"I Would Never" kicks off their 2001 release, "Properties of Sound."
Thursday, February 28, 2019
"I Would Never" by The Nines
The Nines are an indie power pop band from Canada fronted by singer and songwriter Steve Eggers. They wear their Beatles influence on their sleeve. If you never heard of this band before, you are in for a treat. Block off a day or two to mine their extensive catalogue of records, which began back in 1996 with "Wonderworld of Colourful."
"I Would Never" kicks off their 2001 release, "Properties of Sound."
"I Would Never" kicks off their 2001 release, "Properties of Sound."
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
"Wish" by Nine Inch Nails
Trent Reznor is the mastermind behind the industrial techno-rock band Nine Inch Nails (NIN). Building on breakthrough hits like "Head Like A Hole" and "Terrible Lie," neither of which charted, NIN was poised for greater success.
That happened in 1994, when NIN scored their first chart hit, "March Of The Pigs," from the classic album, "The Downward Spiral." The song went to #59, and the follow-up, "Closer," reached #41. The band would reach even greater chart heights in 1999 when "The Day The World Went Away" hit #17. NIN disappeared from the charts until 2005 when the excellent "The Hand That Feeds" reached #31.
"Wish" was on the 1992 EP, "Broken." A great high-energy track, it is surprising this one didn't put the band on the chart first.
That happened in 1994, when NIN scored their first chart hit, "March Of The Pigs," from the classic album, "The Downward Spiral." The song went to #59, and the follow-up, "Closer," reached #41. The band would reach even greater chart heights in 1999 when "The Day The World Went Away" hit #17. NIN disappeared from the charts until 2005 when the excellent "The Hand That Feeds" reached #31.
"Wish" was on the 1992 EP, "Broken." A great high-energy track, it is surprising this one didn't put the band on the chart first.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
"257 Weeks" by Nine Days
Nine Days was one of many post-grunge bands gaining attention in the late 90s. They scored a major label debut and big hit in 2000 with "Absolutely (Story Of A Girl)." The track went to #6, but this promising band from New York failed to land another hit. Their second single, "If I Am," stalled at #68.
To be fair, Nine Days might have become more than a one-hit wonder if the record label never dropped the ball. The band's follow-up record, "So Happily Unsatisfied" was constantly delayed and poorly promoted. It's a shame, because it is filled with great songs like "Marvelous," "The Joneses," and "Don't Look Back."
"257 Weeks" is from their landmark 2000 effort, "The Maddening Crowd." A terrific slice of pop rock, this one could have helped the band become a permanent fixture on radio in the naughts.
To be fair, Nine Days might have become more than a one-hit wonder if the record label never dropped the ball. The band's follow-up record, "So Happily Unsatisfied" was constantly delayed and poorly promoted. It's a shame, because it is filled with great songs like "Marvelous," "The Joneses," and "Don't Look Back."
"257 Weeks" is from their landmark 2000 effort, "The Maddening Crowd." A terrific slice of pop rock, this one could have helped the band become a permanent fixture on radio in the naughts.
Monday, February 25, 2019
"Jump Into The Fire" by Nilsson
Harry Nilsson was a singer and songwriter from New York who caught his first big break with the song "Everybody's Talkin'," which was featured in the movie Midnight Cowboy. It hit #6 in 1969 and earned Nilsson his first Grammy for Pop Male Vocal. He would win that Grammy again in 1971 when the stellar ballad, "Without You," stayed on top the chart for four weeks. Nilsson had one other top 10 hit, the novelty track "Coconut" (#8 in 1972). Of these three tracks, "Coconut" was the only one written by Nilsson.
Nilsson was an accomplished songwriter, however. He penned the classic hit "One," which has been covered by many artists, most notably Three Dog Night. He also wrote several tunes that he took into the top 40 himself, including "I Guess The Lord Must Be In New York City" and "Me and My Arrow," both of which peaked at #34. "Jump Into the Fire" is one of my favorites by Nilsson, which reached #27 in 1972.
Nilsson's final chart appearance came in 1974 when "Daybreak" hit #39. It was used in the film Son of Dracula, which starred Nilsson and Ringo Starr. Nilsson died of a heart attack 20 years later at the age of 52.
