"Nowadays" by Richie Sambora

Richie Sambora has released three solo records outside his tenure with Bon Jovi, but only managed to secure a single chart appearance. That happened when "Ballad Of Youth," from his debut record, reached #63 in 1991.

To his credit, Sambora's solo work often aims to distinguish himself from the towering shadow of Bon Jovi. His latest effort, "Aftermath Of The Lowdown," arrived in 2012, just before he left Bon Jovi. The record sounds very contemporary with a nice mix of ballads and rockers, and it features Roger Manning (Jellyfish) on keyboards. I'm puzzled why "Nowadays" was not chosen as a single - it is one of the best cuts he has ever done.

"Too Late For Us Now" by Roger Joseph Manning Jr

Roger Joseph Manning, Jr., is one of the founding members of power pop favorites, Jellyfish. After completing one album with a new band in 1996 (Imperial Drag), he continued his fancy for baroque pop as a solo artist, releasing his first effort in 2006. In Japan, it was called "Solid State Warrior" and in the US it was called "The Land Of Pure Imagination" (there are some minor differences between the two releases).

Fans of Jellyfish will instantly recognize the melodies and style of Manning's solo work, which comes closest to the Jellyfish sound than most other solo work from his fellow Jellyfishers. "Too Late For Us Now" is but one example of his innovative songwriting. If you're in the mood for something slower, check out the sublime "Appleby."

"New Mistake" by Jellyfish

Once in awhile a group of musicians comes together to create something truly magical that can't be repeated. Jellyfish is such a group. The short-lived band emerged in San Francisco in the early 90s when power pop luminaries Roger Manning and Andy Sturmer of Beatnik Beatch joined forces with Jason Falkner. Together they created a sound that mixed Queen, XTC, and Cheap Trick, writing some of the most eclectic yet harmonious songs of the decade.

Jellyfish released only two records, "Bellybutton" and "Spilt Milk," the latter without Falkner, who left the band to work on a new project called The Grays. Despite a great deal of acclaim from critics and other musicians, neither album was a big success. The only charting single the group had was the terrific "Baby's Coming Back," which stalled at #62 in 1991. It is probably the first song in the Top 100 since the 70s to feature a harpsichord.

Both albums are lost treasures, but if I had to choose, I'd say "Spilt Milk" is the one I'd take to a desert island. Not a bad song in the bunch, this album is amazing from start to finish. "New Mistake" may be one of the most underrated pop songs of the 90s. Unfortunately, Manning and Strumer differed on the direction the group should take, forcing an end to this cherished band.