Van Duren “Waiting: The Van Duren Story” Original Soundtrack and more!

Van Duren

Van Duren “Waiting: The Van Duren Story”

Van Duren was part of the 70’s Memphis Power Pop scene, playing with the likes of Chris Bell and Jody Stephens and at one point auditioning as the 2nd guitar player for Big Star just before the band’s demise. While a seminal musician, Van remained an obscure figure, mainly because his 1977 debut Are You Serious? was only reissued in limited quantities and the 1979 follow-up Idiot Optimism was released 20 years too late. But Van has continued making music on small indie labels with a variety of collaborators.

Van’s public renaissance was rekindled by two Australian fans, Wade Jackson and Greg Carey, whose latter-day discovery of Are You Serious? turned into a two-year documentary project about the dogged persistence of his career. The soundtrack stands as a fitting introduction to the artist with some of his best work. The starting track “Grow Yourself Up” has the strong piano melody similar to the style of Todd Rundgren. “Chemical Fire” is another gem with its funky bass and deep chugging guitar that recalled Alex Chilton. The title ballad, “Waiting” and “Positive (Wedding Song)” are soulful themes that ooze emotion. There are live tracks that showcase Van’s intensity on stage and some brilliant tracks from his tenure at 80’s band The Good Question. Overall a solid compilation for an artist long overlooked. Highly Recommended.

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Power Popaholic On The Air

Thanks to Dave “The Boogieman,” as he hosts a 4-hour show with music and interviews every 2 weeks on Radio NY International. I am given the opportunity to post my favorite music during special show segments:

February’s Featured New Artists
My Favorite Artist feature: Electric Light Orchestra

Lannie Flowers “Christmas Without You”

 

It’s about that time of year where I start to compile my “Best of 2013” list and in the next few days showcase some great Christmas music from a few of my favorite artists this year. It goes without saying that Lannie Flowers is an outstanding musician and I’ve seen him very recently, so he gets my first nod to the holiday videos.

Note: In addition to doing the top 25 power pop albums of the year, I will be hosting a full 30 minute radio show on Sunday December 29 @ 7:30pm on 11L New York Radio International courtesy of John Lightning and Dave “The Boogieman.” Mark your Calendars!

A special night for The Boogieman!

If you haven’t checked out Dave “The Boogieman” power pop radio show on the internet, this is a great one to listen to. Starting at 7:30pm at 11L NY Radio International, a chat with pop legend Dwight Twilley and cuts off of The Green Blimp. At the 9:00 hour the talented Marck Bacino will join in the conversation and Dave will play cuts off Queens English. At 10:00pm I will do a review of the latest bunch of ELO influenced bands, with plenty of catchy tracks.

To hear the broadcast, just click on http://johnlightning.com:8000/listen.pls at showtime.