Nilsson was an accomplished songwriter, however. He penned the classic hit "One," which has been covered by many artists, most notably Three Dog Night. He also wrote several tunes that he took into the top 40 himself, including "I Guess The Lord Must Be In New York City" and "Me and My Arrow," both of which peaked at #34. "Jump Into the Fire" is one of my favorites by Nilsson, which reached #27 in 1972.
Nilsson's final chart appearance came in 1974 when "Daybreak" hit #39. It was used in the film Son of Dracula, which starred Nilsson and Ringo Starr. Nilsson died of a heart attack 20 years later at the age of 52.
Friday, February 22, 2019
"Don't Let Up" by Night Ranger
California melodic rockers Night Ranger rose to prominence in the 80s with their brethren Survivor and Bad English. The band grew out of the ashes of the pop rock outfit Rubicon, which counted Jack Blades (vocals and bassist) and Brad Gillis (guitar) as members.
Outside of their big ballads, 1984's "Sister Christian" (#5) and 1985's "Sentimental Street" (#8), Night Ranger is often overlooked for other great tunes like "When You Close Your Eyes" (#14), "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" (#40), and "Four In The Morning (I Can't Take Any More)" (#19). They also had an underrated track featured as the title song to the Michael J. Fox film, The Secret of My Success that stalled at #64 in 1987.
The band split up in 1989, shortly after their final chart appearance - which was "I Did It For Love" peaking at #75. Singers Kelly Keagy released some solo work while Blades joined forces with Tommy Shaw (Styx) and others to form Damn Yankees. Blades and Shaw sound marvelous together, and forged a lasting friendship. The two have released two albums as a duo in-between all their other projects.
Night Ranger continues to release quality melodic rock albums today, and some of the tracks would have done very well back in the 80s. "Don't Let Up" is a good example, the title track to their latest 2017 release.
Outside of their big ballads, 1984's "Sister Christian" (#5) and 1985's "Sentimental Street" (#8), Night Ranger is often overlooked for other great tunes like "When You Close Your Eyes" (#14), "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" (#40), and "Four In The Morning (I Can't Take Any More)" (#19). They also had an underrated track featured as the title song to the Michael J. Fox film, The Secret of My Success that stalled at #64 in 1987.
The band split up in 1989, shortly after their final chart appearance - which was "I Did It For Love" peaking at #75. Singers Kelly Keagy released some solo work while Blades joined forces with Tommy Shaw (Styx) and others to form Damn Yankees. Blades and Shaw sound marvelous together, and forged a lasting friendship. The two have released two albums as a duo in-between all their other projects.
Night Ranger continues to release quality melodic rock albums today, and some of the tracks would have done very well back in the 80s. "Don't Let Up" is a good example, the title track to their latest 2017 release.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
"Imperial Hotel" by Stevie Nicks
Arizona born Stevie (Stephanie) Nicks got her start in the San Francisco group Fritz before meeting Lindsay Buckingham, which led to the duo making history with Fleetwood Mac. Nicks has released a number of solo records beginning with the classic "Bella Donna" in 1981, but she actually made her first appearance on the chart as a solo artist in 1978 when the duet with Kenny Loggins, "Whenever I Call You Friend" went to #5.
Nicks wrote a considerable number of her own songs, but never shied away from a good duet. After success with Loggins, she scored big with Tom Petty. Their first duet, "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" stayed at #3 for six weeks in 1981. She would chart again with Petty in 1986 when "Needles and Pins" hit #37. She also scored a hit with Don Henley of The Eagles in 1981 again with "Leather And Lace," which hit #6. One of her last chart appearances was in 1991, covering "Sometimes It's A Bitch," written by Bon Jovi and Billy Falcon.
"Imperial Hotel" was co-written by Nicks and Mike Campbell (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers) and appeared on her third solo effort, 1985's "Rock A Little." The record spawned chart hits "Talk To Me" (#4), "I Can't Wait" (#16), and "Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You" (#60), but the catchy "Imperial Hotel" did not chart.
In 2018, Stevie Nicks made history as the first woman to be inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame twice, once as a member of a band and again as a solo artist.
