22 August 2012 - Jermaine Stewart - We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off

Jermaine Stewart had several minor hits, and one major one that defined him.  This hit was an ode to abstinence in the 80's.  Sadly, he is no longer with us - he died in 1997 of AIDS-related liver cancer, a death some could find ironic given the theme of his biggest hit (I don't find it ironic - just sad).  His music still is, though - this song, in its sexual resistance, is fun and happy and full of energy.

Plus, I think it probably did wonders for the sales of cherry wine.

21 August 2012 - Nina Gordon - Tonight and the Rest of My Life

I wasn't that into Veruca Salt back in the day which is a shame because they really were a pretty cool band. For some strange reason though I really dug Nina Gordon's solo debut. To this day I really don't know how that happened because I wasn't really listening to too much radio friendly adult alternative music at the time. Go figure. Anyway, here's the video for the first single and title track off her debut.

20 August 2012 - Tracy Bonham - Sharks Can't Sleep

Let's be honest.  In the late 90's, there were a lot of female singer-songwriters.  Lots of them only had one hit.

This wasn't Tracy Bonham's hit.  That song was the darkly creative and sparse "Mother Mother".  This was the third single from the same album - equally sparse, more darkly creative, and showing a boatload of promise.  The song failed to chart in the United States, and so, for most artists, that would be the end of the story, and they'd move on to teaching music at a local community college...



It's not the way it went for Tracy.  She teaches young rock bands in Brooklyn - check out her web site at http://gowanusmusicclub.com/ - and continues to tour (albeit not extensively) and record.   Promise fulfilled.

17 August 2012 - Alabama - Song of the South

I was never a big fan of Alabama.  However, this song just resonated with me.  The song starts off sad and heavy, and gets more upbeat and hopeful as it chugs along.  And isn't that what country music is all about?

 

16 August 2012 - Megadeth - Peace Sells

I just had to bring back Hair Metal Thursdays if only for this week. Sure Megadeth isn't hair metal, but does that really matter?

So Dave Mustaine, Megadeth's singer, leader, guitarist and chronic rehabber (read his autobiography) has certainly been making headlines lately. And while I refuse to talk politics (his, mine or anyone else's), I do enjoy celebrating crazy talk. So Dave, I salute you for not only bringing the rock, but for also bringing the crazy.

14 August 2012 - Ellie Goulding - Lights

Today was looking like one of those desperate days where I had no clue as to what video to post. But then this pop gem lit my ears up while on my morning bike ride (couldn't come at a better time too as I was on mile 16...which is the last uphill climb on my daily ride).

Frankly, I was kind of surprised that neither Tony nor I have posted this video yet. Seems to be right up both of our pop wheelhouses, but my "records" show that we have both neglected this fine English pop singer...until today.

From what I've recently read Ellie will release her second album in October -- in the UK -- which means it'll be released in the States in about two years (I exaggerate, but it always seems to take forever). For now, check out this video from her debut record.

13 August 2012 - Duran Duran - Rio

The 2012 Olympic Games ended yesterday in London.  The 2016 Olympic Games are going to be in Rio de Janeiro.  Because of this, this was the song and British band that everyone wanted to hear and thought for sure would hear.  Expect it's about a woman who dances on the sand, and not about the city.  So, go figure.

Duran Duran WERE part of the Opening Ceremonies, in an official concert at the same time as what you saw on TV.  Guess what they played there?  They are a great band for playing their hits, because they feel like they owe it to their fans.