Cheap Trick’s "Surrender" the Mariachi version


Legendary rockers Cheap Trick have mashed up their hit single, “Surrender,” mariachi style in honor of Cinco de Mayo and the Hornitos™ Tequila Mariachi Mash Up competition. I love the 1978 version, and the Mariachi band’s horns fit in perfectly here. Sing along with them “Mom esta bien, pop esta bien….”

Moldy Oldies: The Stories "Love is In Motion"

When it comes to obscure power pop seldom heard, this qualifies in spades. For those of you who get Bob Lefsetz email, his latest post was a peek into his power pop nostalgia – The Move, ELO, The Kinks, The Left Banke and Stories. This track is a hidden gem from Stories album ‘About Us’ circa 1973. This was Michael Brown at his melodic peak, and it never really found an audience then as the musical zeitgeist concentrated on the album’s cover of “Brother Louie.”

Nothing Can Hurt Me: The Big Star Story

Today is exactly one year since the passing of music icon Alex Chilton. In the works is a full feature-length documentary about the massive critical acclaim, dismal commercial failure, and enduring legacy of pop music’s greatest cult phenomeon, Big Star.  Produced and directed by Drew Denicola and Danielle McCarthy. More info on the movie here.

Last year when I interviewed Ken Stringfellow, we both had no idea it would be Big Star’s final show.

Moldy Oldies: The Plimsouls "Million Miles Away"


The single is considered by some the apex of the 1980’s power pop sound. Back when Nicolas Cage was a lanky teenager in the film Valley Girl, this was the biggest hit of that original soundtrack. It was rock and roll that combined punk energy with pop melody, and for me became part of an era long gone, but not forgotten.

A look back at Dwight Twilley


When one talks about perennial underrated musicians that have produced stellar material for years, Twilley has to be part of the conversation. In fact, he continues to produce great material, his latest Green Blimp is now available from his site. He’s offering up the track “I’m On A Dream” FREE on his site for a limited time, just click the”Get It Now” button. Consider this video a quick appetizer – the main course comes on Monday.