Nicks wrote a considerable number of her own songs, but never shied away from a good duet. After success with Loggins, she scored big with Tom Petty. Their first duet, "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" stayed at #3 for six weeks in 1981. She would chart again with Petty in 1986 when "Needles and Pins" hit #37. She also scored a hit with Don Henley of The Eagles in 1981 again with "Leather And Lace," which hit #6. One of her last chart appearances was in 1991, covering "Sometimes It's A Bitch," written by Bon Jovi and Billy Falcon.
"Imperial Hotel" was co-written by Nicks and Mike Campbell (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers) and appeared on her third solo effort, 1985's "Rock A Little." The record spawned chart hits "Talk To Me" (#4), "I Can't Wait" (#16), and "Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You" (#60), but the catchy "Imperial Hotel" did not chart.
In 2018, Stevie Nicks made history as the first woman to be inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame twice, once as a member of a band and again as a solo artist.
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
"Must Be Nice" by Nickelback
Love them or hate them, Canadian hard rock outfit Nickelback ranks as the 27th most successful chart artist of the naughts, and #176 of all-time. After steadily building a rabid following, they had a major crossover hit in 2001 when "How You Remind Me" soared to #1 for four weeks. Ever since, Nickelback has been trying to remind the world that rock is not dead yet. However, the band is frequently derided for being musically derivative and tossing out cringeworthy sexist lyrics.
Their latest album, 2017's "Feed The Machine," offers more crunchy guitars and gritty vocals from lead singer Chad Kroeger. "Must Be Nice" is a standout track for me that seemed destined to put the band back in the top 40, which they haven't seen since 2010 when "This Afternoon" stalled at #34.
Their latest album, 2017's "Feed The Machine," offers more crunchy guitars and gritty vocals from lead singer Chad Kroeger. "Must Be Nice" is a standout track for me that seemed destined to put the band back in the top 40, which they haven't seen since 2010 when "This Afternoon" stalled at #34.
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
"The Rumour" by Olivia Newton-John
Granddaughter of the famed physicist Max Born, Olivia Newton-John would become famous for something "Physical" as well. She began her singing career in the early 70s, carving out a niche as a country and folk artist. Her first chart appearance was a cover of Bob Dylan's "If Not For You," which landed at #25 in 1971. Her talents were quickly noticed and by 1974 she won a Grammy for Country Female Vocal after "Let Me Be There" hit #6.
While maintaining a hint of her country roots, Newton-John shifted towards soft rock in the mid-70s and became a superstar. Her heartfelt ballad, "I Honestly Love You," gave Newton-John her first #1 smash and earned her a couple more Grammys, this time for Record Of The Year and Pop Female Vocal. She followed this with another #1 classic, "Have You Ever Been Mellow."
In the late 70s, she landed a breakout role in the musical film Grease, which led to more hits including the #1 duet with John Travolta, "You're The One That I Want." Her hot streak continued into the early 80s, with "Magic" staying at #1 for 4 weeks in 1980, followed by "Physical" in 1981, her biggest chart success yet. "Physical" stayed atop the chart for an astounding 10 weeks. A second film with Travolta, Two Of A Kind, generated her final top 10 hit when "Twist Of Fate" peaked at #5. A second track from the film, "Livin' In Desperate Times" reached #31.
By 1985, Newton-John was finally running out of steam on the US charts. "Soul Kiss" became her final top 40 of the decade after peaking at #20. She appeared in the top 40 once more, though, when "The Grease Megamix" single reached #35 in 1996. Her accomplishments have made her the 10th most successful artist of the 70s, the 25th for the 80s, and #41 of all-time.
Newton-John has sung tunes written by many big names, including the aforementioned Bob Dylan. Songwriter John Farrar wrote many of her hits, and she's collaborated with the likes of Richard Marx and Cliff Richard. Her hit "Xanadu," the title track to another film in which she was the star, went to #8 in 1980 and was written by Jeff Lynne and performed with E.L.O.
One would think that a song written and performed with the great Elton John would be instant hit, but "The Rumour" somehow only made it to #62 in 1988.
While maintaining a hint of her country roots, Newton-John shifted towards soft rock in the mid-70s and became a superstar. Her heartfelt ballad, "I Honestly Love You," gave Newton-John her first #1 smash and earned her a couple more Grammys, this time for Record Of The Year and Pop Female Vocal. She followed this with another #1 classic, "Have You Ever Been Mellow."
