Monday, July 31, 2017

"Can't Stand The Pain" by Georgia Satellites

The debut album by the Georgia Satellites took the world by storm in 1986, bolstered by the monster #2 hit "Keep Your Hands To Yourself." This novelty sing-a-long tune showcased the band's fun side, but wasn't truly representative of their Southern rock ways. The second single, the rousing "Battleship Chains," was more representative, but it stalled at #86. 

The Georgia Satellites would see the charts one more time in 1988 thanks to inclusion of their track "Hippy Hippy Shake" on the soundtrack to the Tom Cruise movie Cocktail. It got to #45.

Main songwriter and vocalist Dan Baird went solo after the group split in 1991 and had another hit with "I Love You Period." Terry Anderson was co-writer for that one and "Battleship Chains."

Guitarist and vocalist Rick Richards wrote "Can't Stand The Pain," which also appeared on the band's debut. This feisty rocker should have burnt up the charts. Richards moved on to join Izzy Stradlin & the Ju Ju Hounds.  

Friday, July 28, 2017

"Who's That Knocking" by The Genies

The Genies was a short-lived R&B group from Brooklyn led by Roy Hammond that had a single chart appearance in 1959 with this catchy little gem called "Who's That Knocking." The song managed to reach #71 before being lost to obscurity. It should have been played at hops all across the land!

Claude Johnson was also a member of The Genies before teaming with Roland "Don" Trone as Don & Juan.

Thursday, July 27, 2017

"Anything She Does" by Genesis

Genesis is another one of those bands that changed dramatically over the course of several decades. Formed in the late 60s, Genesis remained a prog rock band lead by Peter Gabriel until he left in 1975. At that point, drummer Phil Collins stepped up to the mic and helped put the band on the charts for the first time with "Your Own Special Way," which went to #62 in 1977.

The follow-up singles established the Collins-led version of Genesis as a radio-friendly act that occasionally dipped back into its prog roots. "Follow You Follow Me" reached #23 in 1978 and "Misunderstanding" hit #14 in 1980, which would prove to be a decade owned by Phil Collins and Genesis. Genesis ranks as the 38th most successful act of the 80s and #159 of all-time.

The band roared back to radio in 1983 with "That's All!" hitting #6. Hot off the heels of a hugely successful solo album by Phil Collins, Genesis scored their first (and only) #1 hit with "Invisible Touch" in 1986. The record of the same name was a monster success and mined for nearly every track. One that got lost in the mix of the many hits such as "Throwing It All Away" (#4), "Land Of Confusion" (#4), "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight" (#3), and "In Too Deep" (#3) was "Anything She Does."

Genesis would return in 1991 as a full-fledged adult contemporary act to rack up a bounty of hits like "No Son Of Mine" (#12), "I Can't Dance" (#7), "Hold On My Heart" (#12), "Jesus He Knows Me" (#23), and "Never A Time" (#21). After an amazing run, they haven't recorded with Collins again and haven't seen the charts since.

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

"Wait" by J. Geils Band

The J. Geils Band is synonymous with their #1 smash from 1981, "Centerfold," not realizing that the band had been making music for a decade already as a blues and jam outfit. Driven by Jerome Geils (guitar), Peter Wolf (vocals), and Magic Dick Salwitz (harmonica), the band first entered the charts in 1971 when "Looking For A Love" went to #39.

After changing to a more radio-friendly sound and achieving mainstream success in the early 80s, Peter Wolf left to pursue a solo career. J. Geils passed away earlier this year.

"Wait" is a terrific cut from their debut 1970 self-titled album. 

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

"Gorgeous" by Gene Loves Jezebel

Darlings of MTV's 120 Minutes through the 1980s, Gene Loves Jezebel never managed to break through to the mainstream. They came close in 1988 with their first US chart hit, "The Motion Of Love" going to #87.

For their follow-up, one of the twin Aston brothers who founded the English band left, which may have partly explained the change to a heavier guitar-based sound for 1990's record, "Kiss Of Life." "Kiss of Life" yielded the band's biggest US hit with the excellent jam, "Jealous," landing at #68 in 1990. It is amazing to me that this album was so ignored - "It'll End In Tears" and "Tangled Up In You" also had strong hit potential.

The band, which derived their name from the artist Gene Vincent and his song "Jezebel," is still active today, and released a new record called "Dance Underwater" earlier this year.

But today I'm highlighting the lead off track from their 1987 effort, "The House Of Dolls," a wonderful piece of ear candy called "Gorgeous."

Monday, July 24, 2017

"Love Like A Rocket" by Bob Geldof

Bob Geldof is perhaps best known as the man who organized the superstar charity group called Band Aid, which recorded the now holiday classic "Do They Know It's Christmas?" The highest the song ever went was #13 in its debut year, 1984 (it has since been re-released and re-recorded with new musicians).

