and over 10 releases to their credit, American Laundromat Records continues their run of putting out great records with the disc - Just Like Heaven - A Tribute to The Cure.

The 17 song (includes 1 Bonus Track) record features bands and musicians alike - The Poems, Julie Peel, Tanya Donnelly & Dylan in the Movies, The Wedding Present, and many more (see track listing and band listing below).

In my (that's me, the author here) opinion, "10:15 Saturday Night" by The Poems is one of the standout tracks - Joe shared this opinion when he first heard the song sent to him by The Poems,

"When Robert sent me this I was like you've gotta be kidding
me. This is unvbelievable. He really re-invented it. And
they turned it into this epic song. And it's just gorgeous."

01. Just Like Heaven performed by JOY ZIPPER

02. The Lovecats performed by TANYA DONELLY & DYLAN IN THE MOVIES

03. Lovesong performed by THE BRUNETTES

04. In Between Days performed by KITTY KARLYLE

05. Friday I'm In Love performed by DEAN & BRITTA

06. Jumping Someone Else's Train performed by LUFF

07. Boys Don't Cry performed by THE SUBMARINES

08. Close To Me performed by ELK CITY

09. The Walk performed by THE ROSEBUDS

10. Pictures Of You performed by ELIZABETH HARPER & THE MATINEE

11. Let’s Go To Bed performed by CASSETTES WON’T LISTEN

12. Catch performed by DEVICS

13. A Night Like This performed by JULIE PEEL

14. 10:15 Saturday Night performed by THE POEMS

15. A Strange Day performed by GRAND DUCHY (Violet Clark & Black Francis)

16. High performed by THE WEDDING PRESENT

+ a BONUS TRACK

Songs listed in this color/italics/etc...played on Independents Uncovered on Dec 8, 2008.

To purchase this CD or any others from American Laundromat Records....just find your way here: http://www.alr-music.com/shop.php

Joe also gets help from his wife and kids with putting things together so, know that he runs a good family operation and that the hands that are helping him are family.

:)

----

We had a great show last night with Joe Spadaro as our guest and I thought so much of the interview and his record, I wanted to make sure I put this out there.

I may put some of the interview on here, but I dont know yet. We'll see.

Graphics/Art courtesy of American Laundromat Records.

The Slow Learners and OMEGA Band!

If you didnt' make it to Asylum in DC, you missed a great show by both bands.

I left my home and took mass transit into DC and when I popped out of the Metro, I took my maiden voyage on a DC BUS!

And, the driver was a woman, and young and cute! How the heck does that happen????? I mean....I'm 39.....but.....I didnt know that was possible!

So, in my humble opinion - this show was great!

I want to take a moment to thank Ed from the slow learners who literally introduced me to every person he knew at Asylum to make sure that I was comfortable but also for networking purposes - for friends of his in other bands.

But the bottom line here is that I was cool because I'm friends with Ed and that was great with his friends.

Ok - the show.

The Slow Learners -
Sweet B
Mr. Burroughs
Paul and
ED (also known as Special Ed)

This show was great with people getting up and dancing and moving their heads - The Slow Learners rocked the house. And members of the Omega band i spoke with prior to the slow learners show were so appreciative of Ed and so complimentary.

The Omega Band came on and Ricky just Rocked the house with - well, this is going to come out weird, but the word I want to use is LUSCIOUS and SOULFUL. They have a great sound, the vocals were great - and, it doesnt hurt that the 2 woman at the front of the band are beautiful.

Last night's show was free to all who came and The Slow Learners as well as The Omega Band were selling CDs for $5 each.

That's not much considering when Independent Musicians need to pay for studio time, equipment and, OH YEH! If someone gets sick, its not like they always have a day job giving them medical benefits. If a doctor costs 100$ to go see and they dont have insurance, there's no copay folks! And, if they need medication, once again, no copay - they pay full price.

Check out the slow learners at:
www.theslowlearners.com
www.myspace.com/theslowlearners

and the Omega band at
www.omegaband.net
www.myspace.com/omegaband

Recordings dont do justice to how the crowd reacts with the slow learners on stage or the omega band.

Take some time and listen to their music and go seem them live.

It's a great time.

PS - I want to thank those folks that gave me music last night - Dar, the omega band, and Mike Ivie - yes - THE MIKE IVEY of BASEHEAD.

* Quick Story *
Ed from the slow learners is a part of the mini community that Mike Ivey created that has spawned Citizen Cope and The Slow Learners as well as up and comers Mr. Burroughs and Yellow. But, the big thing is building the community and as your band grows or your following grows within the band, you also do your own thing until you spin off/out of the band. At the end of the day, it's like being born - again. But at the end of the day, they all know where they came from and Ed is repeatedly speaking so highly of Mike and this community he's built that I had to mention it here.