In the late 70s, she landed a breakout role in the musical film Grease, which led to more hits including the #1 duet with John Travolta, "You're The One That I Want." Her hot streak continued into the early 80s, with "Magic" staying at #1 for 4 weeks in 1980, followed by "Physical" in 1981, her biggest chart success yet. "Physical" stayed atop the chart for an astounding 10 weeks. A second film with Travolta, Two Of A Kind, generated her final top 10 hit when "Twist Of Fate" peaked at #5. A second track from the film, "Livin' In Desperate Times" reached #31.
By 1985, Newton-John was finally running out of steam on the US charts. "Soul Kiss" became her final top 40 of the decade after peaking at #20. She appeared in the top 40 once more, though, when "The Grease Megamix" single reached #35 in 1996. Her accomplishments have made her the 10th most successful artist of the 70s, the 25th for the 80s, and #41 of all-time.
Newton-John has sung tunes written by many big names, including the aforementioned Bob Dylan. Songwriter John Farrar wrote many of her hits, and she's collaborated with the likes of Richard Marx and Cliff Richard. Her hit "Xanadu," the title track to another film in which she was the star, went to #8 in 1980 and was written by Jeff Lynne and performed with E.L.O.
One would think that a song written and performed with the great Elton John would be instant hit, but "The Rumour" somehow only made it to #62 in 1988.
Monday, February 18, 2019
"A Little Love" by Juice Newton
Juice Newton (Judith Kay Cohen) started singing country and folk music as a teenager, and by 1974 had a backing band known as the Silver Spur. She went solo in 1978 and scored her first chart hit with "It's A Heartache." Juice's version only reached #86, overshadowed by Bonnie Tyler, who took it to #3 that same year.
No worries, as superstardom was just around the corner for Juice. In 1981, she scored four consecutive top 10 hits (almost five - "Break It To Me Gently" just missed, coming in at #11). Among her best remembered hits are "Angel Of The Morning" and "Queen Of Hearts," which peaked at #4 and #2, respectively.
By 1984, people were losing their taste for Juice, and a great song like "A Little Love" couldn't muster enough interest to get past #44 on the chart.
No worries, as superstardom was just around the corner for Juice. In 1981, she scored four consecutive top 10 hits (almost five - "Break It To Me Gently" just missed, coming in at #11). Among her best remembered hits are "Angel Of The Morning" and "Queen Of Hearts," which peaked at #4 and #2, respectively.
By 1984, people were losing their taste for Juice, and a great song like "A Little Love" couldn't muster enough interest to get past #44 on the chart.
Friday, February 15, 2019
"Someday We'll Know" by New Radicals
New Radicals is the brainchild of singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Gregg Alexander from Michigan. He released only a single record under this moniker, 1998's rallying cry against corporate America, "Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too."
The lead single, the infectious and sunny "You Get What You Give" brought the group a lot of attention and airplay, yet reached only #36 on the charts. "Someday We'll Know" is another great tune from this one-off record, later covered by Hall & Oates. Shortly before its release, Alexander decided he disliked touring and promotion, and focused on writing tunes for other artists.
The lead single, the infectious and sunny "You Get What You Give" brought the group a lot of attention and airplay, yet reached only #36 on the charts. "Someday We'll Know" is another great tune from this one-off record, later covered by Hall & Oates. Shortly before its release, Alexander decided he disliked touring and promotion, and focused on writing tunes for other artists.
Thursday, February 14, 2019
"Bizarre Love Triangle" by New Order
New Order is a synth rock outfit that emerged in 1980 from the demise of Joy Division after the lead singer, Ian Curtis, committed suicide. New Order scored a few minor hits in the 80s and 90s that have become classics in the genre, including "True Faith" (#32), "Blue Monday" (the 1988 version peaked at #68; the original 1983 version did not chart but is in the R&R Hall of Fame), and "Regret" (#28). Members of the band also recorded in other groups, including Monaco and Electronic.
