Their unusual name comes from a Monty Python skit. Their music blends delicious folk-pop melodies, clever harmonies, smart lyrics, and a touch of rock. The bassist is the nephew of Mark Dinning, who scored the #1 hit "Teen Angel" in 1960. And they are probably one of the most underrated bands ever. Toad the Wet Sprocket had their 15 minutes of fame with the release of their third album, "Fear," in 1991. "All I Want" and "Walk On The Ocean" reached #15 and #18, respectively. Their next record delivered "Fall Down" (#33) and "Somethings Always Wrong" (#41). Thanks to inclusion on the TV show Friends, "Good Intentions" peaked at #23. Their last album before breaking up, 1997's "Coil," should have been huge, but only yielded a minor hit with "Come Down," which stalled at #51 and marked their final chart appearance. So many incredible songs are buried in the band's albums, it is impossible to pick the best. Lead singer and songwriter Glen Phillips embarked on a critically acclaimed but commercially disappointing solo career and numerous other side projects. Other members formed a new band called Lapdog that released two albums before calling it quits. Fast forward to 2013 and the band is reunited with a record of stellar new material, picking up right where they left off so many years ago. "New Constellation" is the title track and it should have been celebrated as a big comeback for this super talented group, but I guess the stars were not in alignment.
I don't think I can sing the praises of Glen Phillips enough to do this talented and underrated singer/songwriter justice. He is best known for his work in Toad The Wet Sprocket, but his extensive solo work is definitely worth your attention. His first post-Toad album arrived in 2001 and was called "Abulum." Despite wonderful songs like "Fred Meyers," "Back On My Feet," and "Darkest Hour," a song about the passing of his father, the record did not do well commercially. His more ambitious and polished follow-up, 2005's "Winter Pays For Summer," should have made him a superstar as it is close to a masterpiece. "Cleareyed" is just a small sample of gorgeous cuts from this remarkable album. Phillips continues to record solo work, but in conjunction with a reunited Toad. He's done several collaborations with other artists, including projects such as Mutual Admiration Society and Works Progress Administration. His latest solo record, "Swallowed By The New," strongly influenced by his divorce, dropped in 2016.
Late in the year 2000, Toad the Wet Sprocket'sGlen Phillips teamed up with members of Nickel Creek to form Mutual Admiration Society, a collaboration that spawned a single self-titled record that was finally released three years after it was recorded. It is a match made in folk heaven. The record is one of my favorites to play on a lazy Sunday. "Be Careful" is one of the best cuts, but the entire record is a pleasing affair for tired ears.
Kenny Loggins is best known as king of 80s film soundtracks. They helped earn him a #1 hit for 3 weeks in 1984 with "Footloose," but also gave him "I'm Alright" (#7, theme from Caddyshack), "I'm Free" (#22, another one from Footloose), "Danger Zone" (#2) and "Playing With The Boys" (#60, both from Top Gun), "Double Or Nothing" (a duet with Gladys Knight from Rocky IV), "Meet Me Half Way" (#11, from Over The Top), and "Nobody's Fool" (#8, from Caddyshack II). Loggins would have one more soundtrack hit in 1997 from the movie One Fine Day with "For The First Time," which reached #60, was nominated for an Oscar, and became his last chart appearance to date. But films are not the only reason why Loggins is ranked the 30th most successful artist of the 80s. Loggins has an amazing voice with stunning range. He is a diverse singer/songwriter, writing songs for Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (including "House At Pooh Corner," #53 in 1971) and earning more chart achievements as Loggins and Messina in the early 70s. Through the years, Loggins has done everything from rock, pop, adult contemporary, blue-eyed soul, country, children's music, holiday music, and more. Several of his songs were written for his children. After going solo, he made a habit of working with lots of different people. His first big solo hit was actually a duet with Stevie Nicks: "Whenever I Call You Friend," co-written with Melissa Manchester, hit #5 in 1978. His longtime collaborator, Michael McDonald, co-wrote the song "This Is It," which went to #11 and earned Loggins a Grammy for Pop Male Vocal. Eddie Money contributed backing vocals on "I'm Alright" and Mickey Thomas did so for his 1988 ballad, "I'm Gonna Miss You," which stalled at #82. Richard Marx and Glen Phillips (Toad The Wet Sprocket) co-wrote and sang tunes on his 2003 release, "It's About Time." Finally, there is the famous anthem "Don't Fight It," his 1982 duet with Journey's Steve Perry, which hit #17. With his 13th album in 2007, Loggins seemed poised for a comeback. The title track to this excellent record, "How About Now" should have restored his presence on the charts, but it fell on deaf ears. Maybe if it were featured on a soundtrack...