Geldof was also in the popular new wave band The Boomtown Rats, who had a single hit in 1980 with "I Don't Like Mondays" going to #73. While most people think that is just a generic tune about the start of the work week, it was actually about Brenda Spencer, a teenager who shot two people on a Monday in 1979.

Geldof also had a few releases as a solo artist, putting him back on the charts in 1986 when "This Is The World Calling" hit #82. Here's an unusually upbeat tune from Geldof on that same album (the album was "Deep In The Heart Of Nowhere") that should have done even better, but it failed to chart. And yes, that is Eric Clapton, who lent his guitar chops to the song.


Friday, July 21, 2017

"(If You Want It) Do It Yourself" by Gloria Gaynor

Gloria Fowles, aka Gloria Gaynor, was a staple in the 70s disco scene with her classics "Never Can Say Goodbye" (#9) and "I Will Survive" (#1). In-between those hits came this terrific spirited anthem called "(If You Want It) Do It Yourself." The song is exactly what the title makes it out to be, but not even the catchy funk could life this tune past #98 in 1975. In my book, this one should have gone top 10.

Thursday, July 20, 2017

"Dear World" by David Gates

With his trademark angelic voice, David Gates is best known as a leader of the soft rock band Bread. After the last slice of Bread disappeared, Gates got a fresh start as a solo artist. His solo work is just another loaf of Bread, so to speak, but his songs never quite got the attention of the band's material.

Gates first chart appearance as a solo artist was the long winded suite called "Clouds," which somehow floated to #47 in 1973. He managed better in 1975 with "Never Let Her Go," which hit #29 (incidentally, this is also his best solo album in my opinion).

A successful Bread union in 1977 served to sandwich his solo career, and Gates scored a comeback hit with "Goodbye Girl" in 1977. Thanks to being featured in a movie of the same name, the sweet tune went all the way to #15. Gates couldn't hold on to that momentum though and scored his last charting single in 1981 with "Take Me Now" landing at #62. After that, Gates left the music scene to run a cattle ranch.

No one expected Gates to release a brand new album 13 years later amid the grunge craze, but then again Celine Dion just scored a #1 hit, reminding us that soft rock never dies. The album was called "Love Is Always Seventeen" and is trademark Gates, with some leftover 80s electric piano. His voice sounded as silky smooth as ever. Highlights from the record include the title track, "Ordinary Man," and this one, "Dear World."


Wednesday, July 19, 2017

"Little Darling, I Need You" by Marvin Gaye

The legendary Marvin Gaye needs no introduction. A man with so many hits across three decades, including #1 smashes like "I Heard It Through The Grapevine," "Let's Get It On," and "Got To Give It Up (Pt 1)," makes it easier for some of his lesser known songs to fall off the radar.

Hailing from Washington DC, Marvin Gaye ranked #10 in the best artists of the 60s and #21 in the 70s. He ranks #19 of all-time. One of his most poignant classics, "What's Going On," hit #2 for 3 weeks in 1971.

Among the scores of singles he's released, "Little Darling, I Need You" is a peppy feel good that deserved better than #47 in 1966.

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

"I Need Your Loving" by Don Gardner and Dee Dee Ford

Here's an underrated gem from 1962 by the dynamic R&B duo of Don Gardner and Dee Dee Ford. While it managed to get to #20, you still don't hear it that often on the oldies stations. The duo would hit the charts twice more that same year with "Glory of Love" (#75) and "Don't You Worry" (#66).

Monday, July 17, 2017

"I Think I'm Paranoid" by Garbage

If you only thought that cheese came out of Wisconsin, you should know that Garbage does too. Alt-rock band Garbage debuted in 1995, but had their first significant chart hit with "Stupid Girl" in 1996 (it got to #24 and remains their biggest hit).

Garbage is led by Scottish singer Shirley Manson, but their drummer (Butch Vig) was the high-profile producer behind some of the biggest acts of the early 90s, including Nirvana, Soul Asylum, and Smashing Pumpkins.

The second album by Garbage was more accessible than the first, yet didn't score any huge hits. Singles "Push It" and "Special" each hit #52, but the best track I think the band ever did was "I Think I'm Paranoid," and it only hit #70.

Garbage is still active and released their latest effort, "Strange Little Birds," in 2016.

Friday, July 14, 2017

"I'm Alive" by Gamma

After the demise of Montrose, Ronnie Montrose formed a new band called Gamma. Still rocking, but with a dose of 80s synths now in the mix, Gamma hit the charts twice. The first was in 1980 with "I'm Alive" (#60) and the second was in 1982 with "Right The First Time" (#77). 

"I'm Alive" is always a fun and nostalgic listen, especially when that so 80s synthesized robot voice sings along.