"Bizarre Love Triangle" is one of those songs that everyone seems to know, but it floundered on the charts during its initial release. Originally released in 1986, it failed to chart at all, but managed to reach #98 in 1995. New interest in the song arose after the quirky Australian band Frente! did a beautiful acoustic version that went to #49 in 1994.
"Bizarre Love Triangle" is one of those songs that everyone seems to know, but it floundered on the charts during its initial release. Originally released in 1986, it failed to chart at all, but managed to reach #98 in 1995. New interest in the song arose after the quirky Australian band Frente! did a beautiful acoustic version that went to #49 in 1994.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
"Boy Inside The Man" by New Monkees
Twenty years after their formation, The Monkees were hot again. In the mid-80s, the iconic 60s pop band were receiving a lot of attention and even released a comeback record that put them back on the charts.
Some in the biz figured that lightning could strike twice. Following the original premise of The Monkees, they held auditions to form New Monkees to record an album and star in a TV series. The old Monkees were not thrilled about this and even sued for use of their name.
Neither the record nor the TV show worked to ignite interest in New Monkees. Which is not to say that the album completely sucked. Although the synth pop sound is terribly dated, there was potential here. One of the more promising cuts was their driving cover of Tom Cochrane's "Boy Inside The Man."
Some in the biz figured that lightning could strike twice. Following the original premise of The Monkees, they held auditions to form New Monkees to record an album and star in a TV series. The old Monkees were not thrilled about this and even sued for use of their name.
Neither the record nor the TV show worked to ignite interest in New Monkees. Which is not to say that the album completely sucked. Although the synth pop sound is terribly dated, there was potential here. One of the more promising cuts was their driving cover of Tom Cochrane's "Boy Inside The Man."
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
"Blurred Vision" by New Found Glory
Just before the naughts, a bevy of pop punk bands were emerging on the scene. Florida-based New Found Glory was among them, but is one of the few that has evolved and maintained staying power. Through their career so far, they've released an impressive nine studio albums, not including three cover albums, EPs, and a live record.
I'll admit I didn't think the band was anything to write home about at first, but then I heard their 2007 cover album of 80s and 90s tunes. I enjoyed the way they energized these classics (especially Madonna's "Crazy For You"), and I think the exercise served them well - they started writing much more memorable songs after this. Unfortunately, they haven't scored a chart hit since 2002's "My Friends Over You," which only reached #85.
But this has not deterred the band. Still going strong, they recently released a great album called "Makes Me Sick." "Blurred Vision" is one of the best in the bunch and has rekindled my interest in the band.
I'll admit I didn't think the band was anything to write home about at first, but then I heard their 2007 cover album of 80s and 90s tunes. I enjoyed the way they energized these classics (especially Madonna's "Crazy For You"), and I think the exercise served them well - they started writing much more memorable songs after this. Unfortunately, they haven't scored a chart hit since 2002's "My Friends Over You," which only reached #85.
But this has not deterred the band. Still going strong, they recently released a great album called "Makes Me Sick." "Blurred Vision" is one of the best in the bunch and has rekindled my interest in the band.
Monday, February 11, 2019
"Nothing To Fear" by New England
Hailing from New York, New England was a prog rock band that reminded me of Styx. They scored a single top 40 hit - barely - with "Don't Ever Wanna Lose Ya," which hit #40 in 1979. They managed one more charting single before falling off the radar forever: "Hello, Hello, Hello" reached #69.
"Nothing To Fear" is another cut from the same album, their self-titled 1979 effort. A little shorter and this one could have had chart potential.
"Nothing To Fear" is another cut from the same album, their self-titled 1979 effort. A little shorter and this one could have had chart potential.
Friday, February 8, 2019
"1983" by Neon Trees
Neon Trees is a modern rock band from Utah led by the talented vocalist and keyboardist Tyler Glenn. The band scored a hit right out of the gate in 2010 when "Animal" reached #13. They've seen the top 40 once more since then (so far), when "Everybody Talks" peaked at #6 in 2012.
The band is among several in the naughts that began incorporating 80s influences into their danceable rock. What better tune to highlight from the band than "1983"? The song comes from their brilliant debut, "Habits," but it did not chart. Let's go back...
The band is among several in the naughts that began incorporating 80s influences into their danceable rock. What better tune to highlight from the band than "1983"? The song comes from their brilliant debut, "Habits," but it did not chart. Let's go back...
