Jack Lee passed away last week at 71 years old. The band the Nerves, which included Lee as one of three singer-songwriters, was known to almost every rock and roll enthusiast in Los Angeles at the time, even though relatively few ever saw them perform during their brief tenure together. The trio, which was made up of Lee on guitar, Peter Case on bass, and Paul Collins on drums, began in San Francisco in 1974 before relocating to Los Angeles at the start of 1977. They were without a doubt an early part of the power-pop revival. After the Nerves split up, the latter two became more well-known, with Case going on to found the Plimsouls and Collins leading the group that went by the names of the Beat and Paul Collins’ Beat.
Blondie recorded an extremely faithful cover of the Nerves’ “Hanging on the Telephone” in 1978 that remains one of the group’s most instantly identifiable signature songs to this day. Paul Collins wrote on his Facebook page “We went to hell and back together, he shared all his incredible wealth of knowledge about music with me. I was more than proud to be by his side, through thick and thin…for me there will never be a guy quite like Jack Lee.”
You wouldn’t know it was summer in NYC with that Canadian smoke cloud hovering, but the music certainly says so. The Diners are a new band, the combo of Blue Broderick and fellow songwriter Mo Troper. Paste Magazine compared the new single “The Power” to Big Star and the Raspberries, so I’m all ears here. It’s been a few years since I’ve heard Melbourne-based power pop boy wonder Wesley Fuller, and he sounds even better than before, going “Back to Square One.” Brad Marino reads off his record collection, and I could listen all day. The Gypsy Moths sing about a classic Coney Island Amusement park, with cool sax blasting away. If you want more noise distortion with your rock, give Pretty a listen. It settles down into a Cramps meets Soundgarden vibe which is kinda nice. Finally, Ex-Norwegian talks about a “Real Bad Bunny,” but he’s not talking about this guy, right? I like the B-side “Send Nudes” even better!
The list of active veteran rock musicians still writing and performing is dwindling. That’s why we celebrate when they not only perform but continue to create new songs. Sadly this list is narrowed further when you include artists who still sound as good as they did in their prime. Mike Peters of The Alarm has not only survived the test of time but he’s boldly defied leukemia and cancer — and he’s become a legend, earning 16 Top 50 UK singles over the years. The new album Forwards was written while in the hospital during chemotherapy treatments, and vividly describes the persistence and will to continue.
Opening with the anthemic title track, “Forwards” shares a lot stylistically with former tourmates U2, full of ringing guitar rhythm as he sings “I’m living for today,” and the heartfelt ballad “Love and Forgiveness” is a shout-out to those who’ve fallen on hard times. The next big anthem “Next” is another defiant melody as he shouts “I feel alright when I’m with you” to his audience. Other standouts include “Whatever” and “New Standards.” It’s not all great, as “10 X” is a 6-minute plus preachy session, and other tracks don’t really distinguish themselves and seem to blend together. However this will appeal to fans, and for those who haven’t heard Mike since the days of “68 Guns,” I ask “Where have you been?” Check it out.
Long Island-bred brothers Brian and Michael D’Addario have been raised on classic rock and pop, so it’s in their DNA. As the title suggests they take a much softer approach, and the opener “When Winter Comes Around” recalls prime John Denver or David Gates. Next, the duo confronts the difficult reality of who they are in contrast to how others see them in the song “In My Head,” with sweet harmonizing and a melodic structure similar to Todd Rundgren.
“Corner Of My Eye” is a delicate ballad vocally bringing to mind Art Garfunkel, and the guitars come out for the rare Big Star-like power pop of “What You Were Doing.” While the influences are clear, the boys make unique songs that are clearly Lemon Twigs classics. It is as light and carefree as music can be, yet it is also intricate and full of depth. There are enough stylistic differences to keep things unpredictable and the performances lift the music to a shimmering height when the brothers harmonize. Without a doubt, this is Highly Recommended.
“White Heat” is the debut single from It Man, Produced and mixed by Dan Swift (Ash, Snow Patrol, Aqualung) and recorded by Gordon Raphael (The Strokes). It’s got a rhythm and verses that ooze coolness. A tidal wave of new releases is coming, but before that happens some well-deserved singles and EPs need attention. Kurt Baker continues to impress with his new “Anchors Up” and “Sweet Alice,” joined by Wyatt Funderburk, Geoff Palmer, and Kris Rodgers, it sounds like a potential top-ten LP. Jamie Lenman has been more melodic recently, and he’s got a new EP out, and “Crazy Horse” is worth a few listens. Caleb Nichols is also back with an experimental and dream-like EP, check out “Chan Says.” The Supernaturals are from Glasgow and “Roy Wouldn’t” is a cheeky single that caught my ear. Plus a welcome return for Sparkle*Jets U.K., those Southern California guitar poppers are now signed to Big Stir Records with the first new album over 20 years, coming out at the end of June. Here is a taste of the goodies to come. It’s gonna be a hot summer!
