Jaimie Vernon "Nightmare @ 20,000 Watts"

Jaimie Vernon is not only president of Bulleye Records, he’s also been part of several bands in his native Canada. His third solo album is a concept album/homage to hit radio programs from the past. Rather than a single stand-alone CD of material, he has compiled 70 cuts as MP3s included on a multi-media disc that includes a ‘faux’ radio show from the fictitious CRCK-FM featuring Bob Segarini as DJ Brian “The Iceguy” Campbell. Follow the exploits of the last playlist from the last station on the last day of Top 40 radio. Much like Roger Water’s “Radio K.A.O.S” or Queen’s “The Works” album in “the end of modern radio” theme, except you get a whole lot more. I concentrated on the 23 songs of the “CRCK Top 20” where you get a complex story outline in the song  “Radio Killed The Radio Star” which is influenced by The Cars, Beatles, and even Billy Idol. Some highlights include the very ELO inspired “(Letter To A) Dear Chum” and the reggae beat of  “Clique Me Down” with horns and catchy chorus similar to Jimmy Buffett’s hits. “Airwaves” is the closest tune to Roger Waters style. With Segarini aboard, you also get a little bit of Chilliwack and other Canadian hits in the song “Life’s A Canadian Rock.” Included is a cover of the Hudson Brothers “So You Are A Star” and the bouncy “(Coney Island Turning) Upside Down.” Lots of other references to Canadian rock bands like Klaatu as well, however more attention is placed on the concept/storyline than the music itself, which doesn’t always live up to expectations. On the other hand, there is a TON of material here, so you are most definitely getting a “box set” worth of stuff for a single album’s price.

Bullseye Canada | My Space

Listen to “(Letter To A) Dear Chum”