Thursday, July 13, 2017

"Solsbury Hill" by Peter Gabriel

Breaking off from Genesis was a risky venture for Peter Gabriel, so he wrote a song about it called "Solsbury Hill." It turned out to be his first single, but it simmered out at #68 in 1977. A live version surfaced in 1983, reaching only #84.

Despite its feeble chart performance, the song is a radio staple and a classic now, and it remains one of Gabriel's favorite tracks. Gabriel would find big time success in 1986 with the #1 smash "Sledgehammer" and follow up hit "Big Time" (#8). Gabriel's last chart appearance was in 1992 with the underrated tune "Steam."

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

"You Promised" by The Galaxies

The Galaxies are an indie pop rock band that released a terrific little album called "Here We Go!" in 2008. Kind of a cross between Cheap Trick and REO Speedwagon. 

If you like the irresistibly catchy "You Promised," you're going to love the rest of the record too. "You Promised" is a great song to play at a wedding.

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

"Nursery Rhyme" by Jeffrey Gaines

I don't think I'll ever understand how Philadelphia singer/songwriter Jeffrey Gaines never hit it big. His first two albums were released on the major label Chrysalis Records, but the only tune of his to gain a bit of traction was his version of Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes."

If you want to hear some fantastic music, get his first three records from 1992, 1994, and 1998 ("Jeffrey Gaines," "Somewhat Slightly Dazed," and "Galore," respectively). Gaines crafts beautiful melodies and haunting ballads, and his lyrics are usually far above the cut.

Gaines did another jaw-dropping cover tune for his fourth record: an acoustic version of "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," originally made famous by Roberta Flack.

But here I'm highlighting one of his more upbeat numbers, the wonderful tune "Nursery Rhyme" from his second effort.

Monday, July 10, 2017

"Won't Forget These Days" by Fury in the Slaughterhouse

The German rock band Fury in the Slaughterhouse reminds me a lot of Big Country. They should have been a hit in the US, especially in the aftermath of grunge, but the band received little attention here.

"Won't Forget These Days" is a terrific anthem that showcases the band's knack for catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrics.

Friday, July 7, 2017

"Say What You Will" by Fury

Well known in the AOR underworld (yes there is such a place), Robbie and Brian LaBlanc now lead Blanc Faces. But fans of the 80s will take delight at this reissue from Retrospect Records of their earlier work from 1985 under the band name Fury.

"Say What You Will" is just one example of their style of melodic rock, in all of its 1980s glory. The boys always do a nice mix of guitars and keyboards, and their harmonies are impeccable. Recommended for fans of Survivor and Foreigner. 

Thursday, July 6, 2017

"Fool's Confession" by Funny Money

The grunge movement came along in the early 90s and stepped on the hairband frenzy as if it were an ant hill. Bands and artists were scrambling, trying to make some sense of what just happened and why no one was buying their music anymore.

Baltimore-based outfit Kix just had their first big hit with "Don't Close Your Eyes," but the failure of their follow up records testify to the damage grunge had done to the scene. In 1996, vocalist Steve Whiteman formed a new hard rock band called Funny Money. All in all, Funny Money very much adheres to the Kix sound and Whiteman's bad boy, skirt-chasing lyrics.

If you long for the days of late 80s rock, Funny Money should please. My favorite cut off the band's fifth album (2006's "Stick It!") is "Fool's Confession," a thoughtful mid-tempo piece that had hit potential, even for 2006.

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

"Why Am I The One" by fun

This pop rock trio from New York won the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2012 off the heels of big hits like the #1 smash "We Are Young," which logged 6 weeks at the top, and "Some Nights," which settled at #3. "Carry On," the third single from their breakthrough album, peaked at #20.

"Why Am I The One" struck me as another tune that had top of the chart potential. The song showcases the softer side of the band, but it is no less catchy. The sweeping melodies and harmonies that fun puts into their songs make them sound like a modern day version of Queen.

Prior to fun, lead singer Nate Ruess was in an indie powerpop band called The Format, also worth checking out. It's unclear if fun will release another album since Ruess has a budding solo career. He's been featured on a number of other artist's songs, most notably the #1 duet with Pink, "Just Give Me A Reason."

Monday, July 3, 2017

"Baby My Heart" by Bobby Fuller Four

"Baby My Heart" is an awesome guitar-driven jam by the underrated garage rock band, Bobby Fuller Four. This Texas band, which consisted of Bobby (vocals/guitar) and his brother Randy on bass, is best known for their massive 1966 hit, "I Fought The Law." That classic song, a cover tune originally written by Sonny Curtis, went all the way to #9 and has won many awards.

The only other charting single for the band was "Love's Made A Fool Of You," landing at #26 that same year. They might have had more, but sadly Bobby Fuller died of asphyxiation just months after that. He was only 23 years old and whether his death was a suicide, accident, or murder has never been resolved.