Don Caballero and Ponytail

I went to IOTA's last night with Mike - our very own Mike who brings us Donohue's Music Den every week.

So, we arrive as the opening act - Ponytail - was playing and Molly Siegel was belting out sounds that made me think of Bjork. Basically - the spoken word doesnt matter - its the music and the sound of the voice that count. - Think Psychic TV.....or, at least, that's what I did. The vocals are an additional instrument here.

So, while I don't typically listen to this type of music, I was open to it and, in the end, I thought that Ponytail's show was better than Don Caballero.

Don Caballero performed for about 50 minutes. And.....when they all walked off the stage.....I didnt know they were done. People stood around for awhile inside IOTAs - and there were probably about 50 people maybe more there......and I couldnt believe that there wasnt anymore. My gut tells me that a headliner plays for more than 50 minutes, but hey - I dont know what the deal was there.

Don Caballero's performance, for me, can be characterized as - mostly music....some vocals.....AND NO ONE WAS IN SYNCH with eachother.....

Mike and I just kinda kept looking at eachother like.....something was off....and, it was all of them.

Mike said to me.....I know what they're trying to do.....which would be good......but......they're not in synch.

So.....Don Caballero.....I dont know what you typically sound like so I have to be fair to you.....but, if you walked out of IOTAs thinking that you werent at your best and this was your first show and you're still working some stuff out....that's cool and good luck the rest of the way.....but.....I think some more rehearsal time is needed on your music.

If you want to read the article in the washington post about this tour, check in with this link for the washington post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/14/AR2008081400907.html

And, Don Caballero is touring with only 1 day off from August 19 - Sept 6. Good luck.

The Fusiliers Rock!

(left to right and from back to front)
Oen - Bass/Backing Vocals
Savage - Drums/Percussion
Jonny - Lead Guitars
Tom - Lead Guitars
Gary - Sharp Dressed Vox Man


I had on 3 members of one of Scotland's hot Indie Bands - The Fusiliers.

Jonny - lead guitar - from The Fusiliers reached out to me a while back - maybe a month or 2 ago - and we emailed a bit and I remembered telling him that I was real busy but would listen to his band's music.

And, then I said to myself - ok - I've got time for one now and then another one and then another one and so on.
All I can say is Wow!

Raw Energy
Pure Energy
Exciting.
Fun.

One thing that stands out for me is actually the story behind the song - Holding On. Gary explained that the song came about because a former song writing partner wasn’t as into the music writing as he was. And folks - before we start a controversy here - there is no controversy. It was matter of fact the way Gary said it and, we need to realize as people that " WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT " and accept that for what it is.

On the phone we had Oen, Jonny and Garry. But, of course, like friends and some bands out there, they have their 'alternate names.'

Gaz - Vox Major
Jon - Lead Guitars
Tom - Lead Guitars
O-Dog - Lead Bass/Vox Minor
Savage - Lead Drums

And, it was great.
Conversational.
Fun.
Interesting.

How they recorded the EP is really interesting and was done using Reel To Reel Tape and not electronically so, when there was a mistake, they started over. And, I believe that one of the reasons that their sound is tight is because of this.

Studio time costs money.

Indie bands pay for everything out of pocket before getting a record deal. And even then who knows how much really comes out of the band's share.

And, you don’t want to screw around when these factors are involved.

How do you know a band or musicians are committed to the music? You know when they make a statement like: "if you do a gig and only 6 people show up, you have to make sure you play just as hard for them as you would for the times you have a crowd of about 3000."

Making music is an art form and carving out your own niche with your own sound is hard to do. And, The Fusiliers do it very well with a strong drum backbone and great vocal powers that allow Jonny, Tom and Oen to "walk on up the red carpet" - if you will - and round out the sound with strong guitar work giving The Fusiliers an intense sound that makes you take notice and want more.

I'm looking forward to having The Fusiliers on again and sharing their sound with more people.
------------------
The Fusiliers have an intersting story and I suggest you check them out at:
http://www.myspace.com/wearethefusiliers

Check out their music on their media player, but also, tucked away a little bit lower, you'll find a little yellow jukebox of some acoustic music of their's. Click on 'play' and take a moment to hear them stripped down. Great bands, when stripped of the electric options, sound just as good if not better. Like a woman who wears makeup and then doesn’t wear makeup. (And note, I'm not saying The Fusiliers wear makeup or are women. They're guys.) If she's attractive without the makeup - then, there you go. It's all about perspectives.

To purchase the music of The Fusiliers, go to http://www.mp3.com, http://www.napster.com, and, of course, iTUNES !

PROST!!!!
I say to THE FUSILIERS.
PROST!!!!

Shane Cooley - Live!

Oh - to be 20 years old again.





When I turned 20, it was between my sophmore and junior year of college.