Thursday, February 7, 2019
"Whats Not To Love?" by Nelson
Twin sons of the teen icon, Ricky Nelson, Gunnar and Matthew Nelson struck platinum (twice) with their debut 1990 record, "After The Rain." A masterpiece of melodic rock, this album spawned four chart hits, including the #1 "(Can't Live Without Your) Love And Affection." Thanks to this hit, they are included in the Guinness Book of World Records as the only family to reach #1 across three successive generations. Can the Nelson family go for four? Only time will tell...(which incidentally was this duo's last top 40 appearance; it reached #28 in 1991).
The boys took a huge detour with their follow-up, a concept album called "Imaginator." Deviating from their sunny, wholesome sound, it was darker and explored more sinister themes. The record company said no way, make another "After The Rain." So Nelson did, but now it was 1995 and no one wanted to hear that kind of music anymore. The record was called "Because We Can" and tanked. (They released "Imaginator" at a later date).
Nelson never recovered from this dropped ball. They tried country and Christmas records, and records featuring covers of their Dad's tunes. In 2010, they appeased many of their original fans by returning to form with "Lightning Strikes Twice," and again in 2015 with "Peace Out." "Whats Not To Love" is lifted from "Peace Out" and is a fine throwback to the 1990 sound and harmonies that made them famous.
The boys took a huge detour with their follow-up, a concept album called "Imaginator." Deviating from their sunny, wholesome sound, it was darker and explored more sinister themes. The record company said no way, make another "After The Rain." So Nelson did, but now it was 1995 and no one wanted to hear that kind of music anymore. The record was called "Because We Can" and tanked. (They released "Imaginator" at a later date).
Nelson never recovered from this dropped ball. They tried country and Christmas records, and records featuring covers of their Dad's tunes. In 2010, they appeased many of their original fans by returning to form with "Lightning Strikes Twice," and again in 2015 with "Peace Out." "Whats Not To Love" is lifted from "Peace Out" and is a fine throwback to the 1990 sound and harmonies that made them famous.
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
"Mean Old World" by Ricky Nelson
Ricky Nelson was a teenage singing sensation, only 17 when he scored his first hit: a cover of Fats Domino's "I'm Walking" (#4). As he grew up, he went from Ricky to Rick.
Little Ricky's songs could be heard in malt shops across the USA throughout the 50s and 60s. He landed so many hits that he is ranked the 7th and 24th most successful charting artist for each decade, respectively. Nelson is ranked the 25th most successful artist of all-time, and was inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame in 1987.
Among his many hits, Nelson topped the charts twice: "Poor Little Fool" hit #1 in 1958 and "Travelin' Man" hit #1 in 1961. Nelson made a living performing songs written by others, but as his career began to fade away in the late 60s, he began writing his own material. He scored a comeback hit of his own authorship in 1972 when "Garden Party" hit #6, but could not sustain this momentum. His last chart appearance came in 1973 with "Palace Guard," which peaked at #65.
"Mean Old World," written by Billy Vera, was released in 1965 and only reached #96. It's a sharp contrast from most of the sunny stuff in Nelson's catalogue. A bit true to the lyrics, Nelson's life was tragically cut short in a plane crash in 1985. He was only 45 years old, and missed seeing his twin sons conquer the charts as "Nelson" just a few years later.
Little Ricky's songs could be heard in malt shops across the USA throughout the 50s and 60s. He landed so many hits that he is ranked the 7th and 24th most successful charting artist for each decade, respectively. Nelson is ranked the 25th most successful artist of all-time, and was inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame in 1987.
Among his many hits, Nelson topped the charts twice: "Poor Little Fool" hit #1 in 1958 and "Travelin' Man" hit #1 in 1961. Nelson made a living performing songs written by others, but as his career began to fade away in the late 60s, he began writing his own material. He scored a comeback hit of his own authorship in 1972 when "Garden Party" hit #6, but could not sustain this momentum. His last chart appearance came in 1973 with "Palace Guard," which peaked at #65.
