I have a short chat with Bob Burger of The Weeklings and then Glen Burtnik joins in halfway through. We discuss some obvious truths, and how the band formed, plus a little about the new live album “In Their Own Write.” Please forgive some of the technical difficulties, and see if you can find all the “easter eggs” about The Beatles in all their music.
A great bunch of freebies for Easter Sunday. GTG Records sampler with a ton of deep covers from Michigan bands performing select songs by artists they love. The beauty of this is I have not heard of any of these artists before, but they sound great. And the tracks are new discoveries for the most part. Kai Danzberg is also back with a new bossa nova beat on “Only You,” and how I wish I was somewhere tropical. Plus a sweet cover single of Manfred Mann from Cult Stars From Mars, and Rich McCulley delivers a country-pop ballad that hooks you immediately. The Weeklings are also back with a timely “April’s Fool” and Brett Newski gets BNL singer Steven Page to contribute to a snappy gem. Swedish duo Vola Tila’s “I Need My Girl” is a brooding and atmospheric single that makes its mark. I will keep my eye out for these guys. Finally, Reaction‘s single “Keep Movin’ (Don’t Stop)” has a very early 1980s vibe, and similar to the B-52s “Love Shack.”
John Lennon’s 80th Birthday would have been on October 9th, 2020. To celebrate, a number of artists have released tributes in his honor.
Each band is given a pair of tunes, and this first-class tribute starts with the premiere Beatlesque band The Weeklings. They add a Bo Diddley styled rhythm to this unique arrangement of The Beatles “The Word” and flesh out the bare-bones Lennon demo “What’s The New Mary Jane?” NYC-based The Midnight Callers deliver some sweet harmonies on the acoustic “Child of Nature” and bluesy lead guitar on “Jealous Guy.”
The Grip Weeds are faithful to the spirit of “You Can’t Do That” and “Strawberry Fields Forever” and the depth of sound and crisp production are impressive. The Anderson Council’s Peter Horvath channels Lennon well on “I Found Out” with its swirling psychedelic reverb. Johnathan Pushkar and The Gold Needles also deliver the goods. Richard Barone’s speeds up the tempo in the lone mashup of “Revolution” and “Power To The People.” It all works and is Highly Recommended.
Timmy Sean puts a modern spin on several classics with his new EP – It’s a FREE download. Enjoy!
Reno Bo has done Beatles tributes before, but this one is new! It’s a FREE download. Enjoy!
This latest ‘greatest hits’ collection is likely the best sounding mix you’ve ever heard and really does do justice to John’s compositions. Remixed by Paul Hicks (who did Imagine – The Ultimate Collection), all 36 tracks were selected by Yoko and son Sean to tell John’s post-Beatles story and illustrate his many moods. All gift-wrapped in numerous deluxe packages (the big one has a commemorative book, stickers, postcards, and extensive liner notes.)
Lennon’s searing indictment of self-serving politicians and “narrow-minded hypocritics” is even more relevant today than it was over forty years ago. The selection of songs includes his most popular work giving them new life for generations to come. Highly Recommended.
Those veteran mop tops from Asbury Park, The Weeklings are back with their third effort. The Weeklings are; singer-bassist Lefty Weekling (Glen Burtnik,) singer-guitarists Zeek Weekling (Bob Burger) and Rocky Weekling (John Merjave,) and drummer Smokestack Weekling (Joe Bellia). While the band is likely the most Beatlesque outfit on the east coast, The Weeklings rock with their own unique sound and style.
“I Want You Again” is a great start with Lefty’s hook-filled chorus and tight harmonies, and it’s three minutes of perfection. “In the Moment” is another great song as it shimmers with multiple melody lines. The Rockpile-like “1,000 Miles Away” has rockabilly energy and the three-part harmonies on “Change Your Mind” are pure magic. The originals are so good and the covers too; they breathe new life into the Easybeats’ classic “Friday on My Mind” featuring Herman’s Hermit’s lead singer Peter Noone. The spirit of The Beatles lives in these exceptional musicians and without a note of filler, this becomes my first nominee for best album of 2020. Super Highly Recommended!
Based in Milford, CT musician Danny Henry started recording this album with help from Adam Marsland, then the following year he met producer Fernando Perdomo and finished the album. Danny favors balladry, and his many influences include, Motown, Elton John, The Beach Boys, and the late Neil Innes.
It starts with a faux dance musical number “The Swoop” which takes a while to get past the jokey parts to the fifties-style chorus and guitar solo. Unfortunately “Crossfading” double tracks Danny’s falsetto, and it will turn off some as he tries to do a 10cc-like parody but doesn’t quite pull it off.
Henry then sings about innocent romance, like “Dearest Thing” or “David Cassidy Day” without a hint of sarcasm, and it borders on schmaltz. Some songs are wonderfully written like “Darling Eyes” and “Maybe We’re In Love” with hints of glam in the guitar, but Henry’s vocal takes getting used to. Ballads like “Cereal Man” and “Hollywood Boulevard” have lovely instrumental setups, and Danny’s vocal style works best here. If you’re looking for something different, give it listen.
The holiday season is upon us, and the holiday singles are already here! The Popravinas of sunny California are looking for presents, while Joe Algeri, aka The JAC has reliably delivered a stocking stuffer every year. Peggy Sue is a vocalist from UK that I just found and liked – new LP is expected in February. All these singles are FREE downloads. And at the last minute, The Lunar Laugh share a festive moment recorded live at VZDs in Oklahoma City, OK.
More singles will be posted as we get closer to Chanukah and Christmas