Having a dream and following your heart......yeh - I like that.





Shane Cooley is out there touring this summer in various places like Florida, Virginia, New Jersey, and, hopefully - Toronto Canada and supporting his latest release - Whirlpool.





It's funny saying that his sound matures - but how can it not as he goes from album to album and grows musically and also in his life.

New experiences.
Loves found.
Loves lost.
Love's moments forever etched in his mind.





I won't bore you with some long winded explanation of his songs or his sound, but I will tell you that Shane had a crowd around him around the stage at Celebrate Fairfax - all people he did not know - so I hope this is a sign of good things to come for him.





And, I met his family. How great is that. Family - supporting their son/nephew/etc... How awesome.





This photo is of Shane belting out my favorite song of his - My Asbury Park. And, whether he's playing this song with his band or acoustic - it's fantastic to hear him sing and play.

Go check out Shane's music at:
www.myspace.com/shanecooley
and
http://www.shanecooleymusic.com/

Trop Rock Has Some New Goombas In Town!

The King of Rock and Roll?
Elvis Presley.

The Sultan Of Swing?
Mark Knopfler

The Queen of Rock And Roll?
Pat Benatar

The GodFathers of Trop Rock?
THE YOUNG REBEL GOOMBAS!

The first thing you need to do is get this album.
iTUNES, Download, Buy theCD, Whatever....just go and buy the CD.

The next thing you need to do is get yourself in a convertible on a nice dayand pop that CD or MP3 into your disc player in the car and DRIVE - but, in this green world we need to live in today, make sure that you have a placeto go and you have a carpool going - you know what I'm sayin?

Now.....Trop Rock is semi - new phrase that was arguably started by one of the leadsingers for THE YOUNG REBEL GOOMBAS - Goomba Richie Saccente.

Let's go through who the Goombas are:

Goomba Richie
Goomba Kevin
Goomba Cosmo
Goomba Uncle Bee
Goomba Randy

Sharing vocal duties - hu hu....i said duties....-ommmm ok - sorry, guy-joke...

Sharing Vocal Leads are Goomba Richie and Goomba Cosmo.

And, of course the rest of the guys are on backups as needed.

Some of the songs on the record:
Daydream Smile - with it's sounds of the beach are great.
Summer Whine - A nice, occasionally wailing sax sound provided by RichieCannata - for those of you playing at home, Richie Cannata has played with fellow Long Islander - Billy Joel and Elton John and another band known only as - The Beach Boys.
Ignition Remix - This is a cover of R Kelly's song, but make no mistake....this isn't a sound for sound/word for word adaptation. OHCONTRARE MONFRARE!
This song absolutely knocks you out the house.
It starts off with the guys jokin' around "Are you ready...." and I instantly thought of the song Daydream Believer and the in studio banterbetween the guys and here we are....Ignition Remix and you think you're in a1970s Cadillac Convertible in mint condition with a ZZ TOP Signature Key-chain dangling from the starter of the car.

The bouncing front end is optional. :)

Goomba Richie said it best when he told me, "It just had to get on the album. I would just pick up my guitar and here I had this version of it andit needed to be on the disc."

Sing-A-Long - you have got to grab Goomba Richie and ask him how he recorded the vocals for this song because he just HOME-RUNNED IT! If I were to do a video for this song I'd have a string of Cadi Convertibles at the beach and the Young Rebel Goombas playing in one and everyone surrounding them in bikinis dancing to their music. Of course we'd have a few token guys, but, let's face it....bikini's have been known to sell music.

It's awesome having guys just bust on each other.....and, that's what Goombas do.

And, what family's do you know that dont exchange some "high volume" discussions from time to time too?

Goomba does mean family to these guys and I've spoken with Goomba Richie a few times and Goomba Jake and had the Goombas on our show a few times to boot.

Number 1 - These guys are great guys.
Number 2 - These guys know how to play music
Number 3 - They've started a new music genre called Trop Rock and no one can deny them their place in Rock History - especially when they're the first ones to bring us Trop Rock - AND COIN THE PHRASE.

Pick up their music. Get to one of their shows this summer. Or, better yet....like....NOW!

Each song is great and, the last time I could say that about a record (aside from Boston's first album) was the album 'Laughter' by The Mighty Lemon Drops(circa 1989).

And.....not since the band THE OUTFIELD in 1985 have we heard an entire album that just bursts at the seems giving us the sounds of summer.

If you want to experience the sounds of summer 365 days per year.....Pick up the Young Rebel Goombas CD.

You'll be glad you did.

******

AND - GOOD NEWS!

The Young Rebel Goombas are doing a weekly spot on our show called "Ask The Goombas" so be sure you tune in by 10 PM EST (Virginia USA Time) so you can hear their music and hear them answer your questions.

:)