"Mean Old World," written by Billy Vera, was released in 1965 and only reached #96. It's a sharp contrast from most of the sunny stuff in Nelson's catalogue. A bit true to the lyrics, Nelson's life was tragically cut short in a plane crash in 1985. He was only 45 years old, and missed seeing his twin sons conquer the charts as "Nelson" just a few years later.
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
"Back Together" by Matt Nathanson
Massachusetts-based singer and songwriter Matt Nathanson has been cranking out albums since his 1993 debut, "Please." A testament to keeping with it, his first chart hit didn't arrive until "Come On Get Higher" reached #59 in 2008. He's had two more charting singles since then: "Faster" reached #74 and "Run" reached #53" in 2011.
His latest album, 2018's "Sings His Sad Heart," continues to see his sound move further towards contemporary pop. The catchy "Back Together" is among the best in the bunch.
His latest album, 2018's "Sings His Sad Heart," continues to see his sound move further towards contemporary pop. The catchy "Back Together" is among the best in the bunch.
Monday, February 4, 2019
"Be Yourself" by Graham Nash
Everyone knows English singer, songwriter, and guitarist Graham Nash from the band he formed in 1968: Crosby, Stills & Nash. But before that, he was a member of The Hollies, singing on classics such as "Carrie Anne" and "On A Carousel." Among music's greatest blunders, The Hollies rejected a number of his songs that became monster hits for Crosby, Stills & Nash, including "Teach Your Children," "Marrakesh Express," and "Our House."
Nash released a string of solo records in the 70s, including several with his longtime collaborator David Crosby. I think most people would agree that his 1971 debut album, "Songs For Beginners," remains among his best work. It gave him his first two charting singles, "Chicago" (#35) and "Military Madness" (#73). His last chart appearance was in 1986 when "Innocent Eyes," a rather excellent tune that features Kenny Loggins on backing vocals, peaked at #84.
Sounding more like The Beatles here, Nash shines on "Be Yourself," a tune from his debut record that did not chart...but should have.
Nash released a string of solo records in the 70s, including several with his longtime collaborator David Crosby. I think most people would agree that his 1971 debut album, "Songs For Beginners," remains among his best work. It gave him his first two charting singles, "Chicago" (#35) and "Military Madness" (#73). His last chart appearance was in 1986 when "Innocent Eyes," a rather excellent tune that features Kenny Loggins on backing vocals, peaked at #84.
Sounding more like The Beatles here, Nash shines on "Be Yourself," a tune from his debut record that did not chart...but should have.
Friday, February 1, 2019
"Shine" by Anna Nalick
Anna Nalick is a singer and songwriter from California best known for her one hit, "Breathe (2 AM)," which was all over the radio in 2006. The single reached #45, but I figured it would have been much higher given how much airplay it had that year.
The song comes from Nalick's debut record, "Wreck Of The Day," which contains a lot more that should have seen chart action. Take "Satellite" or "Forever Love (Digame)" for example...man did the label drop the ball on this one.
"Shine" comes from Nalick's 2008 EP of the same name. Once again, she was denied a second hit for unjustifiable reasons. Nalick continues to make records today, but odds are we will not see her grace the charts again.
UPDATE: Thanks to Peter Pelletier (@BoSoxFan73) for providing this information: "'Shine' was released on an EP that came out after Anna Nalick's debut album. It was meant to tide over fans until her 2nd album release by her label. Anna left Columbia/Epic/Sony after the EP's release. 'Shine' finally made it onto her 1st album under her own label, Nyctograph Records, on 'Broken Doll and Odds & Ends'."
The song comes from Nalick's debut record, "Wreck Of The Day," which contains a lot more that should have seen chart action. Take "Satellite" or "Forever Love (Digame)" for example...man did the label drop the ball on this one.
"Shine" comes from Nalick's 2008 EP of the same name. Once again, she was denied a second hit for unjustifiable reasons. Nalick continues to make records today, but odds are we will not see her grace the charts again.
UPDATE: Thanks to Peter Pelletier (@BoSoxFan73) for providing this information: "'Shine' was released on an EP that came out after Anna Nalick's debut album. It was meant to tide over fans until her 2nd album release by her label. Anna left Columbia/Epic/Sony after the EP's release. 'Shine' finally made it onto her 1st album under her own label, Nyctograph Records, on 'Broken Doll and Odds & Ends'."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)